diggers_dad
Sawchologist
I have followed this thread since it began and debated on admitting my own "closet addiction" to the little Quakes. I started with a Ryobi 40 cc built with the Zenoah engine. Incredible little machine for the money. Built extremely well, light and strong. Even stronger with some very mild modification.
Next came a 40 cc PowerHorse that was originally sold by Northern Tool. Almost identical to the Ryobi on the outside, but much different on the inside. It was Chinese made and much of it copied from Zenoah/Redmax. The carb was fully adjustable and took a Walbro kit just like the Zenoah, but the engine was different. It had a virtually identical crankcase, but the intake and head design on the Zenoah was light years ahead of the PowerHorse. On the other hand, the PowerHorse held 200 psi BEFORE modification and ran very strong. Good anti-vibe, started, oiled, and ran well. It cut like a little monster with a good b/c.
Finally got the 41 cc Quake from ebay. Same place you guys have been getting them, but I bought the second one he sold. I actually bought it to use the clutch cover and chain brake on another Ryobi project, but when it arrived it looked brand new. 160 psi, a little sawdust, and a leaky fuel line. I repaired the fuel line in short order and it fired right up. Again, a virtually identical design to the Zenoah/Ryobi except the cylinder head and intake are much more advanced on the Zenoah.
Then I picked up one of the $35 Quakes in 38 cc. I have been equally surprised by it. Started and ran right out of the (original) box with no issues whatsoever. I ran a full tank through it yesterday with my Dad.
I have tore these down and checked them over. I am no expert, but they are made well enough in my opinion. The crankcase is very strong and still light. By having a metal crankcase attached to and part of the bar mount they have increased the strength of the unit significantly. The machining is a little sloppy here and there; if you take the cylinder off you should make sure the crankcase halves align well at the top where the cylinder attaches. I've noticed they're usually off by a few thousands. Nothing a thick gasket won't handle, but still worth correcting if you're that far in. The bearings and seals seem smooth and tight and the gas and oil tanks are easily accessed for filling. How well do they last? Only time will tell.
I used to buy a few Poulans to experiment with timing, porting, muffler mods and other stuff. The problem was very often the saw had been abused and some of the parts were broken or not working. These little things are almost (if not) brand new and show up at your door for $35!! I think I'll buy a couple more to play with.
Serious woodcutting? I'll grab my MS 361. Play time? Back up? Loaner saw? I'll reach for the Quaker.
dd
Next came a 40 cc PowerHorse that was originally sold by Northern Tool. Almost identical to the Ryobi on the outside, but much different on the inside. It was Chinese made and much of it copied from Zenoah/Redmax. The carb was fully adjustable and took a Walbro kit just like the Zenoah, but the engine was different. It had a virtually identical crankcase, but the intake and head design on the Zenoah was light years ahead of the PowerHorse. On the other hand, the PowerHorse held 200 psi BEFORE modification and ran very strong. Good anti-vibe, started, oiled, and ran well. It cut like a little monster with a good b/c.
Finally got the 41 cc Quake from ebay. Same place you guys have been getting them, but I bought the second one he sold. I actually bought it to use the clutch cover and chain brake on another Ryobi project, but when it arrived it looked brand new. 160 psi, a little sawdust, and a leaky fuel line. I repaired the fuel line in short order and it fired right up. Again, a virtually identical design to the Zenoah/Ryobi except the cylinder head and intake are much more advanced on the Zenoah.
Then I picked up one of the $35 Quakes in 38 cc. I have been equally surprised by it. Started and ran right out of the (original) box with no issues whatsoever. I ran a full tank through it yesterday with my Dad.
I have tore these down and checked them over. I am no expert, but they are made well enough in my opinion. The crankcase is very strong and still light. By having a metal crankcase attached to and part of the bar mount they have increased the strength of the unit significantly. The machining is a little sloppy here and there; if you take the cylinder off you should make sure the crankcase halves align well at the top where the cylinder attaches. I've noticed they're usually off by a few thousands. Nothing a thick gasket won't handle, but still worth correcting if you're that far in. The bearings and seals seem smooth and tight and the gas and oil tanks are easily accessed for filling. How well do they last? Only time will tell.
I used to buy a few Poulans to experiment with timing, porting, muffler mods and other stuff. The problem was very often the saw had been abused and some of the parts were broken or not working. These little things are almost (if not) brand new and show up at your door for $35!! I think I'll buy a couple more to play with.
Serious woodcutting? I'll grab my MS 361. Play time? Back up? Loaner saw? I'll reach for the Quaker.
dd
