The Homelite 540/8800 Thread

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

If your looking for 8800 tops. There is a guy selling 8800 top end on another site

 

[Jacob J.]

If your looking for 8800 tops. There is a guy selling 8800 top end on another site

No, actually he isn't. He's selling an entire 8800 parts saw with a possibly burned up top end.

 

[Jacob J.]

I ran a 540 with an 8800 top end swap at the PNW GTG a few weeks ago. Very strong, high revving saw. Was a weird experience, as it didn't sound or feel like any Homelite I've ever ran before........:msp_ohmy:

That's because they weren't designed by Homelite...

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

No, actually he isn't. He's selling an entire 8800 parts saw with a possibly burned up top end.

Well that suks. Worthless parts saw LOL unless you are into them.

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

JJ are we talking about the same member? His post = I have a Homelite 8800 top end in good shape. Make an offer.

 

[Jacob J.]

JJ are we talking about the same member? His post = I have a Homelite 8800 top end in good shape. Make an offer.

Yes- he states he has an entire saw with a low-hour top end, but the top end needs a piston and rings...which raises a lot of questions.

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

Thanks for info. Never know about those 1 poster types.

 

[Eccentric]

That's because they weren't designed by Homelite...

I'd heard that before. Wasn't certain of the source. Designed by Solo?

 

[Jacob J.]

I'd heard that before. Wasn't certain of the source. Designed by Solo?

I believe so. I read some literature long ago describing Homelite's partnership with Solo to produce a line of larger-displacement professional series saws. The saws were to be assembled in the U.S. with design done by Solo's engineers and parts sourced from various contractors like Gilardoni, SKF, Tecomec, etc. The end result was the 540/DM-54 and 8800/MP-88. There is some truth to it because the clutch and drum on my 540 and 550CS are identical to the ones on my 690/603.

 

[Eccentric]

Very interesting. Too bad it wasn't enough to save Homelite (and came too late).

 

[Goose IBEW]

Isn't the 545 an interim model between the 540 and 8800? I have a feeling that the Homelite/Textron chairmen knew where things were headed long before the last ditch efforts of the 8800 came about.What a shame too, the Solo series of Homelites could have been what catapulted Homelite into the modern era. I believe the higher ups were sucking the life out of Homelite and taking it to the bank. I would also like to find a 340, isn't that Solo based along with the 410?.

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[procarbine2k1]

Isn't the 545 an interim model between the 540 and 8800? I have a feeling that the Homelite/Textron chairmen knew where things were headed long before the last ditch efforts of the 8800 came about.What a shame too, the Solo series of Homelites could have been what catapulted Homelite into the modern era. I believe the higher ups were sucking the life out of Homelite and taking it to the bank. I would also like to find a 340, isn't that Solo based along with the 410?.

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In theory, yes the 545 was an interim model... but until I see otherwise, I believe that saw to be fictional- unless it was a model released in foreign markets. The only evidence I have seen of one, is on Mike Acres page. I used to spend a lot of time looking for parts, saws, and NOS inventory for these saws and never came across any 545 stuff. If I had to guess, it was a prototype of sorts, and was quickly moved aside when they released the 8800.

 

[procarbine2k1]

I believe so. I read some literature long ago describing Homelite's partnership with Solo to produce a line of larger-displacement professional series saws. The saws were to be assembled in the U.S. with design done by Solo's engineers and parts sourced from various contractors like Gilardoni, SKF, Tecomec, etc. The end result was the 540/DM-54 and 8800/MP-88. There is some truth to it because the clutch and drum on my 540 and 550CS are identical to the ones on my 690/603.

Cool info on the clutch similarities JJ. My findings have been the same as yours on the design and assembly. It has been a while since I dug into the 540/8800 history, but the NOS parts sources/ collectors I have talked to, mostly share the same findings/ opinions on the Solo/ Homelite relationship. Solo was the brains behind many manufacturers saws and breakthrough technology from what I understand...

 

[hrhunter]

That was me that posted about having a 8800 for sale on another site. I rarely visit that site. Anyway, the cylinder itself has very little time on it. I cleaned it up for a friend that owns the saw. He had rented it out and someone straight gassed it. The saw is complete except for a piston and rings. I am open to offers.

 

[Guido Salvage]

I would also like to find a 340, isn't that Solo based along with the 410?

I had a 340 but do not think that I ever took a picture of it. I was told that it was a Solo saw, Family Tradition now has it in his collection.

 

[hrhunter]

Here is the saw in question.

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[Guido Salvage]

View attachment 321126

Here is the saw in question.

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Shoot me a PM with what you want for it.

 

[procarbine2k1]

You need that saw Gary!

 

[mweba]

View attachment 321126

Here is the saw in question.

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Still available?

 

[Guido Salvage]

Still available?

It is in a box under my bench at the moment, I have not had time to do anything with it. Still hunting for a runner...