Company History

• The Poulan company was formed by Louisana native Claude Poulan and had its headquarters in Shreveport, Lousiana. Mr. Poulan was one of the pioneers in the production of one-man chainsaws, producing his first chainsaw from a factory in Marshall, Texas. Previously, chainsaws were large pieces of equipment that required two men to use and operate them. Poulan became a major force in the power tool and chainsaw industry. The company merged with Weed Eater in the 1970s, and the company was later purchased by the Electrolux company. The Poulan and Weed Eater brands are now owned by the Husqvarna Group.
  
  

Early Lightweight Chainsaw

• The Poulan 361 was produced from 1965 through 1976. This chainsaw model was Poulan's response to the Homelite XL-12, which was released in 1963. The XL-12 was the first lightweight chainsaw, with the "12" indicating the saw's body weight in pounds. The 11-year production run resulted in the widespread use and recognition of the Poulan 361 chainsaw. Examples can still be easily found in the hands of collectors and are available for sale though a range of sources.
  
  

Body and Engine

• The body of the Poulan 361 is cast magnesium, contributing to the saw's relatively light weight. The two-stroke, single-cylinder engine has a bore of 1.788 inches and a stroke of 1.437 inches, producing a displacement of 59 cubic centimeters. The fuel-air mixture is controlled by a Tillotson HS-59A or B carburetor and is fed to the engine through a reed valve induction system. Engine ignition timing is fixed, and the motor requires a Champion CJ-8 spark plug with a 0.025-inch gap.
  
  

Features

• The Poulan 361 uses a Poulan P-72 chain type with a three-eighths-inch pitch. The chainsaw model offered chain bar lengths from 12 inches to 25 inches. The chainsaw has a manual chain oiling system. The engine to chain power was direct drive with a centrifugal clutch. There is no chain brake on this model. The chainsaw handlebar is fixed to a single position and is not adjustable.