We’re collecting and showcasing old Pioneer Chainsaw advertising here.
You can buy original copies and prints of many of these ads on eBay.
Here are some examples of good sellers:
- adscetera
- The Antique Geek Shop
- BRYBRENN COLLECTABLES
Some chainsaws are labeled “IEL Pioneer” because they were made during the transition period after Industrial Engineering Ltd. (IEL), a Canadian chainsaw manufacturer, was acquired by Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) in the late 1950s.
Originally known simply as IEL, the company began branding its saws as “IEL Pioneer” before eventually dropping “IEL” and using just “Pioneer” from the 1960s onward. So, “IEL Pioneer” models are typically older, while “Pioneer” models reflect the later, fully rebranded era under OMC.
| Branding | Era | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IEL | 1940s–1950s | Original Canadian manufacturer |
| IEL Pioneer | Late 1950s–early 1960s | Transition period after OMC acquisition |
| Pioneer | 1960s–1980s | Fully rebranded under Outboard Marine Corp |
Now, let’s get into the ads!
First up, an ad for the 100cc Pioneer RA chainsaw, made 1957 to 1958.
“Speed sawing on the farm with the one-man Pioneer Power Chain Saw.”
A Pioneer 14-10 chainsaw ad.
An ad for the Pioneer 450, 550, 650, 750, and 850.
“Bites like a wood-hungry wildcat!”
The Pioneer P41, P28, and P26 have all got built-in reliability!
An ad from when Outboard Marine took over IEL.
Pioneer chainsaw came with a 90-day warranty.
An advertisement showcasing the tasks a Pioneer can complete:
- Sawing firewood at camp or at home
- Clearing windfalls of trees
- Building a cabin
- Constructing a pier
The NEW Super 6-20 Pioneer Chainsaw!
“Thousands of trees from now you’ll still be using the same saw.”
An advert for the IEL Pioneer HM Chainsaw.
Advert for the Pioneer Model 400, 600, and 600 plunge bow saw.
A 1965 ad for the Pioneer 450, 750, 850, 650, and 550 with testimonials from users.
“Put a Pioneer 1073 under the tree and watch him light up. With a Pioneer chain saw he’ll be able to get happily involved in all kids of creative projects. He’ll be making things easier.”
A December 1966 Pioneer chainsaw ad for the 11-20 and 11-50.
Ads for the “Compact” NU-17 and the “Rugged” 620.
The ’51 Super Pioneer, “A light one-man saw with a heavyweight’s power.”
And lastly (for now), an advert for the Pioneer P12, 1074, P26, and P28.
If you liked these, be sure to check out McCulloch’s chainsaw ads and Homelite’s old ads, too!