This is the I.E.L. Pioneer “HM”, a vintage 85.7cc Canadian chainsaw that was made in 1955 and 56.
I recently came across this one at a vintage chainsaw display.
IEL Pioneer HM
The model HM had some great descriptions:
- “Lightweight CUTTING CHAMPION of the WORLD!”
- “The fastest-cutting chain saw made.”
- “A fistful of cutting dynamite for jobs BIG and small.”
This advertisement lists several features of the chainsaw, including:
- Direct drive
- High-speed chain
- Diaphragm carburetion
- No swivelling
- Full 5 H.P. easily
- Handles up to 32″ bar
- Full power in any position
It is notable as the first saw that could be used in any position, thanks to the Tillotson diaphragm carburetor. That’s why the advertisement makes special note that it has “full power in any position.”
The saw was manufactured by IEL (Industrial Engineering Ltd.), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Here are it’s other specifications.
Specifications
| Years made | 1955 to 1956 |
|---|---|
| Final year of production | 1956 |
| Engine displacement | 5.22 cu. in. (85.7 ccm) |
| Cylinders | Single-cylinder |
| Bore size | 2.0625 in. (52 mm) |
| Stroke length | 1.5625 in. (40 mm) |
| Cylinder construction | Aluminum with a cast iron sleeve |
| Intake system | Reed valve |
| Advertised horsepower | 5 HP |
| Estimated weight | 30–33 lbs (13.6–15 kg) |
| Designed for | Single-person operation |
| Handlebar type | Rigid |
| Chain brake | None |
| Clutch type | 3-shoe centrifugal with bonded lining |
| Drive mechanism | Direct drive |
| Body construction | Sand-cast aluminum |
| Ignition system | Wico FWS magneto |
| Carburetor model | Tillotson HP-13A (later HP-13B) |
| Minor repair kit | n/a |
| Air filtration | Brass screen |
| Starter type | Armstrong “Bulldog” rewind (later Fairbanks Morse) |
| Oiler | Manual pump |
| Maximum RPM | 4200 |
| Idle RPM | 2500 |
| Ignition timing | 27° before top dead center |
| Breaker point gap | 0.020 in. (0.51 mm) |
| Flywheel/coil gap | Fixed, not adjustable |
| Spark plug | Champion J8J |
| Spark plug gap | 0.025 in. (0.63 mm) |
| Main bearings | Ball bearings |
| Fuel tank capacity | 1.5 to 2.0 US quarts |
| Fuel/oil mix | 1 quart oil to 3 imperial gallons fuel (12:1 ratio) |
| Fuel grade | Regular octane |
| Recommended mix oil | SAE 40 |
| Chain pitch | 0.4 |
| Chain type | IEL C3J or C3G |
| Bar mount pattern | 01 link |
| Shortest bar available | 16 in. (40 cm) |
| Longest bar available | 32 in. (81 cm) |
| Paint color | Yellow enamel |
The chainsaw guy gives a good rundown of the saw in the following video.
Videos and manual
You can also see another one running in this clearer video, with the description:
This saw has not been ran in 40-50 years. It was found up in the woods buried in brush. The guy who found it brought it home and put it on the shelf to look at.
New fuel lines and cleaning the fuel tank out and cleaning the points and shes running. Pretty impressive I say.
Next, here are some pictures of the IEL Pioneer HM Manual, which come from WorthPoint.
Pioneer HM price
It’s certainly an interesting collector’s item today, which makes it reasonably valuable.
Price always depends on condition and location, but here’s one example on eBay as I write this…
This IEL HM is listed for $500 by seller cumberlandengines.
They describe the saw as:
Vintage Pioneer IEL HM Chainsaw – with 20” Bar & Chain – Running 85cc. 404 pitch
Very good condition for its age. One of the earliest direct drive one man chainsaw models. Starts, runs and oils. Good compression. Very clean! Excellent example of this rare Pioneer/IEL. Hard to find it this condition!!
Some scrapes/scratches and missing paint but overall great condition. Take advantage of this uncommon chainsaw.
Many more examples of the HM can be found on the Chainsaw Collectors forum here.