( 15 reviews )
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Posted: 03-04-2009
The saw is of medium grade. Maybe even a little light on the power for larger trees. The chain adjusting system works OK, but the knob to tighten the bar is just not sufficent for extened use. I used a Dremel to router out the cover so I could use a second nut on the other stud. I now use a nut on both studs, like every other saw I've owned, and this eliminates the bar movement that causes the chain to loosen up. Just another example of trying to build a better mouse trap that doesn't work. The design guy should try another line of work.
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Posted: 02-24-2009
This has been a great saw and have had no problems with the chain tensioning system. The first time I used the saw I had to tighten the chain a couple of times but since then it has held perfect. In fact it's worked much better than the old style I have always used in the past. I'm not sure why so many seem to not like this feature and the biggest names in the business are using an almost identical toolless chain adjustment system. A week spot is the plastic adjustment wheel (it's plastic on the Husqvarna and Stihl also from what I can tell) but it can be purchased online for under $2.00 not including shipping. Another week spot in my opinion is the cheep air filter. The saw does a great job of keeping dirt and debris away from the filter but it would be a good idea to order a replacement or two which can be had under $3.00 from poulan. After cutting a dead rotten 20" tree some dirt and grime did make it's way somehow through the filter though most trees won't be so nasty to cut through. Now to the bright points the saw runs like a top and always starts first pull once started the first time and even a cold first start has never take more than 5 pulls minus the couple of times I forgot to turn the ignition on first. The saw also has plenty of power for felling trees or cutting firewood. If you use on a very regular basis I'd recommend a Stihl or Husqvarna and if this was a comparison to them I'd give it a 3 and them a 5 but for what it is meant to be I give this saw a 5 because it has performed flawlessly in the ice storm cleanup in my area. Replacement parts are cheap so if you do tear something up it's not going to cost a fortune to fix. To keep this thing running always use fresh gas or at least make sure the gas has stabilizer in it and even then should never be older than 12 months. Make sure the air filter is in good shape and I'd go ahead and order a couple extra and also get the plastic adjustment gear part #545090501 it will add almost nothing to your order and could save lot of cursing if you accidentally put too much force on it and strip the gears. It takes a screwdriver and a couple of minutes to replace it. I will admit that part should be metal but at the same time the force required to tighten the chain should be well within the limits of the plastic part just don't over tighten or force it. Most people don't know that these saws also have a forged crank and connecting rod, Husqvarna inspired clean air system to keep saw dust out of the (cheep) air filter, and the durachrome cylinder. The engine on this saw is strong and revs easily without hesitation and have not had problems with it bogging down at all. Yes I'd rather have a more expensive saw but this one is more than I need and can't justify spending more.
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Posted: 02-17-2009
I have had this saw several weeks now and have had absolutely no problems at all. I had to tighten the chain only once. Like one of the other reviewers said, be sure you fill the oil tank with 30 weight oil like the manual says. Don't use anything thicker. The saw is well balanced, light weight and starts on the 1st or 2nd pull. Maybe Poulan has corrected the problems but I can't see where all the complainers are coming from. Again this is a very good saw for the money. It is great for medium duty use by homeowners. If you are cutting firewood for a living then you need to buy a professional saw for at least twice the money. If not,then this one will serve you well.
