I just wanted to thank everyone who contributed to this novel on the Poulan Pro 5020. It has made my life easier. I got my saw around 7 years ago and it is still going strong.
I would guess that I am the target consumer for this type of saw. I live in a subdivision that was built between 20 and 25 years ago with lots averaging between .75 to 1.5 acres. The only times I use the saw are to clean up my yard or one of the 'nice' neighbors after a storm. I occasionally trim a few low limbs. If I can't comfortable reach the limb while standing on my sturdy picnic table, I call a tree service. I have never gone through more than a gallon of fuel in a season.
For the first couple of years I really hated this saw!
1. The only fuel easily available in my area had 15% ethanol. I didn't know enough to go looking for ethanol free fuel.
2. I didn't know enough to run the tank dry if I wasn't going to use it for a while.
3. I used the stock chain for several years.
4. I didn't know enough to tune the carburetor.
The saw was very hard to start and cut horribly.... Then I came across this marathon thread and realized that _all_ of my saw's problems were due to operator ignorance.
1. Always use ethanol free fuel in small engines. I am not sure if different regions use different additives in their fuel. The e-85 sold in my area softened the plastic fuel lines in all my small engines. Some local stations now sell 'recreation gas' that is ethanol free. I haven't had a problem with fuel lines gumming up since I switched.
2. Drain the tank and run it dry after each use. Since I mostly use the saw for cleaning up after storms I would put the saw away with a partially full tank of fuel with the intention of draining it later. The fuel would often sit in the tank until the next spring when I got it out for the next storm. The old fuel would gum up the carburetor. It would often take a tank of fresh gas and 30-45 minutes of pulling/cursing to get the thing started. Since I started draining the tank I rarely need more than 10 pulls to get it started.
3. Get a proper chain. At first the saw seemed to cut fine then it kept getting slower and slower. I kept trying to sharpen it but it never got any better. I wrote it off to poor sharpening technique. Then I got an Oregon 72LGX070G chain and my world changed. The chain cut much better and I was able to keep it nice and sharp by just spending a few minutes with the file each time I cleaned it up and put it away. I am not sure if the problem was my poor sharpening technique or the vantage safety chain itself.
4. Get a proper bar for your ability and cutting tasks. As a young man, I was an Army Ranger. I had strength and endurance to spare. I turned 50 last year. I've been working in an office for the last 20 years. A 16 inch bar seems to be more suitable for me. I don't cut anything big enough to warrant a 20 inch bar. The only thing I used the extra 4 inches for was reaching to do a cut. But, let's be honest. At my age and shape, I am better off taking the time to re-position my body to get a good footing rather than reach to save a few seconds.
5. Tune the carburetor. The local dealers will tell you the carburetor is all pre-tuned from the factor and it is illegal to adjust the carburetor yourself. I call BS on that one. My saw seemed to run well enough out of the box, but after it warmed up it never seemed to idle properly. After a cut it would die when idling. You can get a tool from ebay for about $10. Or if you are a cheapskate like me, you can use a 1/4 in dowel with a hole cut in one end to fit over the splines of the adjusting screws.
Now, I am happy as can be with my 5020. It might not compare to the professional grade equipment. For less than $200 it meets my needs just fine.... mostly because the advice on this thread taught me how to use the saw correctly.
P.S. I realize that compared to the chainsaw aficionados on this site I am barely one level above total idiot. But, I have a working tool and all my fingers... and it looks like things are going to stay that way for the foreseeable future.