Nik's Poulan Thread

[Chris J.]

5200, 5400, 8500 all have the same top end. The 8500 cylinder fins are clipped a bit, I believe to make room for the improved AF.

Bigger bar studs, larger fuel tanks, rear handle hand guard and other assorted improvements but they all have the same power.

Fossil, can you list what applies to which model? My knowledge is limited to the 5400 has something larger/thicker (bar studs? crankshaft??) than what's on the 5200 & 8500.

The info is spread around this thread, but I never copied it into a document .

 

[Hoggwood]

Hopefully. If I get a Poulan though I'll have this site for lots of help. Not sure there's site to help idiots fix up Echos. Plus, the saw seems kinda slow in the cut. I'm thinking a nice bigger Poulan would be faster.

I, for one, take a shine to the older Echo's. Haven't the 900 but have a few others from the 70's. I don't know what you rim and bar setup you are running, but they all pull 8-pins with authority on the longer bars. They have loads of torque, good AV and are generally bulletproof. The 8 will pick up the chain speed. FWIW, the old Echo's are very well built machines, and the 90cc+ versions, much rarer to find. Perhaps someone has run the 5200 along with the 900 and can comment, but I don't think you would see an appreciable increase in cutting speed.

 

[Chris J.]

I feel you pain not having one of the BIG American Muscle Poulan's. I have looked at CL in the Pittsburgh area for quite a few years now and have never seen anything big and green come up other than 3400's here and there and the people want $200 for a 3400 ( in my opinion out of their mind and the type that would try to sell a loaf of bread for $10) If you are lucky you may find a red Craftsman 3700 but most of them are really beat up. Out of curiosity, I have also look over you way on CL and hardly ever see anything worth while at a reasonable price.

Like you I have my Poulan bucket list but had to give in to reality, drop the Poulan Pride and keep my eyes open for what other big old saws that might show up listed.

There are 4200 through 8500's available on this site that are not listed. They are all for sale if you offer the right price. I'm not willing to pay a large amt of money for a saw that I will not use that often.....

Sometimes it's a regional thing. Someone might be in area with a long history of logging, firewood cutting, etc. If a certain brand of chainsaw got a really good foothold first in that ara, other brands might be hard to find there. And it could be a different brand in an area not that far away.

 

[Ambull01]

I feel you pain not having one of the BIG American Muscle Poulan's. I have looked at CL in the Pittsburgh area for quite a few years now and have never seen anything big and green come up other than 3400's here and there and the people want $200 for a 3400 ( in my opinion out of their mind and the type that would try to sell a loaf of bread for $10) If you are lucky you may find a red Craftsman 3700 but most of them are really beat up. Out of curiosity, I have also look over you way on CL and hardly ever see anything worth while at a reasonable price.

Like you I have my Poulan bucket list but had to give in to reality, drop the Poulan Pride and keep my eyes open for what other big old saws that might show up listed.

There are 4200 through 8500's available on this site that are not listed. They are all for sale if you offer the right price. I'm not willing to pay a large amt of money for a saw that I will not use that often.....

Yeah I see a few 3400s, most are way too expensive. Saw a couple of 3700s. There are some big Stihls but the price for them are kinda outrageous IMO. I would rather just pick up another Makita from HD and do a BBK.

I'm probably not going to use the Echo often, just when/if the tree guy drops off something massive.

 

[Ambull01]

I, for one, take a shine to the older Echo's. Haven't the 900 but have a few others from the 70's. I don't know what you rim and bar setup you are running, but they all pull 8-pins with authority on the longer bars. They have loads of torque, good AV and are generally bulletproof. The 8 will pick up the chain speed. FWIW, the old Echo's are very well built machines, and the 90cc+ versions, much rarer to find. Perhaps someone has run the 5200 along with the 900 and can comment, but I don't think you would see an appreciable increase in cutting speed.

Are they rare enough to make it a shelf queen? I'm hoping to run it as much as possible. Seems like the 900s are very rare. I'll try an 8 pin, thanks

 

[ChipsFlyin]

Sometimes it's a regional thing. Someone might be in area with a long history of logging, firewood cutting, etc. If a certain brand of chainsaw got a really good foothold first in that ara, other brands might be hard to find there. And it could be a different brand in an area not that far away.

That's the way I look at it. Western Pa really did/does not have a big saw market unless you had some kind of tree service company. In the 70's and 80's, most saws that were sold went to homeowners and sold buy the big department stores like Sears, Montgomery Wards and maybe JCPenny. From what I can remember they also sold other "brand names" beside the Craftsman/Poulan. Specific chainsaw shops/stores were far and few with most being closed or transitioned to the current major brands. I have contacted several looking for used Poulans and find nothing.

 

[fossil]

Fossil, can you list what applies to which model? My knowledge is limited to the 5400 has something larger/thicker (bar studs? crankshaft??) than what's on the 5200 & 8500.

The info is spread around this thread, but I never copied it into a document .

My knowledge is limited as well but, here's what I think I remember from what I've read in the past. Modified Mark, Eccentric and others could list them off easily and more accurately.

5200

As time went on two extensions were added to the front of the saw case with three caps screws through the extensions. The old case has a flat fron like a 3400.
The the top cover was secured with a single nut with spring washer and this was changed to three screws. I have seen a pic of a slot screw instead of the nut.
An improvement was made to the starter cover spring anchor.
The 5200's all have 5/16" bar studs.
A top cover hand guard.

5400.

A larger tank with a hand guard (foot pad to some) on the rear handle was added. This also increased the distance between the handle bars. A new throttle linkage was required.
3/8" bar studs replaced the 5/16" bar studs but since the IPL for the 5400 shows both stud sizes and clutch covers I suspect they may have been a running change during 5400 production.
The front handle bar was changed (5400 and 8500 the same). A new spike design was introduced.
Both a top cover and handle bar mounted hand guards were used.

8500

New top cover and air filter system + the 5400 changes. More black in the paint scheme.
The top cover hand guard was used.

Chain brakes were available on all three models. I'm not sure when it was first available. There are two styles. One has the steel tube flag and the other is diecast. I have a diecast model.

The list is incomplete I feel and maybe one of the guys that know all three varieties can chime in.

The engine, crankshaft, piston, rod and cylinder, oil pump and clutch, are common to all three models, believe the ignition is the same as well

I believe they all wore the Tillotson HS 176A carbs.

Mine has an HS 168 carb which is the same carb minus the governor. It was used on the 4200 and may have been swapped out at some point.

For those of you that have not run one, They are all that folks say about them.
They make the 5 cube Pioneers and the 925 Homelites look slow although those saws are among my favorites.

I took mine to the Genius Fest GTG in Aug of this year where almost all of the attendees were new saw guys. It opened a few eyes. There is definitely a wow factor that is hard to find in other stock saws.

They are well worth the wait to find one. The 4200 is a great saw but does not come close to a 5200. Having said that, it is a very strong 70cc class saw.
There is also a 77cc version (4900 and 7700) which I have not run but those who have say they are comparable to the 85cc version.

Considering that the saw was introduced in 1975, I don't think there was anything in it's class that would run with it for another 10 years or more.

YOU GOTTTA GET ONE!

 

[blk05crew]

My knowledge is limited as well but, here's what I think I remember from what I've read in the past. Modified Mark, Eccentric and others could list them off easily and more accurately.

5200

As time went on two extensions were added to the front of the saw case with three caps screws through the extensions. The old case has a flat fron like a 3400.
The the top cover was secured with a single nut with spring washer and this was changed to three screws. I have seen a pic of a slot screw instead of the nut.
An improvement was made to the starter cover spring anchor.
The 5200's all have 5/16" bar studs.
A top cover hand guard.

5400.

A larger tank with a hand guard (foot pad to some) on the rear handle was added. This also increased the distance between the handle bars. A new throttle linkage was required.
3/8" bar studs replaced the 5/16" bar studs but since the IPL for the 5400 shows both stud sizes and clutch covers I suspect they may have been a running change during 5400 production.
The front handle bar was changed (5400 and 8500 the same). A new spike design was introduced.
Both a top cover and handle bar mounted hand guards were used.

8500

New top cover and air filter system + the 5400 changes. More black in the paint scheme.
The top cover hand guard was used.

Chain brakes were available on all three models. I'm not sure when it was first available. There are two styles. One has the steel tube flag and the other is diecast. I have a diecast model.

The list is incomplete I feel and maybe one of the guys that know all three varieties can chime in.

The engine, crankshaft, piston, rod and cylinder, oil pump and clutch, are common to all three models, believe the ignition is the same as well

I believe they all wore the Tillotson HS 176A carbs.

Mine has an HS 168 carb which is the same carb minus the governor. It was used on the 4200 and may have been swapped out at some point.

For those of you that have not run one, They are all that folks say about them.
They make the 5 cube Pioneers and the 925 Homelites look slow although those saws are among my favorites.

I took mine to the Genius Fest GTG in Aug of this year where almost all of the attendees were new saw guys. It opened a few eyes. There is definitely a wow factor that is hard to find in other stock saws.

They are well worth the wait to find one. The 4200 is a great saw but does not come close to a 5200. Having said that, it is a very strong 70cc class saw.
There is also a 77cc version (4900 and 7700) which I have not run but those who have say they are comparable to the 85cc version.

Considering that the saw was introduced in 1975, I don't think there was anything in it's class that would run with it for another 10 years or more.

YOU GOTTTA GET ONE!

Great info Tim, a lot of guys will appreciate that info including myself. Thanks for taking the time to post it!

 

[Ambull01]

My knowledge is limited as well but, here's what I think I remember from what I've read in the past. Modified Mark, Eccentric and others could list them off easily and more accurately.

5200

As time went on two extensions were added to the front of the saw case with three caps screws through the extensions. The old case has a flat fron like a 3400.
The the top cover was secured with a single nut with spring washer and this was changed to three screws. I have seen a pic of a slot screw instead of the nut.
An improvement was made to the starter cover spring anchor.
The 5200's all have 5/16" bar studs.
A top cover hand guard.

5400.

A larger tank with a hand guard (foot pad to some) on the rear handle was added. This also increased the distance between the handle bars. A new throttle linkage was required.
3/8" bar studs replaced the 5/16" bar studs but since the IPL for the 5400 shows both stud sizes and clutch covers I suspect they may have been a running change during 5400 production.
The front handle bar was changed (5400 and 8500 the same). A new spike design was introduced.
Both a top cover and handle bar mounted hand guards were used.

8500

New top cover and air filter system + the 5400 changes. More black in the paint scheme.
The top cover hand guard was used.

Chain brakes were available on all three models. I'm not sure when it was first available. There are two styles. One has the steel tube flag and the other is diecast. I have a diecast model.

The list is incomplete I feel and maybe one of the guys that know all three varieties can chime in.

The engine, crankshaft, piston, rod and cylinder, oil pump and clutch, are common to all three models, believe the ignition is the same as well

I believe they all wore the Tillotson HS 176A carbs.

Mine has an HS 168 carb which is the same carb minus the governor. It was used on the 4200 and may have been swapped out at some point.

For those of you that have not run one, They are all that folks say about them.
They make the 5 cube Pioneers and the 925 Homelites look slow although those saws are among my favorites.

I took mine to the Genius Fest GTG in Aug of this year where almost all of the attendees were new saw guys. It opened a few eyes. There is definitely a wow factor that is hard to find in other stock saws.

They are well worth the wait to find one. The 4200 is a great saw but does not come close to a 5200. Having said that, it is a very strong 70cc class saw.
There is also a 77cc version (4900 and 7700) which I have not run but those who have say they are comparable to the 85cc version.

Considering that the saw was introduced in 1975, I don't think there was anything in it's class that would run with it for another 10 years or more.

YOU GOTTTA GET ONE!

I would love to get one, just seems near impossible to find them for a decent price. Too many Poulan hoarders around.

 

[Acornhill]

I bought 3 of mine from out west. Paid the shipping etc. Most have been parts saws that I rebuilt .

Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk

 

[blk05crew]

I would love to get one, just seems near impossible to find them for a decent price. Too many Poulan hoarders around.

What do you consider a decent price? They are tough to find but worth it if you really want one. Some decent 4200's have been on Ebay recently that I would say probably went for fair money.

 

[Guido Salvage]

Don't know that I need another Echo 900 (and probably do not need another saw of any variety). Big Poulans are out there if you look, I bought a 5200 in Dallas that the guy never shipped. If anyone is close I will provide his contact info and if you get it send me my $125.

 

[Ambull01]

I bought 3 of mine from out west. Paid the shipping etc. Most have been parts saws that I rebuilt .

Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk

How do you guys search all the locations?

What do you consider a decent price? They are tough to find but worth it if you really want one. Some decent 4200's have been on Ebay recently that I would say probably went for fair money.

Actually I'm not sure lol. I guess if they're as great and durable as they sound, then they should command a premium price.

 

[Ambull01]

Don't know that I need another Echo 900 (and probably do not need another saw of any variety). Big Poulans are out there if you look, I bought a 5200 in Dallas that the guy never shipped. If anyone is close I will provide his contact info and if you get it send me my $125.

View attachment 460113 View attachment 460114

You're sick! Are they all 655s (I know one is a P65 but I guess it's the same)?

 

[blk05crew]

How do you guys search all the locations?



Actually I'm not sure lol. I guess if they're as great and durable as they sound, then they should command a premium price.

I'm just saying, to find one at a great deal like some of us have, it takes time and a lot of luck sometimes, but they can also be had somewhat regularly at what I would say is a fair price for what you get. But I think a lot of guys out there want one and so prices on nicer ones will be higher. Just depends how long you want to wait, how much you want to pay, and what kind of condition you are looking for.

 

[echoshawn]

I'm just saying, to find one at a great deal like some of us have, it takes time and a lot of luck sometimes, but they can also be had somewhat regularly at what I would say is a fair price for what you get. But I think a lot of guys out there want one and so prices on nicer ones will be higher. Just depends how long you want to wait, how much you want to pay, and what kind of condition you are looking for.

Sucks being in the same market as someone looking for the same saws as I am!

 

[blk05crew]

Sucks being in the same market as someone looking for the same saws as I am!

Yeah but at the same time, if one guy finds something and he's not able to get it at that point, you know he'll tell the other guy!

 

[OhioGregg]

My knowledge is limited as well but, here's what I think I remember from what I've read in the past. Modified Mark, Eccentric and others could list them off easily and more accurately.

5200

As time went on two extensions were added to the front of the saw case with three caps screws through the extensions. The old case has a flat fron like a 3400.
The the top cover was secured with a single nut with spring washer and this was changed to three screws. I have seen a pic of a slot screw instead of the nut.
An improvement was made to the starter cover spring anchor.
The 5200's all have 5/16" bar studs.
A top cover hand guard.

5400.

A larger tank with a hand guard (foot pad to some) on the rear handle was added. This also increased the distance between the handle bars. A new throttle linkage was required.
3/8" bar studs replaced the 5/16" bar studs but since the IPL for the 5400 shows both stud sizes and clutch covers I suspect they may have been a running change during 5400 production.
The front handle bar was changed (5400 and 8500 the same). A new spike design was introduced.
Both a top cover and handle bar mounted hand guards were used.

8500

New top cover and air filter system + the 5400 changes. More black in the paint scheme.
The top cover hand guard was used.

Chain brakes were available on all three models. I'm not sure when it was first available. There are two styles. One has the steel tube flag and the other is diecast. I have a diecast model.

The list is incomplete I feel and maybe one of the guys that know all three varieties can chime in.

The engine, crankshaft, piston, rod and cylinder, oil pump and clutch, are common to all three models, believe the ignition is the same as well

I believe they all wore the Tillotson HS 176A carbs.

Mine has an HS 168 carb which is the same carb minus the governor. It was used on the 4200 and may have been swapped out at some point.

For those of you that have not run one, They are all that folks say about them.
They make the 5 cube Pioneers and the 925 Homelites look slow although those saws are among my favorites.

I took mine to the Genius Fest GTG in Aug of this year where almost all of the attendees were new saw guys. It opened a few eyes. There is definitely a wow factor that is hard to find in other stock saws.

They are well worth the wait to find one. The 4200 is a great saw but does not come close to a 5200. Having said that, it is a very strong 70cc class saw.
There is also a 77cc version (4900 and 7700) which I have not run but those who have say they are comparable to the 85cc version.

Considering that the saw was introduced in 1975, I don't think there was anything in it's class that would run with it for another 10 years or more.

YOU GOTTTA GET ONE!

WOW! Great overview of the larger Poulan's there Tim!!!!! Not much one could add to that. I kinda look at that larger series, somewhat like the mid size 3400, 3700, 3800, 4000 etc. They share a lot, but minor differences also.

Only thing I could add is that you are most likely gonna find the 4200 & 5200. Simply cause they made them a little longer than the others. The rarest of the bunch would be the 6900 & 7700. The 6900 is the equivalent of the 4200 and is real hard to find.

Another version to be aware of too, is the Craftsman versions of these bigger Poulans. They had a red 4.2 & 5.2 versions. I don't think they ever marketed the 77 cc model. Same goes for the Dayton name branded saws.

As far as how they compare to other brand saws, I don't have much experience with that. I do have a 85cc Husky 385xp. The Husky has way more rpm, chain speed than the 5200. But, the 5200 does not lack for torque! In large wood with big bars, there is not much difference. But as the wood gets smaller, the Husky speed will win.

Several years ago at one of our Poulan GTG's, Brad had a Pioneer P60 that he wanted to do some timed testing on, compared to the 5200. He ran a bunch of 5200's including a Craftsman 5.2, and he could not beat any of the 5200's with it. I don't know my Pioneers, but I'm guessing its around 80cc. I know the P62 would be larger.

It doesn't matter to me what they can beat or not beat. I love cutting with my big old Poulans!!

Gregg,

 

[blk05crew]

WOW! Great overview of the larger Poulan's there Tim!!!!! Not much one could add to that. I kinda look at that larger series, somewhat like the mid size 3400, 3700, 3800, 4000 etc. They share a lot, but minor differences also.

Only thing I could add is that you are most likely gonna find the 4200 & 5200. Simply cause they made them a little longer than the others. The rarest of the bunch would be the 6900 & 7700. The 6900 is the equivalent of the 4200 and is real hard to find.

Another version to be aware of too, is the Craftsman versions of these bigger Poulans. They had a red 4.2 & 5.2 versions. I don't think they ever marketed the 77 cc model. Same goes for the Dayton name branded saws.

As far as how they compare to other brand saws, I don't have much experience with that. I do have a 85cc Husky 385xp. The Husky has way more rpm, chain speed than the 5200. But, the 5200 does not lack for torque! In large wood with big bars, there is not much difference. But as the wood gets smaller, the Husky speed will win.

Several years ago at one of our Poulan GTG's, Brad had a Pioneer P60 that he wanted to do some timed testing on, compared to the 5200. He ran a bunch of 5200's including a Craftsman 5.2, and he could not beat any of the 5200's with it. I don't know my Pioneers, but I'm guessing its around 80cc. I know the P62 would be larger.

It doesn't matter to me what they can beat or not beat. I love cutting with my big old Poulans!!

Gregg,

Good point on the Craftsman and Dayton ones as well Gregg!

 

[fossil]

Gregg,

The P6X Pioneers and 655's are 99cc. The P5X series and the Poulan 525 are 82cc. Great saws and they feel really good in your hands but the 5200 is something special for sure. My absolute favorite saw. It never fails to impress me no matter how many times I stick in a piece of wood.

I was very fortunate to find my 5200 and my 4200 as very few were sold in Ontario. They were both cheap at $75 and $50 respectively and both ran. I did see a Craftsman 5.2 for sale in Windsor with no spark for $10 but my contact down there was away.