Poulan Pro - Which 'newer' ones are good saws?

[rms61moparman]

I think some of you guys would back up your favorite brand of saws before your wives....

Depending on the saw and the wife......................the saw might be more dependable!


Mike

 

[a. palmer jr.]

Poulan saws of almost any kind, even the Wild Thing, are good to use. Just don't expect to pay $25 for a used one and make a big bunch of money re-selling it. The general public doesn't seem to know they are any good.

I did a little experiment on ebay a few weeks ago..I put up for bids a Homelite Super 2 and a Poulan 25. Both in similar good condition, both ran well but I would give the edge in running to the Poulan. I didn't mention that in the ad, I just said they ran well, I started the bids at the same amount, charged the same for shipping. The Super 2 went for around $75 incl. shipping, I still have the Poulan.

 

[rms61moparman]

That is a bad thing when you are selling!

Not so bad when you're buying!


Mike

 

[a. palmer jr.]

That is a bad thing when you are selling!

Not so bad when you're buying!


Mike

Yeah, I have to remind myself of that at flea markets, auctions...do I want to resell this item or use it. Most of my better Poulan saws I still have, better to use the Poulans, sell the others.
McCulloch is getting to be in the same boat, people forget how many good old saws they've built and think of only the new, crappy plastic ones.

 

[R DeLawter]

Poulan saws of almost any kind, even the Wild Thing, are good to use. Just don't expect to pay $25 for a used one and make a big bunch of money re-selling it. The general public doesn't seem to know they are any good.


That is so true.

Being around Stihl everyday for years I learned to have a dislike for the Poulans without a good reason.
After finding this website and following it, I purchased a PP330 from Tractor Supply and it ran excellent out of the box. ( some people had problems with theirs. )

My next experience was going to the Ohio GTG this fall and meeting a swell group of guys and gals.
Now it is hard to stay off the Poulan thread and I am going to own a 3750 on of these days. I have Jonsered 2040 on the bench now.

My eyes have been opened and I feel like I have a secret that many in my area don't know.

 

[Cliff R]

"After finding this website and following it, I purchased a PP330 from Tractor Supply and it ran excellent out of the box. ( some people had problems with theirs. )"

Yep, I was one of the ones who got the "problem" saws. I went thru 3 of them, and never could get one to stay running after it warmed up. Went as far as to buy a completely different carburetor for one of them, which corrected the running issue, then it took a crap with another totally unrelated issue. I quickly returned saw #3 to TSC and got my money back.

I got "flamed" a bit for the troubles I had, at times you thought I was bad mouthing Stihl flippy caps or something. In any case, Poulan's hate me. I've had quite a few brought into the shop over the years, mostly the grey Craftsman models or Walmart specials. I really hate to see them coming.

Poulan obviously made some decent stuff at one time. All I see today are cheap plastic box store models, which I avoid like the plague!......Cliff

 

[russhd1997]

Each saw has it's place in the cutting world. I was using my Wild Thing yesterday and really like how it runs. If it had anti vibe and a decent b&c on it it would be a good little saw. Wait a minute, it is a good little saw for it's intended purpose. I wouldn't want to run it all day but for limbing and cutting a little brush it's great.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

Each saw has it's place in the cutting world. I was using my Wild Thing yesterday and really like how it runs. If it had anti vibe and a decent b&c on it it would be a good little saw. Wait a minute, it is a good little saw for it's intended purpose. I wouldn't want to run it all day but for limbing and cutting a little brush it's great.

I'm not a big fan of anti-vibe, but at my age I don't cut wood all day long. Most days I don't cut at all. The anti-vibe saws either usually have a rubber intake boot or a throttle cable, both of which sometimes make life miserable. I prefer the old, solid saws but sometimes put a rubber wrap on the front handle. I do prefer the newer mufflers, however.

 

[acguy]

Poulan Faves

I really like the looks of the new 50 cc Poulan Pro PP5020AV. Can't hardly find one used yet which is a good sign. For 200 bucks, has spring antivibe, and has the 345/346/350 style chain guard. For Poulan, something different for a change.

I still have the PP4620AVX I converted to a "two nut" bar clamp type chain guard, and it works really well with muffler and carb mod. I called Poulan customer service after fiddling with the junk plastic wheel chain tightener which never really kept the chain adjusted ever. The newchain guard was 28.00, and made a pretty decent, usable saw out of it.

 

[Wow]

That is one of the more ignorant posts I have seen in a while!!:msp_glare:

Oh, and by the way, they are Poulans, not pulans.


Gregg,

I had a Poulan 380 several years ago. As a volunteer Fire Fighter after a big storm we were called out one stormy night to clear blown down trees. Our fire trucks were carrying Sthil 029s. I put my Poulan 380 in the back of my personal pick up truck placed a magnet base red light on top and using my 2 way met up on the opposite side of the fire truck with a huge oak across the road. A guy was sawing already lights come flashing people gathered. The Poulan 380 sounded off and I began working. People were pulling limbs of all sizes. Fire Chief shut the 029 down because he needed all hands just to keep up with that 380. Later we met up at the station and a crowd wanted to see that saw. I sold that saw in 2015 and bought an Echo 590 timberwolf. That was a very good Poulan saw. The 2150 shakes me to much but it's a powerful light saw. No AV. I have no need to use it anymore. The Echo 490 has shelved at least 3 saws.

 

[Wow]

Manic, Let me guess. Your a Stihl "fanboy". When I first found ArboristSite, one of the first posts I read while searching for Poulan info, was someone asking about a 3400 Poulan. The 1st. response was from a "Stihl Head" saying to not bother, its just a cheap box store piece of crap! Well, he obviously had no clue what he was talking about. And that was kinda the reaction I had to your statement.

We all have are favorite saws. I have no problem with that at all. One thing I have always tried to refrain from, was lambasting other saw company's models and such that I have no experience with. I know a guy that has a couple of 2375 Wildthings, thats all he cuts with, and cuts a lot of wood with them. They are good little saws for what they are, and if taken care of.

There are a whole slew of Poulans out there that would shock most younger fellas as to how good they are. As far as how a 385xp compares to a 5200 Poulan. In big wood, the 5200 will hang right with a 385xp. In small wood the newer higher rpm 385xp will probably be faster. Gotta remember, there is about 25-30 years difference in them.

Most of us "Poulan Guys" can get pretty short tempered when we see dumb-ass comments from folks that don't really know anything about them, start trashing them. There is nothing wrong with good natured ribbing amongst saw owners of different makes. But thats not what I saw in your post.


Gregg,

OK Gregg, here's a question.. I'm very open to the answer. I don't relish the idea of my 15 year old Grandson pinching my expensive saws with AV and tearing them up SO, since he's a very strong smart boy why not let him learn on something cheap, right. I've been looking at Refurbished (under 100 dollar ) saws. Want light weight. I can buy a 33 cc Poulan or a few cc bigger. Seems both saws almost same weight. Poulan saws. Refurbished, I think one is a 14 inch and the other is 16 inch, maybe 36-38cc. ?
Also we can get Ryobi refurbished. I can't member but think the Poulans may be PL3314 or PL3816. Does that sound familiar? If so what is your opinion on these. Both are pictured Green. I'm trying to get as near 10 or 12 pounds. He's only cutting limbs. He's ran an electric a few times but I'd feel safer if he used gas because I'm told chaps won't stop electric. Thanks.

 

[dougand3]

This is a 6 year old thread - many members are gone.

Any newer Poulan will work as a first limbing saw BUT tune the carb (will probably be lean from the factory) and open the muffler some.
Poulan made regular carb saws from 1990-2005 and strato carb saws from 2006-present. I prefer the regular.

 

[Wow]

This is a 6 year old thread - many members are gone.

Any newer Poulan will work as a first limbing saw BUT tune the carb (will probably be lean from the factory) and open the muffler some.
Poulan made regular carb saws from 1990-2005 and strato carb saws from 2006-present. I prefer the regular.

Thanks, how, where do I learn about Strato carbs? I'd like to understand the difference. Can regular carbs be bought and installed on saws that are using Strato carbs? I'll Google this and see what I can learn. Thanks.

 

[rms61moparman]

Thanks, how, where do I learn about Strato carbs? I'd like to understand the difference. Can regular carbs be bought and installed on saws that are using Strato carbs? I'll Google this and see what I can learn. Thanks.

First, you are in the right place to learn about strato carbs, this site is a wealth of knowledge if you take the time to glean it. Second, the big difference is the strato carbs have 2 ports instead of just one, like a regular (normal) carb. One basically controls the idle circuit while the other controls the high speed. It is more complicated than that, but that is the general premise. Strato carbs and regular carbs are not generally interchangeable and to do so would require MEGA $$$ and would entail more or less a complete redesign of the saw. It could be done with enough determination, money and time but realistically would be a fools folly. There have been some builders here who hybridized strato saws and made them into real screamers but again it is cost prohibitive.
The Poulan "first saw" project would be great for your son and while you are shopping bear in mind that the cc numbers on the small Poulan saws are not always correct. If I remember correctly (and if I don't the REAL guru's will be along to correct me) all of the small Poulan saws under 40cc run the same 40cc engine so don't pay more for a 4018 than a 3316 based on engine size alone. They have a small EPA tag usually on the body to one side of the rear handle that will give the correct displacement.


Mike

 

[Wow]

First, you are in the right place to learn about strato carbs, this site is a wealth of knowledge if you take the time to glean it. Second, the big difference is the strato carbs have 2 ports instead of just one, like a regular (normal) carb. One basically controls the idle circuit while the other controls the high speed. It is more complicated than that, but that is the general premise. Strato carbs and regular carbs are not generally interchangeable and to do so would require MEGA $$$ and would entail more or less a complete redesign of the saw. It could be done with enough determination, money and time but realistically would be a fools folly. There have been some builders here who hybridized strato saws and made them into real screamers but again it is cost prohibitive.
The Poulan "first saw" project would be great for your son and while you are shopping bear in mind that the cc numbers on the small Poulan saws are not always correct. If I remember correctly (and if I don't the REAL guru's will be along to correct me) all of the small Poulan saws under 40cc run the same 40cc engine so don't pay more for a 4018 than a 3316 based on engine size alone. They have a small EPA tag usually on the body to one side of the rear handle that will give the correct displacement.


Mike

Thanks. I did some research today. I've never removed a carb on the Echo saws. The other saws are old so the new stuff is very new to me. I've been getting well and again today ran the Echo 490. It's an amazing saw for the weight. About ready to take the plunge and mod the muffler. That means retune so without a tac I'm a tad hesitant. If it's not a compensation carb my ear should work. All 3 of the Sthils are ear tuned. Thanks for the help. Yes, I love this site. I'm always happy to learn.