The Poulan Pro 18-inch 42 cc 2-cycle gas anti-vibration chainsaw features a 16-inch bar. Its anti-vibration system isolates the engine from the chassis, reducing vibration and improving comfort and safety; further safety measures are ensured by the inertia-activated chain brake, which stops rotation of the chain should kickback occur. The auto oiling system lubricates the bar and chain continually during use. The saw also features: durachrome vertical cylinder design; an improved pulley starting system; a reverse sprocket for easier chain replacement; a super clean air filtration system, and a soft touch handle. The included case keeps the saw neat and clean. This unit come fully assembled and includes a 1-year warranty.more info
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Poulan Pro PP4218AVX 18-Inch 42cc
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
First day use: filled with gas and bar oil, started right up, cut down 24 pin oak trees (20′+ tall, 10″+ dia), skinned the main trunk of branches up to 3-6″ in dia, heavy and light continuous use, stopped and restarted about 60+ times, started every time on first pull (half choke), no stalling, cut like butter all day, worked hard and great, no surprises, no complaints, highly recommended, very satisfied with chainsaw, chain, and case.
Can’t compare power based on CC (Poulan) vs CC from a good saw
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
Poulan Pro 42 CC 18 in bar.
The good, inexpensive, comes with a case, and an extra chain. Best of all, based on the prior reviews I bought the extended warranty - full replacement.
The bad, That’s the problem. Start with power. Sure this is a 42 CC motor, you should expect some power. But according to my seat of the pants usage, the saw is far too underpowered for even a 16″ bar. It would probably have enough power for a 12 inch bar. To prove this case, I contacted Poulan who told me the saw has 1 HP per 29 CC, based on that calculation the saw has approximately 1.5 HP. Based on my experience, that 1.5 is right in line with the performance seen with this saw. You simply can’t compare CC to CC when looking at a budget saw vs. a real chain saw. A 40 CC motor from Husqvarna produces around 2.4 HP.
Automatic Chain Tension - This is an absolute engineering disaster. After some usage, my saw would not keep the chain tight. After an adjustment and a couple cuts of 6″ limb or 1 cut of 12″ or bigger, and I would need to readjust the chain tension. Upon calling Poulan, they sent me a replacement part. The revised part removed the tool less chain adjustment returning the saw to a typical chain adjustment with two nuts, and the adjustment screw.
Extra Chain - It is a good thing the saw came with the extra chain. During the second tree cut down with this saw, the chain became so loose on a 14″ log that it tossed the chain bending a fair number of the chain guides. The chain was relatively destroyed.
It comes with a nice case.
My suggestions, DO NOT BUY this saw. If price is really a factor (as it was for me) do yourself a favor, spend a little more money, and get a small saw from Echo, Husqvarna, Stihl, or any other producer of a real chain saw. Don’t worry about CC’s or the bar, these other saws will be lighter, more powerful and easier to use. If you really want an 18″ bar, purchase an aftermarket bar & chain from Oregon. You will be much happier and the money will be well spent. Sure a small saw with the 18″ bar would be under powered, but it will be much less underpowered than that 42CC Poulan.
Prior to buying this saw, I found it hard to justify buying a good saw. I don’t need a saw very often. Now, even though I rarely need a saw, I will be purchasing one by Echo, Husqvarna, or Stihl in the 40-50 cc range. You can’t put a price on frustration.
Great product at a great price
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
A month ago my 10 year old 18″ Poulan “Wild Thing” developed a problem where one of the chain bar bolts became loose in the housing - it was still usable by fooling around with extra nuts but I concluded it was time to relegate it to backup. So I sprung for an 18″ Poulan Pro. It corrects the only things that were trouble with the old one by having a finger tighten bar bolt and a thumbscrew chain tightener that can be used in the field with no tools. It starts easy and the anti-vibration works as advertised. If it gives anywhere close to the service of my last Poulan I will be delighted. I use it for cutting brush and firewood.
Wow! What a beast of a saw at a ridicously low price!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Followed directions to the “T” and it runs great! Have removed several trees, all ready, and only had it for two days. Needless to say, it has not been given much of a break. This saw has probably the best anti-vibration setup I’ve ever worked with. It has plenty of power for an 18″ bar and uses very little bar oil. Assembly was a breeze and the tool-less chain tension system is very straight-forward and simple. The only bad thing is it didn’t come with a case. But for a little over $100, I don’t have much of a complaint!
Poor Choice - Inferior Product
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
After a short time of use, the engine would not idle, even after adjustments recommended in the owner’s manual. Won’t restart until the engine is cooled. Makes it almost impossible to accomplish any work with this performance. Now the rewind starter is jammed and won’t operate. This is a new saw and based on my experience I would never purchase this product again. My saw is junk, at best. Spend a few extra dollars and get a saw that is built stronger and will cause less trouble.
Poulan Chain Saw - DOA
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
Ordered and received a brand new Poulan Pro Chain Saw. Followed and performed all of the manufacture start up instructions. On initial start up, saw ran for approximately 3 seconds and locked up with a thrown piston and rod. The saw was well within the 30 return period, but Amazon would not allow a return. In contacting Poulan directly, Poulan directed me to an authorized service center. The service center worked with Poulan to get a new saw delivered for me to pickup. I was very disappointed with Amazon not allowing a return on a DOA product.
Starter cord won’t rewind
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I have the same problem as other users - after a year of occasional use the starter cord won’t rewind. I like the chain tension adjuster and it seems to have ok power but if you can’t crank it — well you get the idea.
Not recommended
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I bought this saw from one of the big box stores and after two months of light use (firewood, trimming trees, etc.) I had the same pull cord problem that a previous reviewer had. The pull cord would not retract. I took apart the housing and tightened and loosened the screw holding the pull cord assembly together to try and get the cord to retract properly to no avail. I take very good care of all my outdoor equipment so I have to assume this is just bad design/quality. I’ll be trying to get it replaced under warranty but based on the experience others others have had with Poulan customer service it looks like I may be buying a Stihl from a local dealer.
Hard to start
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I do light work around the house. Had the chainsaw for 9 months. A spring in the pull mechanism unwound, so now it’s off to the parts store for a replacement.
You get what you pay for. Lot’s of plastic parts. I don’t expect this to last more than a couple years if I start using it more.
Works fine—So far.
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I did quite a bit of cutting last fall, and it worked well. The tensioning lock system is pathetic, but Poulan will provide you with the original double nut system free of charge, which I highly recommend.
These are equipped with the current anti-pollution mixture adjustment screws, which take a special tool not authorized for the public. You can, however obtain them on e-bay; and unless you’re up for periodically toting the saw to a repair shop, and shelling out $20 or more for a minor adjustment, I suggest getting one.
Good saw, poor engineering of the pull-starter — but there’s an easy fix
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I have to be honest, this is my very first chain saw, so I’m no authority on the industry standards. The saw has tackled everything I’ve asked of it though, so I’m confident in at least saying that it’s “good”.
The pull-starter system get a “F” though. I was out cutting down trees for a food plot and just like almost everyone else, the pull string didn’t recoil. Being an over-confident geek though, I decided to take it apart.
After looking at it for a while, I couldn’t figure out what the problem was, but when I tried to put it back together, the “EPS Spring” wouldn’t fit back over the plastic post. I looked at the spring more closely and found that it had been over-torqued and now had a coil in the middle that curved inward, instead of being in alignment with the others.
So I went to Poulan.com and clicked on “Parts and Accessories”. The parts schematic labeled that spring as the “EPS Spring” (I’m certainly not versed enough to know that off the top of my head). It was $3.50 or so, so I bought two — grand total about $14 and change.
I also emailed Poulan customer service, which got me a response from someone at Husqvarna, which I assume owns Poulan. The service rep was helpful and conveyed opinion that I was right about the EPS spring, but they did recommend a “kit” replacement, which I think was $11, w/o shipping. I think the kit replaces the EPS Spring, some parts, and the flat, ribbon-like spring that sits against the wall/plastic. I passed on the kit.
The EPS springs arrived today, and while I haven’t installed them yet, I’m —— scratch that, I just went downstairs and installed one of my new EPS springs. Problem is solved!!!
It’s really a piece of cake. There are 4 screws on the outside that hold the pull starter assembly onto the saw. There there is one screw that holds a plastic gear onto a post of the outer housing. Just remove that screw in the middle of the plastic gear and the EPS spring sits right there underneath the plastic gear. You don’t have to mess with the the pull string or anything.
One thing to note, Husqvarna/Poulan customer support did recommend that I take the saw to an authorized dealer, as the saw has a 2 year warranty that YOU WILL VOID IF YOU OPEN UP THE SAW. Of course, I don’t know how they would be able to tell that because I didn’t notice any tamper evident tape on it — but you’ve been warned!!!!
For me personally, $14 (which gives me an extra spring if this happens again) makes a lot more sense than wasting my time dropping off and picking up the saw at a service center.
Trouble
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I just threw mine away after a summer of light use. Just got tired of tinkering with it to keep it going.
poulan chain saw
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This item was received new in box. Fast shipment. Excellant price. Highly recommend seller and product.
Poulan 42cc 18″ Chainsaw
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Used this saw for several hours to cut down an oak tree.
Although the tree was much too large for the saw (36″ diameter, the saw cut into it quickly and cleanly. It has enough power for up to maybe 24″ diameter trunks. The blade seemed a little flimsy (it flexed easily while buried in the trunk) but, like I said I was cutting too much tree.
You get what you pay for…
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
It’s a cheap saw at a cheap price.
I bought the Craftsman equivalent (same saw, different color)
You can liven it up by adding holes (two 3/8″ or four 1/4″) in the
front of muffler cover and then richen up the mixture screws a bit
(1/4 turn out from factory setting is a good start)
http://racesaws.com/index.php?referrerid=1839
The motor is fairly good and has decent power when allowed to breathe.
But the chain oil pump will fail. It has a plastic gear which is prone to stripping. Parts are not expensive, but it takes time and a bit of knowledge to do the repair.
If you want a cheap saw that works pretty well, this is one - but it will
not last for very long.
If you want a quality saw that will last, go with Stihl or Husqvarna.
Chainsaw happiness
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Got a reconditioned 16″ Poulan 12 years ago. Made a lot of sculptures, cut down a lot of trees; died of abuse . Got a reconditioned P.Pro 18″ anti-shaker last week from the Outdoor Store for 100bucks. Cut down 5- 40 foot tall trees with a breeze this week. The old saw didn’t have an emergency brake( new one does ), I was hitting it unintentionally causing it to stall, sent an email to the Outdoor Store; response quick and helpful.
There are few things in this world I hate more than this “saw”
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
The words I want to use to describe this saw should never be written in a public domain. They are the words I mutter and sometimes yell (when I am sure I am out of earshot) whenever I am forced to use this piece of garbage. It is always hard to start. If I adjust the chain too tight it binds, too loose it fall off. There doesn’t seem to be a correct adjustment (believe me, after putting the chain back on a few dozen times I have tried everything). I truly hate this product and feel sorry for anyone who buys one. Do yourself a favor - spend 300 bucks (or lots more, of course) and get a good saw. I can’t really afford it right now, but I can’t really afford not to, either. Time is money and this horrible instrument of mental torture will cost you lots of time.
waste of money, waste of time
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
2 friends recommended this brand so i gave it a shot. I’ve waited over a year to give it a review so that i could be as accurate as possible. Out of the box it was hard to start, pullrope kept hanging up (out) and i had to either smack it on something or take it apart to get it to go back in.
Beside the pullrope issue it is extremely difficult to start once it gets warmed up. It pumps way too much oil for the bar/chain (which in some respect is better than too little) and drips the rest while not in use. Anti-vibration is a joke, i feel the vibration worse with this saw than any other saw i’ve owned/used. The idea of the chain adjustment actually being in the bar sounds great but its a real failure. It is either too tight or too loose, no in between. Replacement bar is more expensive than normal. After having to replace the clutch, bar and chain due to a combination of abuse and poor quality, i bought an ECHO brand chainsaw. The 16 inch ECHO works like a champ (again over a year old) and puts the Poulan to shame. I work on the Poulan 70% of the time and get 30% use from it. I work on the ECHO 5% of the time and get 95% use from it. Something you should also keep in mind..POULAN,CRAFTSMAN,HUSQVARNA..same saw in different clothing, all products of ELECTROLUX. Word
Looks good to me!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I got exactly what I ordered, a few bucks cheaper than elsewhere, got free shipping as I was content to wait for the super saver shipping slow boat, no sales tax. I put the fluids in it, followed the instructions and it started on the first pull. Couldn’t ask for anything more. I even got a free second chain that wasnt advertised.
I was replacing a seldom-used saw that had been stolen from my garden shed, so I really haven’t used the saw. No reason to believe it won’t work as great as the one I replaced.
happy in Tennessee
Absolutely awesome - money well spent
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’ve heard the ‘Shoulda bought a Stihl, or Husqvarna” and the like. Bah! I’ve had this saw for over 3 years now and have not had one issue with it AT ALL. It runs like mad. Starts within 5 pulls. I cleared out my overgrown and wooded back lot with it, segmenting better than 30-40 tall logs without a hiccup. I’ve taken it all over the place. My brother even has it right now clearing some of his property with it. Told me he was surprisingly impressed with it. I bought it at local chain retailer, and am going back to get another one to have as backup, since they lowered the price $10. Couldn’t be happier with it.