Just another junk chainsaw

[radios1]

Poulan/Craftsman saws from the 80s are very good saws.

The Poulan Pro/Craftsman chainsaws you find today for under $150 new are gonna be the smaller ones (34cc usually) and with no vibration protection. Even those saws work OK for the occasional user who does not operate it for more than 15-30min at a time, and who actually maintains it. Note that these cheap saws use Walbro or Zama carbs, just like the big boys. They do tend to have plastic pinion gears in the oil pump, which wear out easily.

I had 2 of the newer one's, they were underpowered, and the clutches would slip under load.. and yeah, the oil pump was not designed to last..

 

[5030]

Gee, Harbor Freight sells Poulan saws so they must be good......:thumbdown:

 

[arto98607]

Gee, Harbor Freight sells Poulan saws so they must be good......:thumbdown:

Actually Poulan Pro saws are perfectly good for most homeowners who use chainsaw for 15 - 20 minutes occasionally (No good for "Pro" users for sure).
Most problems are probably related to operator lack of interest to learn how to use and store chainsaw long term.

Old untreated fuel left sitting in the carburetor & tank etc.
That issue will affect all saws regardless of brand, if left as is unused for year or two...


Anyway, I kind of like the old saws I've had for a long time: Stihl 031AV 20", Husqvarna 162 SE 20" and Shindaiwa 360 16"
Looking into possibly buying slightly used Stihl MS310 from a family member, perhaps to replace the 031AV.


Just saying.

 

[Jstpssng]

I have a Poulan for a second saw. I bought it new for 100 bucks with a hard case. It's perfect to bounce around in the truck in rain and snow for when I need to move a tree out of the road, and if somebody did feel they needed it more than I do I'm out a lot less than one of my good saws.
The drawbacks are lack of power, no vibration dampening, and it seems like I'm constantly retuning the carb.

 

[xyz123]

You just got to know which ones to buy of any brand IMHO. I just sold and traded these poulans 54cc and 2 60cc. They run and cut right with the s036 h262 etc for far less money.

Mag case and all and built like the 036.

I like knowing each time I sell one used for 150 local, it keeps someone from buying a 400-500 plastic saw new in the name brand.

 

[Molalla1]

You just got to know which ones to buy of any brand IMHO. I just sold and traded these poulans 54cc and 2 60cc. They run and cut right with the s036 h262 etc for far less money.

Mag case and all and built like the 036.

I like knowing each time I sell one used for 150 local, it keeps someone from buying a 400-500 plastic saw new in the name brand.

View attachment 630054View attachment 630055

Redneck . . . I like your attitude . . .

 

[arto98607]

You just got to know which ones to buy of any brand IMHO. I just sold and traded these poulans 54cc and 2 60cc. They run and cut right with the s036 h262 etc for far less money.

Mag case and all and built like the 036.

I like knowing each time I sell one used for 150 local, it keeps someone from buying a 400-500 plastic saw new in the name brand.

I bought a little 40 cc Craftsman saw back in 1993 and it's been pretty good & reliable as a backup saw for occasional small wood cutting around the property.
Not sure who made it, but my guess is Poulan?

As I recall the only issue over the years has been the three AV springs, which were too soft originally and were replaced with updated springs about 20 years ago!


View attachment Specs.pdf

 

[xyz123]

Need to get a handle, had a bar and made up a stihl full chisel picco chain. That chain makes a big difference on the little saws IMO.

Almost ready again for owner.

 

[Molalla1]

Need to get a handle, had a bar and made up a stihl full chisel picco chain. That chain makes a big difference on the little saws IMO.

Almost ready again for owner.

View attachment 630760

:thumbsup: . . . you would do well in the PNW.

 

[goeduck]

There must be a story behind that bent bar.