Poulan Chainsaws, any good???

[03protege]

I bought a Poulan a few years ago. Worked really well for the first two years. Started right up on cranking. Then the third year I pull it out of the box, fill it up and again starts right up. I start doing some cutting and then all of a sudden every time I touch it to wood, it dies. Now I can't get it to crank at all. Don't know what the problem is. Now I start reading and talking to others and am hearing the same story over and over. Will cost almost as much to repair it as it costs new. I would say stay away! I'm buying a STIHL.

There is no magic juju that is required for these to run, they use a cheap pain in the *** small engine like most yard tools (although this one is surely to be cheaper) I'm not sure how you know it will cost more to repair than it costs to buy it when you do not know what is wrong with it.

Check your basics; a clogged muffler (spiders/wasps nests), a clogged intake, dirty air filter, spark plug (unlikely), clogged fuel line, and the most likely a crapped up carburetor.

 

[HMCFab9]

I have one that I got from Sears. Works good for what I needed it to do. (trim)
Is it a saw to cut wood to heat your whole house all winter....No.
Will it work to do some trimming & cut some limbs up...Yes.
If you need to do a LOT of cutting, get a husky or stihl.

 

[CJM8515]

I have 3 of them collecting dust. Tried everything to make them run well (was given them for free). None of them run well, the one that does run ok no matter how you adjust the carb (its that old) it still dont run well.

I used an OLD stihl for eons that only ever got a carb rebuild and some new fuel ine sin 25 years.

 

[organ]

My dad bought a 3400 in the '80s. Still going strong. Walbro carburetor, chrome plated piston, needle roller main bearings... I really like that saw. Buying new, buy Stihl. Something in the ms 260 line.

 

[rice rocket]

I have the Craftsman version of the 50cc/20" bar Poulan Pro saw. It works quite well. Made in USA w/ Husqvarna parts.

Use ethanol-free gas and avoid 99% of the problems.

 

[stikman56]

I have the Craftsman version of the 50cc/20" bar Poulan Pro saw. It works quite well. Made in USA w/ Husqvarna parts.

Use ethanol-free gas and avoid 99% of the problems.

I'm pretty sure the ethanol free gas isn't going to make the chain stay on and keep itself from squirting all over the place every time I take the fuel cap off mine though. Thing was a POS right out of the box. No matter good fuel or not, it has never run steady. I see the same type of posts from many on these saws so I know there has to be something to it, it's not just the saw I got, it appears to be most of the newer ones. My Brother bought one new as well and hates it for the same reasons. But yes, use the good gas if it's an option and stay away from the corn ****.

 

[rice rocket]

I'm pretty sure the ethanol free gas isn't going to make the chain stay on and keep itself from squirting all over the place every time I take the fuel cap off mine though.

The sprocket is a Husqvarna, the bar and chain are from Oregon, which supplies a large portion of the market. Adjustment procedure is no different than any other saw, so all things really point to user error...

And I'm not sure what the squirting problem you're referring to is, you do realize the fuel caps on all power equipment (and cars) are vented and are meant to let air in?

 

[stikman56]

The sprocket is a Husqvarna, the bar and chain are from Oregon, which supplies a large portion of the market. Adjustment procedure is no different than any other saw, so all things really point to user error...
And I'm not sure what the squirting problem you're referring to is, you do realize the fuel caps on all power equipment (and cars) are vented and are meant to let air in?

User error, give me a break. I wasn't born yesterday, it's not "baby's first chain saw". It is amazing how some people who weren't there can diagnose just what the user did or didn't do though. I wish I had those powers. So, tell me this then: The CS380 Mcculloch that I bought to replace that huge POS has none of those problems with the same operator. Two saws, both new,same operator. Also the CS380 outcuts it as well, even when it decides to run good. This is my experience with both saws as I have lived it. I call it the way it happens. A POS is a POS in my book, no matter the brand, no matter the item. The Poulan had every one of these problems right out of the box, the Mcculloch had none. And yes I realize that fuel tanks have to have venting. Not all fuel caps on autos are vented though, some do it through the vapor recovery system, tank vents, etc. Just depends. Haven't studied chain saw fuel caps, couldn't tell you how they vent the tank,didn't put any time into anything on that saw ( but I'm sure it's through the cap) as the entire thing has so many issues it's not worth using at all, that's why I just went and bought a saw that runs and cuts like crazy without all the drama. My last saw I had for almost 20 years was trouble free as well. Yeah, I've run chain saws before. I'll never again own anything with the Poulan name on it. Have you read the posts on these saws and noticed a common theme? I did long ago. It supports what I said my experience was. I think you should buy one though, if you're sure they're good saws.

 

[rice rocket]

User error, give me a break. I wasn't born yesterday, it's not "baby's first chain saw". It is amazing how some people who weren't there can diagnose just what the user did or didn't do though. I wish I had those powers. So, tell me this then: The CS380 Mcculloch that I bought to replace that huge POS has none of those problems with the same operator. Two saws, both new,same operator. Also the CS380 outcuts it as well, even when it decides to run good. This is my experience with both saws as I have lived it. I call it the way it happens. A POS is a POS in my book, no matter the brand, no matter the item. The Poulan had every one of these problems right out of the box, the Mcculloch had none.

Now here's the real kicker (I swear you can't make this stuff up).

McCullochs are rebadged Poulans, they are made in the same factory as they are both owned by Husqvarna.



Neither are pro-level saws, but all the entry level saws amongst the four Husqvarna brands, Jonesred, McCulloch, Poulan, Husqvarna (duh), and Craftsman rebadges, share just about everything other than colors.

 

[stikman56]

Now here's the real kicker (I swear you can't make this stuff up).

McCullochs are rebadged Poulans, they are made in the same factory as they are both owned by Husqvarna.



Neither are pro-level saws, but all the entry level saws amongst the four Husqvarna brands, Jonesred, McCulloch, Poulan, Husqvarna (duh), and Craftsman rebadges, share just about everything other than colors.[/QUOT

Yeah, I've heard this argument before, so I took some pictures. Nothing is the same between these saws, except the bar and chain. They ain't the same animal and the pictures are the proof that they aren't just the same saw with different colors and the different badge. People can say what they want , here's pictures to back up what I'm saying. Talk is cheap IMO. Also, the engines are different as well. One is 40 cc's one is 38 CC's with what's called oxy-power technology, guess which one has more power? Or you could spin it and say the saw was so good I felt it should have a buddy so I bought it a McCulloch to keep it company. Poulan is even lower than all the Craftsman yard tools I've had, and they were all junk too, every one of them. ( I quit buying them years ago, but the Wife bought me a blower for father's day, so I kept it, for 3 years until it was worn out and wouldn't start any more) My findings are Poulan is trash, McCulloch works very well. How long will McCulloch last? Don't know yet, but it's a runnin' cuttin' mother right now and it's done a lot of work, work that the Poulan couldn't get done, because it's a toy and all it really did was waste my time. My Brothers findings were also that Poulan is trash. So, I will leave them and the Craftsman for everyone who feels they are good. You have to spend your money where you feel it's right, regardless of what anybody else would do....bottom line. I'd buy another CS380 in a minute. I'm sure there's people that would hate it too. We all know Husky can and does make good saws.

 

[rice rocket]

Those are two different models...

If you find the equivalent McCulloch, surprise, they look pretty identical again. You can see where everything lines up exactly.

 

[stikman56]

Those are two different models...

If you find the equivalent McCulloch, surprise, they look pretty identical again:

Yep, then that's a POS, no doubt in my mind.

 

[rice rocket]

So is the CS380 equivalent saw, in Poulan colors, a POS too...because it's a Poulan?


I like that you went back to edit your posts though, saying you'd never own a Poulan saw again. The brand loyalty game is a fun one, isn't it.

 

[stikman56]

So is the CS380 equivalent saw, in Poulan colors, a POS too...because it's a Poulan?


I like that you went back to edit your posts though, saying you'd never own a Poulan saw again. The brand loyalty game is a fun one, isn't it.

Here,I'll edit this one too,now that I see you accused me of brand loyalty. That just shows how little you think you know me, which is not at all. I'm not your typical brand loyal dude that can only have one brand of car, tool, i simply like what I like and I;m not afraid to call a ************* what it is. That's what the Poulan wild thing is. If they Brand that saw with another brand, it's a ************* whatever brand they put on it, are you seeing the pattern here? But hey,whatever you say. Whatever you say. My experiences aren't real, I make this stuff up. I'm brand loyal. Poulan is great,Mcculloch is garbage. They are EXACTLY the same. Happy now? You should be since I've agreed with you. Heck, if my experience is different than yours,I must be full of **** or don't know how to operate the saw. Always an argument for whatever someone's experience is with a product, because people on the other end of the internet must know. after all they were there. But hey you're right, I'm wrong,I was mistaken about my experience.

 

[rice rocket]

Whatever you say. Whatever you say. My experiences aren't real, I make this stuff up. Poulan is great,Mcculloch is garbage. Thay are EXACTLY the same. Happy now? You should be since I've agreed with you. Nuff said!

hahaha.

Just tryin' to get the facts out there. There's no reason to over pay for a Husqvarna/Jonsered/McCulloch when it's available in Poulan (that you can even use a 20% off coupon at Harbor Freight on), just in different colors.

Husqvarna will keep all the nicer stuff for themselves (and Jonsered), but the homeowner level stuff is all a shell game.

 

[stikman56]

hahaha.

Just tryin' to get the facts out there. There's no reason to over pay for a Husqvarna/Jonsered/McCulloch when it's available in Poulan (that you can even use a 20% off coupon at Harbor Freight on), just in different colors.

Husqvarna will keep all the nicer stuff for themselves (and Jonsered), but the homeowner level stuff is all a shell game.

Why would I buy another Poulan? One I got was a total POS and then buy another? You go ahead and buy the Poulan's then and give the advice to, I never will. I will never endorse a POS, no matter the brand. IMO only idiots have brand loyalty when it comes to just about anything, the smarter folks use what works for them. NOBODY makes all the best products in their line-up. There's always better offering for some products from other vendors, if you haven't learned that you aren't paying attention IMO. Yeah, I paid a lot for my CS380. $138.99 to my front door, and I got a crazy good cutting saw. Way overpriced. What can you get that runs like that for less? Wanna see pictures of the work it did? This is just a small bit of it here. I just didn't have 3 weeks to invest to get this done while the chain fell off and it couldn't run consistent and didn't have the power as well.

 

[coldh2o]

I bought a refurbed 18" Poulan "Wild Thing" from Canadian Tire over ten years ago for $100. For the first few years I used it a couple times a year for small work around the house. Six years ago I used it to clear 1/2 acre of hardwood for our new house, some trees with trunks bigger than the 18" bar. It's now back to semi-retirement, doing a few trees a year.

I'm lousy at maintenance, it gets chains as required and that's it. Sometimes it won't start, new gas (full of the evil ethanol) and a clean plug livens it right up.

 

[pauls_workshop]

The 2nd post saying Poulan is worse than HF stuff is ridiculous. I'm not sure how they are these day's but I've got a 16" Craftsman made by Poulan from about 13 years ago and I cannot kill it. I use it for farm use, not professional. I've had to replace the fuel lines, that's it. It's been a very durable saw. I wouldn't look at the normal Poulan's, the Poulan Pro's are pretty decent I bet though. I also run a Stihl MS290 with a 20" bar and it's an animal, definitely a pro saw. I run both so I don't have a skewed opinion. I think Husky ***** anymore except for the XP saw's. If you want the best saw you can get go for either a Stihl or Echo. I'm a HUGE Echo fan with blowers, line trimmers, edgers, pole saws, etc... Their saw's are very underrated and really run like crazy and last forever. The Echo CS590 Timberwolf is the best value on the market period.

If you want an occasional use saw for your home and what not, Poulan will work fine. Being that you're a member here I assume you're pretty handy and can do little repairs here and there through the years to it.

YES, the Echo CS-590 I got recently is awesome. I'm going to do milling with it. But I'll keep my Poulans too. Mine start up fine, just don't idle well, but run like banshees when they are working. I have two of 'em. Poulans probably are only for people who can work on things a bit. If you have no skills that way, probably stay away and go Echo or Makita/Dolmar or Stihl or Husqvarna, but pay much more for those choices. Having said that, Poulans are also a great way to get into small engine hobby if you wanted to, as they are really very modular and easy to work on. Briggs engines are good to work on too.

The main things with the Poulans is they get these little issues that are harder to diagnose than average. Leaky fuel lines getting air in messing up the carb function. Air getting in the combustion chamber sometimes from loosening bolts. Or the ignition magnet getting loose or gap changing over time. Or the primer bulb or gas cap not working right (gas caps on Poulans especially only last a few years if you are using ethanol fuel). You have to be able to adjust the carbs on them pretty much, so the older ones are better that way. And once hot they don' t like to restart till cold again a few hours later in general, and they get hot with the hot spark plug they come with. Colder plug is much better. - Paul

 

[1990 Grand Wag]

I know I posted in this thread earlier, but you learn something new everyday on this site. I was not aware that Husqvarna had started to sell their saws at anything less than a dealer (i.e. home centers), or I just never paid attention because, when we did purchase Husky's, they were the pro models and came from the dealer.

Another thing (please clarify), I "thought" the most recent Poulan saws were Ryobi's (or Poulan was now owned by Ryobi in some form) because Ryobi sells chainsaws that look just like the Poulans, so I assumed guilt by assoication.

Also, from visiting the Husky website (after reading this thread), are you sure that Husky is the mfg. for those cheap *** Poulan "Wild Thangs" that drive people nuts, OR are they only laying claim to the "Poulan Pro" (snicker) brand?

 

[rice rocket]

Husqvarna (under Electrolux) acquired Poulan in the 70s, it's not really a recent development.

Not all the saws have an equivalent model in each brand, but pull up the entry level saws in each of their 4 brands, and you'll see where you could remove a plastic cover and bolt on another. I bet even the part numbers for the internals match.

The McCulloch acquisition was more recent (mid-2000s), but you can already see where the shell game is taking place.

 

[pauls_workshop]

I know I posted in this thread earlier, but you learn something new everyday on this site. I was not aware that Husqvarna had started to sell there saws at anything less than a dealer (i.e. home centers), or I just never paid attention because, when we did purchase Husky's, they were the pro models and came from the dealer.

Another thing (please clarify), I "thought" the most recent Poulan saws were Ryobi's (or Poulan was now owned by Ryobi in some form) because Ryobi sells chainsaws that look just like the Poulans, so I assumed guilt by assoication.

Also, from visiting the Husky website (after reading this thread), are you sure that Husky is the mfg. for those cheap *** Poulan "Wild Thangs" that drive people nuts, OR are they only laying claim to the "Poulan Pro" (snicker) brand?

No Ryobi has nothing to do with Poulan or Husqvarna either. They are different manufacturer and design. I don't know who does make the Ryobi 46 cc saw though - if anyone knows for sure please post.

Also the earlier Echo comments as being heavy but reliable are the OLD Echoes. NEW Echoes are rebadged Shindaiwa from Japan and are much much closer to pro saws from Husqy or Stihl or Dolmar/Makita. Still a little heavier for the same HP but not much. Much cheaper cost options for similar pro quality. Check out the CS-590 if looking at a 50 or 60 cc class saw (it is 60 cc). - Paul

 

[1990 Grand Wag]

No Ryobi has nothing to do with Poulan or Husqvarna either. They are different manufacturer and design. I don't know who does make the Ryobi 46 cc saw though - if anyone knows for sure please post.

Also the earlier Echo comments as being heavy but reliable are the OLD Echoes. NEW Echoes are rebadged Shindaiwa from Japan and are much much closer to pro saws from Husqy or Stihl or Dolmar/Makita. Still a little heavier for the same HP but not much. Much cheaper cost options for similar pro quality. Check out the CS-590 if looking at a 50 or 60 cc class saw (it is 60 cc). - Paul

Paul, I "thought" (I'm doing waaaaaaaaaaay too much thinking in this thread), the Echo's were assembled in Illinois and dindn't come from Japan (not that I checked or anything). I remember there was a program (on TV?) where Echo proudly wanted everyone to know that their saws were built in Illinois (I know globalization can change that in a heartbeat), and I also know that the tree trimmer guys swear by those little Echo saws they use!

 

[cashishift]

spend the money once.. get a quality unit the first time.

TAKE CARE OF IT.. no ethanol, keep it clean.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Paul, I "thought" (I'm doing waaaaaaaaaaay too much thinking in this thread), the Echo's were assembled in Illinois and dindn't come from Japan (not that I checked or anything). I remember there was a program (on TV?) where Echo proudly wanted everyone to know that their saws were built in Illinois (I know globalization can change that in a heartbeat), and I also know that the tree trimmer guys swear by those little Echo saws they use!

Yeah they used to be, but my CS-590 says Made in Japan clearly on it. Shindaiwas are really really good saws, so this isn't terrible. Echo is owned by Japan now. They do still make stuff in Illinois too, just not these newer saws. This cs-590 is actually my first Echo product. I'll be buying more in the future from Echo. I'm ok with Japan, as quality is outstanding and they have a 5 year warranty and they are a great peaceful democracy (today). I know our older members would feel very differently about Japan, but I'm a product of the 60's so my generation is different this way. - Paul

 

[Banshee365]

Yeah they used to be, but my CS-590 says Made in Japan clearly on it. Shindaiwas are really really good saws, so this isn't terrible. Echo is owned by Japan now. They do still make stuff in Illinois too, just not these newer saws. This cs-590 is actually my first Echo product. I'll be buying more in the future from Echo. I'm ok with Japan, as quality is outstanding and they have a 5 year warranty and they are a great peaceful democracy (today). I know our older members would feel very differently about Japan, but I'm a product of the 60's so my generation is different this way. - Paul

Echo has always been a Japanese engineered product. Sometimes they're assembled in the U.S., sometimes they're fully assembled in Japan. Echo also bought up Shindaiwa a few years back so their products are very similar. One of the backpack blowers they make are indentical except for the plastic color. I love Echo power equipment, great stuff.

 

[hangfirew8]

With the acquisition of the McCulloch name, Electrolux has more finely divided the market between their Poulan and Husky brands. Up until then they were selling 100/200 series Husky's which were just orange Poulan Pro's.

As you can see from stikman's pics, the CS380 has an anti-vibration handle and the non-Pro Poulan does not. The CS380 also has the new strato-scavenging engine design as does my Husky 435, but not the Poulans or Husky 240's which are older designs. That is why it runs better.

 

[stikman56]

I'd say it really depends on the model you buy. As rice rocket (I think his name was posted), there's a McCulloch that looks the same as the Poulan Wild Thing, I'm sure it's all the same internals, I wouldn't take it if it was free to be totally honest, if that's the case. I've heard people say that certain models of Poulan are good saws, so do some homework and don't buy one thinking it's going to work OK (like a saw should) because as I found out with mine, that wasn't the case. I kept the Poulan because I wouldn't sell that POS to anyone, ( I'm glad it was on sale for $99.99 and came with bar oil too) so now when my Son goes up in the woods, he packs the thing with him, (no, I' not giving him good saw, he doesn't treat my stuff well, no matter the example I have set, he still....) in case of a downed tree in the path, etc, as I am sure it will run and cut, just not well, it's been consistent and not doing anything well, but still doing it.

 

[that-guy]

looks like I stirred up quite the debate...as someone else has already mentioned, I simply asked the question because HF sells the Poulan 42cc 18", and with their Mother's Day 25% off coupon, I figured it seemed like a good deal.

from what I am gathering, as I just spent about 30 minutes reading through every single one of these posts, is that they are okay, granted you modify a few things and maintenance it properly, but not near as well as those that cost 2-4 times the price

my biggest task I face is 2 large Maple's in my yard that I want out as they are leaning more towards the house

 

[CobraChevelle]

I am looking for a saw myself. Going back anf forth with going cheap with a Poulan/Craftsman pro 50cc Or the Makita 6421 64cc. Anything in between, I rather just spend the extra 100 to 150$ for the makita. I ask myself is it worth the 190$ vs 550$.

From what I read the wildthing models were complete junk, So of course that will affect every other model with peoples opinion.

If you are a handy guy, I am sure the Poulan pro will be fine after doing some mods to it. I like to go overkill on some tools so that is why I am looking at the makita. The Poulans/Craftsmans are much cheaper and almost want to either buy a used one or new one to try it out.

 

[NotSwedishChef]

I have a similar issue......3 trees on the property that either didin't survive the winter-apocalypse we had here in the Boston area or are badly choked out by vines/ crowding...

I'm thinking I'm gonna go with a Stihl....prob. a base line model.. MS180 or something a little higher. I'm not playing paul bunyan but I need something that starts reliably and can handle the infrequent lumber jockey playtime....

The Father-in-law has a homelite? He's been promising that I can borrow it for weeks, he just cant get the damn thing to run...thanks but I'll buy my own.

 

[pauls_workshop]

I am looking for a saw myself. Going back anf forth with going cheap with a Poulan/Craftsman pro 50cc Or the Makita 6421 64cc. Anything in between, I rather just spend the extra 100 to 150$ for the makita. I ask myself is it worth the 190$ vs 550$.

From what I read the wildthing models were complete junk, So of course that will affect every other model with peoples opinion.

If you are a handy guy, I am sure the Poulan pro will be fine after doing some mods to it. I like to go overkill on some tools so that is why I am looking at the makita. The Poulans/Craftsmans are much cheaper and almost want to either buy a used one or new one to try it out.

Cobra, that 50cc Poulan is really a Husqy Rancher, a good saw and more powerful than the 42 cc. The 64cc makita/Dolmar is a pro saw and more powerful than even the 60cc cs-590 Echo talked about here. I thought about that one myself, but now that i have the 590, don't think I'll ever need it. Have to do some milling with the 590 and see but I think it will be all I need as hobbyist type. Check that out if you haven't. It is a pro grade saw, just a little more weight/hp than the Dolmar/Makita, much better than the Husqy Rancher though for about the same money on sale at Zoro. - Paul

 

[Desertskyy]

I have had a re-badged Poulan/Craftsman 16" saw for about 16 plus years. I just used it the other day with out issue. The only thing I have had to replace were the fuel lines. I take care of my things so I really do not have any issues. I have had zero starting issues with this saw.This saw has cut a lot of wood and has cut down a few trees and I have even used it for cutting up pallets for fire wood in the desert. I do drain the tank and then run the saw dry before putting it away. If I was in the market for another saw I would buy a more professional saw and just pay the expense once. But for around the house and the occasional need this saw has been good to me.

Just my .02

 

[pauls_workshop]

Found out now that the Ryobi 46 cc saw is a rebadge of RedMax, and ported makes a really nice saw it turns out. Check out this thread from Arboristsite:

http://www.arboristsite.com/communi...-saw-for-100-ryobi-10532-review.100462/page-2

May well be better than the 42 cc Poulans - don't know. Anyone have these Ryobis?

Also found out in 2007 Husqvarna did acquire Redmax/Zenoah, so there is a relationship there. I think the Ryobi one was not same as a Husqvarna saw but same as a former Redmax saw. Some Redmax are the same as rebadged Husqy's though now. - Paul

 

[1990 Grand Wag]

Thanks for the info Paul! I was hoping like hell it wasn't a rebadged Homelite!

 

[pauls_workshop]

Thanks for the info Paul! I was hoping like hell it wasn't a rebadged Homelite!

Well, I'm still doing some more research. There have been a couple different Ryobi saws. The older one was same as the Redmax. I'm still trying to verify on the current one you can buy. I didn't know there was more than one Ryobi in recent years ! Let me come back later.... - Paul

 

[that-guy]

completely forgot about this thread and figured I would send out an update. I ended up buying the Poulan from HF with the Mothers Day coupon, and needless to say it actually works great. appears to go through chain oil pretty fast, but other than I couldn't be happier...I've been slowly whittling at those two Maple's in my yard, beings they are rather large, and have large branches going in many directions. to the north, I have to avoid my house, to the south, are my satellite dishes for TV and Internet, and to the east/south east is my driveway and detached 2 car garage, so I have to rig things up to get the large branches to go where I want them, by myself, using tow chains, a 2500HD Silverado, and my little 150lbs ***

 

[Hephaestus29]

Didn't Poulan used to be Pioneer ???

Pioneer was one hell of a saw, my dad still swears up & down by his. When Poulan took over they became junk.

 

[CobraChevelle]

completely forgot about this thread and figured I would send out an update. I ended up buying the Poulan from HF with the Mothers Day coupon, and needless to say it actually works great. appears to go through chain oil pretty fast, but other than I couldn't be happier...I've been slowly whittling at those two Maple's in my yard, beings they are rather large, and have large branches going in many directions. to the north, I have to avoid my house, to the south, are my satellite dishes for TV and Internet, and to the east/south east is my driveway and detached 2 car garage, so I have to rig things up to get the large branches to go where I want them, by myself, using tow chains, a 2500HD Silverado, and my little 150lbs ***

good for you, not everyone needs a "pro saw". I bought a craftsman 50cc for a crazy deal. Poulan pro clone. I bought the saw and 334pc tool set for 283.87$ after 100$ off in points. Sold the tool set on ebay for $255.82 after fees So I have a $28 saw and I earned 27$ in sears points lol.

 

[pauls_workshop]

That's the way to do it Cobra !

Glad the OP found one he likes. The 50 cc IS much better than the 42 cc, but that 42 cc has a lot of *****. The high oiler rate is GOOD when you are using it hard. I just use used car motor oil for the chainsaw blades - works fine and readily available. If you do the muffler mod on it and put in a cooler spark plug than what it comes with, it will become a much nicer saw and growl a bit like a small Harley. - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

Also, followup, the modern Ryobi 46 cc is NOT the same as the older one that was Redmax clone. It appears to be in the Husqvarna family now, similar to the feared Homelite or other Husqvarna homeowner saws. Having said that, I've used a modern one now and it wasn't bad at all. Just not in the same league as the earlier Ryobi Redmax clone ones.

Also, I'm really really likeing my newer 60 cc Echo cs-590. Can mill 24" dia logs hardwood effectively! That is about its practical milling limit. Bigger log milling that this and probably need 80 cc or 100 cc instead. Echo needs to make a bigger saw similar to the cs-590 design! - Paul