CobraChevelle
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I really like the echo cs590, but for the amount of time I use a saw and for the $ I had to do the CM saw.
Poulan Chainsaws, any good???
- Thread starter that-guy
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I really like the echo cs590, but for the amount of time I use a saw and for the $ I had to do the CM saw.
mowersplus84
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Older Poulan chainsaw weren't bad the ones with the die cast body . the plastic ones today are a dime a doze . most of the cheap home owner saws today are recommended
for 50hours of use. were always get people that complain to us after we tell them .doing a 45 dollar carb overhaul on a $79.99 chainsaw isn't worth it .
for 50hours of use. were always get people that complain to us after we tell them .doing a 45 dollar carb overhaul on a $79.99 chainsaw isn't worth it .
mowersplus84
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If you can find a dealer maruyama is an excellent saw .
hangfirew8
Well-known member
I don't disagree with this. I pick up the non-runners pretty cheap, like $5 or $10. If they weren't straight-gassed I can usually fix them. However you can't get anyone to sell a good runner for less than full retail or at least $100, except the smallest 33cc which people want at least $60 for a runner.
The 50 Hours thing is an EPA emissions rating. The choices are 50, 125 and 300 hours that the device is required to meet its emissions standards. It has nothing to do with actual longevity.
http://www.greenindustrypros.com/article/10258191/new-emission-regulations-take-effect-in-2011-2012
"These values indicate the number of hours the engine is required to comply with the applicable emission standards," says Fischer.
I have an old Craftsman (made by Poulan) WeedWacker with way over 50 hours, you can walk up and down my neighborhood and see every manner of cheap "50 hour" OPE, all of it has long passed 50 hours of use. In my climate you can expect a residential string trimmer to run at least 15 hours a Summer, so it gets to 50 hours at the end of its 3rd Summer or start of its 4th Summer.
Yes this is the price of Capitalism. For the non-technical consumer, buying a new one is often the best option.
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Nothing wrong with the 50cc Poulan/Craftsman/Husky Rancher choice. For what it is, it is a good value. I'm not an advocate of anyone getting more than they need. Getting *what* you need, is generally the best choice *for you*. I'm usually an advocate of getting the best or a good value for what you need. That's what I do. But I have lots of saws for my needs! (Some are projects for the future.) Only saw I ever bought new is this echo one. Good value for 60 cc class. The 50cc Poulan/Craftsman/Husqy Rancher may be best value for that class and the 42 cc Poulan for that class. Probably Dolmar/Makita for 64cc or 79 cc class. Not sure bigger than that. Also many love the little echo for 32 or 36 cc class. - Paul
Rarified27
Well-known member
This performance comparison might help sway a decision...
Just spent the last few days recovering from some devastating weather in my area and used my Echo CS-400 next to a Poulan Pro 18"/42 cc from HD.
The Poulan took anywhere from 8-12 pulls to start cold and 4-6 to restart warm after refueling. The Poulan also quit 2 times when it got too hot.
My Echo ran endlessly with the occasional extra pull or two when it sat for a bit. I'd say I ran through bar oil twice as much as gas and only refueled a few time while dulling the chain on a downed cherry tree.
I was grateful for the friend that helped me get trees off my house and out of the yard, but even more thankful I didn't have his saw.
Just spent the last few days recovering from some devastating weather in my area and used my Echo CS-400 next to a Poulan Pro 18"/42 cc from HD.
The Poulan took anywhere from 8-12 pulls to start cold and 4-6 to restart warm after refueling. The Poulan also quit 2 times when it got too hot.
My Echo ran endlessly with the occasional extra pull or two when it sat for a bit. I'd say I ran through bar oil twice as much as gas and only refueled a few time while dulling the chain on a downed cherry tree.
I was grateful for the friend that helped me get trees off my house and out of the yard, but even more thankful I didn't have his saw.
Scotland
Well-known member
I have an older model Husky rancher and a 225L weed eater. Both of those things are a pain in the 4ss to start when they are cold. Once you get them up an running they run like scalded dogs for hours on end and restart after refueling, if still warm, with a short pull. If I had the money to throw away I'd switch to Stihl in a heartbeat.
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
I bought a Poulan CounterVibe 4200 with a 20" bar new in 1979..(4.2 cu.in./69cc), engine weight of 16 pounds.. I have no major complaints about this heavy old relic.. I wouldn't want someone to confuse this one with a 42cc saw..
In 2001, being that it lacked the safety features of newer saws; I bought a much lighter Jonsered 2145 with a nice plastic housing that needs a diaper when on the shelf... Both saws have been ok saws as far as being durable and dependable for private use... but,,,, I am glad that it isn't me looking for a new chainsaw today. I would be asking the same questions as you are; and looking over all the brands.
In 2001, being that it lacked the safety features of newer saws; I bought a much lighter Jonsered 2145 with a nice plastic housing that needs a diaper when on the shelf... Both saws have been ok saws as far as being durable and dependable for private use... but,,,, I am glad that it isn't me looking for a new chainsaw today. I would be asking the same questions as you are; and looking over all the brands.
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rockinacummins
Well-known member
They're called Poulan cuz you gotta Poulan them all day long to get them to start.
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Ooooooh, I would love to have an old 4.2 cu in Poulan like that. That was back when these were pro saws! - Paul
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Rarified: Very typical observations! I'm also loving how my echo cs-590 starts right up consistently and easily, usually on one pull. Echoes are super for this. The Poulan 42 cc is known for these kind of things. You really DO have to follow the odd instructions for those to the letter, I think 6 primes, then pull on choke until kicks off, then move to 1/2 choke and pull a few times. They do work for me most of the time this way. Also, need a colder plug in them as they DO get hot when running hard. Once hot, they do NOT want to restart for awhile till they cool off an hour. It is a Poulan thing. They start better and run much longer before getting too hot with the colder plug in them. Still not an echo after all that or even close. But very cheap option for cutting down trees. Muffler modded, not bad at all. - Paul
Hephaestus29
Well-known member
I helped my friend cut down a pretty good sized Maple tree today. He has a Poulan and I have a McCulloch. Anyway Mine needs some kind of adjustment, since it wont seem to stay running. plug is getting fouled from excess gas getting on it I guess. Maybe it needs a new piston & rings ???
His wouldn't cut for $h!+ for some reason. I mean I know how to sharpen a chain, I did it many times with my 14" mac. & it cut like new all the time, but I don't know whats going on with his chain & bar. It ran good but just wouldn't cut.
His wouldn't cut for $h!+ for some reason. I mean I know how to sharpen a chain, I did it many times with my 14" mac. & it cut like new all the time, but I don't know whats going on with his chain & bar. It ran good but just wouldn't cut.
Finky198
Well-known member
Stihl or Husqvarna are really the only two Solid no complaints options out there
not only are you buying the saw but ur getting a service rep/dealer for future parts
kinda like snap on and there tools. A good dealer will also help you pick the proper saw for your needs
a well maintained pro saw should alway start in 2-3 pulls most prosumer stihl and husky will do the same if you take care of them
Don't skimp on chain buy brand name if you feel comfortable with you skills buy pro Chains
without the low kick back feature
buy pre mix ethanol free if your not going to use it all that often
or
If you need larger quantities you should run 2 stroke synthetic mixed 87 octane and stabil marine ethanol treatment.
get cheap bar oil at home depot lowes or TCS as it make absolutely no difference
And DO NOT USE Used Motor or I will have to come hunt u down
But what do i know I make a living with them
not only are you buying the saw but ur getting a service rep/dealer for future parts
kinda like snap on and there tools. A good dealer will also help you pick the proper saw for your needs
a well maintained pro saw should alway start in 2-3 pulls most prosumer stihl and husky will do the same if you take care of them
Don't skimp on chain buy brand name if you feel comfortable with you skills buy pro Chains
without the low kick back feature
buy pre mix ethanol free if your not going to use it all that often
or
If you need larger quantities you should run 2 stroke synthetic mixed 87 octane and stabil marine ethanol treatment.
get cheap bar oil at home depot lowes or TCS as it make absolutely no difference
And DO NOT USE Used Motor or I will have to come hunt u down
But what do i know I make a living with them
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pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Did he have the direction on the chain right on his saw? If they are turned around, will not cut anything. I did that once by accident a long time ago! Else a dull chain or an incorrectly sharpened chain or one that needs the rakers lowered. - Paul
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Stihl or Husqvarna are really the only two Solid no complaints options out there
not only are you buying the saw but ur getting a service rep/dealer for future parts
kinda like snap on and there tools. A good dealer will also help you pick the proper saw for your needs
a well maintained pro saw should alway start in 2-3 pulls most prosumer stihl and husky will do the same if you take care of them
Don't skimp on chain buy brand name if you feel comfortable with you skills buy pro Chains
without the low kick back feature
buy pre mix ethanol free if your not going to use it all that often
or
If you need larger quantities you should run 2 stroke synthetic mixed 87 octane and stabil marine ethanol treatment.
get cheap bar oil at home depot lowes or TCS as it make absolutely no difference
And DO NOT USE Used Motor or I will have to come hunt u down
But what do i know I make a living with them
Hey Finky, Say Stihl 5 times fast and what would you get?
Stihl....Stihl....Stihl....Stihl.......Stihl.....
Well you get an ECHO of course!
I can't bash Stihl or Husqy but I will disagree with your first statement. Try a modern ECHO, they are every bit as good as those and much better value. They have dealers too. I also have an older Stihl. The echo or my old Macs run tree rings around my old Stihl. And for bigger size saws, Makita/Dolmar is the better value than Stihl/Husqy there.
Why not use car motor oil for the chain/bar? I've done that along time. It works good. Especially milling. Also, need 89 octane for my echo, not 87. I'd NEVER use 87 octane for small engines ! !!! Makes them run hotter, which you do not want!! People do not understand what octane ratio is. 87 octane ratio burns EASIER than 89 and 89 burns EASIER than 91. 87 achieves a higher flame temperature in open air than 89 or 91. The reason fancy cars might specify say 91 over 87 is to *resist* burning so they don't have pre-ignition with a high compression ratio in the engine. The engine was designed to need that resistance to burn as easily and requires it. The 91 enables that engine to make more power but only because of the higher compression ratio in its design. If you take an engine designed for 87 and put 89 or 91 in it, it will still work but will combust a little cooler peak temperature. For cars, this is not that useful but for small engines, it is a good thing, especially when running them hard, like most 2 strokes. I only use 87 in my cars, just for reference, but 89 in the small engines. By the way, you could actually turn 87 into 91 by just adding some WATER to it! That also would reduce it's freedom to burn easily! But you won't get as much power out of the engine this way so wouldn't want to run it full throttle. If ever stranded somewhere with an old engine that is knocking from bad gas, put just a little water in the tank (1 cup for tank) and you will get home without the knocking! - Paul
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Streetbu
Well-known member
I sell Husqvarna for a living. That being said, Poulans are ok for LIGHT duty homeowner use. They are not meant to fell tree's. They are meant for trimming limbs, general cleanup and maybe a SMALL tree that fell down once every few years. Same can be said for the smallest Husqvarna's and Stihl. If you plan on doing a fair amount of cutting, don't get the cheapest saw you can find. Plan on spending about $300 and up for a decent saw. Craftsman are the same thing as Poulan. Which BTW, Poulan, the smallest Husqvarna's, and Craftsman are all made by the same company....
thehorse13
Well-known member
I was recently faced with your same issue only my neighbor also was in the market for a new saw.
The Walmart brands such at Poulan are appealing for all the reasons stated. My neighbor went with one and I could not believe how horrible that saw performed. Next, he went to Sears and bought a Craftsman saw. That thing was just as bad as the Poulan in that it cut poorly, barely ran, leaked gas, locked up, stalled, etc.
I had to ask my neighbor if he mixed the gas properly and a list of other questions but he did do everything properly. I had all the real life information required to make my choice.
I went with a Husky 450 and for medium use around my property, this thing never fails. In my opinion, it's better to pay more once than pay way more several times.
The Walmart brands such at Poulan are appealing for all the reasons stated. My neighbor went with one and I could not believe how horrible that saw performed. Next, he went to Sears and bought a Craftsman saw. That thing was just as bad as the Poulan in that it cut poorly, barely ran, leaked gas, locked up, stalled, etc.
I had to ask my neighbor if he mixed the gas properly and a list of other questions but he did do everything properly. I had all the real life information required to make my choice.
I went with a Husky 450 and for medium use around my property, this thing never fails. In my opinion, it's better to pay more once than pay way more several times.
bczygan
Well-known member
I have one my wife bought for me. It worked for a time, But you had to let it cool off for a while after you stopped it, for it to start again.
I was in Lowes yesterday, and saw a lady going to the checkout with one.
I almost stopped her and warned her not to get it.
Feel bad that I didn't.
I was in Lowes yesterday, and saw a lady going to the checkout with one.
I almost stopped her and warned her not to get it.
Feel bad that I didn't.
bsaint
Well-known member
I bought a Homelite. I mean how much do I really need it? That's what you have to ask yourself.
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
The 42 cc Poulan or equivalent can easily handle cutting down a 16" dia tree in hardwood or even 18" no problems. That is about the practical limit though. The 50 cc Husqy or Poulan Rancher type of course is a much better saw, but more cost too. I used my 42 cc Poulan for MILLING hardwood last year up to 12" dia 8' long slabs! Muffler modded and appropriate changes to it, and it screams. More capable than you may think. I view it as about an ideal limbing saw for the value of it, but with mods needed (see posts up much earlier in the thread for those.) After they run an hour hard, they like an hour rest before restarting. But so do I! Key is to do things to help them avoid getting hot in the first place. Also, I would leave the safety skip chain on them and not try to put a pro chain on them. They have speed fine but torque has limits with the 42 cc Poulan. The Safety Chains work great with them, and that is recommended for non-pro homeowner chainsaw users anyway, unless they have cut down at least 20 trees to graduate to a pro-chain. The 50 cc, no problems running a pro-chain there.
- Paul
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this has turned into a great discussion about chainsaws
for those with experience with the 42cc Poulan and talking about some of the mods, do you happen to have a part number for the colder plug you recommend putting into it?
for those with experience with the 42cc Poulan and talking about some of the mods, do you happen to have a part number for the colder plug you recommend putting into it?
I cut up a tree that the excavator pushed over for me when they did the excavation for my home a few days ago, and while I was doing it I was thinking about that Poulan wild thing I bought by mistake and thanking myself for buying a different saw. I saved myself so much time and hassle kicking that horrible saw to the curb. Maybe some Poulan's are fine, but that thing is trash. I can't say enough bad about it.
stihlntime
Well-known member
Poulans of today are made of the lowest quality components possible. Basically made for the homeowner cleaning up a few limbs. I hate it they are brought into the shop to be worked on. Other than fuel line replacement or carb rebuilt won't touch them. Aluminum non plated bore usually one chrome ring. Eight out of ten are brought in with scored cylinders. Oilier mechanism is a joke. Eave your money buy a Stihl, Echo, or Husky stay away from the 100 series huskies they are just orange Poulans. Stihl by far has the best warranty support , the majority are made in the USA with the remainder made in Germany. Echo makes a very good saw but warranty support just ***** its hard to get anything approved or paid for by Echo. Echo uses Japanese made cylinders pistons and are assembled with USA made plastic covers in Illinois. Huskies are a mixed bag their XP pro saws are great saws made in Sweden with good warranty support. Day in day out Stihl sells more than anyone due to dealer support and warranty support after the sale. Stihl has over 70 acres under roof in Virginia Beach VA and is committed to expanding even more manufacturing in the USA. Quality audits show American workers can exceed their German counterparts in quality. Personally I would never own a Poulans unless it was a old pre husky model that was made in LA.
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Sthilin: For a pro user with lots of money, the above is not bad advice. But for homeowners on a budget, I couldn't disagree more. If you have $100, you can cut trees down or up fine with a Poulan but you can't buy a Stihl of any size for that or a Husqy or even an Echo. If you want to go up to 36, 42, or 50 cc range, you can't buy a Stihl or Husqy for less than 50% more than the same size Echo with a 5 year warranty to it, much more than the Stihl or Husqy offers. If value is any concern at all, your advice is not so good. All those scored pistons sounds pretty fishy to me. Did they not use 2 cycle oil mixed with the gas? Can't use straight gas. People have run the Poulons for a good 400 hours over 20 years without these problems. They are certainly not pro class saws, but they are not junk either, and are actually made by and same as your low end Husqies. - Paul
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pauls_workshop
Well-known member
I can't remember the plug number for it but you want to put in a "6" and not the "7" they come with. I'll look up the exact model when I get a chance. JP-6 something like that. Now the 7 might be OK in the winter, but for spring/summer/fall use, the 6 is much much better for the 42 cc Poulan. - Paul
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reader2580
Well-known member
I had a Poulan chainsaw that I think I got at Home Depot. My dad and I shared it. He was using it and it died one day. He took it to a repair shop and they said the engine was toast. It didn't get used all that much. I really can't recommend one after that.
I now own an Echo I bought at a local hardware store for $200. It is working fine so far.
I now own an Echo I bought at a local hardware store for $200. It is working fine so far.
stihlntime
Well-known member
That five year warranty on an Echo is a joke. I work in a shop that sells Stihl Echo and Shindawia and a authorized Poulan repair center. Certified on all the above. If you get down to the fine print in Echo's warranty five years is a scam. Not going into a 1000 word breakdown but get your warranty out and read the fine print. The only Echo that is a value is a 590 which is targeted at the Stihl 291 and Husky 455 the remainder are equitable. Try to get warranty work done on a Echo it is a marathon event to get anything covered by Echo. You better be running less than 10 percent ethanol fuel or warranty is void. Echo corporate looks for anyway possible to wiggle out of warranty slooow to reimburse dealer. Echo does not support the dealer anymore you can buy then off the internet as cheap or cheaper than we can buy them direct from Echo. They are beginning to cater to the box stores as husky has.As for scored cylinders you have the Poulans set extremely lean from the factory combined with no one to educate the customer on the importance of no ethanol fuel plus they use the cheapest two stroke oil on the market. It equates to saw failure. Peoplecare so much better off buying a 179.99 Stihl 170 to clean up their yards with. Yes the 100 series Huskies are the same junk as the Poulans. You need to see the made in Sweden label to be getting a real Husquvarna. Husquvarna has taken the Poulan brand which once was a good American brand and ruined it with box store junk. Echo is taking what wasca premier brand and has started cutting corners to hit box store pricing.They have started down the slippery slope. Look at the air filtration on the 590 as compared to the old 520 not nearvas good as set up.We have already seen inlet screens in the carbs full of sawdust. We will sell over 500 saws a year and we have been a echo dealer 30 years used to be about 50 50 Stihl Echo now it is 90 Stihl 10 Echo the only reason we keep Echo is for their curved shaft trimmers the 225i being about the best curved shaft on the market. When we ask why you could buy Echo's off the net cheaper than through our distributor the lame excuse that was given was they had to be stolen goods from Home Depot or farm supply stores. It's hard to support a brand that you've supported for thirty years that's put its emphasis on box stores and net sales. You get what you pay for want a saw for a years longevity buy a Poulan. Want one that will be around twenty buy a Echo Stihl or real Swedish made Husky its really that simple.
I bought one after hurricane Ike blew through 7 years ago. Spent weeks clearing trees with it, and now it gets used a handful of times per year. I haven't had any issues with it. I always run fresh gas mixed correctly with stihl oil. Drain when done and let the pressure out of the bar oil reservoir. It does take 4 or 5 pulls to get started when cold but after its warm it a single pull.
No complaints here
No complaints here
devoncoolman
Well-known member
Poulan saws **** balls. Ive seen tons of them burn up prematurely and just fail. Ill stick with my stihl ms390. Been a great saw with tons of power. Ive had good luck with real husqavarna's and stihls. Never was an echo fan.
You do realize you are trying to compare a $600+ high end professional saw to a sub $200 low end homeowner saw. No **** its better, it damn well better be at 3 times the price. If you want an apples to apples comparison someone needs to chime in with MS170
OP it all comes down to what you plan to do with it, personally I dont cut much wood. My 20" poulan has served me well for my uses around the suburban house. I do the proper maintenance on it and that is it. If I lived in a more rural area or was doing it professionally I would absolutely buy a better saw.
I do spend a lot of time cutting my grass trimming and blowing. I bought stihl trimmer and blower because the additional money was worth it to me.
It's pretty telling that CL and Ebay are both chock full of used Poulan chainsaws for sale. I've yet to see one priced low enough to take the gamble.
I'll continue looking until a good 16" or 18" Stihl, Echo, or Mac shows up.
Heck my dad's old Homelite saw is still running strong after 30 years, but it got put into hands of my brother who won't give it up.
I'll continue looking until a good 16" or 18" Stihl, Echo, or Mac shows up.
Heck my dad's old Homelite saw is still running strong after 30 years, but it got put into hands of my brother who won't give it up.
scumbagstriker666
New member
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- Jun 17, 2023
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Biggest pile of **** saw I've ever been forced to use brand new out of the box worked for about 15 minutes don't waste your time still is the only way to go I've had a few echoes at work pretty well but it's still always works
Walkers
Well-known member
First post out of the gate and you dug up a nearly decade old thread!
As far as the saw, mine has several hundred hours on it. Change the chain tension cover to the one with nuts, and change the carb ($15) every 5 years or so and they seem to work fine.
rockettauto
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- May 12, 2023
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No....just look, even the posts here defending them tell you about having to baby and tune and learn quirks. So at an optimistic level you could play to spend as much time getting one to run as actually using it.
Personally I've had better luck with literally anything else...even no name Chinese ebay stuff.
Personally I've had better luck with literally anything else...even no name Chinese ebay stuff.
Miss the Pontiacs
Well-known member
If they are anything like their lawn mowers. I wouldn’t buy one!
I have a 4218, I bought it refurbished for $55. Does it have as much power as my Sithl MS250???? No, but it's been a great saw.
All the modern ones are baby husky saws. They meant for light duty work, though they will happily do more.
All the modern ones are baby husky saws. They meant for light duty work, though they will happily do more.
seber
Well-known member
I have two paulins in the giveaway section. One was used long enough to show some dirt. The other was used once by a neighbor. Both are dead. Not worth the trouble to even find out why. I know for sure the carburetors are junk.