35cc 2-cycle gas engine
16-inch Guide Bar
Automatic Chain Oiler
Patented Tool-less Chain Tensioning System
Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California

Poulan Pro, 16″ Gas Chain Saw, 2.1 CUIN, 35CC, 2-Cycle Engine, Heavy Duty Forged Crankshaft & Connection Rod, DuraLife Extended Life Engine, Anti-Vibration Handle, Automatic Chain Oiler, EPS Effortless Pull Starting System, Professional Style Chain Brake, Patented Tool-Free Chain Tensioning System, Super Clean Air Filtration System, Fully Assembled In Carton, 50-State/EPA Compliant.

Disclaimer: This is the 1st chainsaw I’ve ever purchased and used at any length. My first introduction to chainsaws was rocky, to say the least, so I was hesitant to even buy one. However, a recent move to 2 heavily wooded acres pretty much necessitated a chainsaw.

I’ve used this saw for about 5 months now and I’ve probably felled 20 trees. I’m still using the original bar but I have purchased 2 additional chains. Probably against all better judgment I haven’t sharpened any of my 3 chains to date and I still have one chain that hasn’t been used. My most recent use really showed that I need a sharper chain.

Anyway, to get to the performance, this chainsaw has been great. It seems to use lots of chain oil, but that’s to be expected I think. The gas use is within reason for sure because I’ve only used 1.5 gallons so far and that’s with regular use. The largest tree I’ve taken down by myself was probably 3 feet in diameter. The 16″ bar was obviously not long enough for such a monster tree but if you take it slow and cut from both sides it’s manageable.

Overall, my $136 purchase has been recouped many times over. The saw is light, easy to maneuver, and seems safe (as much as a chainsaw can be I guess). I haven’t had any close calls yet (knock on wood) and I feel comfortable using it. The brake mechanism seems forceful and the rotating chain comes to a complete stop measured in tenths of second. The kickback protection is a nice addition and while I haven’t seen it in use, thank goodness, the idea and function behind it seems like it would work a charm. Highly recommended. I’m sure that there are more professional and longer lasting options out there, but then again I don’t have any plans to use this saw more than is necessary. Once I get my lot in shape I plan to clean the saw back to as new condition and hold it in the shed for a long time to come. After taking down some large trees I’ve contemplated the idea that maybe an 18″ bar would have been more the sensible choice, but ultimately I always realize that the 16″ has been more than adequate and it seems like the shorter length makes it more of a joy to use, not to mention safer.

The Poulan chainsaws range have generally been around the mark when reviews are posted but toppling big names such as Stihl and Husqvarna from their perches is not an easy thing to do.

The plus for Poulan fans is they are actually owned by Husqvarna and it’s said they share technologies. On the downside though, this may have impacted the prominence of Poulan as a major player in the chainsaw market.

Poulan probably haven’t done themselves many favors when one scans the reviews on some of their chainsaws online. Yes, they produce excellent tools for the handyman and tradesman however, have they “dropped the ball a little” on some of the saws?

Some Reviews Too Harsh?

I tend to think some of the reviews are a little harsh. As we mentioned earlier, chainsaw brands have their band of loyal followers and it’s a little like motor cars; until your manufacturer produces something totally unreliable then it’s going to take a lot to get someone to switch brands.

The beauty about Poulan chainsaws is you are not “paying and arm and a leg” for them. That’s probably not a good description to make given what a chainsaw can do but the truth is, they are hard to beat for value.

Value For Money Products

In a society where more and more new chainsaw owners are being born daily with the homeowner boom, Poulan have come to the party with machines designed to suit novice users looking for a lightweight design chainsaw which packs plenty of power.

A homeowner, unlike a pro or semi pro won’t be using their machine on a regular basis so spending a fortune on a chainsaw doesn’t make sense.

Spending between $100-$200 for a chainsaw which can handle lightweight to medium tasks is good shopping in anyone’s language. The only question then is whether one can get satisfactory back-up support when needed. This is always a major issue when buying chainsaws and is drummed home regularly to first-time users.