Ratings & Reviews for Poulan Pro 42-cc 2-cycle 18-in Gas Chainsaw

Performed Exactly as reviews

This saw performed just as stated in several reviews. This saw was hard to start, lots of pulls and would not remain running at idle. I used the same treated gas as used in other small engine yard tools. I even mixed some fresh gas, it made no difference. Tried to cut some small branches the few moments it was running while having to keep the throttle squeezed to keep it running, and the chain came off. I had checked the chain tightness before even operating. The best part of this purchase was t...

Hard starting

The only problem I have is that after even a short stop, the saw is very hard to start again. It seems you have to re-prime it, then pull and pull before it starts. I have read the manual and followed instruction exactly, but still have to pull and pull. Other than this it performs very well.

sorry i ever bought it

Bought this saw last may I used it twice it ran ok not great but got the job done. I got the saw out today to use it and now the saw wont stay running what a piece of junk ! so you get what you pay for and its not even worth that so don't waste your money or time on this saw

Mid-range chainsaw

I bought a Poulan 42cc 18" gas chainsaw last weekend. I got it home and immediately had to take it back because it would not start. A gentleman at the Lowe's where I shop not only took it back and exchanged it for another of the same but comp'd me a can of the pre-mixed fuel/oil mixture. The 2nd saw started right up and did fine until the chain started slipping and no level of adjustment would stop it from coming off the bar. It's been raining here for about a solid week so I've not had any furt...

do not purchase

Straight out of the box the saw would not run. After 30+ minutes of pulling It started but would not go above an idle even after idling for over 15 minutes. Do not waste your money just purchase a stihl

very low quality

Saw will not idle it runs about half speed and the chain jumps off for no apparent reason. Totally not satisfied.

New Chain saw, Yes Just not the newest model

As with anything you buy from a big store like Lowes, Check the actual item before you walk out. The display was of the new model with a new easy to adjust chain which did not require a wrench. When I got home the one in the box was the old model with a wrench and two chain bar bolts. I live 15 minutes from the store and needed to get to work on some trees so I decided to keep it. I figure the new system would probably have some bugs to work out so keep the old model. Once the chain was broken i...

Do not buy.

Bought this chain saw a week ago. Worked ok cutting a few branches. When the to use it today and would not stay running. Took it back and bought a different brand.

Good for the money

First, I want to say that ALL chains will need periodic tensioning!! New chains will need tensioning after only a couple cuts. As the chain and bar wears in, the need to readjust tension will become less frequent, but you MUST keep check of tension. The built-in tensioning tool on this saw is nice to have so you don't need to drag any extra tools with you to accidentally leave in the woods.... If the chain comes off the bar, check the chain AND bar carefully for damage. The bar does have a bit ...

Poorly Designed and Undependable

It's a shame this chainsaw is really a piece of junk, because when you can actually get it to run, it is wonderful. But, therein is the problem. 1. It can't be started with two hands. You need 3 hands, or two hands and your foot. 2. It won't start when it is hot unless you bypass the stupid starting mechanism, and manaully squeeze the trigger while starting it. 3. If you are wearing boots, you can't get your foot under the handle to hold the saw while you start it. So, it takes two people to sta...

What does "Pro" mean to Paulan?

I purchased years ago a 22 inch Paulan chain saw. For not using it much personally, although a couple of friends used it also, i never liked it, it was loaded with problems, like stalling frequently, hard to start and what not. It still lays in my garage in a box waiting for someday replace broken parts, and may be donate it to Goodwill as have no patience to use it due to it's lack of reliability. Dont call me stupid for buying another Poulan recently, as i was misguided by the word "Pro" on th...

Dangerous, chain fell off - twice. DO NOT BUY.

I knew this wasn't a real quality item when I purchased it. I've owned this brand before, but I only use a chain saw once or twice a year. I bought it and brought it home. I cut down about 6 or 7 small hard wood trees, only to have the chain derail on the last tree. No problem I thought. I replaced the chain, checked the tension and went back to work. About another 6 trees later, it fell off again while I was using it. It went back into the box and was returned to the store the following day. I'...

One of the worst purchases I have made.

The saw cranked & ran fairly well initially.; but would not idle--it died at idle. I learned to not let it idle; now it just dies after about 10 minutes use.

Good 18" Chainsaw, but...

The chainsaw ran fine for a while, but after about 1 hr (not continuous use!) it would stall for no reason, despite it being filled with gas. Also found it worked best cutting up vertically, but when you turned it 90 degrees ( to cut a tree down, or to trim the stump, it wouldn't stay running.

good value for cost

easy starting, great power, easy to pull start, would buy again, nice saw

Good investment

This is the first chainsaw I have purchased. I have used it to cut down and cut up a tree for firewood. It started every time, it cuts good. I feel its a great saw at a great price.

good for the price.

Ran like a champ. Completely chopped down 3 huge trees with one chain. The chain did come off 3 times and it did give a fit on restarts but it is completely w hat I expected for the price. I would buy it again.