Poulan Pro Chainsaw Defect - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

tinner666 · 09-30-2008, 06:46 PM

I had a learning experience last week.
I was using a Poulan Pro 20" chainsaw. As I was cutting the tops out of downed trees, I made 2 cuts, and was contemplating where to and how to set myself for the next cut. I was firmly on the ground and the saw was steady in my hands. I blipped it a few times and as I watched it, the bar, independantly of the handles, dropped an inch or 2" and into my leg.

Luckily, the bone kept it from cutting too deeply.

Further inspection revealed that a screw had come out of the vibration damper and allowed the 2 halves of the saw to move independantly.

It was bad enough I couldn't patch the leg myself and had to go get it stitched together.

The excavator driver said it was common with Poulans. I'm probably switching to Stihl. First I'd ever heard of this issue.

( maybe it shouldn't have been in striking distance of my leg, but it sure shouldn't have done what it did all by itself!)

rombo · 09-30-2008, 06:50 PM

Thats sucks, I would never go any other saw than a sthil

. I have a summer saw, a winter saw and ice saw and alove them all

neolitic · 09-30-2008, 07:11 PM

Sorry to hear that Frank.
Hope you heal fast.

My first saw was a Polan/Sears
and fortunately it destroyed
itself before it got me.

MALCO.New.York · 09-30-2008, 07:18 PM

No such thing as a Pro Poulan.

Poulan is consumer shmaltz.

**joasis** · 09-30-2008, 07:21 PM

When I finally broke down and bought a Stihl, I never knew how great a chainsaw could be. I would absolutely hate to run it into my leg....might be a good idea to get some chaps, the ones that foul the chain before it gets into your legs.

john5mt · 09-30-2008, 07:49 PM

yup once you buy a stihl you will refuse to use any of the other brands

threaderman · 09-30-2008, 08:12 PM

Sorry to hear about your leg,hope you heal quickly,
that's really a bummer.
I bought a 18" Husqvarna 3 or 4 months back,it's pretty smooth.
Has anyone had problems with them.I usually have to adjust the chain before each use but I figure that is normal.

22rifle · 09-30-2008, 08:24 PM

Stihl? Yeah. But there is a ton of options between the quality of a Stihl and the pure crap of a Poulan. Doesn't take much to improve over a Poulan. In fact, I am not aware of any name brand saw that is crappier.

MALCO.New.York · 10-02-2008, 01:11 AM

I just purchased a Husqvarna from Blowes because my local Arborist Supply only had a $1200.00 Stihl in stock. A bit more than I needed.

I am ABSOLUTELY impressed and overjoyed with this $400.00 saw!!!

hughjazz · 10-02-2008, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MALCO.New.York

I just purchased a Husqvarna from Blowes because my local Arborist Supply only had a $1200.00 Stihl in stock. A bit more than I needed.

I am ABSOLUTELY impressed and overjoyed with this $400.00 saw!!!

Back in the old days as an arborist I used stihl and husky saws.

both are very good quality.

rombo · 10-02-2008, 08:15 PM

the huskys are good but i have been hearing they are getting more and more expensive to fix

MALCO.New.York · 10-02-2008, 10:20 PM

I have always knows that the Huskys were a good saw.(Hell!!! I used to ride the damn things!!!). I just did not think that I could get a quality version from Blowes!