If half of your cutting jobs require a powerful engine, you’ve probably already heard about Poulan Pro chainsaws. Although this manufacturer is famous for reasonable price tags and high consumer ratings, are these tools durable enough or duds that fail after several uses?
In this post, I conducted a hands-on Poulan Pro PR5020 review and compared this gas-powered chainsaw with other tools of the same caliber.
What We Like
- It has an effortless pull-starting system
- Suitable for cutting firewood and fallen trees
- Packed with safety features to prevent accidents
- Less fuel consumption and emissions
- Easy-to-access features and ergonomic design
- More powerful than most saws of the same size
What We Don't Like
- Too heavy for a new chainsaw user
- More expensive than other gas-powered saws
Design
Unlike old models of Poulan saws, PR5020’s tool body is very impact resistant. With most of its manufactured parts made from ABS plastic, you can count on this powerful chainsaw to last a long time despite daily usage.
Even for the bigger stuff like the bar and chain, they feature durable housing to maintain the protection within the gas-powered saw. Operators also have easy access to the Scrench tool replacement, eliminating the hassle of reaching down every time.
Since Poulan Pro PR5020 belongs under massive gas-powered chainsaws, it’s only natural that it features a hardwearing engine made of chromium-plated cylinders. With this design, the chainsaw will have no trouble handling tough jobs like cutting thick logs.
Maintenance also comes easy for this gas-powered chainsaw, specifically because of its tool-free service access. Thanks to this feature, you can expect hassle-free changing of air filters and spark plugs.
- JET Tools
- Acme
Poulan Pro PR5020 Features
Overview of Specs
- Chainsaw Type: Gas-powered Saw
- Bar Length: 20 inches
- Weight: 15.5 lbs
- Starting system: Minimal-effort, easy startups
- Chain: Auto bar and chain oiler
- Engine power: 2.8 HP, 51 cm³ (Cylinder Displacement)
- Vibration levels: Low
- Noise levels: 102 dB
- Warranty: 2 years (for covered parts) & 3 years (extended policy)
Starting System
Most budget gas chainsaws sold in today’s market tend to have problems revving the engine with one pull. Typically, it’ll take several tries before the chainsaw motor kicks off. Fortunately, Poulan Pro PR5020 has an advanced EPS system.
This feature makes it easier for the unit to start up with minimal effort. When compared side-by-side with other brand options, it’s evident that Poulan Pro PR5020 includes a high-quality cord interface.
Each pull exhibits no resistance from the cord. And with a few more tugs, the good saw eventually has its power and fuel making its engine operate.
It may not be an electric chainsaw, but the Poulan Pro PR5020 can kickstart in two to three tries. Even in colder temperatures, this unit will stick to its efficiency and not take more than five pulls to get its engine going.
And since it works with a fuel primer, the carburetor can draw gasoline easier and initiate a smoother engine startup.
Engine Power and Displacement
Poulan Pro chainsaws include OxyPower-patented engines, so it consumes 20% less fuel and produces 70% fewer emissions than saw selections from other brands. These combined functions make the unit an eco-friendly alternative to some of the best electric chainsaws.
Although these power tools have lower fuel consumption, it doesn’t mean they can’t withstand thicker materials, especially when a chainsaw has a 50cc engine displacement. The larger the motor size, the smoother the chain will operate.
On top of that, higher displacement specifications also make the chainsaw more powerful, allowing it to withstand more massive bar and chain attachments.
Bar and Chain
As you already read from the details, this Poulan Pro chainsaw is not a small cutting tool. Since it has a powerful motor and high displacement, attaching a 20-inch bar and chain won’t be a problem.
With a bar this long, the saw can easily cut through 18-inch wood logs. While it’s compatible with chain options from other brand names, buying components from Poulan is good for avoiding mishaps and accidents.
Choke Control
One of the benefits of having a choke control feature in your chainsaw is it lessens the need for multiple cord pulls. And with this feature, your Poulan Pro chainsaw can rev up even amidst colder conditions.
Brake Handle
When operating a powerful tool like Poulan Pro PR5020, it’s always a matter of safety [1] and efficiency.
Thankfully, this chainsaw comes with an instant brake handle. You can pull it to stop the saw from operating if you sense it’s not within your control. Even if the chain jammed as it hit the wood, it’d turn the motor off within the millisecond.
Oiler
Another feature that makes this chainsaw more convenient is the automatic oiler system. Besides smoother cutting operations, it prevents unprecedented accidents caused by sudden binding and overheating.
The consistent oiling process also eliminates the need to halt the chainsaw operations to refuel. Thanks to this, you can be more productive during extended usage.
Cutting Performance
Poulan Pro is a brand under Husqvarna, so you shouldn’t be surprised if its chainsaw parts perform better than models within the same price in today’s market.
Since the saw has a well-built design and stable construction, it can maintain a medium-scale property and handle demanding logging jobs. This Poulan Pro chainsaw also showcases an anti-vibration system, providing more accurate results.
Ease of Use
Not every chainsaw has a reliable choke control, so it’s an edge you can’t take away from PR5020. It makes the startup less frustrating, which is typically rare for gas-powered models.
It’s not as light as other budget-friendly options, but its weight and power ratio are more than enough to carry a consistent operation. Its durability also eliminates the risk of potential damage and breaking down.
Price and Extended Warranty
Unlike other gas models, PR5020 does not cost a ton of money. During this chainsaw review, we’re taken aback that this versatile and heavy chainsaw belongs to the lower price range.
Upon purchase, all chainsaw parts fall under a two-year product warranty. You can avail of its extended policy if you also bought pre-mixed fuel and oil from Poulan.
For this warranty, remember that it only covers chainsaw defects and not the flaws caused by regular wear and tear. It also doesn’t include protection for commercially utilized products.
Maintenance
Whether you intend to use this saw in a small garden or a large-scale property, the matter of regular maintenance services is what will make it last longer. In the case of this model, the carburetor doesn’t gather dust particles because it requires a few pulls.
Thanks to this, this chainsaw does not need the same maintenance frequency as usual gasoline-powered alternatives.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Every chainsaw review referencing Poulan Pro PR5020 includes different opinions and firsthand experiences. If you search online, you’ll see that most positive feedback about this model comes from professional users rather than casual and newbie operators.
Overall, the consumer reviews look at its smooth performance and easy startup quite positively. Meanwhile, some complaints indicate that its construction isn’t up to par with the displacement and capacity this chainsaw can offer.
Poulan Pro PR5020 Alternatives
If you’re on the watch for a chainsaw within a similar price range, you can put Echo CS 271T on your list. Like the PR5020, it operates with a two-stroke motor engine and an easy start system.
However, it carries relatively shorter guide bars that may limit its capability to handle different tasks.
For lighter and more handy options, go for cordless models like Greenworks G-Max 12 or a smaller gasoline-powered alternative like Remington RM4216 Rebel.
More about Poulan chainsaws:
Review Conclusion: Poulan Pro PR5020
After several Poulan Pro PR5020 reviews and tests, the results show that this chainsaw can handle tasks within small to medium properties. Regular homeowners also don’t need to break the bank to get a tool as reliable as this.
Since it’s a powerful gas chainsaw, practice caution during usage. After all, this model isn’t as light as other options within its price range.
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