I just wanted to say my new Poulan Pro 5020 performed flawlessly! I know it was just small apple trees, biggest stuff was 12-14" trunk sections, but it seems like the power is really good.
I have a whole pile of 4218's and 5020's...and about $300 in the whole pile...they have cut a PILE of wood for me...never owned anything else until a couple years ago...built a Farmertec "stihl" 660 and bought a cheap MS290 Farmboss since then too...
My contact at Tractor Supply called me to advise they had this PoulanPro 5020 that was returned because it was too heavy. Used one day. We think they probably needed it to cut up a downed tree and then took advantage of their generous return policy! Normal price $199 and on sale at $179, he discounted it to me for $99. I couldn't afford not to take advantage of the deal. Full warranty included of course. I'm sure it will handle anything I might want to cut with it.
I have two of them. One has a hesitation that I cannot resolve, probably just needs a new carb. It just will not come off of idle cleanly to max RPM. Give it a few seconds, and it will get there. They are easy starting, and with a sharp chain, they cut fine. A little heavy for the size I think, but not drastic. Anyhow, for that price, it will serve you well. Last I looked, they could be had "reconditioned" on ebay for $129 or so, I would not pay more than that (though I did for my first one). They are surprisingly good saws for the price, but for $199 I would start looking at others. Since I got the 55cc Jonsered, the Poulan has been mostly sitting.
3 things to try 1. Run Startron in your fuel for a while...that will often clean it out. 2. Try adjusting the carb then 3. Replace the fuel line in the tank...they will crack and suck air...causes throttle hesitation while the crack is still small...
I have never heard of Startron, will look it up. So far adjusting the carb and replacing the line have not helped.
I have a strange Poulan 5020 problem! I bought two of them, and one developed a recoil problem at about a year, wouldn't rewind! I took the recoil assembly off, and it worked fine. Lubed anywhere that might rub, and it worked a couple of pulls, then no-go! Contacted Tractor Supply, and the Manager swapped it for a new one! Wow! Then, the other one has developed the same symptoms. Seems that the recoil cover doesn't have enough tolerance, so II even made washed to go on the screws that attach the cover. Still no go. Poulan says they never heard of it. Not fair to take it back to Tractor Supply at two years old. Ideas? I wonder if the plastic recoil cover shrinks with time, and binds. Next idea is to leave the cover off, and start it with a cordless drill!
My 5020 has seen some rather severe duty on occasion. It also gets used on plenty of easy stuff. I did feel like it needed ri chened up a bit initially. Minor adjustments. It's treated me fair and owes me zero. I do pull the recoil, clutch and carb covers almost every use to blow out the residue. It really gets full otherwise.
Just picked up a 3614 as a CL Curb Alert the other day. Was able to get it to run ok with just tuning, but just ok. I’ve never had a Poulan so considered it par that course. Dig into it further yesterday with the intent to replace the fuel line. Found that the fuel line was disintegrating in the tank and that was clogging the carb metering valve filter. Cleaned the carb and now it is a mean little saw. Strong in the cut.
