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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 58 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
55 of 56 found the following review helpful:
 Good Purchase Sep 22, 2008
By R. Hagan
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.
29 of 30 found the following review helpful:
Awesome for yard trimming and/or firewood Jun 12, 2007
By Scott A., Dyer
If you are looking for a chain shaw for around the yard and cutting firewood, this is the real deal. It's small, light, easy to use, and has plenty of power to cut down trees when necessary. I bought it to clear out about eight 30-foot trees to install a fence, and that was a snap. A lumberjack might consider it to be lightweight, but that was what I was looking for.
30 of 32 found the following review helpful:
Saw works as advertised; great value for the money Jan 05, 2007
By D. Miller
This chainsaw lives up to what I expected. Follow the priming instructions and it starts as advertised. I'm using it at an elevation of 8800 feet. With a sharp chain it cuts pretty well, but trying to rush the cut will bog down the engine. That's not surprising though as each 1000 foot of altitude decreases power by about 3%. I knew that going in and might have been better off with a larger engined saw, but the weight was a tradeoff. Main thing is I'm still happy with the saw after using it about every other weekend for three months clearing dead and downed trees on some mountain property. I should mention the anti-vibration mounting is quite good. There are some other Poulans (and other makes) that do not have this.
43 of 48 found the following review helpful:
 Good Finally Apr 20, 2009
By K. Ennis
I purchased the poulan pro 3516avx from Amazon.com. After it arrived I followed the instructions and tried to start it up. On the first pull the cord did not recoil! I called the "HELP" number on the saw and the told me to take it in for warranty service, although IT HAD NEVER BEEN STARTED! I called the support number directly at Poulan same answer NO SUPPORT! I called Amazon and they cheerfully shipped me a new saw IMMEDIATLY,(arrived in 3 days) and apoligized for the incovenience. Thank-you that was much better. New saw performs very well, No further problems, no thanks to Poulan.
24 of 25 found the following review helpful:
 motor runs good but junky saw Nov 01, 2009
By flag4
"woodworker/remodeler"
I have owned this saw 1 week and I am already buying a new bar. I think for light use this is a fine chain saw but I thought it would handle a few cords of wood for just one winter. On the upside the saw always starts easily and the motor runs well. On the downside, the bar is very wimpy and susceptible to heat/bending damage. Also, the hold down screw will not tighten sufficiently on my saw - I have to frequently re-tighten the chain to prevent it from falling off. Yes, chains will naturally loosen when they get warm but this saw is simply not holding the bar in place. The oiler seems to clog very easily so I have to keep a constant eye on that as well. I would return the saw if I had bought it locally but I don't think it is worth shipping back. I have talked to 3 people this week who own this saw and all have had chain and bar problems. Maybe the replacement bar from Oregon will be better quality than the original (or maybe not), but I am still stuck with a poor adjustment mechanism for chain tension. I was so close to buying a good saw (stihl farm boss or above) but I just needed a saw for this winter. Only slightly older Poulan saws are much better - I have used several of the older ones without any problems. I am really amazed that this saw has relatively good reviews. I have owned several chain saws over the past 30 years or so and this has been the most troublesome of the bunch by far.
See all 58 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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