On Mar 31, 12:14*pm, Robert Neville wrote:
cj wrote:
http://www.amazon.com/Poulan-PP5020A...arrying/dp/B00...

The price is right but I am concerned about the quality.
Reviews seem positive but I figured I check with this newsgroup for
opinions. After years of fighting with Homelite chainsaws (trying to
start )its time for a different make.

I have a similar model from Mccullough - 50cc, 20in bar, 78 link chain. Bought a
few years ago for a similar price. Just a few coments - think about the bar size
and the motor size.

20" is great if you plan to take down some serious old growth but is way
overkill for most homeowners. I bought it because I had a willow with a
substantial trunk blow over. There are a few drawbacks - you won't find a lot of
20" chain availble at the big box stores, so a quick dash after breaking one may
not be in the cards.

A 50cc engine is OK, but does get heavy after a while, especially doing side
cuts, which leads to the chain jumping the bar, which leads to *the bar getting
messed up or the chain tab bent.

I don't think the perfect starting 2 cycle exists. They all do great at first
but eventually take some effort after a few seasons - even if they are drained
and cleaned. The trick I use when the engine is cold is to prime the engine, set
the choke and then pull with the throttle full open. The lever that holds the
throttle open doesn't hold it open enough.

Most consumer stuff is built in China these days, no matter what the brand.
That's not a knock on China - they build to a price point they are given, but
brand loyalty is meaningless on the low end.

All the major saw brands, Stihl, Husky, Echo, etc. build both
consumer and professional grade saws. Poulan, Homie, etc are consumer
only and very cheaply made at that.

I have 3 stihls, 2 consumer grade, 1 pro. Oldest one is some 15 years
old and still starts just like it did new, as do the other 2.

Major thing with two cycle equipment is to never put them away for any
lenght of time (say over 2 weeks) without draining the fuel and then
running them dry.

Harry K