Poulan Pro PP5020AV Chainsaw Review
Poulan is one of the world’s leading chainsaw manufacturer. This highly recognizable brand is also known for its innovation. Technologies such as OxyPower has literally revolutionized the chainsaw industry by setting a very high benchmark for other chainsaw manufacturers to follow. This time, we'll review the Poulan Pro PP5020AV which is a high-end gas powered chainsaw that is used by many semi-professionals and professionals. This Poulan chainsaw has long been our favorite model for reasons you will see below. If you are on the market for a high end and professional chainsaw, you absolutely must read further. Let’s start with our Poulan chainsaw review right now!
If you want to buy a chainsaw, here are some reviews that I recommend for you to read such as Husqvarna 455 Rancher, Worx WG303.1, Oregon CS1500, Husqvarna 450, Husqvarna 435, Husqvarna 240.
Poulan Pro PP5020AV Chainsaw Review
#1. Technical feature
Power
Power is actually what the PP5020AV from Poulan is known for. This is a monster chainsaw with a very beefy 2-stroke 50 cc motor. With this kind of power, the sky the limit. You will be able to cut any type of material like butter. It will not stall, choke or drop dead on you even when it hits the toughest node known to man. It will just cut right through it. When used on softwood or a medium-size tree, it will be a very smooth and comfortable experience as you will have to apply almost no force. Basically, the weight of the chainsaw will work to your advantage and do the cutting for you.
But Poulan has another trick up its sleeves. This motor contains the legendary OxyPower technology that has been fine-tuned to consume less fuel and deliver more performance. Additionally, despite being a gas powered chainsaw, this Poulan Pro chainsaw has fewer emissions compared to other similar gas powered chainsaws. It is cleaner, and more ECO friendly. Moreover, thanks to OxyPower, you should be able to cut more with less fuel greatly saving you on fuel cost over the long run. This is an absolute benefit especially if you use a chainsaw for a living.
Guide Bar/Handle
Another big feature of the Poulan Pro PP5020AV is its monster 20-inch guide bar. It is very long and will easily allow you to fell a large or medium-size tree in a matter of seconds. Yes, we said seconds because due to the sheer power of this chainsaw, it will cut right through very thick lumber quickly. Additionally, the chains on this model are automatically tensioned while you cut. This is a big timesaver and will allow you to be more productive when using this chainsaw.
Moreover, the handle is large and fits quite well in the hand. Poulan went ahead and coated this large top handle with a soft rubber material making it very comfortable to hold. Although we do not advise it, if you don't use protective gloves on the handle, it is a joy to touch as it is ultra-comfortable. In any case, the large and ergonomic handle of the PP5020AV will allow you to work for long periods without feeling hand fatigue. Further, you can operate this unit as it top handle or side handle since the sidebar is equally large for side cutting maneuverability.
#2. User friendly
Due to OxyPower technology, you need at the most 2 yanks to power on this chainsaw. It is highly efficient and comes very close to the powering up ease of an electric chainsaw due to the efficient pull starting system. One small caveat, and this is a recurring problem with all gas powered chainsaws, is that this model is a fair bit noisy. Of course, it is always recommended to use ear protection with this 20-inch chainsaw.
On the bright side, this model has an automatic oiling system that will lubricate the chain while you cut. Additionally, despite so much power, this unit has little to no vibrations while operational. The reason is quite simple. Poulan has separated the handle from the chain and motor pack. The handle “floats “around the motor pack, thus not receiving the vibrations generated by the latter. Very clever, and it simply works!
#3. Safety
Of course, as with any professional chainsaw, safety is a big issue. The chain bar in this model has low kickback, and if one should happen, both the front hand guard and the large handlebar will provide much required protection. Moreover, the front of this chainsaw has steel pikes to help guide debris below and away from the user. It also prevents the chain bar from swerving from side to side which can cause the chain to break or come loose. All in all, despite its sheer power, this Poulan Pro chainsaw generates almost no kickback and is very safe to use.
#4. Other features
- Air Filter: There is a redesign air filtering system in this model that guides dust and debris away from the air filters. What this does is help extend the life of both the air filters and the motor.
- Tool-less Access: If you need to change spark plugs or air filters in this model, you will not need tools to do so as it is completely tool-less. It can be done in a matter of seconds.
#5. Price
Despite being such a high-end chainsaw, with an ultra-powerful 50 cc motor with OxyPower, the price of the Poulan Pro PP5020AV is extremely competitive. It exchanges direct blow with the Husqvarna 450 which is similarly powered, but twice this Poulan. We are actually quite shocked that Poulan did not make this chainsaw a little bit more expensive because it is literally a beast when used to cut large pieces of lumber. We have absolutely no problem recommending this product based on its price alone. If you can afford it, get it right now!
#6. Expert reviews/test
YouTube user “Fueled Iowa” made an excellent review of this Poulan chainsaw. He starts by giving us his impressions on this chainsaw. He says that it is a consumer grade chainsaw and not exactly a professional model. He then goes on showing us and explaining the various features of this model. Finally, we have a hands-on demonstration to see how well this unit performs. According to the reviewer, chainsaws by Husqvarna have better filters than on this Poulan since he did have an oil leakage problem during the review. However, he still recommends this product and his judgment is that it is not a bad chainsaw, especially for the price.
#7. Pros/Cons
Pros
- Value for money. Exceptional price to performance ratio.
- Powerful 2-stroke 50 cc DuraLife motor. Will cut through anything with great ease.
- Automatic oiling system will lubricate the chain for you.
- Motor is equipped with OxyPower for fuel efficiency and low fumes and emission.
Cons
- The air filters and general air injection system is not as good as Husqvarna’s chainsaws.
- Quite noisy. You will need ear protection with this chainsaw.
Who Should Buy?
If you are short on cash and still need a powerful chainsaw, get this Poulan chainsaw. It is not the most powerful in the world, but it gets the job done fast and easy. Additionally, it is very hard to beat the competitive price of this model. Remember, to get a professional chainsaw that is much better than this model; you will have to spend at least twice the offered price of the Poulan Pro PP5020AV.
Last Updated on January 19, 2019 by Tom Bradly