Poulan Pro 400E 18-Inch 4 HP Electric Chain Saw
by Poulan
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List Price: Category: Lawn & Patio See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Poulan Pro 400E 18-Inch 4 HP Electric Chain Saw
Customer Review: Great electric chain saw.
Summary: 5 Stars
I worked professionally with gas chain saws of various sizes for two years once. The crew I was part of used chain saws manufactured by Stihl and Husqvarna. I liked both though I preferred the Husqvarna because I found it more user-friendly. When I needed a new electric chain saw for use around the yard to replace a Remington electric, I was pleased to learn that Poulan is a brand of the Husqvarna Group.
Gas chain saws are great for those who need to use a chain saw often enough to warrant the work required to keep a gas chain saw in good working order. For homeowners who need a chain saw for occasional use around the yard, electric chain saws are a godsend.
The Remington I owned was cheap in cost and quality, but it nevertheless lasted nearly 10 years and served me well over that time. I wore it out by pushing it to its limit.
A recent ice storm knocked down a couple of large trees on my property and a lot of branches, and when the Remington started to fall apart to the point that I determined it was no longer safe to use and not worth the cost of repair, I immediately checked Amazon for a replacement. The many positive reviews for the Poulan Pro 400E here on Amazon as well as elsewhere on the web, plus the fact that Poulan is a brand of the Husqvarna Group, made for an easy decision, and I got the saw delivered two days after ordering it (I use Amazon Prime).
The Remington was a 16 inch and the Poulan is an 18 inch, and there is no comparison in the build quality. The Poulan is obviously built to withstand rugged use (though not rugged professional use, i.e., I imagine that using it for many hours a day, day after day, would shorten its life considerably). The Remington had plastic parts that eventually broke apart, and was simply not made for rugged use. Also, the Remington required the user to continually press the cap of the oil container on the saw in order to keep the saw lubricated during use. The Poulan is an automatic oiler, and unlike the Remington, you can see the oil level on the Poulan through the translucent oil tank window.
Using it is not unlike using a gas chain saw, though it is definitely less powerful. But again, because I don't need to use a chain saw regularly, week after week and month after month, it is simply not worth it to me to have a gas chain saw given the maintenance that gas chain saws require. The electric Poulan is powerful enough. It is also much louder than the Remington (which had a 2.25 HP motor compared to the Poulan's 4.0 HP), and so wearing some kind of hearing protection when using it is a good idea.
It is very convenient to have a saw that I can make one or more cuts with and then set down with it off - it goes off as soon as you take your finger off the trigger switch. I've used it with two fat (I've owned them for years and don't know the gauge) orange colored 50 feet long extension cords linked together without any noticeable loss of power.
Adjusting the chain tension is easy with the Poulan's adjusting screw and the included tool, which is a combination screwdriver for turning the chain tension adjusting screw and a socket for loosening and tightening the bar clamp nuts.
As other reviewers have noted, the flexible plastic chain and bar sleeve that comes with the saw is quite flimsy, but given all the positives about the 400E that's a trivial negative.
Update written on 6/20/09: After working this saw very hard (and I felt I got my money's worth of use out of it), I noticed that the oil level was staying constant. Figuring that the automatic oiling feature wasn't working as it should, I disassembled the saw to find the problem. I discovered that a tiny spring in the oil pump assembly had broken. I called the 800 number in the manual and I got some of the absolute best customer service I've ever gotten by phone anywhere. When the agent couldn't figure out exactly which part I needed based on my description, he emailed me a schematic diagram of the saw with all parts listed. I saw that the spring wasn't available separately so when I called back I requested (covered by warranty) the oil pump assembly. I also requested a ring retainer simply because I was concerned that the one the saw came with was getting stressed by my having to remove it and put it back on when repairing the saw. The agent told me that the oil pump assembly wasn't in stock and she couldn't say when it would be. That was three days ago and today a box showed up in my mailbox with both of the parts I requested. The first agent offered to have the warranty cover a local repair shop do the repair if I wanted, but I said that wasn't necessary, I could do it myself. Very impressive customer service, and I wasn't even asked to produce a receipt, just the date of purchase and a serial number. I hope the spring on the new oil pump assembly will last this time. I'll post another update if it doesn't or if anything else goes wrong.
Customer Review: WoW!
Summary: 5 Stars
My partner and I have a small property in Vermont, which includes a small cabin, 8 heavily wooded acres and a wood burning stove. We don't spend much time up there in the winter partially because of problem/expense of getting wood for the stove, etc. This year we were even less prepared than usual and because it was so cold by mid-December I had to order 1/2 cord at $100...meanwhile we have fallen trees and branches all over the place. Even though neither of us has ever used a chain saw, my partner is pretty handy with tools so I decided that one of her Xmas "gifts" would be a saw that could at least cut up some of the wood we have lying around and hopefully we would not have to buy anymore.... I was nervous because I had seen neighbors using the big gas-powered saws and they looked pretty scary. When I looked at those on line and saw that people had "also bought" various first-aid kits with the saws that was it for me! No saw! It didn't seem worth losing an arm or a leg over a few logs of wood! I hadn't really considered an electric saw because of the limitations of the cord, etc. However, once I started reading about the Poulan Pro 400E, I began to change my mind. No "kick-back:--that sounded good...starts right up, another plus and less problem storing it...then I realized that a lot of our wood could be dragged within a 100 ft so a good extension cord would probably be adequate for much of what we had to do in the short term. Then a reviewer mentioned using a generator to take it further afield and I was sold (even though that would be a hassle it made using it further from the cabin possible, even if it never became necessary).
This seemed like it would be a sensible "first saw." I was immediately surprised when we unpacked it since I somehow had begun to think of it as sort of "toy-like"--not a serious saw....well, it IS a serious saw. That said, neither of us had too much difficulty using it right from the start. And let me reiterate--neither of us has EVER picked up a chain saw in our lives, never mind actually cutting up some wood with it! We cut up a few dozen logs, gradually finding the best way to keep the log in place, stand comfortably and hold the saw safely. It really did cut through some fairly large 12" limbs/trunks "like buttah!"
Just to give this even more context, we are both in our 50's and I'm only 5'2"--and it only took as less than an hour to start getting the hang of it. We did read the manual carefully and made sure we understood how everything worked (I think they've improved the manual regarding some of the problems folks had a couple of yrs ago),
Bottom line: this is an excellent saw even for an inexperienced user. That doesn't mean it isn't a "serious" saw--it is and you need to be careful. But I didn't at all feel as though I were taking some foolish risk with life & limb. The saw is light (but not in the least flimsy) and being able to handle it gave both of us a reasonable feeling of confidence, which in turn made us able to use it more effectively. If it had been totally terrifying, I doubt we would have continued and just being nervous would have made an accident more likely.
Since it's new I have no idea how it will hold up--but in terms of ease of use and working effectively, this is a wonderful chain saw. I had been thinking of this is a just a "first step" in a progression towards a large gas saw--but this may be the one and only chain saw we ever need! I haven't had to deal with the chain not getting oiled properly or the thing not starting, or running out of gas, etc.--so I'm not sure I'm really appreciating how much easier this is in terms of just getting it--and keeping it--going. I can't speak for experienced chain saw users, but as total neophytes, we found this saw to be exactly what we needed...I'd recommend it to anyone who hasn't used one before but needs to clean up downed branches and small/med trees, as well as get in a couple of cords of wood for the winter....With the way the weather is becoming more extreme even as there are cuts to public services, we probably all need to start being able to take care of this stuff for ourselves....
Customer Review: Might be the best thing I've bought from Amazon (update 3/18/2010)
Summary: 5 Stars
UPDATE 3/18/2010:
Last week the winds hit 60 mph and another tree came down....a 60 foot pine. This saw did it's job, and at the risk ruining the chain, I'm going to try to get through the rootball. In my first review I said you don't need a gas chainsaw, and I meant it, however, when you have no power, a gas chainsaw is a Godsend! (At least, I think it would be). LOL. Even still, I am so happy with this purchase. This is such a great saw, my neighbors used it as well, and they love it, too. The only thing to keep in mind when you are cutting thick pieces of trunk is that you don't want the tree to collapse onto the blade and lock you up. This can happen if you get cocky (and it's easy to do with this saw, because it is soooo capable!).
Two weeks ago we had 50+ mph winds and as luck would have it, my neighbors tree fell into my driveway (and SUV). FYI this is MY responsibility, as it is an act of God. This is according to my insurance company. Had I informed my neighbor in writing that his trees were endangering my property, I am told it would have been his responsibility. I just mention this for anyone reading so they can start sending out letters. Anyway, as I said, as luck would have it, and I am a lucky guy, the tree just dented and scratched the SUV, but nobody was hurt. Since my neighbor offered to help clear the tree and was never heard from again I decided to order this chain saw and clear it out myself. Please note the base of the tree is a bit over 22 inches! I ordered this chain saw because it was the biggest I could find, and because I had heard good things about Poulan. I should note that a couple of years ago I used a friends 14 inch chain saw, and another FYI, take breaks every half an hour if you are not used to it, and make sure the chain is sharp, otherwise you could end up damaged the ligaments in your hand/arm. I wore a brace for 6 months. So, back to the review....Because of poor weather, getting home late, etc., I did not have a chance to dispatch the tree until tonight. I can honestly say it took me less than 45 minutes, working in the dark and by myself. This is one awesome chain saw. It is not as heavy as I thought it would be and very easy to handle. Make sure you add enough oil, but be careful as it is very easy to overfill, as I found out. Also be sure to tighten the chain, especially in the beginning as it becomes a bit slack and there is a very real danger that it can come off and really hurt you. This does draw a heck of a lot, so make sure you are using a very good extension cord (12 gauge), and probably not more than 50 feet. As far as kick back, I experience very little, and only when I knew it was comming. For example, when I was about to hit another branch, and even then it was nothing major. The kickback guard is probably not going to do all that much if it really comes back at you hard, but read the booklet, as it tells you how to avoid it. Do not try to use this on small twigs or branches, it will just whip them around. Always wear eye protection, and always pay attention to your stance and be sure the saw is directly in front of you, not on the side. Also, if you are cutting a thick trunk, as I did, it is better to have a friend in case you need to put a wedge in the cut (sometimes the tree can come back on itself and lock up the blade, and that could be VERY dangerous). Always keep it properly oiled and clean and you should be very happy with this. I prefer this over a gas powered chain saw for many reasons. It does not require gas. You don't need to play with a choke. You can turn it on and off easily and quickly. Honestly, you don't NEED a gas chain saw unless you are going to be doing a lot of serious cutting. This will do just about everything a gas chain saw can, unless you need the portability of gas. That is the only reason I can see getting a gas one over this. I am not happy with my purchase, I am thrilled! I can't imagine anyone not loving it.....just remember, read the booklet! and, be careful.
Customer Review: Nothing gets the job done like a Poulan Pro 400E!
Summary: 5 Stars
Hi. Allow me to introduce myself. I live in a remote village located in the rural outskirts of Spain. It's a nice little place, and me and my people have thrived there for countless generations.
Lately, however, an American agent of some sort has shown up. He seems to be looking for some missing girl judging from the picture he once showed us. Now, I'm not gonna lie, my people are aggressive. We're not infected monsters or anything like that, we're just aggressive. So, when the agent kept trying to break the language barrier and inform us of this missing girl, one of villagers kinda lashed out a little. I don't think that justifies a gunshot to the head.
So, the agent gave up on communicating with us and is now just killing on sight. I took refuge in my barn and thought desperately of a way to dispose of this American. A few minutes later and I had devised a genius plan. I opened my tool shed and got out my Poulan Pro 400E. Just holding it made me feel stronger! And then, almost without thinking, I emptied out a nearby sack of flour and placed it over my head. I don't know why I did this, but I realized how menacing I would look once I poked eye holes out of it.
There I was, with my Poulan Pro 400E, ready to bust some heads. Finding the American agent was easy, all I had to do was follow the sound of gunshots. I eventually found him capping my people outside the chief's home. I revved up my Poulan Pro 400E and began my pursuit. The second he heard this baby running he got a terrified look on his face. He quickly switched his handgun out in favor of a machine gun and pointed it my way. Ha! Those puny bullets merely tickled my body! It was as if I had became three times stronger just by holding my Poulan Pro 400E. The agent ran out of ammunition and switched back to his handgun. This time he took careful aim at my sack-covered face. I was amazed, the flour sack provided protection from the bullets, so much that they didn't even phase me.
As I approached ever nearer, the agent turned and headed upstairs. I can only assume he ran out of ammo and began searching for the many boxes of ammunition that we villagers like to randomly place. I followed his trail up the stairs and caught him with his back turned. This was it. I lunged as fast as I could towards him, and he turned around just a moment too late. He was now on the receiving end of my Poulan Pro 400E with a look of pure pain on his face. After seconds of futile resistance, his head was sawed off with a nice clean cut. It dropped and bounced on the floor, much like how his limp body did soon afterward.
That's my story. What it all boils down to is this; No matter the situation, a good Poulan Pro 400E can always help. It most certainly helped me!
Customer Review: Great chain saw at this price or any other price...
Summary: 5 Stars
I was in the market for a chainsaw. I chose an electric over a gas one simply because I did not feel like I would use it enough to warrant owning a gas powered one and its associated problem when left unused for long periods of time (gas varnishing, carb issues, etc).
I had my heart set on "The Big Cut" Ryobi 18" electric one from Home depot (Model #: RY43006). At the time, that was the most powerful electric one I knew about - 3.0 HP at 13amps.
All I needed was a chain saw to cut down some huge branches above my house and over my car canopy structure, but I wanted to get a good one since I only plan on going chain saw shopping once.
A few weeks ago, I got an amazon certificate from my work to use as I please. What great timing! I couldn't find the Ryobi 18" electric saw on Amzaon. I did find some other Ryobi model (16"? electric) which for some reason didn't appeal to me. Anyways, I ended up ordering the Poulan PRO 400E 18" after doing some research on the net. Consumer reports rated this saw #2 after the #1 rated Havasue (sp?) electric saw going for around $250... So I decided to go for the Poulan PRO 400E at 4.0 HP and never looked back.
Amazon quoted me a target date over a month after my initial order. I decided I'll wait, but they shipped it to me in two weeks. Not bad.
After buying some chain and bar oil and filling up the tank, I decided to cut in half a pallete which I used to hold an old engine so it would fit in a corner of my workshop. Though about doing the same thing with a circular saw, but too many issues with saw placements around the engine so I decided to use the chain saw. To my amazement, it cut that pallete like butter and in less than a minute. It was too easy.
A week later I decided to try it on a huge tree branch. I figured the wood from the pallete was soft and easy to cut through and the tree branch would be a different story. Started up the chain saw and it went through the branch like butter - I kid you not. I was so amazed at how easy and fast this tool would allow me to debranch my trees that I had fun doing it. I'll keep this thing until it gives up the ghost. I did a few more tree branches (branches were huge) and was amazed at how fast this electric one can cut through wood with very little pressure. I don't see a need for me to ever go for a gas one in my lifetime. This Poulan PRO 400E is an excellent purchase. The only thing I could wish for is a case like one that comes with the Ryobi "Big Cut" 18" electric saw. It does come with a flimsy plastic sleeve and it does work by keeping you from scraping against the blades.