Should you get the Poulan Pro PP5020AV?
Last year, I bought a new chainsaw in the same price range as the Poulan 5020AV. I took it home, started it up, and began sectioning up some logs. After a while, I stopped the chainsaw for a short break. When I went to start it up again, the spring attached to the pull-cord broke, and that was the end of my saw for the day!
Ever since I’ve been a bit skeptical of cheaper chainsaws, but let’s consider if this Poulan saw is better than that one!
Poulan Pro 50cc PP5020AV
There is no shortage of chainsaws out there, so why should you consider the Poulan Pro PP5020AV?
Poulan is one of the most respected chainsaw brands – it’s right up there with the likes of ECHO and Jonsered. Poulan saws cost about the same when comparing apples for apples as well (or ccs for ccs).
This 50cc Poulan Pro chainsaw is not quite on the same level as Stihl or Husqvarna, but it is significantly cheaper!
My Husqvarna 450e is also a 50cc chainsaw, but it costs $450 new, as opposed to the PP5020AV’s $250ish price range. So this chainsaw is about half the price of a comparable Husqvarna chainsaw.
When considering what chainsaw to buy, you always need to think about how much you’re going to use it, and how much power you really need. If you are using your chainsaw infrequently, do you really need a $500 saw? Probably not. However, if you expect to be using your chainsaw often, and you’d like it to last a lifetime, you should probably consider a more premium model.
But you came here to learn more about the PP5020AV, so let’s focus on that now!
Specs And Features
The Poulan Pro PP5020AV is a 50cc chainsaw that is usually sold with a 20-inch bar.
50cc’s is a decent amount of power and this saw can be used to carve up reasonably sized logs. It’s fine to use for dropping trees, even larger trees. A 20-inch bar is a really good length to have as it allows you to work on the bigger stuff. Don’t think you’re limited to working on 20-inch trees or less, because you’re not.
The big difference between this saw and the more expensive saws is that you can’t expect this one to go all day every day. It can be used for a bit, then it needs a rest. You also don’t want to rely on it as an every day saw either. It’s fine for processing up to perhaps 10 cords of firewood per year, but not for use as a logging chainsaw.
It’s a good homeowner chainsaw, and may possibly suit light farm use. You can also use it as a backup chainsaw to your main (better) chainsaw.
Here are some more of the features (more info on Amazon):
- Has a DuraLife Engine
- Clean air filter system
- Has an easy pull starting system
- Reduced vibration handle
- Automatic chain oiler
- Comes with a carrying case (at least, on Amazon it does)
Many of these features are standard on all chainsaws now, so don’t let them wow you on this alone! For example, I don’t know of any modern chainsaw that doesn’t have an ‘automatic chain oiler’!
For those who like more of the technical specs:
- It weighs around 10 pounds with bar and chain
- Gas chainsaw (ie. not electric or battery-powered)
- Requires a fuel-oil mix of 10:1
- Requires a quality chain and bar oil
- Comes with a 20-inch bar but can take 16″ or 18″
Poulan Pro 5020AV Review
The Poulan Pro PP5020AV is a decent saw for infrequent use.
If you look after it and treat it well, there’s no doubt it will work out well.
It’s a good saw for processing firewood, dropping trees, and tidying up around the home, garden, or hobby farm.
PP5020AV Pros:
- Great 20-inch bar
- 50ccs of power
- Respected brand
- Readily available parts and servicing
- Full range of features
PP5020AV Cons:
- Some negative reviews about durability
- Unable to go all day every day
- Won’t last a lifetime
Read the reviews on Amazon here to see the range of both positive and negative reviews – there are always both!
Keep in mind that sometimes the negative reviews are related to shipping and delivery problems rather than actual product issues.
Buy The Poulan Pro 5020 AV
Where can you buy the Poulan Pro 5020AV?
Here are some retailers that I found are selling it:
- Amazon has them here – with the best range of reviews and Q&As
- Tractor Supply CO here – for those who are a little bit anti-Amazon
- On eBay here – for used models and PP5020AV parts
It’s always listed at around the same price at each retailer, so go with the retailer you most prefer.
Does anyone know if it’s available to pick up from your local big-box store? Let me know down below in the comments.
Poulan 5020AV
While the Poulan PRO PP5020AV chainsaw isn’t perfect for everybody and every situation, it’s a great saw for the right person.
It’s easy to get started with, easy to use when in action, and as easy to maintain as any other saw.
If it’s at the top of your budget, I would say go for it. You will be running the same risks with any comparable model in the same price range. Bluemax chainsaws are similar, but probably not quite as good as Poulan.
The other option I often recommend is to try and find a second-hand Husky or Stihl chainsaw at the same price. If you know what to look for, you could pick one up in excellent condition for the same (or similar) price to one of these cheaper chainsaws. In many ways, that can be preferable.
Though you would want to know the history of the saw and be sure it had been looked after. While it’s not nice to say, estate sales can be the best place to pick up quality used saws.
Nevertheless, sometimes you just want a brand new chainsaw. The Poulan brand is owned by Husqvarna, and they do share a lot of similarities. If the Poulan 5020AV feels right to you, go on and grab it!
I have nothing but a negative review for Poulan PRO PP5020AV chainsaw chainsaw is cheaply built, parts are virtually unattainable. My recommendation is to spend the additional money and look at a Husqvarna or a Stihl well worth the investment.
Thanks Casey, we appreciate the feedback. My preference is also for Husqvarna chainsaws.
I have a PP5020 and use it quite a lot. For the price it is a good entry level chain saw that will do about anything you need it to do. And I haven’t had any issues getting parts when needed. I go down to the local Husqvarna dealer and they usually have what I need or can get it quickly. I have used it for 3 years now.
Pretty worthless review. Poulan is owned by Husqvarna, so it’s their cheaper line of saws. Fine if you’re not logging or cutting firewood for a living. Those two sentences pretty much cover it. And then you state that it requires a 10 to 1 gas oil mixture! Haven’t you heard of proof reading?
This saw has been discontinued as well as the entire line. I would go with a Husky. But as far as parts they are still supported.
I have the Poland Pro 5020 Chainsaw and I’ve been using it for a year now, and I regularly drop big trees and clear brush with it plus I use it for firewood. I am very pleased with this saw and I haven’t had any problems with it. For the price it’s an excellent saw and will do just as good and last just as long as any of the more popular brand saws that are also 50cc.
I have used this saw for five years cut all my fire wood with it . I just bought another from Menards. For backup .
I’ve been using one on my farm for more than 4 years … starts and runs great as long as it gets non-ethanol gas …. but I guess that’s true for any small engine. We have many oaks and hickories on our place and it’s done a respectable job at everything we’ve thrown at it.
I have had a PP5020AV for years and I use it a lot. Recoil starter is the weak point and drive sprocket. Knowing that I keep extras on hand. I also have the new PR 5020 So far I like that as well. If you cut any amount of wood you are going to have to tinker with your saws and for $250 bucks I can buy a couple of Poulans compared to the Stihls. I also have a 14” Poulan that has taken a beating for years, I love that little thing.
I got a 5020 Pro probably 4 years ago. Its great for dropping small trees (less than 14in across) around the property. Starts easy and runs very well. I let it sit with old gas in it and the carb got gummed up. It was MUCH easier to buy a new carb than clean the original…less than a 100 dollars. Its perfect for what i use it for.