Poulan PLN3516F
3.7
5
10
10
Replacement Chain Nightmare
No 3rd party 16" chain fits this chainsaw. Apparently the bar isn't quite 16" so you can't tighten the tensioner to keep an Oregon 16" blade on. So OK, I'll just use a Poulan brand. Except there is no Poulan brand chain that specifically states it is for the Poulan PLN3516F. The Poulan chains all state they are color match. What does that mean? Do a search of Color Match on Poulan.com - no matches found. The Red chain says it works on the PP3516. Does that mean it will work on a PLN3516F? No clue. The Purple says it fits the ES350, which doesn't exist any more. So I go to the user manual and see that the official part number for the chain is PWE-966051603 (though that's now been superceded by PWE-966051601). This doesn't match any of the color match chains, and is only available from OrderTree with an outrageous Shipping/Handling fee. Am I the only one that's needed to replace a chain for this thing?
The truth is I would give this a 5 if not for my supreme frustration with trying to get a new chain on there; this saw works great when sharp.
May 12, 2012
Just One Little Thing
The Poulan PLN3516F was my first venture into chain saws. It is a wonderful saw with many safety features and is perfect for the small jobs that I wanted to do. I had just one small problem with the chain becoming dislodged while cutting my 4th tree of the day. I read the manual, took the chain assembly apart and reattached it with little or no problem. I haven't had a chance to cut any more trees, so I don't know if the first problem with the chain would be chronic or not, but I was more than satisfied with the job that it did.
May 4, 2012
great performing saw
I have had numerous electric and gas chain saws over the years. We just bought this one to do small jobs at our Condominium complex. It is by the far the easist to use, great performance. I'm glad that we selected this one.
Thanks
April 28, 2012
hard working chainsaw
This saw replaces a HARD WORKING es350. We heat our home with a wood stove (about 3 cords a year) and this saw does the job of felling then cutting the wood ready for the splitter. This new saw's first job was to cut up some un-splittable wood from last year and it worked like a champ.
April 21, 2012
almost excellent
The only thing keeping this chain saw from getting all 10's is that like all gas chain saws, you have to tighten the chain too often. Otherwise, by far the best chain saw I've ever had. Easy to start, easy to run, not too noisy or vibration prone.
April 10, 2012
nice saw but
i like the saw but have had running problems with it since i bought it. first it seem like was set too lean and would not run after starting. had it adjusted and now is seems too rich and will not stay idling. have not had chance to get it reajusted.
April 9, 2012
electric chain saw
the saw has a very good feature in that the chain oil is dispensed automatically. I would like to see a little thinner grip because I have average hands and it was a little too large for my hand & fingers. I would also like to see a area on the chain brake to indicated that the chain brake is on like some paint filled lines or a solid color showing when the brake is on.
April 7, 2012
poor machine
I now own two Poulan chain saws. One is a 14" and my new one is a 16". The 14" lasted about three months and refused to start. Yesterday, 3/26/2012, I purchased my 16" from my local big box hardware store. I used it for forty-five minutes total (from the time I started until I stopped) and cut one limb. The choke will not stay out so I can start it. I called customer service and they were helpful. The gave me the name of the local repair shop. The repair shop said it would take at least four weeks to repair. No saw, no money, no good. I will probably use the 16" for my front anchor and the 14" for my rear anchor the next time I go fishing. DO NOT BUY!!
March 27, 2012