Sponsored Links

Poulan Pro PP3516AVX

*Est. $140

Reviewed September 2009
Poulan Pro PP3516AVX

Best budget gas chainsaw

pros
  • Good safety features
  • Anti-vibration system
  • Auto chain oiling
  • Tool-free chain tensioning
  • Fast cutting speed
cons
  • Noisy
  • Some owners complain of the chain coming off
  • Two-cycle gas engine is polluting
  • One-year warranty
 
 
Where to Buy
 
 
 

The Poulan Pro PP3516AVX has many of the safety and convenience features you'd expect to see only on a more expensive chainsaw, including automatic chain oiling, tool-free chain tensioning and an anti-vibration design. Popular Mechanics recently tested seven gas chainsaws, including the Poulan Pro PP3516AVX, and observes that it "offers a lot of cutting speed and power for such an inexpensive saw." The Poulan chainsaw has a 35 cc engine and a 16-inch bar. If you like the convenience of a cordless chainsaw but want an eco-friendly option, the battery-powered Black & Decker CCS818 (*Est. $100) may be a good choice, although it provides less power and is clearly meant for light-duty jobs.

We found the best review of the Poulan Pro PP3516AVX in Popular Mechanics. Owner reviews at Amazon.com, NorthernTools.com, and on the Ben Franklin Hardware site are overwhelmingly positive, but a handful of owners at BackyardBoss.com have many complaints.

Where To Buy
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
AmazonAmazon rated 3.50 (1652 reviews)1652 store reviewsIn Stock. Get free shipping on orders over $25!$139.99
Amazon MarketplaceAmazon Marketplace rated 3.00 (169 reviews)169 store reviewsIn Stock. Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com!$159.99
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. PopularMechanics.com

The Poulan Pro PP3516AVX is one of seven gas chainsaws tested and rated; it doesn't get one of the highest ratings, but experts note that it is fast and powerful given its low cost. Those testing it experienced intermittent engine stalls, but conclude that "given how well the saw ran otherwise, we suspect it's a small defect that could be taken care of under warranty."

Review: 7 New Chain Saws Reviewed: Comparison Test, Thomas Klenck, Oct. 2008

2. Amazon.com

Almost 30 owners posting ratings and reviews at Amazon.com give the Poulan Pro PP3516AVX an average rating of four out of five stars. Comments are mostly quite positive. A few owners say they have to adjust the chain frequently, and others find it hard to start.

Review: Poulan Pro PP3516AVX 16-Inch 35cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Anti-Vibration Chain Saw, Contributors to Amazon.com

3. Northerntool.com

A handful of owners give the Poulan PP3516AVX an average rating of 4.4 out of five. Most conclude that it's very reliable and hard-working, especially given its low cost.

Review: Poulan Chain Saw - 35cc, 16in., Contributors to NorthernTool.com

4. Ben Franklin Hardware

Almost 30 owners rate the PP3516AVX, but fewer write reviews. The average rating is four out of five stars, and of the few reviews, only a couple express dissatisfaction, most often with the chain coming loose or falling off.

Review: Reviews of Poulan Pro PP3516AVX, Contributors to Ben Franklin Hardware

5. BackyardBoss.com

A handful of owners rate and review the PP3516AVX here; most of them complain about the tool-free chain tensioner, saying it doesn't work right and that the chain comes loose and falls off as a result.

Review: Poulan Pro PP3516AVX, Contributors to BackyardBoss.com

Chainsaws Runners Up:

Husqvarna 455 Rancher *Est. $420

4 picks including: ReviewCentre.com, The Washington Post…

Echo CS-370 *Est. $270

2 picks including: Amazon.com, HomeDepot.com…

Stihl MS 180 C-BE *Est. $230

2 picks including: The Wall Street Journal…

     
 
image
Husqvarna 455 Rancher 20-Inch 55-1/2-CC 2-Stroke Gas Powered Chain Saw
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $368.00   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
 
image
Echo CS-370 16" Gas Chainsaw
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $260.00   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
Sponsored Links

Back to top