Replacing Poulan Pro 5020AV - Will I be happy with Stihl MS251 Wood Boss?

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windsurferk

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I have a Poulan Pro 5020AV that i've used for cutting blown-down oaks for firewood. I've been having some trouble with the saw lately and am considering replacing it with the MS251.

The Stihl has lower displacement and rated power, but I'm wondering if the Stihl is going to perform better for my application than my 5020AV. I've been generally happy with the Poulan, but I suppose I would always prefer something that cuts through logs faster.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
I have a Poulan Pro 5020AV that i've used for cutting blown-down oaks for firewood. I've been having some trouble with the saw lately and am considering replacing it with the MS251.

The Stihl has lower displacement and rated power, but I'm wondering if the Stihl is going to perform better for my application than my 5020AV. I've been generally happy with the Poulan, but I suppose I would always prefer something that cuts through logs faster.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

I wouldn't consider it a trade up in performance, by any means. Are you talking about buying a new MS251? If so, I could think of much better options for $350 of saw money.

Check the Tradin' Post here.
 
I would take a Dolmar 421 = Makita 4300 any day of the week over the Stihl 251. I would contact one of the forum dealers like @fordf150 or @166 for a good deal.

Although I have no idea what your oak blow downs are. If they are in any way average trees we are talking about in the >20-25inch category, I believe that you are fishing for the wrong pond. That would be >60cc category. The entry level would be something like a Echo 590, which can be had in the us for incredible cheap. With a muffler mod and carburator retune you would be good to go.

7
 
Thanks for all the advice. After replacing the carb on my Poulan Pro and still not getting it to run properly, I took some of the advice from this thread and picked up an Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf. I took it out for an hour right after I got it and all I can say is "wow!" I'm now kicking myself for not picking up a bigger saw like this earlier on -- it cuts so much better than my PP ever did.

I'll sell the PP to someone who I'm sure can get it running properly. Thanks again for the advice. This forum is a fantastic resource.
 
Thanks for all the advice. After replacing the carb on my Poulan Pro and still not getting it to run properly, I took some of the advice from this thread and picked up an Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf. I took it out for an hour right after I got it and all I can say is "wow!" I'm now kicking myself for not picking up a bigger saw like this earlier on -- it cuts so much better than my PP ever did.

I'll sell the PP to someone who I'm sure can get it running properly. Thanks again for the advice. This forum is a fantastic resource.
I would use it as a study saw to learn how to fix or repair saws on. sooner or later your new saw will have an issue and then what...buy another? if the prices are cheap enough I can kind of understand buying a new one, but once you get above 150.00 new then its cheaper to fix if you can get the parts. Just a thought.
 
Thanks. I did replace the fuel line (and the primer bulb/line) as part of the carb replacement.
 
The 5020 is a good saw for the money. I picked one up on CL to experiment with tuning saws. I'd fix it/have it fixed and put a 16" bar on. It should run even better like that. Also think you maid a good choice going 590 over the ms250.
 
Thanks JJ. I've always used tygon and like it, but heard there was a version with that liner that caused the problems. I don't even know which version I've got. Guess I'd better go check!

Here's a pic of the box it came in and another of 2 different sizes of the fuel line. I can't see any liner. Would I be able to if it was the version that causes problems?

Sorry, the pic of the fuel line is kinda blurry, so I posted another pic to make up for it.

Tygon box.jpg Tygon cross section.JPG turquoise girl.jpg
 
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