Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Poulan 2250, nova scotia canada, compression gauge

Question
QUESTION: Hi I was wondering if you could give me your opinion on a Poulan 2250 chainsaw. Are these good saws, I know they are just an occasional use saw and I don't plan on cutting alot. Any help is greatly appreciated.

ANSWER: Not bad for occasional use but they generally are under powered for the bar length.  This isn't a big deal if you don't notice it but if you cut a lot more power is always a bonus.

If you plan on keeping the saw for a while or is you think you might sell the saw later then you many want to invest in a better brand saw.

Are cutting live wood or dead wood.  Dead word is drier and it's nice to have the extra power.

It might not hurt to visit your local small engine shop.  They usually have used saws and often times will let you test the saws out back on some wood.  Another option would be to rent a saw.  The good thing with renting is you don't have to do any maintenance...the bad aspect is you have to pick the saw up from the rental location and take it back.

How much does the saw sell for in your area?

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi thanks for your opinion. I live in Nova Scotia Canada and found one for $80.00 including the case. I was told it had litlle use and it is in really good shape from what I can see in the picture. I'm going tomorrow to have a look at it and possibly buy it if it works good. I'm mostly going to be cutting live wood and probably will be keeping the saw. Thanks again
Trevor

Answer
Take a cardboard box with you.  If the saw runs check the oiler...just run the chainsaw an inch or so above the cardboard and see if you see oil collecting on the box.  I would also suggest checking the compression with a compression gauge to determine the engine condition.  If it starts and idles then the compression is "sufficient" but a new saw will have 140-150 PSI and a used saw should have at least 125 PSI which indicates the engine is in good condtion.

Check the chain and bar for wear.  If the bar edges are sharp or are rolled over then the bar is bad.  If the bar is bad odds are all the chains used on the bar are bad as well.  This can be big bucks to replace the bar and get 2-3 new chains.  If you use work chains on an new bar you can ruin the new bar.

Lastly, check the clutch for wear...trust me, you will see any noticable wear on the clutch sproket if it is wore.  This indicates the saw has been used a lot.

Let me know if this helps.

Eric