Poulan Pro 50cc PR5020 Chainsaw Review: Reliable, Budget-Friendly Choice

If you’re in need of an affordable, budget-friendly chainsaw for occasional yard work, firewood cutting, or clearing small trees, then you’re likely looking for something reliable and powerful without the hefty price tag of professional-grade models.

The Poulan Pro PR5020 chainsaw, available on Amazon for about $187, struck me as a cost-effective option for light to medium-duty work. After testing it across several projects, here’s my complete breakdown, from unboxing to performance in the field, with a comparison to the Husqvarna 450 Rancher for those considering a more premium option.

---

Unboxing and Initial Setup

With its budget-friendly price, the Poulan Pro PR5020 chainsaw package includes only the essentials:

• The gas chainsaw itself
• An instruction manual

This straightforward setup keeps costs down, and the price is affordable enough that I was able to purchase the extra essentials like pre-mixed fuel, bar oil, and safety gear separately without going over budget. The manual was easy to follow, particularly useful for those new to chainsaws or anyone who needs guidance on initial setup and adjusting the chain tension.

When I took the Poulan Pro PR5020 out of the box, the first thing I noticed was that the factory-set chain tension was a bit tight. The chainsaw includes a convenient side-mounted chain tensioner, which made loosening the chain easy and allowed for quick adjustments. This feature is more accessible than front-mounted adjusters found on some budget models.

Another feature I appreciated was the combi-tool integrated into the rear handle. This unique tool is always within reach and provides everything needed for basic adjustments or minor repairs in the field, which is handy if you need to tighten the chain or adjust settings without needing an extra toolkit nearby.

---

Poulan Pro PR5020 Features and Specifications

The Poulan Pro PR5020 is a gas-powered chainsaw with key features tailored for light to medium-duty tasks. It’s equipped with several user-friendly components that make it easy to use and maintain, even for chainsaw beginners or infrequent users.

• Engine Power: The 50cc 2-cycle engine delivers 2.8 horsepower, which provides ample power for most light to medium-duty cutting jobs.
• Eco-Friendly OxyPower Engine: This chainsaw’s OxyPower engine technology is designed to reduce emissions by 70% and fuel consumption by 20%, making it an eco-friendly choice. This means you’ll save on fuel and reduce your carbon footprint, even during longer cutting sessions.
• Effortless Starting Mechanism: With Soft Start technology, the Poulan Pro PR5020 reduces the pull force needed by 30%. It also includes a purge bulb that pushes fuel into the carburetor, making this chainsaw easy to start with fewer pulls.
• Combined Choke/Stop Control: The choke and stop controls are combined, reducing the chance of engine flooding and speeding up the start-up process, which is especially helpful for casual users.
• Lightweight Design: Weighing about 17 pounds, it’s light enough for most people to handle comfortably, while still providing the stability needed for controlled cutting.

These features make the Poulan Pro PR5020 particularly user-friendly, positioning it as a great choice for occasional users looking for a reliable, easy-start chainsaw that doesn’t compromise on power.

---

Performance Review: Cutting Various Tree Sizes

With setup complete, I tested the Poulan Pro PR5020 on a range of projects around my property. This budget chainsaw handled firewood cutting, trimming branches, and even felling a larger 19-inch diameter tree. Here’s how it performed.

Cutting Large Trees (Up to 19 Inches in Diameter)

One of my first projects was tackling a 19-inch diameter tree, which is at the upper end of what I’d recommend for this chainsaw. The Poulan Pro 50cc chainsaw engine provided steady power, and the chainsaw made clean cuts without stalling or bogging down. For a budget-friendly chainsaw, it performed impressively on such a sizable tree. I worked carefully, allowing the saw to cut at its own pace rather than forcing it.

Since the Poulan Pro PR5020 doesn’t have a dedicated felling sight, I used the handle alignment to estimate where the tree would fall. Although the handle alignment was decent, it slightly favored the right, meaning the tree landed just off from my intended target. Although not a major issue for my needs, the lack of a felling sight could be a drawback for anyone needing precise control when felling larger trees.

Performance on Smaller Tasks

For smaller trees, firewood, and basic trimming, the Poulan Pro PR5020 excelled. It provided enough power to make quick, clean cuts, especially on softer woods and medium-sized branches.

In these situations, the chainsaw performed optimally and comfortably handled these lighter tasks without issues. The 20-inch bar length provided plenty of reach and versatility for various yard jobs, making it an ideal choice for light-duty chainsaw work.

---

Starting and Ease of Use

One of the main selling points of the Poulan Pro PR5020 is its user-friendly starting system. The Soft Start technology and protected purge bulb reduce the effort needed to pull the cord, cutting down the required pull force by 30%. I found it took just one or two pulls to get the chainsaw running each time, which was a pleasant change from other gas chainsaws that require more effort.

The combined choke and stop control helps prevent engine flooding, which is particularly useful for those who don’t regularly use a chainsaw and may not be familiar with adjusting choke settings. This feature made the starting process almost foolproof, adding to the appeal of this chainsaw as a low-maintenance, easy-start option for occasional users.

---

Ergonomics and Comfort

Weighing in at 17 pounds, the Poulan Pro PR5020 is relatively lightweight for a gas chainsaw, making it manageable even for longer sessions. The weight distribution feels balanced, allowing for stable cuts without feeling cumbersome, and the ergonomic handle grip provides a secure hold on the chainsaw, adding control and confidence to each cut.

The chainsaw’s felling dog—a small metal claw on the bottom of the chain bar—only extends below the bar, limiting control somewhat for horizontal cuts. While this may be less ideal for frequent, precision-heavy tasks, it’s sufficient for occasional yard work and moderate use.

---

Safety Features

Safety is crucial with any chainsaw, and the Poulan Pro PR5020 includes a set of basic yet effective safety features. These include:

1. Chain Brake: Stops the chain immediately in case of a kickback, which helps prevent injury.
2. Throttle Lock: Prevents accidental throttling when the chainsaw isn’t in use, which is particularly helpful when moving between cuts.
3. Kill Switch: Allows for quick shutdown in case of an emergency.

I tested each safety feature to ensure they worked as intended. The chain brake engaged smoothly, stopping the chain within moments, and the throttle lock and kill switch functioned properly, giving me confidence that this chainsaw was safe to use.

---

Comparisons: Poulan Pro PR5020 vs. Husqvarna 450 Rancher

For those considering a higher-end option, the Husqvarna 450 Rancher is another 20-inch gas chainsaw that offers additional power and features for regular and heavy-duty use. Here’s a direct comparison of the Poulan Pro PR5020 vs. Husqvarna 450 Rancher.

Feature	Poulan Pro PR5020	Husqvarna 450 Rancher
Engine Power	50cc, 2.8 HP	50.2cc, 3.2 HP
Engine Technology	OxyPower (reduces emissions, fuel use)	X-Torq (high efficiency, low emissions)
Starting System	Soft Start, Purge Bulb	Smart Start
Air Filtration System	Standard	Air Injection centrifugal cleaning
Vibration Dampening	No	LowVib Technology
Bar Length Range	20 inches	13-20 inches
Weight	17 lbs	11.2 lbs (lighter for handling)
Warranty	2-Year Limited	2-Year Limited
Price	~$187	~$400+
Best For	Occasional yard work, light to medium tasks	Frequent use, heavier-duty tasks

Which Chainsaw Is Right for You?

• Poulan Pro PR5020: This budget-friendly chainsaw is best for homeowners, campers, or DIYers who need an affordable chainsaw for occasional use. It’s great for light to medium tasks like trimming, firewood cutting, and small tree removal. While it lacks advanced ergonomic features and a high-grade air filtration system, it’s a solid, budget-friendly choice for basic needs.
• Husqvarna 450 Rancher: Ideal for users who need a more powerful chainsaw regularly or require comfort for extended periods of use. The Husqvarna 450 Rancher’s advanced ergonomic features, air filtration system, and higher power output make it better suited for more demanding tasks, such as frequent tree felling and prolonged work sessions. Its higher price reflects its durability and extra features, making it worth the investment for heavy-duty users.

---

Pros and Cons of the Poulan Pro PR5020

After spending time with the Poulan Pro PR5020, here’s a summary of its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

1. Budget-Friendly Chainsaw: At $187, it’s a highly affordable, cost-effective option for occasional users.
2. Eco-Friendly Chainsaw: The OxyPower engine reduces emissions by 70% and fuel consumption by 20%, making it a greener choice.
3. Easy-Start Chainsaw: The Soft Start system and purge bulb make starting simple and hassle-free, even for beginners.
4. User-Friendly Maintenance: The side-mounted chain tensioner and integrated combi-tool make adjustments quick and convenient.
5. Good Power for Price: The 50cc engine provides ample strength for light to medium tasks.

Cons:

1. Limited Felling Dog: Only extends below the bar, reducing control for horizontal cuts.
2. No Felling Sight: The lack of a dedicated felling sight makes precision cuts challenging.
3. Occasional Chain Slippage: I noticed the chain slipped off the bar once when cutting at an angle, requiring a quick readjustment.
4. Mixed Build Quality: Some parts, like the aluminum side cover, feel durable, but other parts are plastic and may not withstand heavy-duty use.

---

Final Verdict

The Poulan Pro PR5020 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious users who need an easy-start, budget-friendly chainsaw for occasional projects. It combines decent power, eco-friendly features, and a user-friendly design for under $200. While it lacks a few high-end features, such as a robust felling dog and a precise felling sight, it performs well for most small to medium cutting tasks.

For under $200, I found the Poulan Pro PR5020 to be a solid choice for anyone who values affordability, eco-friendliness, and functionality without the extra frills of a high-end model.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Poulan Pro PR5020 chainsaw good for beginners?
   Yes, it’s beginner-friendly with easy start, low maintenance, and reliable power for light to medium tasks.
2. What types of jobs is the Poulan Pro PR5020 best suited for?
   Best for trimming, firewood cutting, and felling small to medium trees; not ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
3. How eco-friendly is the Poulan Pro PR5020 chainsaw?
   OxyPower engine reduces emissions by 70% and fuel use by 20%, making it a more eco-friendly chainsaw.
4. How does the Poulan Pro PR5020 compare to the Husqvarna 450 Rancher?
   The PR5020 is affordable for light use, while the 450 Rancher has more power, ergonomics, and durability for frequent tasks.
5. Does the Poulan Pro PR5020 have anti-vibration features?
   No, it lacks dedicated anti-vibration features like LowVib, found in higher-end models like Husqvarna.
6. What is the maximum tree diameter the Poulan Pro PR5020 can handle?
   It can handle trees up to 19 inches in diameter, but it’s best for small to medium cutting tasks.
7. Is the Poulan Pro PR5020 easy to maintain?
   Yes, it’s designed with a side-mounted chain tensioner and built-in combi-tool for quick adjustments.
8. Does the Poulan Pro PR5020 chainsaw come with a warranty?
   Yes, it includes a 2-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects.
9. Can I use the Poulan Pro PR5020 for professional or heavy-duty work?
   No, it’s best for occasional, light tasks; not designed for heavy-duty or professional use.
10. What type of fuel does the Poulan Pro PR5020 require?
    It uses a 50:1 fuel mix (gasoline and 2-cycle oil) for optimal performance and engine protection.