Poulan PLN1514 14-Inch 1-1/2 HP Electric Chain Saw

 (6 customer reviews)

Not ever having used a chain saw, I was a bit skeptical of mine and the saw's capabilities. But having to remove 9 cedar stumps and being told an estimate of $500 to grind the stumps, I was ready to try my hand. I dug a trench around each stump and then sawed off about 5 inches of each stump with my new tool. After drilling some holes in what remained of the stumps and filling the holes with stump poison, I filled in the trenches leaving the new tops of the stumps about 2 inches below ground level. The little saw performed amazingly well. I expected it to get bogged down on the bigger (10 inch) stumps, forcing me to cut off in sections, but not so. I did, however, have to buy a new chain with 1 1/2 stumps to go. Installation was easy. I was told by a power tools salesperson that he was surprised that my chain lasted as long as it did, as cedar dulls a chain very quickly. Yes, pushing the oil cap and frequently tightening the chain initially is annoying, but not as much as shelling out...Read more

I like this saw. Sometimes I just don't need a full-blown gas-powered saw. This little guy is great for trimming small stuff and even cutting firewood if you are working in one place. I use it where I stack the wood for final cuts to log-size. It does a good job on stuff up to 5 or even 6 inches in diameter. It's very sharp and if you have some patience, it's a good light/medium duty saw. My wife likes the electric because the gas ones can be hard for her to start. This one you pull the trigger and it starts... let go and it stops.

Note that the oiler is not automatic! You must press the oil cap to oil the chain. Only complaint is that the saw does not come with a chain-tightening tool. So... keep a ratchet/socket and a flat-blade screwdriver handy. I paid $50 at Lowes.

I gave it 4 stars (not 5) due to no tool and the press-to-oil cap should be better labeled.

I am very disappointed with Poulan. The tool for adjusting the chain tension is not included with the chainsaw. In fact, according to customer service, it's not even made. I have two Poulan gas chainsaws and this tool was included with both of them. Poulan, in their great wisdom, changed the bolt size in the electric saw so the tool cannot be interchanged. It is a hassle to carry and keep up with a flat blade screwdriver and socket/ratchet when using this chainsaw when one tool could do the job. Therefore, I recommend making sure this tool is included when buying a chainsaw.