Poulan Pro PR4218, 18 in. 42cc Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

Poulan Pro is a household name when it comes to outdoor power equipment including chainsaws. Founded in Louisiana in 1946, Poulan helped pioneer the development of outdoor equipment like chainsaws, first making gasoline-powered models in the 1950s. Poulan Pro branched out as the prosumer line from Poulan, offering more heavy-duty and powerful tools for professional use as well as discerning homeowners. Known for reliable, value-focused equipment, Poulan Pro chainsaws now include a range of models with gas and electric motors.

Overview

The Poulan Pro PR4218 is an 18-inch gas chainsaw designed for occasional use around the home. It features a 42cc two-cycle engine for dependable starts and smooth cutting. Some of the key features of this chainsaw include:

• 42cc two-cycle engine provides plenty of power for cutting logs up to 20 inches thick
• 18-inch bar and chain can handle moderate cutting tasks
• Automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated while cutting
• Effortless starting thanks to the spring-assisted starter
• Tool-less chain tensioning for quick chain adjustments
• Anti-vibration handles reduce fatigue during extended use
• Automatic stop switch turns the engine off if the saw kicks back

With a total weight under 12 pounds, the Poulan Pro PR4218 strikes a nice balance between power and portability for homeowners looking for an affordable and reliable chainsaw.

Design

The Poulan Pro PR4218 chainsaw features a compact and lightweight design perfect for handling pruning, trimming, and small cutting jobs.

The saw weighs just 12.8 pounds, making it easy to maneuver and operate for extended periods without tiring. Its dimensions of 18 inches long by 10 inches high by 10 inches wide give it a controlled and balanced feel.

The PR4218 utilizes a combination of quality materials in its construction. The main housing consists of durable yet lightweight plastic covers enveloping a steel chassis. This allows maximum structural integrity without adding unnecessary heft.

The front and rear handles use rubberized grips to absorb vibration and provide a comfortable, slip-resistant hold when operating the saw. The wraparound rear handle enables excellent control and maneuverability.

At just under 13 pounds, the compact dimensions and smart use of mixed materials makes the Poulan Pro PR4218 easy to handle while still maintaining the power and rigidity needed for reliable cutting performance. Its design focuses on balance and comfort when tackling light-duty cutting tasks.

Engine

The Poulan Pro PR4218 chainsaw is powered by a 42cc two-stroke engine that delivers robust power for taking on medium to large cutting jobs. This displacement provides ample torque and chain speed for slicing through logs up to 18 inches thick.

The engine requires mixing gasoline and two-stroke oil at a ratio of 40:1. This oil/gas blend ensures proper lubrication of the internal components and prevents premature wear. Starting the PR4218 involves the following simple steps:

1. Move the choke lever to the full choke position. This enriches the fuel mix for easier cold starting.

2. Firmly pull the starter cord 5-6 times. This engages the starter and builds initial compression.

3. Push the choke to the half choke position. Give the starter cord 2-3 more strong pulls to start the engine.

4. Once the engine is running, move the choke lever to the run position to provide the correct fuel mix for operation.

The PR4218's 42cc engine provides strong cutting power while the easy starting procedure gets you up and running with a minimum of effort. Just follow the fuel mix specifications and starting steps for trouble-free engine operation.

Cutting Features

The Poulan Pro PR4218 chainsaw comes equipped with an 18-inch bar and chain, providing ample reach for cutting medium-sized logs and fallen branches. It utilizes a low-kickback Oregon chain that has been designed for safe and efficient cutting.

The chain itself is a 0.375-inch pitch Oregon chain, which pairs well with the 42cc engine to deliver robust cutting power. The chain speed is 25.6 m/sec, allowing you to slice through wood quickly and smoothly. This high chain speed, combined with the long bar length, enables the PR4218 to cut logs up to 24 inches in diameter with ease.

The bar and chain stay aligned and taut thanks to the tool-free chain tensioning system on the PR4218. This makes it easy to adjust chain tension whenever needed, ensuring optimum cutting performance. Overall, the long bar length, high-speed chain, and tool-free tensioning deliver professional-grade cutting capacity in a mid-sized chainsaw.

Comfort and Convenience

The Poulan Pro PR4218 chainsaw is designed with several features that improve comfort and convenience for the user.

• Vibration Reduction - This chainsaw incorporates an effective anti-vibration system that significantly reduces vibration during operation. This decreases fatigue and strain, allowing you to operate the saw for longer periods comfortably. The vibration damping system makes a big difference compared to using saws without it.

• Ease of Starting - Starting the PR4218 is straightforward thanks to the combined choke/stop control and purge bulb for quick starts. Just set the choke, pull the starter cord and you're off. The start-up is smooth and reliable without the frustration of repeated pulls.

• Ergonomic Design - The PR4218 has an ergonomic back handle with a simple screwdriver adjustment system. This allows you to easily adjust the handle for a customized fit based on your height and arm length. The rounded back handle fits nicely in your palm for a comfortable grip. The front handle also has an ergonomic non-slip grip to keep your hand firmly in place during use.

Overall, the design elements that improve comfort and convenience in the PR4218 chainsaw make it much less tiring and more user-friendly to operate for extended periods. Key features like vibration reduction, easy starting, and an ergonomic grip really make a difference.

Safety Features

The Poulan Pro PR4218 chainsaw has several key safety features designed to protect the operator.

Chain Brake

This chainsaw has an inertia-activated chain brake that engages if the chainsaw kicks back. The brake stops the chain in milliseconds to prevent potential injuries. It can be released by pushing the brake handle forward once the chainsaw is back under control. This is an important safety mechanism when operating a powerful gas chainsaw.

Anti-Kickback Chain

The PR4218 comes equipped with a low kickback chain and reduced kickback guide bar. This means the chain is designed to minimize the chance of fast kickback if the tip of the bar touches anything while cutting. The chain's depth gauges and guard links help prevent kickback injuries.

Safety Switch

There is a safety switch that must be depressed by the operator's right hand to allow the chainsaw to run. This prevents accidental starting. The switch disables the ignition unless gripped properly, adding an extra layer of security.

Maintenance

The Poulan Pro PR4218 requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are some key maintenance tasks:

Air Filter - The air filter on the PR4218 is easily accessible under the rear cover. It should be inspected frequently and cleaned or replaced as needed. A dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the engine and reduce performance.

Cleaning - Over time, sawdust and debris can accumulate in various areas. The chain brake band and clutch drum should be kept clean. Sawdust buildup around the muffler and cooling fins should be brushed away. An air compressor can be used to blow dust out of the engine compartment.

Chain Sharpening - A sharp chain is essential for safe and efficient cutting. The chain will naturally become dull with use and hit rocks or dirt. Use a round file and file guide to periodically sharpen the cutters to the correct 30° angle. All cutters should be filed to the same length to keep the chain balanced. The chain tension may need adjusting after repeated sharpenings.

Pros and Cons

Based on research and reviews, here are some of the key pros and cons for the Poulan Pro PR4218 chainsaw:

Pros

• Powerful 42cc, 2-cycle engine provides reliable starting and cutting power
• 18-inch bar and chain can handle larger logs and branches
• Tool-less chain tensioning makes chain adjustments fast and easy
• Automatic oiler provides constant lubrication to the bar and chain
• Reduced vibration handle and spring-assisted startingabsorb vibration and make starting smooth
• Air filtration system helps increase engine life
• Good value for a chainsaw of this size and power

Cons

• Heavy weight (12 lbs) can cause fatigue when using for prolonged periods
• Fuel tank capacity is on the smaller side (14 oz) requiring more frequent refilling
• Bar oil tank is also quite small (6.9 oz) and needs frequent checking
• Chain brake can be a little sticky and slow to engage at times
• Build quality is decent but not as rugged as pro-level saws
• Limited warranty coverage (2 years consumer, 90 days commercial use)

Conclusion

Overall, the Poulan Pro PR4218 chainsaw is a powerful and reliable option for homeowners and landowners looking for an efficient way to cut and clear trees and brush. Its 42cc 2-cycle gas engine provides strong cutting performance and is easy to start with the pull cord. The 18-inch bar and chain can handle most mid-sized cutting tasks.

The tool-less chain tensioning system makes it simple to adjust and maintain the chain, while the translucent fuel tank allows you to easily monitor fuel level. Safety features like the lock-off switch and hand guard help prevent accidents. The inclusion of a carrying case adds value as well.

In terms of downsides, this model doesn't have some of the advanced features of higher-end professional chainsaws. It also requires a fuel and oil mix rather than straight gasoline. The noise level is quite high during operation.

Overall though, for the price point, the Poulan Pro PR4218 offers a tremendous value. It's powerful and reliable enough to meet the occasional cutting needs of homeowners. And it carries the backing of a trusted brand like Poulan Pro. If you need an economical chainsaw for basic property maintenance, the PR4218 is definitely worthy of strong consideration.