I wore out the first one. It needed a new bar and new clutch, the pull rope was about to break, and fuel lines broke.
It was cheaper to buy another new one. This one took about 3 trees to break in. At first it idled too slow, and had to warm up a bit. Now it starts better, warms up quickly and idles at the right speed. I just saw with it. I'm on my second gallon of fuel, and have one tree left for this year.
The chains from the old one fit, otherwise it is a different design. I hope this one is as good as the old one.
May 30, 2012
Dman
Wild Thing It Is
All I can say is wow! I am an arborist, for 15 yrs. I owned them all. Some how I ended up with this Wild Thing, I thought this will be a joke. But man, this thing never let me down.
That's the truth!
December 20, 2011
Wes Bristol, TN
Great Saw For The Money!
i purchased my wild thing in the fall of 2006. for years it has been a great saw. i am very particular about proper maintenance of vehicles and other equipment. but not this saw.
i have never done a thing but put gas and oil in it and change the chain when it got dull. i have abused this saw for many years and the clutch finally let go last week after cutting a 2.5 ft diameter white oak for fire wood.
i have thrown it from the truck to the basement to the truck bed to the forest floor hundreds of times and still never a problem. everybody gets a lemon so i guess you guys who have one just send me yours and i'll use the clutch another 6 years:)
i purchased my wild thing in the fall of 2006. for years it has been a great saw. i am very particular about proper maintenance of vehicles and other equipment. but not this saw.
i have never done a thing but put gas and oil in it and change the chain when it got dull. i have abused this saw for many years and the clutch finally let go last week after cutting a 2.5 ft diameter white oak for fire wood.
i have thrown it from the truck to the basement to the truck bed to the forest floor hundreds of times and still never a problem. everybody gets a lemon so i guess you guys who have one j... more
December 14, 2011
Chuck Texas, TX
Junk Junk Junk
This saw is junk, did I mention that? I used mine for maybe 6 hours total (over a few months)before the recoil spring exploded. Used the factory warranty to get it fixed and it happened again after another 6-8 hours of usage (over a few months), been sitting ever since. I wish I would have read some reviews before giving my money to Poulan. Lesson learned, the hard way, and I will NEVER consider ANY Poulan products again, nor would I recommend their junk. Given the choice between a handsaw and a Poulan chainsaw I would choose a handsaw, I know it'll work when I'm ready for it! Bottom line, spend a little more and buy a better brand or buy a used version of a decent brand. Otherwise, go buy yourself a handsaw to go along with your Poulan, YOU WILL NEED IT!
This saw is junk, did I mention that? I used mine for maybe 6 hours total (over a few months)before the recoil spring exploded. Used the factory warranty to get it fixed and it happened again after another 6-8 hours of usage (over a few months), been sitting ever since. I wish I would have read some reviews before giving my money to Poulan. Lesson learned, the hard way, and I will NEVER consider ANY Poulan products again, nor would I recommend their junk. Given the choice between a handsaw and a Poulan chainsaw I would choose a handsaw, I know it'll work when I'm ready for it! Bottom line, spe... more
November 11, 2011
Art Gurnee, IL
Poulan 18" Wild Thing
Have about a three year old Wild Thing that was a gift. Has always been hard to start, cold or hot and never would idle for more than a few seconds. Now it will not start at all. Has spark, fuel and compression but still won't fire at all. I don't know if the spark timing is off or not? Just about broke my arm pulling the rope with no success.
I have a 20 year old Craftsman 14" still running strong.
These Wild Things are low cost chain saws so you get what you pay for.
November 11, 2011
Ken Mario, VA
Good General Purpose Saw
I've had this saw 8-10 years and it has been trouble free and has never failed to start.
It has a small width chain so it is not for really heavy duty use but it is great for general purpose use. It replaced a Sears made by Poulan that I had for about 25 years before vandals burned down the building it was in.
If this one ever dies, I will buy another Poulan.
November 10, 2011
Paul Nixa, MO
Wild Thing Is A Broke Thing
After a year and used only 10-12 times, the flywheel clutch broke in pieces. It cost more to fix that to replace. Will not by from this product line again.
October 21, 2011
Matt Forest Grove, OR
1st Time Chainsaw Owner And User
I got this saw to cut down and cut up a couple of trees from the corners of my house.
I had to adjust the chain tension once and, yes now I know the chain oil is supposed to do that.
Easy and actually fun to use. I take it hunting with me just to cut stuff up for the campfire.
CSD RESPONDS: Keep an eye on the chain tension- the chain will stretch a bit with use, and it may need to be tightened.
The oil keeps the chain running smoothly, so it will stretch less; but it won't stop the chain from stretching a little.
September 17, 2011
James Dallas, TX
Useless Junk
I bought a new Poulan saw. Ever since it was brand new, it was hard to start. I spend 30 minutes pulling the darn rope to cut 10 minutes. I will NEVER buy another piece of manure from Poulan. Today I pulled the rope 15 minutes to cut halfway through 1 small log. Isn't there a lower rating than just bad?
September 08, 2011
Jimmy Denison, TX
Jimmy Texas
Used to cut one tree down last year, this year will not run due to fuel lines falling to pieces. My vote is that Poulan saws are junk. The chain tightening system in the bar is also a joke. I am glad that it will not start so that I save myself from fighting with that thing every other cut.
September 06, 2011
James Huntsville, AL
Wild About The Wild Thing
I have had this saw for 10 or more years and this is the beat saw of the 5 I have. I have only replaced the spark plug and bar and that's it.!!
This and my John Deere are my go-to saws. Please do not buy a Poulan Pro, I have 2 of the 18" saws and they are junk. Please do not be scared of the price THIS IS A GREAT SAW!!!!!
June 29, 2011
Mike A. Inverness, FL
The Throw Away Saw!
Bought 1st "Wild thing" 18 months ago and used over 8 months to drop 9 Laurel Oaks 9" to 18" in diameter. Every other tank of fuel swapped air filter with spare. Quit running and took it in for service (under warranty) they told me cylinder was ruined. At same time Poulan blower, bought at same time, also quit, same story. Blower had only 3 tanks of fuel ran through it. Shell regular gas, Poulan's oil, Husqvarna stood behind warranty and replaced both. Been using saw on 4th tree and same problem is starting to appear. Even been using 2% more oil in mix. I believe the ethanol in the fuel is just too hot a burn for cheaper production engines. Next saw will be a Stihl.
Bought 1st "Wild thing" 18 months ago and used over 8 months to drop 9 Laurel Oaks 9" to 18" in diameter. Every other tank of fuel swapped air filter with spare. Quit running and took it in for service (under warranty) they told me cylinder was ruined. At same time Poulan blower, bought at same time, also quit, same story. Blower had only 3 tanks of fuel ran through it. Shell regular gas, Poulan's oil, Husqvarna stood behind warranty and replaced both. Been using saw on 4th tree and same problem is starting to appear. Even been using 2% more oil in mix. I believe the ethan... more
May 24, 2011
Danny Halifax, PA
Poulan Wild Thing
Out of the box....hard to start...constantly stalls in 30 seconds or less. Tired myself out pulling on the rope for next 20 minutes. When it was running chain gets caught in wood without a pinch (soft Pine). Got a whole 4 pieces cut from a log on ground. Won't idle.
Get what ya pay for.
April 10, 2011
Allen Hohenwald, TN
Best Saw I've Ever Owned
I've had this saw over ten years. I use it every year. It has never let me down.
I think I put in a spark plug about 6 years ago, other than that I just pull the cord and start cutting.
October 26, 2010
Jimmy Wellington, NV
One Time Users
All you people who are in the one time use category because it's junk... Send me your one time use saws, I have had mine for 8 years and never had a problem.
When you do preventive maintenance, and replace worn parts, i.e. bars, plugs, filters, chains, they last a long time, and for me do just as good as an expensive saw.
June 17, 2010
LEON Campton, NH
Only For Small Jobs, Or Buy Another One
New it was OK, but in 3 years it became junk. I replaced the piston ring, ignition module, air purge, & fuel line.
It wouldn't have been bad if it had all broken at the same time, but it developed the problems one at a time.
If you need a reliable saw do not buy it; it will be cheaper in the long run if you spend $100 more to get a better saw.
June 05, 2010
Bill Quaker Hill, CT
Good Saw For The Price
I bought the Wild Thing several years ago. I have used and abused this saw.
I have cut anything from trimming branches to cutting through two foot logs. I have never had to do anything to this saw.
It starts every time.
March 23, 2010
Eric Portage, IN
Take Care Of Your Equipment
I have never had a problem with my Wild Thing.
Every season you are supposed to clean them up: a new fuel filter, (fuel line is so cheap why not throw a new one on, too) and the air filter cleaned.
People with bad experiences probably don't know how to use a chain saw. Heck, every time after I use my Wild Thing I clean it up, clean the air filter, then pull the muffler and clean spark arresting screen.
I have seen people pull the chainsaw out of the box and abuse it, and never clean it up. Yeah, it lasts 4 or 5 uses (Friend of mine).
So don't be fooled, and don't be too lazy to take care of your equipment.
I have never had a problem with my Wild Thing.
Every season you are supposed to clean them up: a new fuel filter, (fuel line is so cheap why not throw a new one on, too) and the air filter cleaned.
People with bad experiences probably don't know how to use a chain saw. Heck, every time after I use my Wild Thing I clean it up, clean the air filter, then pull the muffler and clean spark arresting screen.
I have seen people pull the chainsaw out of the box and abuse it, and never clean it up. Yeah, it lasts 4 or 5 uses (Friend of mine).
My dad bought this chainsaw years ago and we haven't had to do anything to it other than clean it up
February 21, 2010
Thomas Keating Lake Worth, FL
Wild Thing Is Wildly Pathetic
This is definitely a 1-time use saw.....do yourself a favor and spend the extra for the Poulon Pro, which has much more durable components than the Wild Thing (which is all plastic, and warps).
February 08, 2010
Frank Hockessin, DE
I Would Not Buy Another One
It worked fine for the first 4-5 hours then the oil pump gave out and was fixed under warranty.
My son bought one and it's kaput after only a couple of hours.
December 31, 2009
J Citrus Springs, FL
One Cut Wonder
If you are looking for a saw to use once then throw away, this is your baby!!!! This is the biggest pile of useless equipment I've ever purchased!
The fuel lines deteriorate after just one season, and the "wild thing" becomes the "useless thing". I've replaced the fuel lines and the filter with Poulan original parts, and you could pull on this for a month and it still won't start.
This will be the last piece of Poulan anything I ever buy! SAVE YOUR MONEY AND BUY ANOTHER BRAND!!!!
CSD RESPONDS: The Wild Thing comes with a 1 year Factory Warranty that covers everything except normal wear and tear.
Just click on the Customer Service button at the bottom of our web site, then choose Service Centers and Poulan to find warranty service in your area.
You can also give the folks at Poulan a call. toll free, at (877) 500-7499. They will be happy to assist you.
If you are looking for a saw to use once then throw away, this is your baby!!!! This is the biggest pile of useless equipment I've ever purchased!
The fuel lines deteriorate after just one season, and the "wild thing" becomes the "useless thing". I've replaced the fuel lines and the filter with Poulan original parts, and you could pull on this for a month and it still won't start.
This will be the last piece of Poulan anything I ever buy! SAVE YOUR MONEY AND BUY ANOTHER BRAND!!!!
CSD RESPONDS: The Wild Thing comes with a 1 year Factory Warranty that covers everyt... more
November 19, 2009
Chain Saws Direct Bolingbrook, IL
Wild Thing!
If you're a 'wild thing' you will appreciate this ready-to-rock chain saw.
It arrives fully assembled, and includes a custom carrying case and 2-cycle engine oil.
The outstanding bright green and purple color scheme will make it easy to find in anyone’s garage.
Don’t let its good looks deceive you it can run with the big dogs during a hard day of wood cutting.
An Effortless Pull Starting™ system reduces the pulling effort by 30%, and an automatic, gear driven oiler keeps the chain running smoothly.
September 02, 2009
Jim Marseilles, IL
Wild Thing Rocks
I was a first time buyer when it came to chain saws. After a lot of product reviews and price checks I found the Poulan "Wild Thing" at Chain Saws Direct. ( I thought "how cool would it be to own a purple and green chain saw"?)
After I received it I read the manual for all the operation and safety procedures- remember, I'm a rookie with these things. I gassed up the chain saw and followed the starting procedures to the letter, and it started right away with a couple short pulls of the cord.
The tree I was taking down had no chance, because this thing was exactly as stated on the website. It went through the branches like butter. One cool thing I liked about the unit was the bar oil reservoir, which kept the chain oiled while in use.
Thank you, Chain Saws Direct.com for the great price and the prompt shipping.
I was a first time buyer when it came to chain saws. After a lot of product reviews and price checks I found the Poulan "Wild Thing" at Chain Saws Direct. ( I thought "how cool would it be to own a purple and green chain saw"?)
After I received it I read the manual for all the operation and safety procedures- remember, I'm a rookie with these things. I gassed up the chain saw and followed the starting procedures to the letter, and it started right away with a couple short pulls of the cord.
The tree I was taking down had no chance, because this thing was exactly as s... more