The Poulan Pro PR4218 is an entry-level professional-grade gas chainsaw designed for occasional homeowner and professional landscaper use. Poulan Pro is a well-known manufacturer of outdoor power equipment including chainsaws, string trimmers, blowers, and hedge trimmers. The PR4218 features a 42cc displacement engine making it more powerful than many consumer-grade saws but smaller and lighter than heavy duty saws used for large tree felling and logging applications. With a dependable engine, balance and maneuverability suited for all-day use, and rugged components for long life, the PR4218 aims to deliver outstanding performance and value for both occasional and regular users.
- Engine: 42cc 2-cycle gasoline engine
- Displacement: 42cc
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.95 quarts (0.9L)
- Chain Bar Length: 18 inches
- Chain Type: Poulan PRO 3/8" pitch chain
- Oil Tank Capacity: 17.6 oz (0.52L)
- Cylinder Lubrication: Automated oiler system
- Chain Brake: Inertia activated chain brake
- Guide Bar Cover: Dual-molded composite guide bar cover
- Anti-Vibration System: Front and rear anti-vibration system
- Suspension Control: Rear anti-vibration handle
- Weight: 9.1 lbs (without bar/chain)
- Dimensions: 23.5" x 13.3" x 14.7" (length x width x height)
- Warranty: Limited 3-year consumer warranty
- Made In: China
- Accessories: Chain tool, file gauge, manual
Design and Build Quality
The PR4218 features an lightweight yet durable construction made of metal, plastic and rubber components. At just over 9 pounds, it has a very balanced design that makes it easy to maneuver for extended periods without fatigue. The anti-vibration system successfully reduces handle vibrations resulting in less arm and wrist strain. The chain brake and safety switch provide important safety features for control and protection. Controls like the choke, throttle trigger and master switch are easy to operate with gloves on.
The 18-inch bar and chain are suitable for limbing, bucking, and cutting firewood. The bar mounts securely in place without any wobble or play. Screws and fasteners feel sturdy with no signs of loose parts out of the box. Overall the build quality feels very solid for a saw in this price range. It's certainly designed and built to withstand occasional homeowner use and even regular use by landscaping professionals in less demanding applications.
Engine Performance
At the heart of the PR4218 is its 42cc 2-cycle engine. Many comparable saws in this class use lower displacement engines around 35-40cc so the extra cubes provide noticeable gains in power for cutting. Starting is very easy, requiring just a few pulls of the recoil starter even when cold. The automatic oiler system properly lubricates the bar and chain during operation.
Under load, the engine runs smoothly and pulls the chain along at a brisk pace through wood. It doesn't bog down even when pushing hard into dense firewood. The throttle response is immediately responsive. At wide open throttle the engine produces ample power, almost feeling like a saw intended for more heavy duty use. It will easily powers through lumber up to 8-10 inches in diameter. Fuel economy also seems quite good, with a full tank providing 3-4 hours of continuous use depending on workload.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the PR4218 is how comfortable it feels to use over long periods. Despite its relatively compact size, Poulan Pro was able to engineer in quality anti-vibration padding in the handle that noticeably dampens vibrations. Even after cutting firewood non-stop for a couple hours, hands and arms don't get fatigued. The balanced design also contributes to easy control.
Additional ergonomic touches like the contoured handles, angled front handle, and adjustable rear handle suit a variety of hand sizes. Controls fall readily to hand and are easy to operate with gloves. At just over 9 pounds, it's very light and maneuverable for limbing, cutting small logs, and working high in tree branches. These ergonomic attributes make it suitable for all-day use, even by occasional homeowners tackling bigger jobs.
Overall Performance
For the price, it's hard to find a more full-featured and higher performing saw than the Poulan Pro PR4218. It cuts with authority through any task an occasional homeowner would undertake like taking down small trees, bucking firewood, and pruning tree branches. But it also holds its own for light commercial applications too. The engine exhibits strong low-end torque for pulling the chain through thicker wood, along with good fuel economy.
The chainsaw performs exactly as intended right out of the box, starting easily and with no tuning required. Precise speed and throttle control is possible thanks to a smooth-running engine and well-designed handle. Cutting performance is genuinely impressive given its affordable price point. At just over 9 pounds, it carries and maneuvers exceedingly well with less fatigue compared to heavier pro-grade saws. Customers also appreciated its built-in safeguards like the automatic chain brake and comfortable ergonomics for all-day usage.
Durability
Poulan Pro saws are known for longevity even with daily use, and the PR4218 appears well-constructed to last many years with proper maintenance. Metal components won't crack or fail from normal operating stress and vibration. Plastic parts hold up well and won't break from average accidental drops or bumps. The engine delivers strong reliable power but its components are also sealed against debris for longer life. Grease fittings allow easy maintenance of internal parts.
Customers report the saw holding up impressively even when put to daily commercial use on job sites. Of course, like any small engine, it still requires regular tune-ups, oil changes, and replacement of wearing parts like the chain and bar over time. But overall the PR4218 has proven itself to run continuously for thousands of hours before major repairs are needed according to owners. With basic care, it can certainly outlive the usable lifespan of the average homeowner.
Value
At its affordable price point, the Poulan Pro PR4218 delivers market-leading value and performance. It provides commercial-grade features in a package suitable for both occasional and regular home use. While not the cheapest basic saw, the extra power, comfort and rugged durability justify its higher initial cost. Over the long run it proves cheaper than constantly replacing lesser saws that can't handle heavier workloads or all-day usage.
Backed by Poulan Pro's good warranty and dealer network too, the PR4218 offers peace of mind for homeowners. It also represents an extremely cost-effective solution for landscapers and arborists on a budget. The combination of build quality, power, reliability and ergonomics is hard to beat at this price point, making it a great value for both new and experienced chainsaw users. Few competitors provide a similar balance of value, power and usability at a comparable price.
Conclusion
Overall, the Poulan Pro PR4218 earns high marks as an entry-level professional chainsaw exceptionally well-suited for homeowners and light commercial use. It delivers pro-grade cutting performance from a powerful but compact and lightweight design. Interchangeable chain and bar allow it to evolve with the user's needs. Rugged construction and smooth ergonomics promote long-term daily use with less fatigue.
At a very reasonable price, it combines value, reliability and capabilities that belie its affordability. The PR4218 proves itself a great all-around saw for occasional firewood bucking or pruning as well as regular landscaping work. Both new and experienced owners will appreciate its balanced power, comfort and long-term dependability. For most buyers on a budget it establishes an excellent baseline for basic chainsaw tasks without compromising professional features or quality.