Older Poulan saw information

[Sanford]

I have recently inherited a 245 poulan and a 3400 counter-vibe Poulan saw. I haven't been able to find much about them as far as displacement or what size bars they can pull. I know they both have plenty of compression and run good with a 18" on both saws. The 245 will jerk the rope out of your hand if you aren't careful. I was also wondering about the age of the saws. Any info. is appreciated,  Thanks,  Sanford

[Ianab]

Hi Sanford

The 245 is 73cc and built 1971-74
The 3400 is 56cc and was first built in 1979

This site is the online bible of chainsaws, you can look up almost anything there.
Chainsaw Collectors Corner

Cheers

Ian

[Sanford]

Thanks for the reply and link, it's no wonder they cut good with only 18" bars on them!!  The 16:1 does a good job of keeping the skeeters away too.  Sanford

[Bill]

Sanford

I bought a Poulan 245a new back in the late seventies. Since I only cut firewood it doesn't get much use and has lasted all these years. Still cuts pretty good. I typically use an 18" bar but have a 24" for bigger work and it pulls both just fine. I also use a small saw ( was a Poulan till it died and replaced a few years back with a Stihl 019 ) for little stuff . Since getting parts for the 245 became a problem I picked up a powerhead on eBay for parts. Comes in handy.

Feel free to PM me with questions if you like and I'll try to answer what I can.

[Sanford]

Bill-  The 245 was my Dad's favorite until it was too heavy to be used comfortably for him. I just mix up some fuel once a year to keep it useable, and the 3400 is still used once and a while by my brother when he needs a bigger saw. They both get the job done when asked, but my hands don't get sore running my 350 and 371xp Huskys, so the Poulans are retired/backup saws.  Sanford

[Marvinlee]

I bought a Poulan 3400 for $217 in March 1980.  It was my first saw.  I still have it.  It starts easily, has power, and has been cheap to maintain.  I doubt that newer Poulan saws have the same quality.  I have noticed that the weight has doubled since 1980.  It must be the heavy air here in Oregon.

[tdelorme]

I have an old 3400 that I bought new in 1982.  Just a great old dependable saw that starts easy and cuts good too.  You can get parts for um on eBay from several places.  I just got a new air filter for mine for about four bucks.  Only problem is the color :D