Is a 16 or 18 inch chainsaw better?
For a Poulan 3750 gas chainsaw, a 16-inch setup is usually better for lighter cutting and easier control, while an 18-inch setup is better when you regularly cut thicker wood and want more reach. The “better” choice is the one that matches your typical job and keeps handling safe.
How to choose between 16-inch and 18-inch
- Choose 16-inch if you prioritize maneuverability for limbing, pruning, and smaller firewood.
- Choose 18-inch if you often buck larger rounds and want fewer repositioning cuts.
- Choose the length that keeps the saw stable in your hands; chainsaw work is intended for two-handed use.
- Match the bar and chain to a low-kickback combination when possible; reduced-kickback bars and low-kickback chains help reduce kickback severity.
- Keep chain tension correct; a loose chain can jump off the guide bar and cause injury.
Quick comparison
| Feature | 16-inch bar | 18-inch bar |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Trimming, limbing, smaller firewood | Firewood processing, small tree felling, thicker logs |
| Handling | Lighter feel, easier to control | Heavier feel, more leverage at the tip |
| Cutting capacity | Less reach | More reach and depth per pass |
| Kickback risk factors | Lower leverage at the tip | Higher leverage at the tip (good technique matters more) |
What matters most for safe, clean cutting
- Use the correct bar and chain combination listed for your saw in the Poulan 3750 owner’s manual.
- Maintain chain tension so the chain does not sag but still moves freely around the bar.
- Use proper PPE and technique; plan your cut, keep bystanders away, and avoid one-handed operation.
Why it matters
Bar length affects control, fatigue, and kickback behavior. A slightly shorter bar often improves accuracy and reduces strain, while a longer bar improves reach and productivity when cutting larger wood.
Last updated: January 2026
Do you use 40 1 or 50 1 gas in a chainsaw?
For the Poulan 3750 gas chainsaw, we use a 40:1 fuel mix: 3.2 oz of 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil per 1 gallon of unleaded gasoline. That ratio is the manufacturer recommendation for this model and helps protect the engine from damage.
Fuel mix details for Poulan 3750
Use this quick reference when mixing fuel:
| Mix ratio | Oil per 1 gallon gas | Oil per 2 gallons gas |
|---|---|---|
| 40:1 (recommended) | 3.2 oz | 6.4 oz |
| 50:1 (not the spec for this model) | 2.6 oz | 5.2 oz |
For the exact wording and safety notes, follow the fueling section in the Poulan 3750 owner's manual.
How we recommend mixing fuel (best practice)
- Use fresh, unleaded gasoline and a quality 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil.
- Measure oil accurately; don’t “eyeball” the ratio.
- Mix in an approved fuel can: add some gas, add oil, then top off with gas and shake.
- Do not use automotive oil or marine (boat) oil.
- Mix only what you’ll use soon; old fuel causes hard starting and rough running.
Why it matters
A 2-cycle chainsaw like the Poulan 3750 relies on oil mixed into the fuel for lubrication. Running too little oil (such as a leaner 50:1 mix on a saw designed for 40:1) increases wear and can lead to overheating and engine damage.
Related maintenance that protects the saw
Fuel mix is only half the story; bar and chain lubrication matters too.
- Keep bar and chain oil topped off so the automatic oiler can lubricate continuously.
- Watch for signs of low oiling: smoke from the chain or bar discoloration.
- Keep the chain properly tensioned; new chains stretch during early use.
If you’re also troubleshooting starting issues after fueling, use tips for a hard to start chainsaw.
Last updated: January 2026
What is a good gas-powered chainsaw?
A good gas-powered chainsaw is one that matches your cutting workload and includes strong kickback-reduction features. For homeowner use, mid-size saws from Husqvarna, Echo, and Stihl are consistently solid choices; for your Poulan 3750, safe setup and the correct bar and chain combination matter most.
How to choose the right gas chainsaw
We recommend picking based on what you cut most often, not just engine size.
- Light yard cleanup (limbs, small trees): lighter saw, shorter bar, easier handling
- Firewood and storm cleanup: mid-range saw with a 16 to 20 inch bar
- Bigger hardwood and frequent cutting: more power, longer bar, stronger anti-vibration
- Safety priority: chain brake, low-kickback chain, reduced-kickback guide bar
- Service and parts availability: easy access to chains, carburetor parts, starter parts
Safety features that matter (especially on the Poulan 3750)
Your Poulan 3750 manual calls out kickback as a major hazard and explains that safety features reduce risk but do not eliminate it. Use the correct bar and chain combination and follow the operating and maintenance instructions in the Poulan 3750 owner's manual.
Quick comparison: what “good” looks like
| What you want | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Easy starting and smooth idle | Less frustration, safer control | Clean fuel system, tuned carburetor, good starter parts |
| Predictable cutting | Faster work, less binding | Sharp chain, correct chain tension, proper bar oiling |
| Lower kickback risk | Better control | Reduced-kickback guide bar and low-kickback chain |
| Long-term durability | Fewer breakdowns | Regular maintenance, quality air filtration, good lubrication |
Parts that commonly affect performance
If your current saw is hard to control, cuts slowly, or pulls to one side, the cutting system is usually the first place to start.
- Replace a worn or stretched chain with the correct chain 577180501
- Keep bar and chain oil clean and free-flowing; use a quality bar and chain oil (SAE 30 is a common substitute)
- If the saw runs rough or won’t start, carburetor diaphragms and gaskets are common wear items; consider the engine carburetor diaphragm and gasket kit 530069844
Why it matters
A “good” gas chainsaw is not only powerful; it is controllable. The right bar, chain, lubrication, and kickback-reduction features help you cut efficiently while reducing the chance of sudden reactive forces.
Last updated: January 2026





