I think I'm going to break down and get a pole saw.

[crazyal]

I don't have much use for one other than the few small trees along the driveway that are starting to hang too low. In the past I would just pull them down and use loppers but I'm thinking that I should break down and get a pole saw. I don't see the need for gas power or for an expensive one since I might use if for a couple hours once a year at most. So it comes down to spend extra and get a cordless or just throw the generator in the back of the side by side and go corded. If I go cordless it looks like the options are 20v and 40v. Of the 40v ones the Greenworks seams to be the cheapest (even cheaper than Harbor Freight Lynxx with the coupon). I doubt I'll spend more than a total of 30 minutes cutting. I've read a number of posts and it seams like people like almost every brand. I don't have a use for any of the other items that the battery could fit (I currently have Milwaukee brand cordless tools) although I might get a blower down the road if I go cordless. I'm on the edge as to which way to go.

 

[Diggin It]

If you have a two banger trimmer, there is a pole saw add-on end available. Comes with an extension pole to get you to around 11' or so:

 

[flyerdan]

If you already have a genny, I'd just go with a corded one. I have a Remmington telescoping one that lets me reach about 15' from ground level, it was an Amazon special about ten years ago. No batteries to fuss with, no finicky 2 stroke engine that takes half a day tinkering to use it for 15 minutes.

 

[Diggin It]

I have the Remington also and the bonus for it is that the saw separates from the pole for hand use. The clamp for the pole extension disintigrated on mine though and I haven't found a replacement.

 

[Thomas]

Fiberglass pole with limb cutting easy to handle.

 

[ning]

How about an extendable tree pruner, if loppers were managing previously?

Also consider a manual pole saw; extremely portable and can easily cut a few inches thick pretty high up.

Unless, of course, you're looking for more power tools.

 

[newbury]

With that little cutting I'd agree with Thomas. A good brand non powered saw should work.
/edit and ning

 

[Rustyiron]

Fiberglass pole with limb cutting easy to handle.

That's what I bought, went to Labonville up in Gorham. Those fancy Japanese blades are years ahead of the old one's. A simple 8' f/g pole with a good head keeps my roads here on the property cleared up to 14' or so real easy without worrying with fuel or batteries.
I have another one that's extendable but it's got the rope for the pruning shear and that all gets cumbersome and heavy extended up. After buying a hand saw for low work with a "Samurai" blade, I was sold.

 

[crazyal]

I don't think a hand saw would work as most are long skinny limbs and tall saplings that bent over. I think they would just shake vs be cut. Maybe loppers on a pole but some of the limbs are about the maximum I could fit into my loppers and I wasn't sure I wanted to struggle. How much leverage can you get on a pole mounted lopper?

 

[Molalla1]

I don't think a hand saw would work as most are long skinny limbs and tall saplings that bent over. I think they would just shake vs be cut. Maybe loppers on a pole but some of the limbs are about the maximum I could fit into my loppers and I wasn't sure I wanted to struggle. How much leverage can you get on a pole mounted lopper?

crazyal . . . I know were you are coming from . . . I've got the pole pruner/with the lopper . . . I can nip off a 1" limb, maybe a bit more if I feel strong that day :laughing: although it does take some effort, I also am thinking of going with a powered one. (I'm thinking gas)