Pole saws... worth it?

[JimP]

I have a hand pole saw and a Stihl Kombi with the pole saw attachment. The Stihl has less reach than the hand saw but is much faster. I only use the hand saw when I need the extra reach. The Stihl is more sensitive to dull chain than a regular chainsaw. I have 2 sets of chain and change them out as soon as the saw starts to lug when cutting. I agree with others that the saw will get heavy if you are constantly using your arms to support the whole weight of the saw. Also eye and ear protection is a must. Jim

 

[Ken45101]

They are wonderful! Your neighbor doesn't know what he is doing.

I have used mine enough to wear it out (a Stihl Combi) trimming trails here and at state parks and forests (we do volunteer bridle trail maintenance).

I do get worn out after a few hours of lifting and swinging when I am doing miles of trails. When I replaced mine I elected to stay with the smallest Stihl because it weighs less.

I've never really had a problem with keeping the blade sharp. Since I don't use mine near ground level, it doesn't get the grit and dirt to dull the blade.

I have also bought the power scythe attachment, that's good for trimming light brush and under fences, and the blower attachment.

Ken

 

[yooper jim]

All this pole saw talk got me wondering about the hydraulic ones the power company uses. They sure are quiet, but VERY expensive. Stanley Pole Saw Plus you need hydraulic source (tractor?) and hose. Think I'll scrape that idea.

 

[Ken45101]

All this pole saw talk got me wondering about the hydraulic ones the power company uses. They sure are quiet, but VERY expensive. Stanley Pole Saw Plus you need hydraulic source (tractor?) and hose. Think I'll scrape that idea.

That's the sort of thing the hydraulic external connections on a Kubota RTV900 are for. Still couldn't understand why it wouldn't make more sense just to use a gas powered one and not have to deal with the hose issue

Now I would love to have a hydraulic saw that attached to the loader bucket so that I could drive down the trail and reach up and down with the bucket and do the trimming. But I want a bigger bar for trimming overhanging small stuff.

Ken

 

[MossRoad]

All this pole saw talk got me wondering about the hydraulic ones the power company uses. They sure are quiet, but VERY expensive. Stanley Pole Saw Plus you need hydraulic source (tractor?) and hose. Think I'll scrape that idea.

That's the sort of thing the hydraulic external connections on a Kubota RTV900 are for. Still couldn't understand why it wouldn't make more sense just to use a gas powered one and not have to deal with the hose issue

Now I would love to have a hydraulic saw that attached to the loader bucket so that I could drive down the trail and reach up and down with the bucket and do the trimming. But I want a bigger bar for trimming overhanging small stuff.

Ken

That hydraulic pole saw is only 74" long. They are meant for use up in the bucket of a man lift. They are extremely powerful. They also have the benefit of not falling to the ground if you drop it. And you never have to refuel it when up in the bucket. But you do have to put oil in the chain lubrication system.

Several of the Power Trac owners have considered them, since Power Tracs are all hydraulic. However, being tethered to a tractor with hydraulic hoses when pruning on the ground would get old, fast, as you would have to keep relocating the tractor. You could, however, attach it to the FEL fairly easily for high reach. You would just have to be careful about blade pinching and then bending the unit badly if you moved the FEL arms or steering wheel while it is pinched.

 

[Milton Burro]

I just ordered a Black and Decker cordless. Review forthcoming.
I just don't want the hassle of yet another two stroke engine, and I'm guessing in about four re-charges, I'll be done for awhile.

 

[brucewj]

I just ordered a Black and Decker cordless. Review forthcoming.
I just don't want the hassle of yet another two stroke engine, and I'm guessing in about four re-charges, I'll be done for awhile.

I just bought the Black and Decker cordless and it worked great for me. I was surprised at how well it cut. It does not spin the blade very fast, but it cut the hard mesquite limbs like they were butter. It comes with a long extension pole that can be used for the really high limbs. The battery lasted longer than I could, so no problem there. If you are in much better shape than I am, you might want two batteries.

 

[Haoleguy]

I have the Husqvarna med/heavy duty string trimmer that accepts the saw attachment. Since it is multi-purpose it is not as long as the dedicated pole saws. This is one of the best tools I have purchased period. This saw not only sees duty for tree trimming but also I used it to slash back the invasive plants crowding our joint common driveway(~1200 ft). So to answer your question these work beautifully if you buy a good brand(Husqvarna or Stihl). The only question you should ask is whether you need a dedicated one or a combi. To test out a unit contact your local tool rental store as they should have one to rent.....Gary

 

[Jagmandave]

I have an el cheapo electric, I've had it for years and it still works beautifully! If you're a homeowner, well it beats the heck out of climbing up in a tree!

Two caveats....

1) They get heavy when you extend them out all the way (adjustable pole models like mine) and...

2) I wish the blade was perpendicular to the handle, instead of straight up, that way you could undercut the branch, then just sit the blade on top and let gravity and the chain do the work. Instead, you have to push against the branch as you cut it.....I may try to modify mine.

Oh, and invest in a good hard hat with the attached eye protection, you'll get tired of the chips falling in your eyes real quick!

 

[DAY]

I have an el cheapo electric, I've had it for years and it still works beautifully! If you're a homeowner, well it beats the heck out of climbing up in a tree!

I too got a cheapo at the Depot, and it is great for what it is designed for. Light work (8" bar) overhead. Only limit is how many extension cords you own- and the amperage drop:laughing:

And now the sexist comment: Off the pole it is both light and quiet- perfect for the wife to re-size the pieces of stove wood I cut too long:confused2: