I need a pole saw
- Thread starter johninct
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billconner
Well-known member
I'm very pleased with my EGO multi tool with extension and pole saw. Just an acre with a lot of trees.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
I'm sold on battery electric for yard work tools. So much less hassle, noise, stink and vibration. Weight can be a bit much, but a properly balanced pole saw WITH a harness makes for easy work--just be sure it uses a drive rod or cable so the weight and bulk are in the power head! I've seen a couple with the motor at the working end and they're miserable to use.
A pole saw is a just plain unpleasant tool to use--you're right where the chips are falling and directly under where the branch will be falling. It's very easy to jam the bar in a cut, as you're usually not cutting from directly above. BE CAREFUL. But it beats using a chainsaw while standing on a tall, rickety ladder (which is what I spent most of the morning doing today (because I can't talk the boss into buying a Stihl pole saw to go with the battery mower and trimmer we bought this spring)).
A pole saw is a just plain unpleasant tool to use--you're right where the chips are falling and directly under where the branch will be falling. It's very easy to jam the bar in a cut, as you're usually not cutting from directly above. BE CAREFUL. But it beats using a chainsaw while standing on a tall, rickety ladder (which is what I spent most of the morning doing today (because I can't talk the boss into buying a Stihl pole saw to go with the battery mower and trimmer we bought this spring)).
Height?
In my opinion....
Unless you plan to do tree work for a living, you really don't need the latest, greatest and shiniest tools on the market. The Harbor Freight corded pole saw absolutely kicks ***! I was skeptical myself but once I bought and used it, and now that I've loaned it out to several friends, we all agree the thing is an absolute animal... Especially for the price.
No need to invest in battery tools for tree trimming, considering the few times you're going to use the tool. If you don't have a decent extension cord, now's your chance to buy one for yourself. (to go with the corded saw) You can buy a damn nice extension cord (or several of them) instead of buying a battery saw with batteries. If you already own a line of battery tools with batteries, and that brand also sells a pole saw, then it might be a different story because you already have batteries. But otherwise, don't bother with a cordless pole saw.
The Harbor Freight corded pole saw (with Oregon chain) is hard to beat.... both in price and performance.
And I am NOT a Harbor Freight fan boy.
Again, just my opinion.
Unless you plan to do tree work for a living, you really don't need the latest, greatest and shiniest tools on the market. The Harbor Freight corded pole saw absolutely kicks ***! I was skeptical myself but once I bought and used it, and now that I've loaned it out to several friends, we all agree the thing is an absolute animal... Especially for the price.
No need to invest in battery tools for tree trimming, considering the few times you're going to use the tool. If you don't have a decent extension cord, now's your chance to buy one for yourself. (to go with the corded saw) You can buy a damn nice extension cord (or several of them) instead of buying a battery saw with batteries. If you already own a line of battery tools with batteries, and that brand also sells a pole saw, then it might be a different story because you already have batteries. But otherwise, don't bother with a cordless pole saw.
The Harbor Freight corded pole saw (with Oregon chain) is hard to beat.... both in price and performance.
And I am NOT a Harbor Freight fan boy.
Again, just my opinion.
10'-12' so I can get machinery under stuff.
I won't be near an outlet. I am cleaning up fence rows.
If you already have cordless tools, get the cordless pole saw offering from whatever company makes your tools. They'll all work well for what you want to do. I have a dewalt pole saw and it's freaking awesome. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Firebrick43
Well-known member
Do you think you going to "get at it" and spend hours cleaning it up or are you going to cut for an hour every day or so?
If your going to spend hours doing it get one of the kombi/multi tool power heads, a pole pruner attachment and an extension section. Get the aluminum back brace to carry the weight of the machine.
Then with a brush blade attachment you can cut back the briers in the fence row or trim grass with it after your done.
If your only going to cut an hour or less at a time a battery tool might suite you better
If your going to spend hours doing it get one of the kombi/multi tool power heads, a pole pruner attachment and an extension section. Get the aluminum back brace to carry the weight of the machine.
Then with a brush blade attachment you can cut back the briers in the fence row or trim grass with it after your done.
If your only going to cut an hour or less at a time a battery tool might suite you better
I’ve been thinking about making a similar thread.
I’ve got about 22 acres that I bush hog consisting of 5 separate fields that are heavily wooded around the edges and the trees are creeping in. The first pass around the fields are awful. Tons of stuff catching my the top of my cab and snagging my mirrors and folding them in. A few small sections have gotten so bad I can’t mow them as large branches are about mid windshield height.
I rented a stihl gas pole saw from a local hardware store last fall and cut an entire day not finishing the smallest of the 5 fields . It’s time to buy one.
I don’t think battery is practical although I’ve got about a dozen dewalt batteries 5 a/h and larger. Electric is totally out of the question as I’d have to drag a generator around to use it.
I’ve got about 22 acres that I bush hog consisting of 5 separate fields that are heavily wooded around the edges and the trees are creeping in. The first pass around the fields are awful. Tons of stuff catching my the top of my cab and snagging my mirrors and folding them in. A few small sections have gotten so bad I can’t mow them as large branches are about mid windshield height.
I rented a stihl gas pole saw from a local hardware store last fall and cut an entire day not finishing the smallest of the 5 fields . It’s time to buy one.
I don’t think battery is practical although I’ve got about a dozen dewalt batteries 5 a/h and larger. Electric is totally out of the question as I’d have to drag a generator around to use it.
signcrafter
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 9, 2012
- Messages
- 12,392
I have the M18 weedwhacker that you can use different attachments with and have the pole saw and love it. It came with one extension but I bought another to reach higher. It's ackward and you can tell it's not the happiest with two extensions but it does good. I only use the extra when needed once in a while. But if no electricity then get a battery operated in red or yellow and go to town. I have the weed eater, hedge trimmer, pole saw, brush cutter, rubber paddle, and edger. These are all things that get used a couple times a year and I already have many batteries so battery was the way to go since a gas version will sit for months or longer and not be able to pop a battery in and go.
finn
Well-known member
We have a couple of manual pole saws that work quite nicely. They’re light and never have fuel issues. I think they extend to about 15’.
Also have a gas Ryobi that I use a lot. It was $109 on close out at HD. Cracked the bar oil reservoir but the parts were cheap. Currently on injured reserve waiting for a carb rebuild (imagine that).
Last year we picked up a Milwaukee bundle that included a pole saw attachment. Works well, but it’s short and not well balanced. Bought the extension, but haven’t tried it yet. Still pretty short, though. For quick jobs with small branches, the manual saws are preferable.
Also have a gas Ryobi that I use a lot. It was $109 on close out at HD. Cracked the bar oil reservoir but the parts were cheap. Currently on injured reserve waiting for a carb rebuild (imagine that).
Last year we picked up a Milwaukee bundle that included a pole saw attachment. Works well, but it’s short and not well balanced. Bought the extension, but haven’t tried it yet. Still pretty short, though. For quick jobs with small branches, the manual saws are preferable.
I have the gas model HF pole saw. It too kicks ***. The chain is EXTREMELY aggressive, however, so be warned. Along with the gas post hole auger from HF, I have been more than pleased with the quality. I can let them sit with fuel in them for 3 years and they will still start right up.
Buckaroo5
Well-known member
I have the EGO dedicated pole saw and like it a lot.
tiredoldironworker
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2024
- Messages
- 243
I've got the Milwaukee pole saw with an extra extension. It works well.
GirlnAgarage
Well-known member
Using a Dewalt pole saw for the property. Long reach with all three sections attached. Battery life is fine using a large 5 or 6ah battery. Never run out of juice actually since the pole saw is usually used in conjunction with the Milkwalkee 6" hatchet or a larger chain saw doing the rest of the processes.
Gotcha...
Do you have a generator you can throw in the back of the truck?
I don't care which tool you buy, I'm just throwing out ideas for you.
[sarcasm]
What I really mean is... You should probably go out and buy the biggest, baddest, most expensive pole saw on the market. This is the Garage Journal website, after all... where only the best will do, regardless of the situation.
[/sarcasm]
lolo
WWheeler
Well-known member
I have a Stihl 2 cycle and a Dewalt 20V pole saws, but 90% of the time I prefer to use one of these. They cut better and cleaner and healthier for the tree, and for most work they are just faster and easier. The pruner will cut anything 1-1/2" or less in less than a second, clean right back to the trunk or a lateral growth (so you don't leave a dead stub which is super unhealthy for a tree) and i can rip thorugh anything 4" or less with the pole saw faster than I can pull start my Stihl. it's also a lot lighter which makes it easier to get a bottom cut started before finishing on top so it doesn't rip that branch as it hinges, and it's easier to use without standing right underneath what you're cutting. I tend to only grab the Stihl or Dewalt pole saws when it's larger stuff that needs cut, and too often I regret doing so as I wind up climbing up there to clean up the crappy stub/rip cuts they left with a chainsaw anyway.
I have a Stihl 2 cycle and a Dewalt 20V pole saws, but 90% of the time I prefer to use one of these. They cut better and cleaner and healthier for the tree, and for most work they are just faster and easier. The pruner will cut anything 1-1/2" or less in less than a second, clean right back to the trunk or a lateral growth (so you don't leave a dead stub which is super unhealthy for a tree) and i can rip thorugh anything 4" or less with the pole saw faster than I can pull start my Stihl. it's also a lot lighter which makes it easier to get a bottom cut started before finishing on top so it doesn't rip that branch as it hinges, and it's easier to use without standing right underneath what you're cutting. I tend to only grab the Stihl or Dewalt pole saws when it's larger stuff that needs cut, and too often I regret doing so as I wind up climbing up there to clean up the crappy stub/rip cuts they left with a chainsaw anyway.
For 12' and not a lot of cuts that's the way to go. I've cut back a lot of yard and ski trails with my cheap fiskars version.
My only hesitation with the OP would be the amount of cuts he needs to make and the time.
ricleh
Well-known member
I have had a Stihl telescoping pole saw with a 12" bar and chain for over 30 years and I would definitely recommend it.
Spareparts
Well-known member
Got a TORO weed eater and a Toro limb saw with a couple of extensions it will reach 15' and the weight
will do all the work, you just have to hoist it up there, it is a 10" bar, make sure you wear eye protection.
The extensions should fit any weed eater, I have used it on my Ryobi weed wacker with no problem.
will do all the work, you just have to hoist it up there, it is a 10" bar, make sure you wear eye protection.
The extensions should fit any weed eater, I have used it on my Ryobi weed wacker with no problem.
joshmodelskidoo
Well-known member
I would go with whatever cordless tool platform you have. Assuming you run cordless tools
Kscardsfan
Well-known member
I have a Stihl gas powered one and it's great. It's kind of like a pressure washer, once you have one you start using it a lot more than you planned on initially. For me gas makes more sense, I'm frequently in areas far removed from power and I have a fleet of other saws and tools that run on mixed gas. Your needs may vary.
70chevellegsp
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2011
- Messages
- 238
I have a 40v Greenworks pole saw. I use it to work on 2 hunting properties (80 & 180 acres). It gets used often, but not near commercial use. It's been excellent. I keep the chain sharp and cuts thru anything. Best part is that the saw is pretty inexpensive.
snickers muncher
Well-known member
I have not used it, but my folks bought one and love it.
66HertzClone
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have this to and it has been a great tool to use.
JOE.G
Well-known member
I have a Stihl HT 131, I Highly recommend it, I don't use it everyday but when i need it I have it. I have a bunch of other 4 mix items like weed whackers and back pack blowers so I just mix of Stihl ultra oil for everything . The 4 mix motors are known for carbon issues with low quality oil is used. I have had it since 2012 with zero issues. I have a lot of land and fruit orchards and it is a must have.
Ing3018
Well-known member
From the comfort of your seat:
https://limbsaw.com/products/limbsaw-hydraulic-chainsaw-20
https://limbsaw.com/products/limbsaw-hydraulic-chainsaw-20
Cool, but a lot of money for not a lot of reach
I'd also think positioning would be highly dependent on the terrain
HoosierMark
Well-known member
I borrowed a gas powered unit. It worked great and had plenty of power. I ended up buying a dewalt 20 volt. It is not quite as powerful but it serves my needs well in the long run. It often is in the sxs when we trail ride Grab it, hit the button and cut away. Sure sometime we see where extra power would be handy but I don’t regret buying the dewalt.
Tdbo
Well-known member
I needed one to take a tree down, and didn't want to spend a lot of coin.
That took the one I really wanted out (Echo gas.)
Looked at the Dewalt 20 volt because I have numerous tools on the platform.
I decided that I didn't even want to spend that much.
Ran across a refurb Ryobi 40V with the battery for $139. Went for it.
Adequate power and good battery life.
I was actually amazed by it. Only issue with it was that it was kind of wobbly with the third pole on it.
For the little that I will use it, It is fine.
That took the one I really wanted out (Echo gas.)
Looked at the Dewalt 20 volt because I have numerous tools on the platform.
I decided that I didn't even want to spend that much.
Ran across a refurb Ryobi 40V with the battery for $139. Went for it.
Adequate power and good battery life.
I was actually amazed by it. Only issue with it was that it was kind of wobbly with the third pole on it.
For the little that I will use it, It is fine.