Want suggestions for handheld battery pruning saw

[db55]

Hi,
I'm planning to buy a handheld battery-powered pruning saw. I'll typically be using this for branches that are 5" in diameter or less (usually less). I have an electric chain saw for branches that are too large for what I buy. I want the smaller saw for convenience and easy to use while on a ladder. The battery-driven tools that I currently own are Milwaukee 18V and 12V tools and I own an Ego 56V blower. I'm currently leaning towards purchasing the Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 Fuel Hackzall with a 9" Diablo pruning blade. Other tools that I've looked at are the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hackzall and the Milwaukee pruning chain saw. I'm leaning towards a Hackzall because I find that sawzall type tools are just easier to maintain and clean than chainsaws. Let me know if you have any thoughts, suggestions, or experience to share.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Even with the appropriate blades for ‘green wood’ installed on the hackzall/sawzall, the small chainsaws are way ahead in terms of usability/ ease of cutting.

Ever since running the Stihl GTA 26, I haven’t used my reciprocating saw for any pruning/ ‘green wood’ cutting at all. And I did have/ still have the appropriate, highly aggressive, blades.

The Stihl GTA 26 has been a massive game changer. I’m sure the offerings by Milwaukee et all, are no different in terms of efficiency and most importantly, much less ‘rattling’ as you don’t need to fully support those against what you’re cutting like you would do with a sawzall/ reciprocating saw.

That extra minute to clean the small chainsaw doesn’t bother me, the gain in usability/efficiency is absolutely worth it.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Red 17]

Have the M18 brushless Hackzall. Works like a champ. My high-mile corded Sawzall may become a dust collector.

Not as fast as a chainsaw. But "safer" and fast enough depending on what you're doing.

I have an electric Remington chainsaw on a stick. Good, but is fouled and clogged if you get into small branches and leaves.

 

[Rst277]

Hi,
I'm planning to buy a handheld battery-powered pruning saw. I'll typically be using this for branches that are 5" in diameter or less (usually less). I have an electric chain saw for branches that are too large for what I buy. I want the smaller saw for convenience and easy to use while on a ladder. The battery-driven tools that I currently own are Milwaukee 18V and 12V tools and I own an Ego 56V blower. I'm currently leaning towards purchasing the Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 Fuel Hackzall with a 9" Diablo pruning blade. Other tools that I've looked at are the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hackzall and the Milwaukee pruning chain saw. I'm leaning towards a Hackzall because I find that sawzall type tools are just easier to maintain and clean than chainsaws. Let me know if you have any thoughts, suggestions, or experience to share.

Any cordless sawzall with a pruning blade will do the trick. I use my cordless Ridgid sawzall with pruning blades all the time.

 

[tarmy]

Hackzall 18V and 12” pruning blade. Been doing that for years…works great

 

[Crazyjake8493]

For branches that small I use my M18 Hackzall with a pruning blade. Bigger than that, and I use the battery chainsaw.

 

[RonnieC]

I have the m12 Milwaukee Hatchet. It works great- I prune with it but also cut up downed branches that are thicker than what is recommended by Milwaukee.

 

[finn]

I have a Milwaukee M12 non Fuel Hacksall, a Dewalt 20v max 12” ( I think) chainsaw, and my wife just won a Stihl 10:8 v mini pruning (chain) saw at the local Deere dealer open house.

The little Stihl kicks the Milwaukee’s **** to heck and back for pruning, and feels more robust / higher quality than either the M12 hacksall or the Dewalt pruning chainsaw.

Without a doubt, look at the little Stihl before you buy the piece of **** Milwaukee ( although the fuel version is supposedly a lot better). The Dewalt 12” is a little too big for small branches.

Edit: We also have a poles saw attachment and extension for the M18 combi trimmer and a Dewalt 20 v sawsall with a pruning blade. They have their uses, ie extended reach, but I sort of kick myself for buying the M18 pole saw instead of a Stihl combi kit, although, cost played into that decision.

 

[Jeff C]

I’ve got an M12 fuel hackzall, 20V dewalt sawzall, M12 hatchet chainsaw, and a dewalt 20v pole saw. The hackzall is great for lots of things but cutting branches the size you’re talking about is not one of them. The sawzall is too heavy.

The hatchet and pole saw are both great. Shocking I know since they were both designed for cutting down branches. I wander around the yard with those two in hand all the time. I’m sure the stihl equivalent is fine too.

 

[carlaisle]

One benefit of the hackzall option over the small chainsaw option is the ability to cut things in places where a chainsaw would be ill-suited. i.e. under fence, near a foundation, etc.

 

[mike93lx]

I have a Milwaukee M12 non Fuel Hacksall, a Dewalt 20v max 12” ( I think) chainsaw, and my wife just won a Stihl 10:8 v mini pruning (chain) saw at the local Deere dealer open house.

The little Stihl kicks the Milwaukee’s **** to heck and back for pruning, and feels more robust / higher quality than either the M12 hacksall or the Dewalt pruning chainsaw.

Without a doubt, look at the little Stihl before you buy the piece of **** Milwaukee ( although the fuel version is supposedly a lot better). The Dewalt 12” is a little too big for small branches.

To be fair, power on the M12 non fuel is basically non existent. Mine is relegated to stuff like cutting pvc in the dirt. I wouldn't just single handed sawzalls on it

 

[db55]

Thanks to everyone for your excellent inputs. It sounds like both the M12 Fuel Hatchet and the M18 Fuel Hackzall are excellent tools. Hatchet is best/optimized for pruning and Hackzall is more general purpose but still good for small pruning. I decided to go with the Hackzall as I will be able to use it for more than just pruning. If I find it too limiting (and I doubt that) I will also add the Hatchet.

 

[no704]

This Old Tony on YouTube has a couple videos on pruning.

 

[cody1325]

Stihl GTA26 here too. Cuts limbs even kinda too big for it with ease. I took the plastic swing guard off the top when it needed to substitute for a Sawzall working on a shelf in my closet, and never put it back. But, it never affected the performance.

They make a pole saw attachment too.

https://www.stihlusa.com/products/gardening-tools/gardening-accessories/gta26extension/

Do wish I'd picked up an extra battery or two, but adding a tool (been looking at the inflator, small vac, and "power cleaner" for ages) would solve that problem too. Honestly, I'd love to see Stihl make a drill/driver or impact for the platform.

Keep meaning on getting the battery Husqvarna Rancher to go with my 220i, since they share batteries.

 

[csp]

I've found that the Diablo demolition blades work faster than pruning blades do.

 

[ATC]

Love my M12 Hatchet.