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pole saw recommendations

Posted on 2/27/23 at 12:45 pm
Posted by BilbeauTBaggins
probably stuck in traffic
Member since May 2021
7107 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 12:45 pm
got some really tall trees out back that we'll trim up a bit. any recommendations for best bang for your buck?

EDIT: appreciate all the suggestions so far.

For added context: trees are fairly tall but branches are not thick enough to where I need a whole lot of power to prune branches (branches are no more than 4 inches thick, just got a ton of them.) I'm seeing some manual pruners that can go up to 12' on a budget, but I would be worried about the longevity. Current plan would be to buy a $40-$60 manual pruner, and if it breaks, eventually upgrade to battery powered.

Not worried about putting a lot of elbow grease into the job either.
This post was edited on 2/27/23 at 3:24 pm
Posted by ItzMe1972
Member since Dec 2013
11390 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 1:06 pm to
Ryobi makes awesome battery powered units.
I have the 18 volt one.

Used it this morning at a friend's house for live oak trees.

Paid for itself on first use!

LINK

Echo makes nice gas powered units.
This post was edited on 2/27/23 at 1:08 pm
Posted by Cypressknee
Member since Jul 2017
1404 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 2:01 pm to
Depends how much you use it. I have a fixed shaft Stihl that’s 7’ but about to get another one the extendable that reaches to 16’ I think it is.
Posted by sosaysmorvant
River Parishes, LA
Member since Feb 2008
1403 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 2:04 pm to
Stihl

They make dedicated units or get the Kombi system that you can interchange different tools.
Posted by TeddyPadillac
Member since Dec 2010
28528 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 2:07 pm to
quote:

I have the 18 volt one.




what you get like 3 cuts and then it dies?

That was my experience with the 18V Dewalt pole saw. and now mine doesn't even work.


Posted by BilbeauTBaggins
probably stuck in traffic
Member since May 2021
7107 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 2:08 pm to
If you've seen my previous post, I have a frick ton of trees out back. I'm hoping just to raise the canopy by getting ride of the smaller branches that are around. It could be a yearly thing, but I know this won't be a small job.
Posted by OntarioTiger
Canada
Member since Nov 2007
2209 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 2:21 pm to
If u have existing cordless tools go with the brand u have batteries for. I have used ryobi and dewalt cordless pile trimmers. Both worked, the dewalt was sturdier, aluminum pole vs fiberglass on ryobi. Bothe were a helluva lot better than a hand powered pole saw and cut branches up 8" in diameter.
Posted by PaBon
UPT 17th W/D
Member since Sep 2014
2069 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 2:22 pm to
2nd vote electric.
Posted by OntarioTiger
Canada
Member since Nov 2007
2209 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 2:23 pm to
Needed a couple of batteries for each one but they worked well. Keep the chain sharp and chain oil in tank
Posted by TGCM
Member since Dec 2020
89 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 2:26 pm to
Silky pole saw

This saw is incredible. I purchased one about 10 years ago and although it is a hell of a workout, it is incredible.
Posted by OntarioTiger
Canada
Member since Nov 2007
2209 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 2:26 pm to
Once branch was on the ground i used a chain saw or cordless sawzall to cut it into manageable lengths. I wouldn't change a thing to trim branches and do the same thing over.
Posted by Cypressknee
Member since Jul 2017
1404 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 2:30 pm to
quote:

If you've seen my previous post


I have not. If it’s a large amount a battery one may disappoint you. I’d get a Stihl and run tru fuel. I like power though . Also, waiting on a battery to charge sucks.
Posted by Loup
Ferriday
Member since Apr 2019
14120 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 2:50 pm to
Harbor Freight Pole Saw

I have this one and I've been happy with it although I wish the bar were longer. If I need it to trim trails or am too far away from power I just use my generator to run it. It's a bit of a pain but most of my use is at the house so it wasn't worth forking out the extra for a battery or gas unit.
Posted by LEASTBAY
Member since Aug 2007
15623 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 3:01 pm to
Rent the big Echo one from HD for like $30. Will be done quickly.
This post was edited on 2/27/23 at 3:01 pm
Posted by JustKillinTime
Member since Apr 2022
75 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 3:19 pm to
I have the Milwaukee pole saw and it does great as long as you keep it sharp and oiled.
Posted by BilbeauTBaggins
probably stuck in traffic
Member since May 2021
7107 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 3:20 pm to
quote:

cordless tools go with the brand u have batteries fo


we've got Craftsman with two 2.5 Ah batteries, not sure how long those would last. I'm not sure I want to go the cheaper route and get a budget pruner or go with the Craftsman cordless.

branches aren't entirely thick. I would consider sacrificing cutting power/time for the added pole length, but not sure if saving money would be all that worth it in the end
Posted by ItzMe1972
Member since Dec 2013
11390 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 4:20 pm to
I have the 18 volt one.

"what you get like 3 cuts and then it dies?"
--

No, I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of cutting the Ryobi does on one battery!
Posted by OntarioTiger
Canada
Member since Nov 2007
2209 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 5:21 pm to
U will need bigger battery than 2,5 ah .... thats fine for drill and drivers. 4 or 5 ah are good
Posted by DMAN1968
Member since Apr 2019
11721 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 5:30 pm to
quote:

U will need bigger battery than 2,5 ah .... thats fine for drill and drivers.

My Dewalt saw works fine on the 3ah batteries that came with the drill/driver set.

I would probably just do what someone else suggested and rent a gas powered one for the day.
Posted by Spankum
Miss-sippi
Member since Jan 2007
58299 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 10:02 pm to
I would go to the Home Depot and rent a pole saw once per year. It will cost about $40 for 24 hours and you will never have to frick with a saw that doesn’t start.
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