Echo Pole Saw

[BB_TX]

Was looking at the Echo Pole Chain saws at the local HD yesterday. $350. Does anyone have any experience with these? Echo seems to be a good brand in standard chain saws, string trimmers, and such, but I have never heard any comments on their pole saws. Search on here only turned up Stilh pole saws.

 

[Carl_NH]

BB_TX

Check out the thread - Pole pruner: most useful acreage tool?
for feedback from blurrybill on the echo unit - sounds like a good tool similar to the stihl.

I tried the ryobi recirc saw type and returned it to HD as it was slow and had limited reach.

The chain saw type work well from the posts I have seen.

Carl

 

[Gatorboy]

Here is the link to <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=off&Number=158731&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1>Pole Pruner</A>

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I used the Echo, and it was wonderful. The extension unit was a little heavy. I ended up buying a Tanaka <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tanaka.com>http://www.tanaka.com</A> that atttached to my string trimmer.

I really like it, and it isn't quite as heavy

It would fit many better trimmers, like husky, shindaiwa, etc.

 

[BB_TX]

Mike I think you meant <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tanaka-usa.com/>http://www.tanaka-usa.com/</A>
Is your string trimmer also a Tanaka? What was the cost of that unit? I have never seen any Tanaka products around here.

 

[blurrybill]

BB,

I can't say enough good things about my Echo pole pruner. Mine has the 12" bar, I believe. It's tough on the back when fully extended, but has tremendous utility. I recently trimmed some 12" dead lateral branches on some of our huge oaks. If you get one, pay close attention to instructions for how to avoid binding the chain -- if it's 15' up in the tree, it could be real problem! Good luck with your purchase; let me know if you need more information.

Bill

 

[BB_TX]

The HD guy said the basic pole was something like 7'-8', but that you could get a 3' extension. Do you have the extension and do you feel it is necessary? I just need to trim low hanging limbs to get my tractor ROPS under when mowing. Been doing it by holding my 18" chain saw up with one hand and cutting what I could reach. I know. Not very smart. /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif But sometimes you do what you gotta do.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Oops! you're correct! That is the right link!

My trimmer is a Maruyama (doesn't EVERYONE have a Maruyama /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif?)

I would not hesitate to buy a Tanaka. My brother in law sells them at his saw shop, and raves about them... He also sells Jonesred. He suggested that I get a more agressive chain, without antikickback; he felt that it wouldn't be a problem at the end of a pole.

One other consideration is conductivity. If you are going to be around Power lines GET A NONCONDUCTIVE SHAFT UNIT

(ECHO or STIHL)

I got mine from Grainger for $189.00 for the pole saw, they also make a 2' extension. With just the attachment, mine is 9' and does a great job clearing out low limbs.

I worried about the shaft flexing, compared to the Echo, but that is not a problem at all.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

You can make a LOT of work with one of these, so I am going without the extension. I have around 30000 trees and an plenty busy, after I get caught up, I might get the extension.

I have a platform that i have for driving 8' fence posts that is 3' high, I stand on it, it is really sturdy, when I need extra height. I have also been on a ladder, and been OK, but not ideal.

I would rather have my lighter 9' unit than the heavy 11' echo that I borrowed

 

[blurrybill]

Check the website. Mine extends to about 15-16' WITHOUT an extension. I recall 3 or 4 models. I went with the longest bar, again, I think 12" and haven't regretted the purchase. Go longer if you can. It's amazing how those dead branches appear the more you trim. Mine was around $500 but it's a tremendous tool -- great way to find "friends" too, but family loves it like everyone else.

Bill

 

[LGinIA]

I really like my Echo Pole Chain Saw. If you buy one, make sure you wear a hard hat with a screen mask---very important for your safety---and the ability to cut & run!

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I end up looking like I've been helping chew through the limbs, black face...

And watch out, you can sure cover the ground with limbs in a hurry....

 

[BB_TX]

On the same subject, while at HD I noticed both the John Deere and Homelite string trimmer boxes showed all their attachments such as edger, tiller, etc. They also showed a chain saw attachement which said "available summer 2001". I asked the HD guy and he said they never made it and now had no intention of making it. He also said that JD was discontinuing their string trimmer product. Probably not a good idea to buy one in case you ever need repairs.

 

[blurrybill]

I agree completely. I always wear a hardhat with faceshield when using the pruner -- the higher you reach, the more under the limb one is located. Good advice, LG.

Bill

 

[rockyridgefarm]

The JD uses the same Trimmerplus Attechments made by MTD that Ryobi and Homelite take. The pruner is a reciprocating blade, OK for little stuff, but slow. According to what they are telling saw shop owners; they are introducing a chain saw variation.

Of course, never bank on vaporware...

BTW. in looking at past posts, I don't want to give the impression that I don't like the echo/stihl units. I think they're great. I just want to point out that my $189.00 attachment is doing a great job, on a powerhead I already had. I had used the echo unit, and never could justify spending $600.00, I didn't mind $200.00, and am very happy with it.

Even the tallest unit isn't QUITE tall enough for that next limb...

My dad worked for Ma Bell, and was in the habit of bringing home a bucket truck, whenever we had work that needed it.
Sure do miss that job benefit.