jmc
I will answer your questions in order.
What I am saying is not to expect the jaws to snap closed. I haven't timed them but I thnik that the closure time is about 5 seconds, certainly less than 10 seconds. They use a large diameter cylinder to operate the jaws so it depends on the flow rate of your pump.
You can take off the tree right at ground level if you want.
I asked this question (pulling out stuff) and was told that they do not recommend this for the standard version, that the extension is not heavy enough. They recommend getting the contractor version.
Yeah, I would still buy this thing. I just came in from doing some work with it. It is sure handy to be able to reach up and cut large vines at 12 feet off the ground. Some of the vines I am going to have to let die and fall, although I may rent an all terrain man lift when I have done all I can do with my gear. I could then use a chain saw and rope to pull out the rest.
Hope this helps. I am waiting for my son to send me some better picture processing software before posting pictures.
Vernon