I need a pole-pruner. Any new ideas I should consider? I could build one maybe...

[jimgerken]

After this Springs last really heavy snow, I need to prune off a bunch of broken spruce limbs that are less than 2.5" diameter. Probably a hundred of them to cut off, so I won't be doing it with a hand saw. I have looked at gas pole pruners of course, but I dont want to spend $600 on this deal. I have looked at 110v electric ones, even though the cord would be inconvenient, I had the thought that I could put the PTO generator on the back of the tractor and run it that way. But they all look kinda cheaply built, and cost about $100. Are there any other ideas to choose from? I wouldnt mind constructing something myself if the concept seemed interesting. I think I have seen the electric company running theirs from the bucket truck, and if I am not mistaken it was some kind of hydraulic thing. The guy pulled the trigger and it sheared instantly. does this sound right, or did I dream it? Any links to such products that I could copy from? Other ideas? Thanks!!!

 

[Scooby074]

I know you dont want to spend much, but have you considered a Stihl kombi? I just bought one and LOVE it. Blows away my Honda in both lighter weight and more power. Plus it spins up much faster.

If you need a new trimmer, it might be a consideration to buy into the Kombi system.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

If you have a weedeater that will take multiple attachments you can get a Ryobi pole saw attachment reconditioned for a really great price. I have one and use on my cub cadet trimmer and it works fine.
Ryobi Expand-It Reconditioned Pruner Attachment for Trimmers-ZR15520 at The Home Depot
The new price is only $99 at Home Depot.
Search Results for expand it pruner at The Home Depot


Here's the hydraulic bucket mount saw:
Limbinator Saw, Model# LS8 | 20in. Bar| Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[flyerdan]

I got this Remmington a couple years ago, took a chance and got one of the used ones for $88. Works great, and I like that you can adjust the length. I use it only for the high stuff so it should last me a lifetime.

 

[Dozernut]

I was in the same situation as you and did not want to spend $600. I found a Poulan pole saw at Lowes for $179.
I know that Poulan is not a great brand but it has worked well for me. The saw will reach 12' and you can buy attachments for it to do other work.

Shop Poulan Pro 25cc 2-Cycle 8-in Gas Pole Saw at Lowes.com

 

[beeforty]

I have the Poulan also, not too bad, maybe a little underpowered for what I would like to do sometimes, but wish it came with a 10" bar as the chains are more commonly available at most places. If you are reaching high some times that extra 2" would be nice when you have to cut at an angle. Great for trimming down limbs and brush in a pile.

 

[Soundguy]

i have one of hte electric ones and they run good.

the saw is incredibly powerfull. it actually cuts better than my wood shark gasser, as long as you hav ethe supply current and a heavy extension cord.

about 100$ at tsc or lowes / hom depot.

good value imho...

 

[len10]

Another hydraulic saw attachment:

Here is the web site.

 

[hslogger]

Electric pole saws can be pretty dangerous. Often you will hang them up, tweak your chain and get P>Oed although maybe in different order. If you don't mind the elbow work, go to Baileys or Madsens web site,, Order a pole saw head made from aluminum, a real good blade to fit it. When you get it delivered at home, go down to the local lumber yard, not DEPOT, and buy yourself a twelve or fourteen foot piece of round wood stock to fit the pole saw head. You will have to taper it a bit with a rasp, drill a hole through it for a keeper bolt, treat it with linseed and turpentine mix. You will have a professional pole saw that will do the job safely and well.

 

[troutsqueezer]

I use a pole saw a lot. I decided to try the Ryobi first before spending $700 on a Stihl. I would use it until it broke and then bite the bullet. That was ten years ago. I'm still using the Ryobi, waiting for it to break.