Pole Chainsaws

Wagtail · Dec 4, 2021

I recently bought a Makita 2xbattery pole saw with 'extension'. I went with the Makita because I've pretty much 'locked myself in' to their products due to the interchangeable batteries and their extensive range of "skins".

At full extension (the middle pole attached), it's a bit unwieldy until you get the saw onto the branch but once you let the 'saw do all the work' it works great. I find that it works best for me, and is more balanced (yes, it comes with an 'over the shoulder' strap & anchor point) when not needing the extra 'extension'. I use 2 18v 6ah batteries and have plenty of power.

I'm glad that I bought it as I've got a lot of Blackwood trees around the property and, for the larger diameter branches, my manual pole saw was exhausting.

ArlyA · Dec 5, 2021

I found that the heaver the power end is, the better or easier the tool works in the field. Case in point was when we got the Stihl Kombi the power end weighed more, while the saw attachment was lighter. My first thoughts was this is terrible!! But we got it into the field and it worked quite well and was easier to use while out, all day long.

Food for thought for you folks who use battery power pole saws.

two_bit_score · Dec 5, 2021

I have the string trimmer attachment, adjustable hedge trimmer and edger attachments for my KM 131. It seems to be well balanced with each one of them depending on how I hold it when using each attachment.

I will probably get the chainsaw attachment at some point but I have a good Stihl pole saw with the extendable shaft so getting one for the KM 131 is not a high priority.

While on pole saws I will say I recently bought a Stihl PP 900 pole pruner and I’ve been very pleased with it. I got one extra middle section which gives me great reach from the ground. Obviously, this is for small limbs but it’s very handy with the reach it has. I haven’t used the lopper head that came with it, just the saw.

https://www.stihlusa.com/products/pole-pruners/professional-pole-pruners/pp900/

beowulf · Dec 6, 2021

I posted previously on this thead advising that I bought a craftsman 20V pole saw (Lowes) and loved it. I need to update that a bit. I got a lot of use of it and more value already than what I paid for it but I am now finding that the connecting pins between the three pole sections are not quite conntecting - loose or worn - not sure (it got a lot of use). Anyway, the result is that at times the motor will not start up which is frustrating after you have stretched out to cut something. I don't know if this a common issue with pole saws with extensions or not. I will try to fix that somehow.

Now, even though I have this issue, I get so much use out of a pole saw, I decided to buy another one and I got the same kind because I think I can fix the other one and because this way I get the same battery - so now I have two pole saws, a weedeater and a blower, all using interchangeable batteries. But for the utility of that, I may have tried a different pole saw.

RoyJackson · Dec 6, 2021

I have an EGO polesaw...does the job quite well when using a 5.0 A/h battery. Reasonably well balanced without the center extension. With the extension it goes out to12-13 feet, it's tough to maneuver, but like Wagtail's Makita, once on the branch, it's fine other than the occasion pinched chain.
Most of my yard tools (String trimmer, chainsaw, snow blower and the pole saw) are EGO brand and they all use the same batteries.

Wagtail · Dec 6, 2021

RoyJackson said:
I have an EGO polesaw...does the job quite well when using a 5.0 A/h battery. Reasonably well balanced without the center extension. With the extension it goes out to12-13 feet, it's tough to maneuver, but like Wagtail's Makita, once on the branch, it's fine other than the occasion pinched chain.
Most of my yard tools (String trimmer, chainsaw, snow blower and the pole saw) are EGO brand and they all use the same batteries.

Yes, I've experienced the occasional 'pinched chain'. It happens on the larger diameter branches, especially due to the angle of the cut.

Fortunately the Makita that I have has a "reverse" function/button/switch that has helped get me out of trouble. (so far

)

yomax4 · Dec 6, 2021

I have the large Stihl pole saw. I think it goes up 16' and I think I paid about $550 for it. It works great until your arms fall off from manipulating it. Great power for a pole saw.

Rob41 · Dec 6, 2021

I just got a Greenworks 8" 40V 2AH battery powered pole saw. Partly because I've got a Greenworks 40V weed trimmer a few years ago that still runs strong.

I've had it out twice now and so far it's working gtreat.