Pole saw?

[houser52]

I've been kicking around the idea of getting a gas powered pole saw. I have around 35 acres with 18 of those in planted pines. My regular saws work great for the limbs that I can reach but some are just too high. A pole saw would help keep the perimeter cut back for easier access with the tractor and brush hog. Plus, one would help maintain the rest of the trees on the property.

I have a manual pole saw but it's really not that efficient and it's really slow. I figure I'd be using a pole saw a lot until I got things cleaned up then after that only occasionally.

I have narrowed it down to the Stihl HT 56C homeowner pole saw ($349) or the Remington 25cc Maverick($159). Both get good reviews for what they are, homeowner pole saws. I would rather have the Stihl because of the dealer service. The Remington is available and cheap from different places but if it gives trouble you have to send it somewhere.

Does anyone own either of these saws and what do you think about them? Which one would you choose for what I'll be using one for?

 

[EddieWalker]

My first one was a Poulon that worked great for the job I needed it for, but then seemed to lose power fairly quickly and eventually just wouldn't start anymore. It was light and easy to handle. When I needed another one, I went to a dealer that sells both Stihl and Echo. For the same money, he said the Echo had more power and that it was more heavy duty. Both where heavy, but with the straps on, manageable. I bought the Echo. I have three Stihl chainsaws that work fine, and one Echo weed eater. Echo always starts easier for me, and after buying the Echo pole saw, found it to also start easier then my Stihl chainsaws.

It is heavy, but all you have to do is lean it up against the branch and hold the throttle until its done. Then maneuver to the next branch. In a very short amount of time you will have a weeks worth of work just cleaning up all the branches you cut off!!!!!

 

[jeff9366]

Eighteen acres of pine plantation, forget a homeowners grade pole saw.

Take EDDIEWALKER's advice and get an professional arborist grade pole saw.

 

[nybirdman]

Go Stihl for sure;bought a Poulan pole saw;it was so bad I went to a manual saw.

 

[RNeumann]

Got to double tap some of the advice above. Skip the homeowner stores or lines. My local saw shop will sell you the "Home Depot" type stihl for the same price but will then explain the differences between that one and the "good" stihl or other brands they carry.
A good pole saw will last decades. A homeowner type may last 5 years.

Edit- remember no ethanol in the fuel!

 

[Dave Pee]

Cheap ones don't last - at least get a good warranty, for returns!

 

[ArlyA]

We have several by Echo. They are good.

 

[onionfmr]

Got to double tap some of the advice above. Skip the homeowner stores or lines. My local saw shop will sell you the "Home Depot" type stihl for the same price but will then explain the differences between that one and the "good" stihl or other brands they carry.
A good pole saw will last decades. A homeowner type may last 5 years.

Edit- remember no ethanol in the fuel!

We have 35 acres with 65% of it being woods and trails. I bought a Stihl HT75 approximately 14 years ago. We have several trails and lots of hedgerows to keep clear and trim back. This saw sees lots of use! I used to climb trees to cut and cut off ladders. Getting too old for that stuff! A commercial grade pole saw is the way to go if you are going to do any serious cutting. There are several days a year where this saw will run pretty much all day with only stopping to refuel and for bar oil. They are not cheap. Wife was not happy when she saw the bill! After spending days working with me with it, she has commented several times on how nice it is to have one. I just smile after that comment. LOL. As with any chainsaw you need to keep the chain sharp. Easy to pinch the bar and have branches fall on you. So, you have to really plan your cuts. I usually piece out large overhead branches. Also, these saws are not beasts. Short bars and they cut slower than heavy duty 20" plus commercial saws.

 

[Dadnatron]

I have a Stihl Kombisystem with interchangable modules. It is great.

I have the pole saw with an extension in between. I have no idea how high I can reach, but I'm 6'2" and I've held it fully stretched out above my head and I bet I was at close to 18ft or so. I really like the system, because I have one engine that I can maintain and multiple attachments from string trimmer, brush cutter, hedge trimmer, pole saw, power brush, etc. They all work very well.

I went with the largest engine I think it is the KM 130. The only thing you have to watch for is chain oil will leak when you aren't using it. I have yet to pick it up and not have an oil spot along with and empty tank. Also, the oil tends to run out before gas. So you have to insure that you check the oil level regularly.

But overall, I really like the system and it works very well.

STIHL HT-KM Pole Pruner - KombiSystem Attachments | STIHL USA

 

[atsah]

I have a Stihl Kombisystem with interchangable modules. It is great.

I have the same, if you have enough work for one it's worth having but the price is a little crazy. I bought mine used (almost new) for $300, I don't have enough work to spend a lot of money for a new one.

 

[HCJtractor]

Second on the Kombi by Stihl. I have two, and been using them heavily for years. I have the 120 motor which is one step under the biggest. Its plenty powerful enough. I also have several other attachments, like the articulating hedge trimmer ( great for vines, trimming smaller clustered limbs, monkey grass etc) and also have the sidewalk edger. But i use the saw mostly. It will easily replace a regular chainsaw for trees up to about 6". And much safer. Its way easier to transport since it breaks down. Very balanced and lightweight, and can be used for hours without fatigue. I can reach pretty high with it and its light enough to use with one hand. Ive tried the regular polesaws and they seem much heavier and "top heavy". I also have the optional extension shaft, but rarely use it. For limbs over 10' high, i use a good manual saw, but most limbs i need to cut are within reach.

Never had any problems especially since they discontinued the hated "flippy" caps. I would not consider anything else. The only downside (and i suppose its true with any short bar length saw) is that it dulls chains fairly fast. I go thru dozens in a year. If youre careless and hit dirt, it trashes it fast. But with a sharp chain, its a pleasure to use. I recommend it highly. Its one of my favorite and most used tools.

When my buddys and I use both of them, with a friend on the tractor with a grapple, we can flat out clear some trees fast. We use them mostly for trimming the roadsides of hanging limbs and saplings, and limbing shooting lanes. But if i need to cut a tree under 6", I use the Kombi

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[s219]

Another Echo recommendation from me.

 

[houser52]

Sorry for the delayed response, been away from the computer.

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I had just about made up my mind for something better than the big box store saw. Seems like most of you agree that the Pro Stihl might suit me better than the homeowner Stihl.
The Pro HT 100 is $100 higher than the homeowner HT 56C. The pro has a 7' fixed length pole vs the homeowner 2 piece 9' length. The Pro has a 31cc engine vs the homeowner at 25cc.
What really separates the Pro from the homeowner model?

 

[HCJtractor]

Im sure you'll love that saw. From what i can see, the motor is the same as on the 110 Kombi, which is plenty powerful. Consider the Kombi version if you transport it on a tractor or ATV. Since it breaks in half, I find it more convenient, plus it can be multipurpose, if that appeals to you. But thats the only difference, it seems. I do like the fixed length, because the telescopic versions seem really heavy and unbalanced.

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[HCJtractor]

One last comment. I just looked at the specs. The pro is of course more powerful, same engine as mine. And the homeowners is way too long. I use mine a lot to cut saplings at ground level when I'm trimming roads and trails, and to limb felled trees. Nine feet puts the business end too far away for balance, precision, and visibilty. And I dont need nine feet of vertical reach. The shorter one is plenty tall for most of my needs, and is more nimble.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[houser52]

Thanks a lot for the hands on experience. Hopefully I can go by the local dealer this weekend and check one out.

 

[japody]

Another Echo recommendation from me.

+1, and I like the telescoping feature.

 

[Coyote machine]

I'm a Stihl chainsaw guy, all my life, (50 years of using chainsaws to date), see my signature, BUT I do have some Echo equipment, two similar models of combi-type multi attachment pole saws.
I bought the second one when my original one hit the concrete floor after being knocked over, and cracked the engine case, which I did not know until I tried to use it at a later date.
In the meantime I bought a slightly larger unit that would use all my other attachments, hedge trimmer, weed eater head, etc. I put a 12" bar and chain on it then found it slightly too heavy and tiresome for me when I wanted to work on many trees, so I went back to the 10" original chain/bar. Haven't looked back.
Now, in fairness to my Stihl 'roots', my go to tree guy who I call to do the work I can't or don't want to do anymore uses a large pro grade Stihl pole pruner. To my uses that is too much machine, and definitely too heavy for me- but it is a beast and will take a beating all day long. I know because my tree guy is HELL1 on all his equipment, and fast as lightening.
So I suggest getting a real feel for what you can handle- IMHO, lighter is better up to a point. You want quality over price- up to what breaks the bank.
Good luck, post back results. If you get the Stihl, buy their oil and it may still give you an additional year's warranty.

And FWIW, to the guy who's running out of oil before fuel, your engine's oiler needs attention. Oil should never run out first, and your tank shouldn't leak down to empty sitting properly, with a snug cap...

 

[houser52]

I had also considered an Echo but I bought a Stihl MS170 last year for limbing. It has been perfect for trimming limbs and saplings. To be as small and light as it is, it really cuts like a much bigger saw and I don't get tired as quick. I did have to have the carb adjusted right after I got it but it has be trouble free ever since.
My dealer made me a good deal on the MS170 and I also took advantage of the oil/extended warranty. I'm hoping he'll do the same good deal on a pole saw.

 

[onionfmr]

Lots of good replies and great information. I'm a big fan of the telescoping saw shaft. It is all about leverage and angle of cut. It is amazing what you can reach from the ground with the telescoping shaft. You can always use the pole saw at the shortest length setting. Nice to have the extra reach when you need it. I cut down a large pine tree that suffered from snow and wind damage the other day. Was real easy to get to the lower branches without having to stand in the tree branches to cut them. Safer also. Before you buy one see if the dealer will let you at least extend the telescoping saw and try it for handling and leverage.