Test run of Echo pole saw

[pennwalk]

I have been wanting to prune back the trees around the fields and down the farm lane and a pole saw looked like the tool of choice. I rented an Echo 230. It is a chain saw on an extendable shaft with a weedwacker engine at the bottom. It extends out to about 11 feet so you can reach branches up to 16 or 17 feet high. The unit had a 10 inch bar. I did cut a few broken stubs almost that big it was slow going but I got it done. The Echo weighs about 16 pounds so after a couple of hours my arms and shoulders were starting to feel it. After about 5 hours my body wanted to call it a day and I had so many branches down that it will take me weeks to get them all chipped. I guess I got maybe a tenth of what all needed to be done. Thank goodness the farmer planted the fields so the rest will have to wait till next year. The Echo is a handy tool. I wonder if there is any difference between the Echo and The Stihl?

Chris

 

[RedRocker]

I have a Stihl and it will wear this old man out pretty quick.

 

[nolefan]

I recently purchased the Echo PPT-260 after compariing it to the Stihl HT101.
The store owner allowed me to fully extend both and compare the two for balance and feel. I initially was leaning towards the Stihl because it had a larger diplacement engine and was lighter but after handling both I decided on the Echo.The Echo , to me, was better balanced and "felt" lighter than the Stihl because of it. The Stihl seemed to have a little more of its weight towards the cutting head which made it feel heavier. I have used the Echo on several occasions and have been very pleased with its performance but as you found out it does put a strain on the upper body especially if you are using it for an extended period of time. I believe this is true of any pole pruner.