Value priced Pole Saws

rockyridgefarm · May 17, 2004

After our tractor, the pole saw (ChainsawOnAStick) gets the most use.

When I was shopping for one, I tried the Echo, it was great but heavy, and $600 for it or a Stihl was a Little more than I thought I should spend.

I bought an attachment for my weed eater and use it like crazy. Sure, its not as long, but I have plenty to do where it does reach.

But then I saw that Poulon has a 31cc gas pole Saw for ~$169. It gets branches about 12' up and is a very nice design. My buddy who is a master mechanic liked it well enough, he got one and tests are underway.

When you are limbing, things happen. I have rebuilt mine twice. I think I'd rather crunch a sub $200 unit than one thats over $600.

I know the other units are great, but for folks who want a unit for nonprofessional use: Look at that Poulon.

DAP · May 17, 2004

Mike .. I have a JD Bushwacker. Nice unit ... starts and runs like a champ.

I bought the tiller attachment for it for some very small berry plots. It too works good, but it works you. That tiller att. is pretty heavy.

Anyway, they had a pole saw attachment advertised on the carton when I got it 2 1/2 years ago, and it finally hit the stores this spring.

My real concern was weight and safety. Seems like lifting that sucker up to cut 4-8" limbs would take it's toll, no?

What has been your experience?

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EddieWalker · May 17, 2004

I agree with your choice. I bought the Poulon a little over a year ago to get those branches I couldn't reach with a ladder.

I couldn't justify the expense of the more expensive models and I've used it enough to feel its paid for itself.

I even used it to cut out my big chainsaw that got stuck in a tree that I was cutting down when it twisted on me. It took a little time and having to stand so far away was interesting, but it saved the day.

The only problem I had with it is I have to leave the choke on half way. Otherwise it will die as soon as the blade hits wood. I'm sure it just needs adjusting, but I never fix anything that aint broke.

rockyridgefarm · May 17, 2004

<font color="green"> My real concern was weight and safety. Seems like lifting that sucker up to cut 4-8" limbs would take it's toll, no? </font>

Much safer than lifting a chain saw up there... These units are a lot lighter than then the EchoStihl Big Boys, a lot less tiring, although less reach.

Echo and Stihl also offer units like this, but a lot more geld...

Kyle_in_Tex · May 17, 2004

Since I've bought my Shindaiwa pole saw, It is always the first saw pulled out when something needs cutting. It wasn't cheap, but is high quality and light weight. I've worn out multiple chains and one bar so far with it. The trick to polesawing is keeping your chain really sharp. You can't force a dull chain to cut being out on the end of a stick. I keep at least 4 sharpened chains on hand

rockyridgefarm · May 17, 2004

I have had really good luck ever since I got new chains grom my saw shop. The girl there said she didn't like using those "sissy" chains that ship with the saws. So I tried her non-anti-kickback chain. Whew! Talk about a saw wanting to see the other side of a log!