Advice needed on buying Stihl pole pruner

[Gensetsteve]

Could anyone advise me on purchase of a pole pruner. Should I go for the combi engine and change the saw head to hedge trimmer when needed. I may find I need both heads running at the same time so changing could be a pain. Should I go for the smaller KM55r or should I bite the bullet and buy the KM130R 4 mix unit. Anyone had any experience of the new 4 mix units.
I may try and find the dedicated stihl units with longer reach so I can have both units running at the same time.
I could even look at other makes but they dont seem alot cheaper and could be inferior, the stihl equipment always seems well made.

 

[04ultra]

I have the HT101 Stihl pole pruner and it is awesome..Thanks to Lakeside and THALL I made the best choice..The 4 mix engine is a hard worker..Rates really good with everybody that used mine so far..Was pruning branches at a friends house and a tree service guy stopped and was asking me about it..I let him try it out and he went to my dealer and bought 2 that afternoon..

 

[103scooter]

I really like the tree trimmers like the HT101 Stihl pole pruner. Easy to use, not real heavy when fully extended. I have used Ultra's and really like it. Who knows maybe I might even return it sometime, does look good in my garage

 

[TopJimmy]

I had the same thoughts when I looked at buying one. Every time I use mine, I am glad that I got the HT101. Most of the competing brands require that an extension be installed when needed, looks like a pain. I adjust the length of frequently. I could get by with it all of the way up most of the time, but hauling it would be a pain. On my property I drive from one cutting area to another and would not be comfortable to drive with the unit in the back of the truck fully extended. I can't imagine that the fixed units with the extension would be any better. I think that the HT101 has a larger motor than the kombi units. The HT101 cutting speed is definately slower that with a hand held chainsaw. I would not want to have any less power/speed. I have taken down limbs that were as large as the bar without any problem. I am never disappointed when I spend the extra money to buy the best, but often disappointed when I try to save a few bucks.

Jim

 

[JeffHK454]

I have the FS85 combi with a couple different lower shafts , one with brush blade/line spool and the other with the pole pruner. The model 85 does an OK job of turning the pruner but after 15-20 min. the little fella' starts getting pretty hot. A little more torque/HPs would make for an easier job.


For a homeowner it should be sufficient but for someone planing to use it a lot or to make money with it then I would go for a larger cc power plant.

my 2 cents, Jeff

 

[THALL10326]

Could anyone advise me on purchase of a pole pruner. Should I go for the combi engine and change the saw head to hedge trimmer when needed. I may find I need both heads running at the same time so changing could be a pain. Should I go for the smaller KM55r or should I bite the bullet and buy the KM130R 4 mix unit. Anyone had any experience of the new 4 mix units.
I may try and find the dedicated stihl units with longer reach so I can have both units running at the same time.
I could even look at other makes but they dont seem alot cheaper and could be inferior, the stihl equipment always seems well made.

Can't compare the KM55 to the KM130, there is no comparison. Two completely different units. As for which one to get, grab the KM130 and never look back. The KM110 is a good unit too, just not as powerful as the KM130 but alot more powerful than the KM55.

Other than replacing a faulty coil every so often I've really never had to do much repair on the 4-mix engine. They have held up very well. They run cleaner, crank very easy and put out more torque than a equal size 2 stroker. I have several landscape companies using the 4-mix and they swear by them. I have one landscaper that has 12 FS110's and he says the 2 strokers are history as far as he's concerned, he loves the 4-mix. The one thing you may not like about the 4-mix is the way it sounds. It has its own sound but its quieter than 2 stroker and runs alot cleaner.

As for dedicated pole prunners the HT101 is in a class all by itself. You will hear tons of arguments over chainsaws and trimmers but when it comes to pole prunners most all agree the HT101 Stihl is by far the cream of the crop. I have one tree guy that has a bucket truck that reaches up 65 feet. He says he uses his HT101 right out of the bucket at full height and he says its the handiest tool on his truck. He's a braver man than me.........

 

[THALL10326]

I've got the Stihl 2 stroke extend-able. I forget the model number. I use it maybe once a month.

These pole saws lead to a lot of bad pruning cuts. A favorite tool of many tree hackers.

Hardly ever will you see a good arborist using one.

So your a tree hacker once a month, hmmmm, shame on you...:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Mr.]

Hahahhahahahha

 

[Mr.]

BBIIIGGGGG difference between an arborist and a tree service.

Fred

 

[clearance]

I've got the Stihl 2 stroke extend-able. I forget the model number. I use it maybe once a month.

These pole saws lead to a lot of bad pruning cuts. A favorite tool of many tree hackers.

Hardly ever will you see a good arborist using one.

Awesome words Treeco, when you get your foot out of your mouth, explain hardly. They are awesome for removals or trimming trees the bucket can't reach, or something you can't reach from another tree. HT101, I believe.

 

[THALL10326]

If the user has a good knowledge of arboriculture the number of times the saw is useful is greatly reduced.

The gas powered pole saws have some serious limitations when it comes to quality tree pruning.

You likely don't get to see what homeowners do with these saws. I do and its usually not pretty.

I have to disagree with you Tree. Fact is I got one myself. I'm no arborist or tree service but I sure love the prunner and yes I know how to prune. I've sold many as well to those homeowners you speak of and they give nothing but great reviews on it, they love it too. The guy I mentioned using his out of the bucket 65 feet up will politely tell you you are 100% wrong. He claims as Clearance, its the handiest tool on the truck for reaching out where the bucket can't go...

 

[stihlatit]

I've got the Stihl 2 stroke extend-able. I forget the model number. I use it maybe once a month.

These pole saws lead to a lot of bad pruning cuts. A favorite tool of many tree hackers.

Hardly ever will you see a good arborist using one.

LOL. LOL. LOL. This post is hilarious. I do believe you called yourself a hack.

A good tree cutter uses all tools to his advantage when the application is right.

 

[stihlatit]

If the user has a good knowledge of arboriculture the number of times the saw is useful is greatly reduced.

The gas powered pole saws have some serious limitations when it comes to quality tree pruning.

You likely don't get to see what homeowners do with these saws. I do and its usually not pretty.

SKATE GRETZKY SKATE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[THALL10326]

Most homeowners would be far better getting a professional quality wood or fiberglass pole saw.

I've seen the results of homeowners using this saw and nine times out of ten its not pretty. Very few homeowners have the need for such an expensive saw that sits in the garage 99% of the time. When they do get good use out of such a saw they over do it almost every time and do bad things to their trees.

I stand by my statement that these poles saws are used to abuse a lot of trees and make very poor cuts.

Ever hear of a branch collar or a branch bark ridge?

Likely not. But like you said, you're no arborist.

So true Tree, I'm not a arborist. I just sell pole prunners to anyone who wants one. I have one, you have one so far as I'm concenred if you and me can have one anyone can have one. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it. :hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[JeffHK454]

I would have to say that TreeCo is both right and wrong! I'm that homeowner that does a less that professional job with a pole trimmer, but It's not the trimmers fault, hell I use to hack at my trees with a #780 Stihl hand pole saw.

It still looks like I used a beaver on mop handle to trim back my driveway but it takes half the time now!

Jeff

 

[THALL10326]

I would have to say that TreeCo is both right and wrong! I'm that homeowner that does a less that professional job with a pole trimmer, but It's not the trimmers fault, hell I use to hack at my trees with a #780 Stihl hand pole saw.

It still looks like I used a beaver on mop handle to trim back my driveway but it takes half the time now!

Jeff

Shoot Jeff thats nothing. Had a old man ask me to come prune a tree for him a few years ago. I'm up in the tree with my 200T and hes on the ground saying cut that limb off, cut that one too. Cut that one over there too. By the time I got done cutting what he wanted me to cut all he had left was a stump. He laffed his head off because he knew exactly what he was doing, he wanted the whole tree gone. He was a bird for sure. Needless to say not all homeowners are as dumb as some make them out to be. That old man was smart as a whip and got rid of that tree the slickest way possible and totally for free. The laff was well worth the job, I wouldn't take a penny from him but laff, boy did we,lol

 

[Lakeside53]

Ever hear of a branch collar or a branch bark ridge?

Likely not. But like you said, you're no arborist.

Well, I've heard of both, know about both, a you don't have to be an arborrist to know... Sure some homeowners with make a mess of anything, but some have it all togther... Half the guys I sell to should never own a saw of any type, but most of them figure it out. Whether they have a hand saw, manual pole pruner or engine driven unit make no difference to their end result - all saws can make a big mess of any tree.


Like Thalll, I'll sell a pole pruner or attachment to anyone. Maybe all they need is practice... Oh yes, I do hand out the free Stihl booklet on pruning...

 

[THALL10326]

Well, I've heard of both, know about both, a you don't have to be an arborrist know... Sure some homeowners with make a mess of anything, but some have it all togther... Half the guys I sell to should never own a saw of any type, but most of them figure it out. Whether they have a hand saw, manual pole pruner or engine driven unit make no difference to their end result - all saws can make a big mess of any tree.


Like Thalll, I'll sell a pole pruner or attachment to anyone. Maybe all they need is practice... Oh yes, I do hand out the free Stihl booklet on pruning...

Good point Lake. I mean lets face it if the homeowners knew how to prune and saw down trees why would they ever hire a arborist or tree company. Harry homeowners don't get much respect except when they pay the people they hire. I do know several that love that HT101 though. As for the tree they mess up or do right on I could care less, its their tree...

 

[wagonwheeler]

My KM130 should be in tomorrow:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:

And I can't wait to pop the pruner on it and let 'er rip! Then the hedge trimmers...and on and on!

Plenty of market for pole pruners where being an arborist might be considered a limitation... The pole pruner is really handy for 'hacking' up in the woods where I hunt so I have good shooting lanes. Plantations around here put two guys in the bed of a pickup and ride down thru planted pines clearing limbs. I've used my father in laws pruner on his KM55 to cut deadwood limbs back in several of our trees.

Stihl dealer east of me 60 miles or so says he can't keep pole pruners in stock. The logging companies buy 'em like mad for trim saws because they can trim thier loads on the trucks to keep everything neat for rolling down the road. Thier insurance companies don't mind since a pole pruner is considered 'lawn equipment'. He said the insurance companies have brought a halt to his chainsaw sales - along w/ automated equipment of course.

FWIW, I think the KM130 is perfect for the power hungry homeowner...:rockn:

Chaser

 

[04ultra]