chainsaws on a stick

[che]

A couple years ago I stopped at a dealer and picked up a few pole saws (is that what they're called? I just refer to them as a 'chainsaw on a stick') If I remember correctly, it was a Shindaiwa that I picked up. It didn't take long to realize that while I'd be able to lift it once or twice....to maneuver it at all for any length of time....would probably break me.

Are there any newer brands, or other brands that are significantly lighter? I've been hit in the head too many times while on the tractor and have quite a few limbs that are out of reach I'd like to remove.

Thanks,
Che

 

[che]

Thanks Brian, I'll look for an Echo fixed length pole....I'm a bit discouraged though, I did find a Shindaiwa online (I'll link it below) it's about the same weight at 12.1 pound vs Echo's 11.9 lbs. Maybe I was just holding it incorrectly.

Che

Shindaiwa P230

 

[ricksvar]

Che,

Just a thought that maybe their is a shoulder harness that you could use with your saw.You would likely lose a little reach but at least the weight would be,for the most part,supported by your shoulders.

Rick

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Have you tried the new manual pole saws? The silky cuts so fast and easy it might replace a powered saw. It will make better cuts too.

Just a warning, you don't want to get me started on removing lower limbs and the adverse effects on tree health.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Originally posted by Mike Maas


Just a warning, you don't want to get me started on removing lower limbs and the adverse effects on tree health.

Thats true. After you learn how to limbo, mowing won't be a problem at all!

 

[MasterBlaster]

Geez, you guys!

 

[che]

I didn't know they had shoulder harnesses for these. If so...it could help.

I have been doing the limbo...that's the problem. So far, so good....but I don't think it's the safest thing...that's why I'm posting. You got to remember, I'm an old woman on a tractor...not quite as old as TomD of course....but old, just the same. Driving along with bifocals...thwackkkkkk!

Mike....don't you worry about these trees....I promise to cut just outside the collar. It's got to be better for the tree...after the limb knocks me out...or off...the tractor would likely still continue and the roll-bar would rip the limb off (see image)...probably tearing right down the trunk.

No....I haven't tried the newer manual pole saws. The 'Lowe's special' I have is really bad. I tried cutting a couple 4" limbs way up there...took forever and gave me quite a workout. I could work from the tractor...that should help. If the dealer has a good return policy....I like this idea.

 

[SilverBlue]

Stihl is supposed to have a new harness out now, we don’t use them because we feel that it can pose a safety problem if a limb falls on the saw.
Che I wonder if it would be possible to invite an arborist for a day to do the difficult work, you do the clean up and provide a nice farm style picnic. A little bread and Barter

 

[MasterBlaster]

Che, I would do as SB suggests. Or at least oversee some strong young buck to do it for you, after he got some practice doing it.

A power pruner demands a basic level of strength from the operator. If you don't have that, you can easily do more damage to yourself(and the tree!) than you ever thought possible.

A pp can wear you out QUICK if your not used to running one. Even experienced operators can get sore muscles tootsweet.

 

[che]

you do the clean up and provide a nice farm style picnic

Obviously you've never tasted my cooking!

No, I don't want to hire this out. It's not high enough up on the list (there's a few beautiful specimen trees out there I wouldn't mind professional help on though.) These are scrub trees for the most part, on the edges of hay fields. If it's not something I can handle myself I will try to arrange time with the 'old buck' around here and either send him up on the frontend loader with a bow saw.....or vice versa (need two for that one.) Either that or I'll take a better look at the trees themselves and see if they're worth saving. I was just hoping to get a nice new tool in the process...one that goes vrooooooooooom!

Butch, I don't want to give the wrong impression. I'm probably not good at this limbo dance I keep doing in the seat...but I don't know if I would have been 20 years ago either. I'm fairly strong....but I've learned that combining too much weight and an unusual position can really screw things up...and I don't have time to be laid up.

I'm iced in today....well, maybe it's 'slushed in' now....but I'll try to see what kind of manual saws they have close-by. Are there any 'homeowner' Lowe's types that are even worth looking at? Otherwise I may have to go into Lexington (1 hour away.)

 

[ricksvar]

Central Supply here in Lex is probably going to have the biggest selection under 1 roof.I think they sell Shindaiwa along with Stihl and Echo.

You might consider a multi tool powerhead.

Lowes did sell a Poulan pole saw but I suggest staying away from it.

Rick

 

[che]

Hi Rick...how's the weather! I didn't realize you were in Lexington. You know all that slushly snow coming out of the sky at dawn?? I was in it....maybe a cab wouldn't be all that bad after all. nahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Central Supply is where I had in mind. Do you think they would have bar covers also? I want the solid slip on kind....I have a clam shell type (can't even find them anymore) but it's for the 20" (which I don't use much), when I put it on the 18" it doesn't seem to stay on as well.

 

[ricksvar]

Yep I know that snow you're talking about.It's all melted now and raining.Still not the best day to be on the road and I've been out and about today.

If you do make it up to CS I would think they will have a slip on hardshell bar cover but don't know for sure.I've got a couple that came with my Stihls that I don't use because I purchased cases for them.You can have one if you don't mind the word Stihl on it.

Pay close attention to those Lexington drivers,they're dangerous!
Rick

 

[jokers]

Hi Che,

I`ve got an Echo PPT-260 that I`m really happy with, also got the 5' extension, although it`s a handful when fully extended. They do work great for opening up trails/roads and the edges of pastures that have a tendency to grow in. I`d recommend this model. BTW, from what I understand you can now buy an articulating hedge trimmer for the PPT-260, pretty cool attachment. I know that you can also buy this option for some of the multi tools made by Echo, Husky, and Stihl, but those models aren`t built as tough either.

Stihl makes a few harnesses for their larger clearing saws that look like the would work with a pole saw. The better ones are quite well made and comfortable and the prices aren`t too bad.

Russ

 

[preach it]

I have owned an Echo power pruner for 5 years now (the extendable model). I used it so much I just plain wore it out. I have the 5ft extension that can be added on, it is really too heavy with it. I purchased a new one this last year. It wasn't quite as good as the older model. The carb. isn't adjustable. I also have the hedge trimmer attachement.
You have to be careful what you are cutting as you can get yourself into major problems real fast. Thousand pound limbs can swing down and hurt you pretty bad. (Cut them off in smaller chunks.)
I never use the harness that comes with it as I find that it limits me too much. It does tend to become very heavy swinging it around after a while. All in all, mine has held up a lot better than I expected.



"Swearing is the effort of a limited mind to express itself."

 

[che]

Thanks for the offer Rick, I'll keep it in mind if I can't find them at CS. I wonder why basic covers are so hard to find now? I agree about the drivers, for a smaller city...Lexington has too many traffic problems. Out of their cars though, I am still amazed at how friendly people are there though.

I've gone full circle....yesterday I'd decided it was probably out of my reach (physically) but now I've decided I'll have to wait until I can make a 'hands on' decision....I've noticed my Shindaiwa isn't as 'heavy' as it used to be when I'm limbing above my waist ...maybe this will have changed also. I'll keep these comments in mind while I'm looking at both the powered and manual pole saws.

Thank-you.

Che

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

I'll add a few comments because I have a few different Power saws and pole saws I use at work.
Stihl's power prunner is not as good as Echo. The shaft is thin and easily bent, it's no faster, and costs more. The old Echo was a good tool but the new one is better because it's longer and you can get parts. Those are the two brands we have so I can't comment on others.
The pole saws you get at he hardware store are no good. Look into a Silky Pole Saw at Sherrill, our sponsor here.
Even though I always have a power pruner in the truck, for most cuts I use a pole saw, until the size of the limb gets around 6" diameter. As a climber, I'm inclined to climb on limbs bigger than that, so the power prunner does not get much use.
Using a power pruner is not an easy task and that comes from a healthy 6'2", 190 lb man.
You need to get it out, fuel it up, warm it up, lift it into position, support it while cutting (to much pressure it stops, to little it cuts slow), then stay clear of falling limbs. All that IF you don't get your bar pinched.
When the bar gets pinched, you need to decide if you want to stay with the saw and risk getting hit by the falling limb, or abandon the saw and run.
I won't go on, 'cus I think you get my point, it ain't as wonderful a tool as it seems.

 

[che]

Using a power pruner is not an easy task and that comes from a healthy 6'2", 190 lb man.

Thanks. I'm not saying I want to be 'talked out of one'...but that's the type of feedback I really need in addition to what brand/type is the best. I'm sure it's not PC to say...but I can judge alot of what I can physically do by watching my husband. If he can do a task (physical, not the mechanical know-how...which is a different story)...I watch how much effort it takes. If he can do it and it tires him...I have a good chance, although it will often take me longer and more effort. If he can do it...but it's difficult for HIM to do...I've learned to figure out a different way around it. It seems most guys just need to be in reasonably good shape/active to have naturally more upper body strength than the gals. We can increase that by working at it...but it definitely takes some effort....really ticks me off sometimes...but such is life.