help on picking a pole saw

[bass_on_tap]

Hi, first time posting here. I would like opinions on which pole saw I should buy. I am looking at the Stihl HT75 and the Echo PPT-26. I can get either at dealer cost and the price is within $40.00 of each other. So price is really not so much the issue here. I would like to hear pros and cons on each. Lets hear it!. Dave

 

[treeclimber165]

95% of the pros I know use the HT-75. I've heard the same in many areas of the country. I've always liked Echo's but if I were buying one I'd have to buy the Stihl. Stronger, more durable, lasts longer.

 

[bass_on_tap]

Thanks, Most of my chainsaws are Stihl. I have never had an Echo but I understand that they "invented" the pole saw. The PPT-26 is relativly new in their lineup and has some nice features, heavy though. Anyone else?

 

[treeclimber165]

Actually, the first one was made by a smaller company and called 'Power Pruner'. It utilized a Kioritz motor (Echo's parent company). Echo bought them out I think and has been selling the Power Pruner since. I guess they are now selling the newest versions under the Echo name.

 

[Menchhofer]

Ht 75 by far the best. Wasn't the echo a litttle heavier?

 

[JT Lafitte]

Go with the HT 75 you will be pleased with the balance and power that this unit has.
I use mine to trim every thing from pruning low hanging limbs to scrub trees in fence rows.
JT

 

[rahtreelimbs]

I own an HT-75. It does the work just fine. The only thing I have heard is that the Echo's pole is stiffer than the Stihl's. So there is less springiness in the pole.

 

[Tony Snyder]

I use the HT 75. It doesn't have lot of hours on it but it has done well.

I am more interested about how you get dealer cost. Wit so many getting dealer cost, how are we poor dealers gonna eat.

 

[Jwoods]

Power Pruner

I have an Echo Power Pruner and I don't have any problems. Echo has re-designed the oiler/bar attachment area, and they're rock-solid. I would say either one is going to give a lot of service. The Echo uses a shaft drive. I guess you can weigh capacity vs. price.

Joe

 

[preach it]

I have the Echo Pruner. I have had it for 6 years now. It paid for itself in just a few days by the increase in work done without having to climb around so much. Watch out that you don't get it pinched in a limb that is in a dangerous position. (Been there, done that.) The only problem that I have had with it is the bar oil filler knob has a tendency to touch on a limb and pop out, it is held on with a small piece of key chain but you just lost all the bar oil. I believe the newer ones have a better screw in knob that won't pop out.

 

[Grateful11]

Husqvarna has a new model but it doesn't appear to be on their website. Northern has in their catalog. I'd definitely look at it. 16ft reach and 14 lbs.
Grateful

Husqvarna 326P5X Pole Saw Pruner

 

[glens]

Hi Grateful.&nbsp; Looks like it's at both the <a href="http://international.husqvarna.com/node1519.asp?cid=73">international</a> and the <a href="http://www.usa.husqvarna.com/Folder_263/node665.asp?id=2">US</a> sites now.

Ben will love the math at the international site.

Glen

 

[Jumper]

HT 75 always worked fine for me; if i was in the market I'd chose it, mainly because it is familiar.

 

[treeclimber165]

Unless I was bound by blind brand loyalty, I'd probably hold off on being the first on the block with the Husky. A power pruner is basically a weedeater with bar and chain so I'd stick with the companies who build the best weedeaters. Husky is not known for their small two cycle stuff.
I haven't seen the newest offering from Echo but they make very good two cycle small equipment. The Stihl HT-75 is a proven item though.

 

[Grateful11]

It's on the international site but the 326P5X isn't on the US site link you gave. Neither one of those, on the US site, telescope from what I gather.

I'm not a big fan of being the first on the block but I still think it desires a look see.
Grateful

 

[ralphbsz]

But do they extend?

I'm facing the same decision (which pole pruner to buy) in a few months.

Here's a question: The Stihl HT75 has a 11'6" pole. It can NOT be extended. The Echo PPT-260 has a 12'10" pole (already a bit longer than the Stihl), and you can put a 5' extension on it.

The Husqvarna web site has no information on the length of their 326P4/P5x pruners, nor does it mention any extensions.

Why has noone discussed the length difference or the extension yet? Am I missing something?

To me, it seems that the extra foot of length is a great idea (because I'll cut everything that is within reach from the ground with the pole prunter, which is much safer than climbing, or working from a ladder). Even better, with the 5' extension, the Echo reaches MUCH further.

On the other hand, I'm worried that the Echo with the extension is unmanageable. After all, you're running a small chainsaw at the end of an about 17' long stick, and for that lever arm you'll need a lot of strength and weight. I'm not a terribly huge guy (6'8" and 180lbs, in pretty good shape); do you guys think that the Echo with extension is unsafe?

 

[wak110]

I guess size does matter!
Seriously, I don't have any experience with power pruners, but isn't the powerhead at the bottom of the unit? That seems to me to be the only thing that would make it tough to manage.
I use my pole saw quite a bit (my only aerobic workout), sometimes with a third extension, not very manageable at first but once the cut is started it's OK.

 

[jokers]

I have the Echo PPT-260 and I bought it on the advice of a dealer who sells Stihl, Husky, Echo, and Shindaiwa. They sell buttloads of the HT-75s and make tons of money on repairs compared to the PPT-260. Both saws feel similar as far as weight and balance go and perform similarly as well, just that the Echo has a better shaft.

Funny that Rocky should make a statement along the lines that he would pick the Stihl over the Husky unless a person was blindly loyal to Husky, because Husky is not known for their small stuff like trimmers. In the ranks of the pros around here, Stihl is not recognized as being cream of the crop in small stuff like trimmers either. I believe that the motor on the Echo is better quality than any small Stihl I have ever seen.

Yes, the PPT-260 with the 5' extension is a real handful.

Russ

 

[SilverBlue]

Russ, what repairs are needed on the HT 75 compared to the Echo? After 3 years my 75 is running strong and will slice through 12 inches of wood no problem. Never a drive shaft problem, no engine problems, just a bent bar due to operator error- which was straightened and working excellent again. Maintain it and it will last.

I tried the Echo and hate the handle to death. And the length issue comes down to how accurately and safely and you can make a cut. After 15 ft it typically makes more sense to climb the tree with proper gear and make the cut.

 

[stihltech]

small stuff

The reputation that Stihl trimmers were not the best came from the first generation of trimmers. They left a bit to be desired.

The newest generation pro line(FS80 powerhead) is doing a fine job. The only repairs I do are bent shafts from limbs falling on them or being driven over. Only one twisted shaft.