The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Chainsaws => Topic started by: 555JM on October 07, 2013, 06:24:47 PM

Title: Pole Saws
Post by: 555JM on October 07, 2013, 06:24:47 PM
Hi,
New here, but not to chainsaws...AS refugee :-\  Started looking at power pole saws recently.  Have a dozen or so nut trees badly in need of pruning, some large evergreens that need work, and some brush thickets that need thinning (heard the pole saws work good for that).  However, I've never used a power pole saw.

Was comparing the Husky 327P5x with the Stihl HT101.  Then happened upon the Echo line and, after looking at the PPT-266, stumbled upon the PAS modular line.

The thing I like about the PAS (thinking PAS-266) is that they'd be lighter for the down-low pruning and that the 3' extension (and its weight) would only be needed for the higher jobs (salesman said that two extensions could be used).  That, plus there are also brush cutter, string trimmer, and hedge trimmer attachments; all of which would be useful when not using the pole saw attachment.

I've done a search and seen some pole saw posts, but anyone here care to comment on any of the models listed?  In particular, has anyone used the Echo PAS (Pro Attachment Series)?  Usually multifunction tools, while useable, aren't particularly good at anything.  Wondering if that applies here.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: exSW on October 07, 2013, 06:49:21 PM
Same deal here,I looked at Echos, that big one is HEAVY.I'm most impressed with the Efcos.Adjustable head,and an extendable(ptx2700)that's manageable. 
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: sharkey on October 07, 2013, 06:56:08 PM
We have one of the older Echo and one of the Stihl Telescope jobbies.  Both will reach 12 ft, but the Echo has a 5ft extension for a total of 17ft.  I think you will find the longer the reach the better because you cant stand under what your cutting, you have to stand off to the side.  The echo has been the better of the two for us.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: Weesa20 on October 07, 2013, 09:11:04 PM
AS refugee as well...I Have a stihl ht101 and really like it....pretty good reach, not super heavy, pretty well balanced, can get a full harness for all day use. Hadn't used in 3 months, 3 pulls and was runnin, just have to use the starting procedure specific the stihls. Oh, and I use the synth oil- has a stabilizer in it that helps with the ethanol I think.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: Cattoon on October 08, 2013, 08:35:37 AM
I have had good experience from the Stihl KM90, I couldn't justify the expense of a dedicated pole saw, I bought the kombi with the extension pole a couple of years ago and thus far have had no issues, but I still haven't bought any other attachments LOL, it cuts quick and is handy for clearing trails. I can cut to about 12-13 ft easily and there are several other attachments available.  Have a great day.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: thecfarm on October 08, 2013, 09:31:00 AM
I've been looking at that Stihl kombi,polesaw,trimmer,leaf blower would be nice.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: nmurph on October 08, 2013, 09:53:20 AM
Find a used HT 75. They are lighter than the competition, have enough power for a polesaw, and the motors are used in lots of Stihl products.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: scsmith42 on October 08, 2013, 11:04:35 AM
I spent a day using an HT101 and a smaller Stihl pole saw a few weeks ago.  The HT101 was a real hoss and cut circles around the smaller saw.  I was impressed.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: Weesa20 on October 08, 2013, 03:00:40 PM
Not sure if everyone knows or not, but you can put just about any attachment on the end of the Stihl straight shaft machines (FS line)...the exceptions are the FS250 and RX100....don't have to have a KM setup to use the attachments but the KMs are a little quicker to change but heavier than the standard FS machines. 
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: JohnG28 on October 08, 2013, 04:17:48 PM
My uncle has a Stihl 101, sweet little deal. Has a 14" bar on it I believe and he has said it will about cut the length of the bar with no problems. I used it for some smaller branches and had no problems at full extension. Reach was at least 15' while standing.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: bill m on October 08, 2013, 07:43:50 PM
I own both the Stihl ht75 and the Echo ppt266. The biggest problem with the Stihl is the splined shaft inside. When you pinch the chain while under power ( and yes - it will happen no matter how careful you are ) the splined shaft will twist. When this happens you will not be able to extend or retract the telescoping section. This has happened to every Stihl I have owned. As for the Echo power pruners I have never had a single problem with any of the ones I have owned.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: thecfarm on October 08, 2013, 07:47:44 PM
Does Echo have just the power head? Than you buy what you want?
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: mesquite buckeye on October 08, 2013, 08:02:03 PM
I have an older Stihl HT75, about 8 ft long, extends another 5ft. Standing and really stretching I can cut to 17', but not really safely. Above about 14-15 I won't cut anything over a couple inches thick, so not a big deal if it hits me in the head wearing full gear. Probably really safe to around 13-14ft. Really nice for pruning up pole stands and reaching inside monster multiflora roses to cut out the center stems without having to wade into them and get ripped up. This is an exhausting saw to run for any length of time at height without the shoulder sling. Wish I had a way to get to 21ft so I could get one clear 20 or 2 clear 10's. ;D Of course I wish I was 20 years younger and could kick butt like that again. Oh well. ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: beenthere on October 08, 2013, 08:09:25 PM
bill m
Hasn't happened to my Stihl yet. And has been stuck a few times too.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: bill m on October 08, 2013, 08:49:41 PM
beenthere,
It happened to both of mine and also to one belonging to a friend. I'll stick to my Echo's.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: mesquite buckeye on October 08, 2013, 09:07:54 PM
I have had mine stuck more times than I can remember. Part of that is technique and learning curve. Never got any damage from it other than a popped off chain. I do try to be careful and not abuse tools. Makes a difference. ;D :o :snowball:
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: beenthere on October 08, 2013, 09:11:22 PM
QuoteI'll stick to my Echo's

bill
That be fine by me.   8)
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: 555JM on October 08, 2013, 10:19:55 PM
Quote from: thecfarm on October 08, 2013, 07:47:44 PM
Does Echo have just the power head? Than you buy what you want?

The Echo PAS series is set up like that.  Buy a powerhead for around $200-$300 and then attachments that include a pruner (10" pole saw), a couple of hedge trimmers, four string trimmers, a sweeper, a cultivator, a brush cutter and even a leaf blower. No one has posted about them, so either they're too new or too light duty to be considered.

I'm afraid the pole saw might not be tough enough for my needs, but I may give it a try anyway.  The other attachments would still make it worth owning.  Hard to go wrong with a 5 yr. warranty and local support.

With a few extra attachments, the power head would see frequent use instead of sitting around waiting for the next pruning job.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: nmurph on October 09, 2013, 05:26:10 AM
Quote from: beenthere on October 08, 2013, 08:09:25 PM
bill m
Hasn't happened to my Stihl yet. And has been stuck a few times too.

Me either, and I've owned mine for 5+years. The trick to cutting anything over 1" or so is to make an undercut. Otherwise, the limb will barber chair and pinch the bar. As mentioned elsewhere, a polesaw gets heavy if you use it any length of time. The lighter it is, the longer you will be able to control it and use it comfortably.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: Ed on October 10, 2013, 01:53:59 PM
I've had to replace the extension shaft twice on my HT75...1st time after a falling branch caught it, couldn't get the pruner out from under it before it hit the ground, 2nd time the saw was bouncing in the cut on a large Hickory branch, it was enough to twist the splined shaft enough so that it wouldn't slide.

While the pole saws do serve a purpose, after a number of trimmings you can't reach the branches. That's where I'm at now on our property, we'll be bringing in a telehandler with a basket this winter and do some serious trimming.  ;D

Ed
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: petefrom bearswamp on October 10, 2013, 06:26:40 PM
well I skimmed thru this thread , but here again is my 2c worth.
I have a husky which runs really well.
Th problem is when cutting to the highest branches it jams.
I would think that the MFRS could design a head that angles to cut 90 degrees to the ground. eliminating the binding.
"old guy"
Pete
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: mesquite buckeye on October 10, 2013, 07:08:06 PM
Good idea, Pete. Maybe a 45. Maybe a dedicated high saw for branches from 14-22 ft.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: exSW on October 10, 2013, 07:48:41 PM
Quote from: petefrom bearswamp on October 10, 2013, 06:26:40 PM
well I skimmed thru this thread , but here again is my 2c worth.
I have a husky which runs really well.
Th problem is when cutting to the highest branches it jams.
I would think that the MFRS could design a head that angles to cut 90 degrees to the ground. eliminating the binding.
"old guy"
Pete
EFCO has
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: mesquite buckeye on October 10, 2013, 11:04:47 PM
Who dat? Also how high does it go?
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: exSW on October 10, 2013, 11:17:15 PM
Quote from: mesquite buckeye on October 10, 2013, 11:04:47 PM
Who dat? Also how high does it go?
Efco,what used to be Olympyc.PT2700(fixed) 7'5" and PTX 2700(eXtendable)12'5"and head pivots 45 degrees and 90 degrees.I keep wanting one but...I'm cheap.I have an Efco 40cc brushcutter and I've been very pleased and it gets used hard. 
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: mesquite buckeye on October 10, 2013, 11:44:51 PM
Might be worth a look. How much?

Sure would be nice to get one that reaches 21. Handling would be the issue.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: Ed on October 11, 2013, 09:39:20 AM
Stihl makes an angle adapter for their pole saws and Cannon males an angled bar.

http://cannonbar.com/chainsawbars/specialtybars.html (http://cannonbar.com/chainsawbars/specialtybars.html)

I bought one of the Stihl angle adapters for my HT75, doesn't really work well, the HT75 is down on power compared to the current offerings and the added gearbox doesn't help matters much.

Ed
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: 555JM on October 11, 2013, 10:00:26 AM
There are a couple of Efco shops within driving range.  I may give them a call to see if they have one I can look at.  I  think the fixed length Efco would be too short for much of my work. 

Those extendable jobs, at least the Stihl and the Echo I looked at are heavy.  Can see that there'd be a handling problem with the saw dropping ahead of the cut-off limb and then the limb landing on the pole and bending it.

Leaning more towards the Echo PAS system.  They're lighter, the pole extensions would be cheap to replace, and, if this whole pole saw idea doesn't work, there are other tools the power head can be used with.  My Echo dealer said he had an Echo extendable pole saw for his own use and switched to the PAS pruner for easier handling and cheaper repairs.   
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: exSW on October 11, 2013, 12:00:30 PM
Quote from: mesquite buckeye on October 10, 2013, 11:44:51 PM
Might be worth a look. How much?

Sure would be nice to get one that reaches 21. Handling would be the issue.
I think the PTX2700 retails for around 650 the PT2700 500ish.There are some left over PT2500's floating aound that can be had for around 4 bills.As far as reach,no matter what you get it's always going to be 6" to short.Even at 6'5" and a pTX 2700 I still see myself standing on the flatbed dump trying to get just a little higher.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: mesquite buckeye on October 12, 2013, 10:35:14 PM
Too true, but in thinned, fast growing forest my branches start getting pretty fat around 20 feet, so too big to take away without making a rot point. If I could just get to 21, I would be content. ;D
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: terry f on October 12, 2013, 10:39:49 PM
    I have a stihl 130 Kombi that I think is great, more power than it needs to run a 12 inch bar, and a quick change to whatever attachment you want. For what I do, I use it as a chainsaw more than my chainsaw, and it's easier  on the back.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: Cut4fun on October 13, 2013, 12:46:27 PM
I like my echo 260 extendable 2 stroke pole saw. I wouldnt trade it for any 4mix type crap.   8)
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: deerslayer on October 20, 2013, 02:55:14 PM
I've been happy with my Stihl HT101. It's a bear to use fully extended but does jobs that would be difficult otherwise. I really like it for clearing roof lines (from the roof) or trimming brush away from homes from the ground. I even occasionally will use it in a tree to cut something off I don't dare to climb out to. It is an important component of my saw line up. I haven't had any issues with the shaft twisting but did turn a bar into a pretzel when I couldn't get the saw clear when topping a pine tree. Can't really blame that on the tool I guess, eh?
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: aldo on October 21, 2013, 06:44:39 PM
I have an extendable Echo PPT265 version and I find it great. I chose it over the Stihl a few years back due to marginally longer reach and one thing I thought to be a valuable addition was a well protected rear end. The tank area will always cop a knock and the Stihl model back when I purchased was not as well protected. The Echo units bar/chain adjustment is not super sturdy I reckon but I'm pretty fussy with maintenance so I'm not rough. My dad has the multi tool type system and they just don't have the reach for what I need.

I found a handy companion for my Echo is a manual Silky Hayate. I bought the petrol unit first, had I done it the other way I may have not purchased the Echo.

In terms of engine reliability I have most brands and I find they are all excellent when maintained well. About the only standout in terms of first pull starting is Tanaka. It's almost ridiculous.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: annia on January 07, 2018, 05:04:31 AM
The pruner extension works great and cuts through branches up to 3 inches. You need to know how to prune, though. A bit more instruction for the beginner in the manual would not be so bad. The attachment is easy to "assemble" and attach. Can be swapped out to any other attachment easily. Due to the length of the pruner, the whole Echo machine gets a bit out of balance (top heavy) and if you work the trees you get a nice upper body and arm work out on top. Not for everyone probably.
Title: Re: Pole Saws
Post by: Logger RK on January 07, 2018, 06:03:27 AM
I bought a black & decker 20 volt battery powered pole saw this summer. I'm impressed with it. I don't use it to much,mostly for logging roads so semi's don't hit low hanging branches. It does come apart into 3 pieces & fits on a 4 wheeler rack nicely.  It'll be handy for clearing shooting lanes for hunting. And it has the same battery as my weedwacker. I do have a old gas one that's not very dependable. When I'm looking for a good work out I use that one.