Not sure where to put this? It's a sort of, saw question so here I go.....
Looking at multi-purpose pole saws. So far Echo and Stihl look best.
Echo is cheaper a bit, w/better warranty. Extensions are cheaper
Stihl is lighter a bit and has larger/more powerful engines.
Besides pole saw, also might want to double as brush cutter/string trimmer. I have a good Husky string trimmer but it's getting old, I'd rebuild it at this point if it died but no issues so far.
Attachments cost ~ same.
Comments/suggestions?
i have all Stihl stuff, but know folks that love echo. i have a dedicated pole saw (gas). i know they have some power heads that can interchange. i like the idea of having fewer gas engines setting for months or years at a time and getting fowled carbs. i also have some of the 40v batt. operated stuff. i luv it! starts every time. I started with the chainsaw and blower. now have the string trimmer, concrete/metal saw, and hedge clippers. like many sets of batt. operated stuff, the charger and batts. cost the most. they even make a back back with all day long capacity. i get the heavier and more powerful equip. Not sure if they will all hold up commercially, but around the house and inside the shop (no gas engine) very handy. If you have a good dealer for both, see what variety they have in each, or go with the best dealer close by.
I also forgot. How is servicing each?
All my saws are pre-2000. I can tear them right down and rebuild from scratch, many have been since I got them free, as a dead or semi-dead carcasses.
A warranty is great but what is working on them like after that.......
not much to do for the electric, and that is why you need a good dealer. As for the gas stuff, sounds like you do more of that than me. I do small stuff, and i like small engine repair, but my stihl stuff, I take it to the dealer. they have the parts on the shelf, and although the rate sounds high, they usually already know what is wrong and how to fix it, and are therefore very efficient with my money.
I've got ~ 40 acres to deal with, electric is not going to "cut it", pun intended.
Besides a pole saw, I also need a brush cutter to deal with, a lot of invasives , as per my forest management plan: buckthorn, jap barberry, multiflora rose, bittersweet. Plan is mechanical first, then chemical on resprouts.
I think I could put a brush cutter on my Husky string trimmer, it's a 326. But would rather keep that dedicated to a string trimmer.
that is helpful to know. I use a two wheeled string trimmer so it can plow down the weeds and brush. do you have a tractor that can mow some down. Yes sounds like you need some industrial stuff. others should chime in soon. i think many of the things with a power head and interchangeable functions will not be sturdy for as much as you have to do. I think if you get 2 stroke stuff, it should be "a gas" and yes pun also intended.
Tractor w/brush hog. But that is only good in fields. Can't get at invasives in the the woods with it.
We also have a good deal of garlic mustard, that is a biennial. I killed off most last year in the spring at bloom w/trimmer ( ~ 2 days work). One more year doing that and I should have a good dent on those.
I have the Stihl Combi motor with multiple attachments, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, chainsaw, and blower, also one extension. I think it works well for me but the chainsaw head with an extension gets heavy for these old shoulders.
Quote from: gspren on March 14, 2019, 07:43:52 PM
I have the Stihl Combi motor with multiple attachments, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, chainsaw, and blower, also one extension. I think it works well for me but the chainsaw head with an extension gets heavy for these old shoulders.
Which one? I was thinking the KM 131 was better than the KM 111, as both weigh the same, but the former is 30% more power but ~$40 more expensive.
I've also read you can frankenstein old stihl trimmers to use the pole pruner head. I think the biggest stihl made was the FS 250? 40 something cc? Problem is, that would be a months long project to find the parts and build.
I bought the Echo, seems to have enough power. But I have not run it enough to have to sharpen chain yet. I also bought the extension bot have not installed it.
Quote from: Mad Professor on March 14, 2019, 08:22:39 PM
Quote from: gspren on March 14, 2019, 07:43:52 PM
I have the Stihl Combi motor with multiple attachments, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, chainsaw, and blower, also one extension. I think it works well for me but the chainsaw head with an extension gets heavy for these old shoulders.
Which one? I was thinking the KM 131 was better than the KM 111, as both weigh the same, but the former is 30% more power but ~$40 more expensive.
I've also read you can frankenstein old stihl trimmers to use the pole pruner head. I think the biggest stihl made was the FS 250? 40 something cc? Problem is, that would be a months long project to find the parts and build.
I have the 131? it was the biggest available. I try not to use the extension too often but it is handy sometimes, with it I can easily reach over 12' high but it gets heavy fast. The chainsaw head was originally used on my older Stihl string trimmer. The surprising attachment is the blower which I like better than my regular hand held. I don't know your age or physical condition but while I say it's really heavy at 67 I wouldn't have thought so at 47.
I'd probably get some goats for the buckthorn and stuff.
Yup the pole saws get heavy.
Also the blade on my Husky is straight and larger branches bind.
Seems like they would angle the cutter bar so that the cuts are more horizontal for the higher branches.
I got a 20 year old Stihl HT75 pole saw with a 22° hedge trimmer head and chainsaw head. Bent the expensive shafts twice years ago, quit using it the 2nd time.
Last year I modified it to fit a Kombi power broom. Best thing I ever did with it.
Should have had a power broom for my tree service years ago. :)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21589/20180513_105148.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1552655951)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21589/20180513_212236.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1552656453)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21589/20180531_155315.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1552656561)
The Stihl HT75 is so powerful on the power broom that I had to turn the throttle govenor down to half throttle at WOT. :D
I like the length of my Echo PPT-2620 with 4' extension.
Couldn't do half the stuff I use it for with a shorter multi-tool attachment system. The extra 4 or 5 feet is a huge difference.
It's not fully extended in this photo. Goes 2 or 3 feet longer.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51951/20181230_152203~1.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1552657191)
Quote from: Inaotherlife on March 15, 2019, 09:41:57 AM
I like the length of my Echo PPT-2620 with 4' extension.
Couldn't do half the stuff I use it for with a shorter multi-tool attachment system. The extra 4 or 5 feet is a huge difference.
It's not fully extended in this photo. Goes 2 or 3 feet longer.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51951/20181230_152203~1.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1552657191)
Cool picture, do you do that daily for a living?
Quote from: HolmenTree on March 15, 2019, 10:12:12 AM
Quote from: Inaotherlife on March 15, 2019, 09:41:57 AM
I like the length of my Echo PPT-2620 with 4' extension.
Couldn't do half the stuff I use it for with a shorter multi-tool attachment system. The extra 4 or 5 feet is a huge difference.
It's not fully extended in this photo. Goes 2 or 3 feet longer.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/51951/20181230_152203~1.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1552657191)
Cool picture, do you do that daily for a living?
Thanks.
Not hardly. I just had some trees with high broken limbs and limbs over power lines, fences and the house that needed to come down.
So I figured I'd rather have the pole saw than pay someone to tear up the lawn with a bucket truck.
And that whole tree will need to come down eventually. It's been dying a slow death for the past 10 or more years.
I'll still have to climb up in the tree to rope most of the limbs and to rig the big center limb to the gooseneck to get everything fell in the right direction, and get the tree short enough so it won't land on the fence.
:) I tried to straighten the shaft on an HT 75 with partial success I got it straight but could not get the twist out of it so it only partly collapsed .It got stolen,wasn't my saw .The trimmer had the bright idea he didn't have to keep his stuff under lock and key . It certainly had plenty of power .
I've got an inexpensive Poulan that came with a weed wacker thing which I've never used because I already have another 5 or 6 .The pole saw is okay but like I said it was a cheapie .Certainly not considered heavy duty but it has saved me a lot of work not having to shinny up a tree to wack off a limb .
Hi There, newbie here. I tried searching for some forums about tree trimming and gardening, and I came around this forum. I just want to check if you have any feedback about GreenWorks Pole Saw - I saw a good review here - thewiredshopper.com/best-pole-saws-to-buy. I will basically use this for trimming our Hawthorn which is really getting very thick. Any other recommendations? :P
I love my ht101. The problem i find with a pole saw is that when you pinch the bar you have to connect with your inner squirrel to pull off the rescue. Had to take apart the shaft and make it straight again. It vibrates a bit but doesnt owe me anything. Brush cutters. I have several hundred gallons of experience with my fs250r. I have a 10" carbide tablesaw blade on it. I can cut cord wood with it. It runs easy at low throttle. I tried an expensive beaver blade that has chainsaw chain on it but chainsaw chain doesnt like the ground. Carbide all the way for me now. Ive outfitted my 026 and my ms360 to carbide. I havent sharpened a chain in 50 cord. No lie. Not as fast as a high speed steel but to me the proof is in the down time.
I have the Husqvarna 525PT5S Pole saw which sports a 158" reach which is 13 + feet (and then add on my 6' height). I love it and honestly have yet to pinch the bar (14"). It's a little heavy but has the power to drop large limbs and can trim lots of limbs like on the ERC I have around here.
Couple that with a "man cage" that I put on the forks of my 12 Mexicans and I can reach almost 30'.
Quote from: Treehuggers on March 02, 2020, 06:34:41 PM
I love my ht101. The problem i find with a pole saw is that when you pinch the bar you have to connect with your inner squirrel to pull off the rescue. Had to take apart the shaft and make it straight again. It vibrates a bit but doesnt owe me anything. Brush cutters. I have several hundred gallons of experience with my fs250r. I have a 10" carbide tablesaw blade on it. I can cut cord wood with it. It runs easy at low throttle. I tried an expensive beaver blade that has chainsaw chain on it but chainsaw chain doesnt like the ground. Carbide all the way for me now. Ive outfitted my 026 and my ms360 to carbide. I havent sharpened a chain in 50 cord. No lie. Not as fast as a high speed steel but to me the proof is in the down time.
Treehuggers Just a quick question what brand of carbide chain are your running and where are you buying it. Thanks
I broke the shaft on my old husky. Made a bushing with i.d. .010 smaller than shaft, then inertia welded them back together again... with my hand drill. Good as new again. 8)
SE
Its a stihl brand. I got it from my dealer. It was 96$ cad. The one thing thats kinda fishy to me is the amount of stretch it has. Seemed like every third tank of gas it needs tensioned. I had to have a link taken out of it at about 20 cord mark. I have pics but i cant add an album. I had an excavator push over a tonne of trees last summer and the bark was packed with dirt and stones. The carbide was the answer. Makes my saw look like a dirt slop mess but still cuts straight. I upped the bar oil to help flush the grit away better. Im sure ill wear the bar out faster but ill pay that price for it. You could plant trees with it now too lol
Quote from: Mad Professor on March 14, 2019, 06:50:01 PM
I've got ~ 40 acres to deal with, electric is not going to "cut it", pun intended.
Besides a pole saw, I also need a brush cutter to deal with, a lot of invasives , as per my forest management plan: buckthorn, jap barberry, multiflora rose, bittersweet. Plan is mechanical first, then chemical on resprouts.
I think I could put a brush cutter on my Husky string trimmer, it's a 326. But would rather keep that dedicated to a string trimmer.
Professor,
I have a pair of HT133s, the dedicated Stihl pole saw. Bought new 2018, not used much. This has been discontinued, as there is an issue with the extension mechanism not sliding, or so I'm told. I am out of the tree biz, retired sort of, but I want to keep one of them. I plan to move to NH this summer, and if your locale is near there, I can bring both with. I think they are great saws, being lighter than the 131 and powerful. For brush, Stihl makes a round string trimmer blade with 3/8 picco saw teeth stamped into the one piece of steel. Sharpens easily, and the 4 mix has the torque to run it. I think I use an FS 90. My pref is for separate tools as there is weight and less pole saw length in the combi kit, and as you say, the battery wouldn't handle your acreage
I for one am quite pleased with the 4 mix power head, for waht it's worth
I am a big fan of the "chainsaw on a stick." Reduces climbing risk and effort.
Quote from: teacherman on March 03, 2020, 04:41:49 PM
Quote from: Mad Professor on March 14, 2019, 06:50:01 PM
I've got ~ 40 acres to deal with, electric is not going to "cut it", pun intended.
Besides a pole saw, I also need a brush cutter to deal with, a lot of invasives , as per my forest management plan: buckthorn, jap barberry, multiflora rose, bittersweet. Plan is mechanical first, then chemical on resprouts.
I think I could put a brush cutter on my Husky string trimmer, it's a 326. But would rather keep that dedicated to a string trimmer.
Professor,
I have a pair of HT133s, the dedicated Stihl pole saw. Bought new 2018, not used much. This has been discontinued, as there is an issue with the extension mechanism not sliding, or so I'm told. I am out of the tree biz, retired sort of, but I want to keep one of them. I plan to move to NH this summer, and if your locale is near there, I can bring both with. I think they are great saws, being lighter than the 131 and powerful. For brush, Stihl makes a round string trimmer blade with 3/8 picco saw teeth stamped into the one piece of steel. Sharpens easily, and the 4 mix has the torque to run it. I think I use an FS 90. My pref is for separate tools as there is weight and less pole saw length in the combi kit, and as you say, the battery wouldn't handle your acreage
I for one am quite pleased with the 4 mix power head, for waht it's worth
I might be interested if price is right and I don't find one meantime.
I've two places, S. Vt and far N. western Ma.
We'll head out, going thru Troy NY late May, but route can be modified. Meeting a guy in Syracuse to drop off some 009 stuff and possibly sell an 056 M2, another of my faves.
Quote from: Treehuggers on March 03, 2020, 04:05:08 PM
Its a stihl brand. I got it from my dealer. It was 96$ cad. The one thing thats kinda fishy to me is the amount of stretch it has. Seemed like every third tank of gas it needs tensioned. I had to have a link taken out of it at about 20 cord mark. I have pics but i cant add an album. I had an excavator push over a tonne of trees last summer and the bark was packed with dirt and stones. The carbide was the answer. Makes my saw look like a dirt slop mess but still cuts straight. I upped the bar oil to help flush the grit away better. Im sure ill wear the bar out faster but ill pay that price for it. You could plant trees with it now too lol
We have the same problem sometimes trees have been taken down in the mud with a skid loader, track hoe or a track loader and that get a lot of mud in the bark. I will just have to spend $100 dollars and try one. I get tired of sharpening chains when we are bucking this kind of wood.
The carbide chain in my opinion for the dirt and grit its the way to go. I started with the one on my 026 and then got one for my ms360. I would even recommend it to a beginner sawyer for the reason of being in the dirt. If someone only uses an ms170 and cuts a wheelbarrow worth of sticks a year it would still be worth it. Great for yard clean up.
Quote from: Treehuggers on March 04, 2020, 05:29:28 PM
The carbide chain in my opinion for the dirt and grit its the way to go. I started with the one on my 026 and then got one for my ms360. I would even recommend it to a beginner sawyer for the reason of being in the dirt. If someone only uses an ms170 and cuts a wheelbarrow worth of sticks a year it would still be worth it. Great for yard clean up.
I think you have sold me I am going to shop around and put one on my 461 that I normally run a 20 inch bar on it. We have some dirty wood to cut this spring before it's time to plant corn.