Pole Saws?

O

osxaddict

Hi.. Just wondering what your general consensus is on pole saws such as Stihl's HT131 or HT130? Do any of you use them and find them to be as reliable as the regular chainsaws and are there any pitfalls to look out for on any of them (Stihl or otherwise)?

Thanks!
 
I have the Stihl KM55 the smaller engined combi system with the interchangeable heads - chainsaw, hedgetrimmer, brushcutter.

I use the saw head mostly, it is very good, there is even a extension to make the pole longer.

This has been a great buy, I have used it on storm damage trees, when you dont want to get to near hanging limbs etc.
It is also good for clearing the lower branches preparing for a removal.

Pruning with it is not a good idea as accuracy is difficult to achieve due to angles and lack of better control that you would get if you were right up close to the target prune sight.

Wear eye protection the sawshavings fire right at you!

I will go for the bigger engined combi system when I have to replace the KM55, I think it is called KM130R, not sure though.
 
Most of the professional trimmers in this area use Stihl power pruners.The only complaint I've ever heard was the oiling systems.

I being not a pro and also a cheapskate have a Poulan.It is what it is but the little thing sure has been a handy tool for me.It is not made robust enough to stand up to the rigors of professional use.
 
I have the Stihl HT 101 Pole pruner, I use it just about everyday. I like that it extends for greater reach. You can make some improper cuts with it though. Also, because it does extend, you will get alot more saw-dust in the face, so wear your safety glasses kids.
grin.gif
 
Hey sir tree rat, you use it everyday, maybe i better check into one! My dad uses them too. He likes them but says the same thing about unprecise cuts. I wish they made one with an angle adjustment to help get the proper angle when reaching out to thin the clusters at the ends of branches.
 
Hey Mike,
We do alot of street tree work, it's a very handy tool to have on board. Mostly raising for trash trucks/plows/peds on bikes and eye pokers that hang down. No sense in climbing every tree when you don't have to.

I like using it to limb-up spruces, pines, or any other tree set for removal, or to get some nasty limbs out of the way to set line.
 
Be very cautious about getting greedy with a pole chainsaw, I once very stupidly tried to take a 9 in diam 25ft branch at 12ft up the stem with a pole chainsaw and step cut.

The saw got jammed I got angry, then the branch broke off, butt end slid down the polesaw I panicked! the trigger jammed on, pole saw fell against tree scarring the stem, what a mess! I even tried to cover up the scarring with mud!

I felt like a criminal after that episode!

Pole chainsaw = small branches
 
You have to use a little thought when using this type tool.For what it is worth I took apart a 40 foot cherry tree from atop a roof last week with my little cheapy Poulan.I agree they don't cut real good on 8 inch stuff but they do cut.Like any other power tool you gotta be carefull.Make no mistake,I have bopped myself in the noggin a few times by not paying attention.Little limbs,that heavens.
 
Very useful tools-especially for removals but also for certain pruning applications. The Echo Power Pruners are more rugged than the Stihls. Please, noone have a heart attack. I am not saying that all Echos are superior to Stihl chainsaws, however, the Echo PPs have a more robust shaft design.
 
Thanks everyone for the great info.. Unfortunately, I've got $$ for a single saw and am hemming & hawing over a pole saw or something along the lines of the MS192T or MS200T (too bad the prices are so far apart from each other for the 192/200).. I've yet to price the HT-101 or HT-131 (or even see one in person), but am kinda leaning towards the MS192/MS200 and get (later) a cheaper pole saw since I think the main chainsaw will see a bit more action than the pole saw for my tasks. Thanks again for the great info!
 
Any ideas on what the HT131 goes for price wise? I'm guessing something >$600US since my local dealer is selling the HT101 for ~$600.. Is that model new or something -- most dealers I've seen on the net don't show them -- for whatever thats worth.
 
[ QUOTE ]
The Echo Power Pruners are more rugged than the Stihls. Please, noone have a heart attack. I am not saying that all Echos are superior to Stihl chainsaws, however, the Echo PPs have a more robust shaft design.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, i've noticed stihls are becoming more flimsy and breakable these days - blowers/hedgecutters/polesaws.

Must be cutting costs.

MS200T is still the best climbing saw apart from the odd dodgy carburettor made in china.
 
Has anyone already used that angled part between the pole and sawhead? Its a item you can order seperatly from the cataloque. I think when using the polesaw for higher branches the more flat angle makes it easier and neather cuts?

polepruner30gearbox.jpg
 
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