Sintung pruner for hayauchi reviews
- Thread starter Vl2007
- Start date
cerviarborist
Very stable member
- Location
- Florida, USA
I purchased a sintung 50m from the Sherrill store at my local Vermeer dealer,about a month ago. I've used it on two jobs so far. The first was removing tips and smaller limbs on a live oak. I noticed that if your bite on the limb is anything other than 90 degrees, the pruner jaw wants to spread rather than bite. This seemed to cause the blade to actually bite on the bill of the pruner and put a sizeable ding into the blade. The ratcheting system does work, but since it's incorporating a 4 to 1 MA, you really have to move a lot of pull cord to make your cut. It's best to just rely on the ratcheting system, even on smaller branches, because you have to move about three feet of cord to make a cut. It's a relatively quick and easy job to remove the saw head and install the pruner head, although wing nuts or cammed fasteners would be preferable to screws, in my opinion.
I noticed no difficulty in moving the unit through tight spots in the canopy. You just need to remember to let the unit return to its full open position before you try to take a bite.
The first thing to go on the pruner was the pull cord. It broke off just an inch or so above the stopper knot used to fasten the standing end of it to the pruner. This was about a half dozen bites into its service life. I later noticed that at a complete pull, the edge of one of the pulleys comes into contact with the rope and abrades it at the point where it broke. Probably a good place to put a plastic sleeve of some sort, or at least a piece of tape.
The second time I used the pruner was on a mangrove trimming job. While using the pruner off the deck of a boat to trim the upper story of the water side mangroves, I noticed that the ratcheting system had ceased to work. Closer inspection revealed that the return spring on the ratchet cam had disappeared (over water, of course.)
This being my second purchase at the Sherrill store (the Hayauchi being the first) and the unit being less than two weeks old, I called the office and was told to bring the Singtung in so that they could make it right. They offered to replace the spring on my unit. When I showed the ding on the blade, they said that I must've encountered steel in the pieces I was cutting (25 feet up!) I then got the same "Let us send it back to the manufacturer to see what they say about it, and we'll get back to you" response which I've seen other buzzer's postings about dealing with return issues with Sherrill. I asked then what kind of feedback they'd been getting from purchasers of this tool, and was informed that I was the only one to have purchased one from their location. I stood my ground, and was given a new unit and they took the defective one.
I've not used the new unit yet, but noticed that it's got a very small ding on the blade in the exact place where one developed in the first one I'd used. Bolts holding the tool together are loose. The sales rep said he thinks they need some slop in order to function properly, but I've got my doubts.
I also noticed that the Sintung is not manufactured by Silky. Their information relates that it's outsourced to a third party manufacturer. Korea is the only sticker that I could find on the tool.
Overall, I'd say that the Sintung is a great concept, but it needs a bit of tweaking, and has the potential to be a maintenance hog. As soon as I use the replacement Sintung, I'll post my experience.
Richard Cervi
Certified Arborist FL-6047A
Professional Mangrove Trimmer
I noticed no difficulty in moving the unit through tight spots in the canopy. You just need to remember to let the unit return to its full open position before you try to take a bite.
The first thing to go on the pruner was the pull cord. It broke off just an inch or so above the stopper knot used to fasten the standing end of it to the pruner. This was about a half dozen bites into its service life. I later noticed that at a complete pull, the edge of one of the pulleys comes into contact with the rope and abrades it at the point where it broke. Probably a good place to put a plastic sleeve of some sort, or at least a piece of tape.
The second time I used the pruner was on a mangrove trimming job. While using the pruner off the deck of a boat to trim the upper story of the water side mangroves, I noticed that the ratcheting system had ceased to work. Closer inspection revealed that the return spring on the ratchet cam had disappeared (over water, of course.)
This being my second purchase at the Sherrill store (the Hayauchi being the first) and the unit being less than two weeks old, I called the office and was told to bring the Singtung in so that they could make it right. They offered to replace the spring on my unit. When I showed the ding on the blade, they said that I must've encountered steel in the pieces I was cutting (25 feet up!) I then got the same "Let us send it back to the manufacturer to see what they say about it, and we'll get back to you" response which I've seen other buzzer's postings about dealing with return issues with Sherrill. I asked then what kind of feedback they'd been getting from purchasers of this tool, and was informed that I was the only one to have purchased one from their location. I stood my ground, and was given a new unit and they took the defective one.
I've not used the new unit yet, but noticed that it's got a very small ding on the blade in the exact place where one developed in the first one I'd used. Bolts holding the tool together are loose. The sales rep said he thinks they need some slop in order to function properly, but I've got my doubts.
I also noticed that the Sintung is not manufactured by Silky. Their information relates that it's outsourced to a third party manufacturer. Korea is the only sticker that I could find on the tool.
Overall, I'd say that the Sintung is a great concept, but it needs a bit of tweaking, and has the potential to be a maintenance hog. As soon as I use the replacement Sintung, I'll post my experience.
Richard Cervi
Certified Arborist FL-6047A
Professional Mangrove Trimmer
- Location
- Retired in Minneapolis
Jim and I demo'd the pole pruner last year. Neither of us would give up our Marvin PH4 pole pruners even for more capacity. Most of the time it's easier to use the pole saw for larger pieces.
The MA takes a LONG pull on the rope to close the jaws. This can get awkward and tiring after a while.
The MA takes a LONG pull on the rope to close the jaws. This can get awkward and tiring after a while.
cerviarborist
Very stable member
- Location
- Florida, USA
I'd forgotten to mention. When I picked up my replacement Sintung pruner, the rep at Sherrill looked at the brand new replacement unit, noted the loose rivets, and said that he'd recommend replacing the rivets with nuts and bolts for a more secure attachment.. go figure.
I think I'll put a few dots of thread lock in strategic places on mine, and tighten things up a bit, and hope for the best.
I think I'll put a few dots of thread lock in strategic places on mine, and tighten things up a bit, and hope for the best.
cerviarborist
Very stable member
- Location
- Florida, USA
Just thought I'd add a quick update to this thread. I had the chance to use the replacement Sintung which I'd noted in a previous post,this past weekend. I was removing fronds and seed bracts from Sabal Palmettos, as well as a few light branches on a Gumbo Limbo.
Since I knew I wasn't going to need a lot of torque, I bypassed all but one pulley on the M/A system. This made for a lot shorter line pull to complete the cut. I was still able to use the ratcheting system, which actually worked out well in some tight spots where I didn't have room enough to fully depress the lever on the cutter.
I used the Hayauchi saw first, pulling off loose boots and shaving off the crud to clean up the trunks. I have to say, the weed hook on the end of the saw combined with the curved blade, really made cleaning up the trunks an easy task. Once that was done, I switched to the Sintung to reach up into the canopy to clip off the seed bracts.
Granted, it was all light duty stuff, but the tool performed admirably. Rethreading the pull line to add or bypass pulleys lets you make a quick on the fly adjustment to match the the torque and pull length of the lopper to the task at hand.
I'm glad that my initial issues with the Sintung were resolved. I think it's going to be a keeper!
Since I knew I wasn't going to need a lot of torque, I bypassed all but one pulley on the M/A system. This made for a lot shorter line pull to complete the cut. I was still able to use the ratcheting system, which actually worked out well in some tight spots where I didn't have room enough to fully depress the lever on the cutter.
I used the Hayauchi saw first, pulling off loose boots and shaving off the crud to clean up the trunks. I have to say, the weed hook on the end of the saw combined with the curved blade, really made cleaning up the trunks an easy task. Once that was done, I switched to the Sintung to reach up into the canopy to clip off the seed bracts.
Granted, it was all light duty stuff, but the tool performed admirably. Rethreading the pull line to add or bypass pulleys lets you make a quick on the fly adjustment to match the the torque and pull length of the lopper to the task at hand.
I'm glad that my initial issues with the Sintung were resolved. I think it's going to be a keeper!
guymayor
Branched out member
- Location
- East US, Earth
Excellent post--Thank You!
cerviarborist
Very stable member
- Location
- Florida, USA
My pleasure, Guy! As a newbie, it's nice to get positive feedback on a post from someone from whom I've learned so much.
guymayor
Branched out member
- Location
- East US, Earth
Richard, you might send that post in to Silky as ad copy. might earn you a discount on your next purchase!
Does FL certify Mangrove Trimmers?
Does FL certify Mangrove Trimmers?
cerviarborist
Very stable member
- Location
- Florida, USA
Thanks for the suggestion, Guy!
Florida requires that any of the three indigenous species of mangrove, with a pre trimmed height in excess of ten feet, measured from the substrate, be trimmed, or supervised on site, by a Professional Mangrove Trimmer.
The state automatically considers any ISA Certified Arborist to be a qualified PMT. In some counties and municipalities where they've delegated mangrove oversight, PMT's have to register on a list, maintained by that authority. Florida also considers LA's and some other credential holders to be PMT's as well.
Here's a link to the FLDEP "everything you always wanted to know about trimming mangroves, but were afraid to ask" webpage.
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wetlands/mangroves/index.htm
Florida requires that any of the three indigenous species of mangrove, with a pre trimmed height in excess of ten feet, measured from the substrate, be trimmed, or supervised on site, by a Professional Mangrove Trimmer.
The state automatically considers any ISA Certified Arborist to be a qualified PMT. In some counties and municipalities where they've delegated mangrove oversight, PMT's have to register on a list, maintained by that authority. Florida also considers LA's and some other credential holders to be PMT's as well.
Here's a link to the FLDEP "everything you always wanted to know about trimming mangroves, but were afraid to ask" webpage.
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wetlands/mangroves/index.htm
guymayor
Branched out member
- Location
- East US, Earth
[ QUOTE ]
Florida also considers LA's ...to be PMT's as well.
[/ QUOTE ]yeah i'm sure they covered that in design school...
Florida also considers LA's ...to be PMT's as well.
[/ QUOTE ]yeah i'm sure they covered that in design school...
cerviarborist
Very stable member
- Location
- Florida, USA
I think it's in the same section where the virtues of installing tall palms directly beneath the power lines is espoused.
guymayor
Branched out member
- Location
- East US, Earth
[ QUOTE ]
I think it's in the same section where the virtues of installing tall palms directly beneath the power lines is espoused.
[/ QUOTE ]Exactly; right after the chapter on planitng rootball to grade and then volcanomulching.
Anyhoo thanks for th ereview and the tips; i'm ordering one today. used hayauchi yesterday from a pine, to prune an oak 20' to one side and a gum 20' to the other side--what a timesaving tool!
I showed the client what was done, and he offered to pay above the previously capped figure. Gotta luv a tool that delivers value and opens wallets wider.
I think it's in the same section where the virtues of installing tall palms directly beneath the power lines is espoused.
[/ QUOTE ]Exactly; right after the chapter on planitng rootball to grade and then volcanomulching.
Anyhoo thanks for th ereview and the tips; i'm ordering one today. used hayauchi yesterday from a pine, to prune an oak 20' to one side and a gum 20' to the other side--what a timesaving tool!
I showed the client what was done, and he offered to pay above the previously capped figure. Gotta luv a tool that delivers value and opens wallets wider.
cerviarborist
Very stable member
- Location
- Florida, USA
I'm really glad that you found it useful. I've noticed that the butt cap on mine wants to wander. I think I'm going to glue it on proper with some 3m 5200 marine adhesive. Whereabouts in Florida do you hang your hat, when you're down here?
guymayor
Branched out member
- Location
- East US, Earth
Update on Sintung--talked ot silky guy at expo and he said they were not carrying it anymore, something about quality not being "silky level" did not hear much about specifics or plans for alternate pruner head.
TC
Participating member
The Sintung attachment is not made by Silky in Japan it was designed and built by Silky Fox in the UK, apparently the Japanese did not want to get involved as they know nothing of the technology/mechanics of pole pruners.
You can tell it was designed by people who know nothing about treework, I have spoke to the guys who built it about its inherent problems and they didnt seem that interested in what I had to say despite the fact my approach was polite and constructive.
The Sintung is the biggest travesty in recent arboricultural history. It begs belief as to just how incredibly bad it is.
If you buy a Sintung you are encouraging mediocrity.
Do not buy one.
You can tell it was designed by people who know nothing about treework, I have spoke to the guys who built it about its inherent problems and they didnt seem that interested in what I had to say despite the fact my approach was polite and constructive.
The Sintung is the biggest travesty in recent arboricultural history. It begs belief as to just how incredibly bad it is.
If you buy a Sintung you are encouraging mediocrity.
Do not buy one.
guymayor
Branched out member
- Location
- East US, Earth
[ QUOTE ]
The Sintung attachment is not made by Silky in Japan it was designed and built by Silky Fox in the UK,
[/ QUOTE ]Eugene told me it was made in taiwan, but whatever. [ QUOTE ]
I have spoke to the guys who built it about its inherent problems and they didnt seem that interested in what I had to say despite the fact my approach was polite and constructive.
[/ QUOTE ] O considering your track record this must be true!
The Sintung attachment is not made by Silky in Japan it was designed and built by Silky Fox in the UK,
[/ QUOTE ]Eugene told me it was made in taiwan, but whatever. [ QUOTE ]
I have spoke to the guys who built it about its inherent problems and they didnt seem that interested in what I had to say despite the fact my approach was polite and constructive.
[/ QUOTE ] O considering your track record this must be true!
TC
Participating member
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The Sintung attachment is not made by Silky in Japan it was designed and built by Silky Fox in the UK,
[/ QUOTE ]Eugene told me it was made in taiwan, but whatever. [ QUOTE ]
I have spoke to the guys who built it about its inherent problems and they didnt seem that interested in what I had to say despite the fact my approach was polite and constructive.
[/ QUOTE ] O considering your track record this must be true!
[/ QUOTE ]
Guy, my final word on this issue is this.....if the guys in Japan refused to get involved with the Sintung project then that says it all for me regardless of wether its made in Taiwan or the UK, it wasn't designed by treeworkers.
[ QUOTE ]
The Sintung attachment is not made by Silky in Japan it was designed and built by Silky Fox in the UK,
[/ QUOTE ]Eugene told me it was made in taiwan, but whatever. [ QUOTE ]
I have spoke to the guys who built it about its inherent problems and they didnt seem that interested in what I had to say despite the fact my approach was polite and constructive.
[/ QUOTE ] O considering your track record this must be true!
[/ QUOTE ]
Guy, my final word on this issue is this.....if the guys in Japan refused to get involved with the Sintung project then that says it all for me regardless of wether its made in Taiwan or the UK, it wasn't designed by treeworkers.
Sherrill just got them in again, with 'improvements'. Interested in hearing if anybody buys one, and how they like it.
