Wasted $400 on a fancy gas pole pruner that couldn't handle a single oak branch

I bought that Stihl gas pole pruner everyone raves about after watching all the youtube reviews. Took it out to a job in Maplewood last spring, big old white oak with some deadwood hanging over a driveway. First decent branch maybe 4 inches thick, the thing bogged down and the chain kept slipping off. Spent more time fiddling with the tension than actually cutting. Had to drag my old manual pole saw out of the truck to finish the job. Anyone else find these gas powered heads are way overhyped for real work?

3 comments

3 Comments

kim19112d ago

Respectfully, I've had zero issues with mine on bigger oak branches.

taylor6688d agoMost Upvoted

Right there with you, zero trouble on oak here too.

the_riley12d ago

Good for you, glad to hear it's working solid. Some of these things just seem to be hit or miss depending on the wood. Makes me feel better about trying oak myself.