Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Noticed in a hardware store this morning a Pole saw made by Poulan.  , saw that it was much cheaper in price than Sthil or Echo.  Would the quality of it be good enough for a occasional user?----Will

I have the Echo Will, and love it, it was about $500 plus I bought a 5' extension for it for about $90 as well.  It is very lengthy w, a reach of 19' now, plus the 5 or 6' I stand lifting it, meaning I can prune to about 24' now which is plenty for my needs.  It is a absolutely brutal tool to handle.  I', 6'00" about 225lb in pretty good athletic shape, and can only use it in about 15-20 minute spurts, then need to rest for about the same, and the re use, as it puts such a strain on my biceps, and upper body.  The Poulon one you mentioned, I have seen selling for about $200 w/ a 12' reach and 31cc engine, looks like plenty for occasional use like you mentioned.  Now, I mean NO offense by this at all, so please dont take it this way, but i recall you had mentioned your heart surgery recently, and cant help but suggest maybe try it out at the store to make sure it isnt too much to handle, as when your reachin' up w/ this damn heavy thing, it gets exhausting in a hurry!!!  And the problem is once ya start a branch, ya dont wanna stop until your all the way through it, or else you'll hang up the saw, and have to climb up a ladder to free it most likely.  So in summary, I would say, no ya cant compare the Poulan to an Echo or Stihl  quality, but for occasional use, I'm sure it is all you'll need Will.  I work the absolute hell out of the Echo I have, w/ the only wear so far is I hung it so badly once I had to replace the chain.  Other than that it is a tank.  one thing to consider is you could probably buy the entry level Echo Split boom w/ pruner attachment for about $275, that at least would give you perhaps a more quality engine for a few bucks more.  I believe the reach is the same, however only a 23cc engine though.