Fiskars 7-16 ft. Extendable 2-in-1 Pruner and Pole Saw For Tree Trimming, Tree Trimmer with Chain-Drive for Cutting Branches up to 1.25" Diameter with More Power, Garden Tools

We have a willow style tree which overhangs our patio. Lately it's started to look like a kid with an unruly hairdo who hasn't seen a barber or stylist in a long while. A few scaggly branches popping out here and there. It seems less than ideal - not to mention due to it's height, not possible - to really use a ladder effectively with a trimmer or lopper in hand. So pole lopper/saw it is.After looking at a lot of reviews and specs - this Fiskars model hits the right mix of features (length and cutting capability) for a good price. The model I purchased extends from 7' - 16' and has the "chain drive".Overall the tool seems sturdy - time will tell. The fiberglass pole is striking a nice balance between weight and strength and reach. The tool head with lopper worked fine to nip thru 3 branches that were just a bit over 1" in diameter (thickness). I have not yet tested the saw - other than to remove the blade while using the lopper.When fixing the saw for use - you undo a single wingnut and align a support hole with a nub on the tool head and the hole for the bolt for the wing nut to (re)secure the saw. It would be nice if they'd include a second nub so you could secure the blade to the tool while it's not in use and not worry that it could slide out of position.Overall I'm happy with the price/performance - it made easy work of the test branches on the willow over the patio - requiring not too much strength to pull the rope for the lopper. It's a bit unwieldy but extended to 12 or 16 feet that's to be expected. Time will tell about the durability - but I have a weekend coming up soon to do some trimming on a number of trees around my property.

There is a lot to like about this tool and even more when you consider the price. Short version: you will love the ease of use and you will be very happy with your purchase.The best part is the pole & extension mechanism. Flip the latch, push a button, slide the pole, lock it down, and you are ready to go in a matter of seconds. The pole is pretty stiff and light enough for the home gardener. I had a minor issue with one button, after the first few uses, it jammed and wouldn't drop into the holes any longer. I extended the pole and banged that section like I was trying to pull the pole apart. That popped the button loose and it has been fine since. To avoid this, I suggest pushing the button, moving the pole an inch or so, release the button, and slide the pole to the next stop hole. You can repeat that process as many times as needed before locking it down. This approach has kept everything working smoothly.The branch cutter is easy to use and very sharp; it will easily cut a 1" branch. The chain drive is solid and reliable. The cord is long enough to use the cutter when the pole is fully extended.The saw is sharp and has a hook at the end, very handy for pulling down twigs and deadwood. There is a significant curve to the sawblade. This can make it a little difficult to use when you can only get to the branch from the side (not the top); the curve makes the saw want to cut very aggressively causing it to hang up some when used at extension. On the plus side, the curve keeps the blade aligned with the rest of the pole, improving maneuverability.

Excellent product. Excellent value. This is my second one. My only concern is the strength of the (telescoping) extension tubes. This Pole Saw cannot withstand any sudden impact with the ground, should you be trimming a larger diameter, higher, heavier branch that suddenly comes crashing to the ground. To be clear, this is a very well engineered tree pruning, tree trimming device. I absolutely have loved mine. You have to sort of "know when to say when" in not becoming too greedy in bringing down those extremely high, extremely large branches. Having said that, I've been able to repair my Fiscars Pole Saw three times now by simply (carefully) cutting the damaged telescoping tubes and (carefully) redrilling new fastener and height adjustment holes, as necessary depending on the needed repair. Also the chaindrive pruning hook tool is fantastic! It provides additional mechanical leverage for pulling down the pruning mechanism rope. Very, very effective tool. Just know that the higher you trim (saw) branches, the greater the odds you will damage this Fiscars Pole Saw. In many instances, however, it can actually be repaired ("repurposed") again, although you will likely have less overall height. Regardless, this is a very good value for the price. Lastly ONLY use this Pole Saw when standing on the ground. That's a basic safety thing that even this "greedy" Fiscars Pole Saw amateur user strongly advises. I am grateful for this product. It immediately opened up additional capability for me as a DIY customer. I know there are other (Commercial Grade) Pole Saw Pruning Tools. This Fiscars tool has more than met my needs. It adjusts well...adjusts easily, provided the tubing has not been bent. I have trimmed branches up to 25 feet high with this fully extended Fiscars Pole Saw. I've learned to have more reasonable expectations of the tool, while still appreciating its capabilities, particularly from an amateur / home owner perspective. The saw blade is magnificent. It is best utilized by having both feet firmly planted on the ground.