Tree trimming

Reviews: Oster 5712 Fiskars 9301 Power-Lever 14-Foot Tree Pruner

Wanted a hand powered saw and lopper. Fiskars has a sharp blade and cuts thru most woods quickly (black gum is tough). The pole extends to 14 ft, which is as long an extension as I can handle. The pole is a little springy at that length, but to make it stronger would add more weight. I prefer the lighter weight, and won't use it at full extension very often, anyway. The lopper cuts very well. Some jobs are better suited for a gas or electric saw, such as cutting of a piece of a long springy limb. Such a cut is difficult with any hand powered pole saw, as the limb keeps moving as you try to saw. You might throw a rope over the limb and tie it off to something to help stabilize the limb. But gas saws won't get used much unless you are in the trimming business, and the gas will get old, and it won't want to start. Chain type blades will have to be resharpened, not a problem if you are used to sharpening a chain saw, but maybe a problem if you are not. You have to decide which type saw is best for your situation. For me, just using it occasionally, and wanting to use it where there is no electricity, this Fiskars is a fine saw.