What pole trimmers are folks using these days?

[Suffolk-Matt]

Im needing to buy another, I currently have an Echo 265ES, the big telescopic one and a Tanaka long reach.

 

I keen to have another Echo or Tanaka, just wondered what others are using currently?

 

Are Stihl all 4 mix now?

 

Efco any good?

 

As I say I really rate the Jap stuff, another Echo, albeit lighter, would be good.

 

 

 

[inthewoods]

Steer well clear of anything efco! Yeah the stihl pole saws are all 4mix. What's the echo like? The more I see of echo kit the more I like it

[Suffolk-Matt]

Steer well clear of anything efco! Yeah the stihl pole saws are all 4mix. What's the echo like? The more I see of echo kit the more I like it

 

The Echo pole is excellent, takes a saw head really well, infact best saw pole i have used. It is heavy as a result, hence im after something lighter for a nicer finish.

 

Im not sure on the 4mix from what i read, expensive also.

[monkeybusiness]

The Echo pole is excellent, takes a saw head really well, infact best saw pole i have used. It is heavy as a result, hence im after something lighter for a nicer finish.

 

Im not sure on the 4mix from what i read, expensive also.

 

4mix is rubbish. Very torquey, when new they are fantastic. However, the engines are fragile dog toffee that don't last very long IME (and we only run them on the recommended expensive Stihl green oil).

[Dillinger86]

I just got the new husqvarna telescopic polesaw and it's superb

[TreeswingerPerth]

Running one 2 mix and two 4 mix Stihl's , check the valves on the 4 mix's once a month and only run Aspen , no problems.

Been looking at the echo , I think that'll be the next new buy .

[Haironyourchest]

I hear the gear head on the echoes is soft. Use a Stihl 131 myself, the 4-mix is fine, its the shaft that gives trouble.

[Old Mill Tree Care]

I hear the gear head on the echoes is soft. Use a Stihl 131 myself, the 4-mix is fine, its the shaft that gives trouble.

 

 

IME the gear head on the Echo is not quite tough enough when using the hedge cutter and cutting thicker stuff.

(I'm sure it's fine for gardeners who only trim not quite enough off though.)

Anyway, it should be tough enough for the chainsaw attachment.

[Warners]

Running one 2 mix and two 4 mix Stihl's , check the valves on the 4 mix's once a month and only run Aspen , no problems.

Been looking at the echo , I think that'll be the next new buy .

 

Spot on... Once the valves are set right then 4mix run well.... Quiet too and loads of power for a relatively light machine.....

[maria warwick]

I use a KM94 multi-tool with extension and pole saw head. Great little thing

..and it is not 4-mix…