I've used this saw for a few months, and it has performed well by helping me trim those hard to reach small to medium tree branches around the yard that are normally just out of reach. It's quite sturdy and easy enough to assemble and disassemble, clean and maintain. One ease-of-use feature I especially like is the self oiler, which other models in this price range usually do not have. Kickback is nonexistent, and operation is quiet and vibration free.
That said, I've found this to be perhaps the most awkward and hazardous homeowner power tool I've ever used. This isn't a dink against WORX, but the product category itself.
Although it can extend to ten feet, for obvious reasons you do not cut while holding the pole in the vertical position. For safety with larger branches you would use it at maybe a 45 deg angle, at which point you get a physics lesson in the forces needed to hold steady a ten pound weight at the end of a ten foot pole. That works out to over 70 pounds of torque. Which is to say you'll need some strong shoulders to use this safely. That greater angle is important because branches do not always drop straight down. Depending what they get caught on, the heavy, cut end of the limb might swing right toward you.
Another gripe is that at longer extensions, the housing blocks your view of the blade. In many cases you literally won't be able to see what your saw is doing. I also found that pressing the trigger switch - safety button combination is a bit awkward for a leftie like me. It's designed for a right-handed person.
My greatest concern, alarm actually, is that it takes a full five seconds (I timed it) for the blade to stop moving once you've released the switch. It's not a dead man switch, and there is no chain brake. Five seconds is an eternity if you get yourself into trouble on a ladder with a ten inch chain saw waving around over your head at the end of a ten foot pole. This is the primary reason for the three star rating.
As for using the saw by itself hand-held, without the pole, I find it works smoothly and comes in handy. For much of the work of breaking down tree branches once on the ground however, I prefer an alligator style electric saw a bit better. Those are just all around easier to use with smaller branches.
- Amazon Business : For business-only pricing, quantity discounts and FREE Shipping. Register a free business account
