Will it cut really HARD wood? I need to prune some English yews, and some of the branches are almost as hard as PETRIFIED WOOD!
870475
Not great for really hard wood. I have an electric chain saw but it wouldn't fit in the space where I wanted to cut the particular shrub -- this fits in the space OK -- cutting not really powerful enough for the really hard wood. Don't think this is your answer.
870476
As nice as this little unit is---it is still a "little" unit and you will probably find it won't work well for really hard wood (dogwood is also a surprisingly hard wood). It is best for doing a lot of cutting of softer wood AND if they are attached to the tree--that is if you try to hold a branch and cut it in the middle you will find that the saw can't "bite" into it. think of it as a small chain saw.
870477
I found it too slow for what I want to cut, which is very small branches and thick vines. I bought a machete and it does a better and quickerjob, but if you are looking for a smoother finish, then you may have to use a saw. I think Sears has a cordless circular saw, which would probably be much better. I hate to buy anything from Sears as they have become a bunch of rip off artists, but............
870478
I used mine to take down lilacs. They have very hard wood. It takes awhile to get through, but some of the branches at the bottom were 3". If I were to do it again I would use a sawsall or chain saw.
870479
I used it to cut some type of shrub in my yard that was very hard. It took longer and was more difficult and the battery charge didn't last as long. So if you have a lot of them, it can be done but the battery might have to be charged more often.
277590
It can do a small branch, say 3/4 of an inch up to 3 or 4 inches in diameter. I have cut 5 in trunks with it, but you are there awhile. It might cut a bigger one. But you would be using up your blade; when a bigger saw would be better for the job. I like to save this one for all my smaller branches so it stays sharp longer. I don't have anyway at home to sharpen the offset razor teeth on this saw. Hope this is helpful.
414421
Myles: Being that is a ratchet type pruner, you can cut larger branches than a regular pruner that size will cut. I cut a branch that was a little over an inch and a half. I had to keep chomping on it but it got through it. Anything larger requires a larger pruner. Nice pruner for the price. Jim P
496117
I have not, and I would not !! This saw is designed for wood as far as I know and it's a rough cutting saw, it would be very dangerous!!
2237126
I've cut bushes and small trees off close to the ground. It is awkward because of the length and balance of the saw handle/battery. You have to be very careful not to allow the saw blade to become contaminated with dirt and debris. You could use a regular pruning saw or for branches up to approximately 1¾" I've great success with a Fiskars PowerGear ByPass Lopper. If you can get the jaws around the branch/tree, it'll cut it.
232783
Yes - I split very hard maple from a giant tree. Most pieces went straight through. Some did require a chainsaw cut. I am impressed with it.
1436012
Could cut down various sized tree. It is sharp. Depends upon the amount of physical force applied and angle used. Not designed as an axe but if given a choice I would choose this tool due to the multiple uses.
1785001
YES. I've used mine that way just recently. Great pole saw. AND LONG ! I use it for my Palm trees which are quite high.I must add.....after reading other answers, that you will NOT have much leverage, because all you will have is thetop silver part. BUT, I made out fine. It's Not in place of a "Pruning Saw".
258111
I haven't done it personally, but it's definitely a great machine and should have no problem with the right blade. Cuts through thick, hard wood with no problem - probably more taxing than thin metal done slowly?
1808157
The pruner has cut branches up to an inch thick. Haven't tried it on anything larger.
1691999
Susan, I would also say no. This type of pruning saw is primarily for trimming landscape tree limbs or pine/spruce trees. The blade is very aggressive. Arborvitae have no "limbs" per se. The type of pole you're looking for would have a lopping blade at the end with an extended trigger or rope to snap closed when pulled. Something like Fiskars model 9240 Telescoping pruning pole (on Amazon's site) would work well.
1428025
The branches on my shrub are about 1/4 to 1/3 inch in diameter, which it cuts with no problem. It will certainly cut larger branches, but not with the same efficiency or ease.
1761624
I have not tried cutting anything that thick yet, but I think they may be able to handle it. I am sure it can handle 1 inch thick branches.
1581566
not really sure how to answer this one... I'm guess that the serrated part of the blade would cut branches, but you may be there a while. you might want to invest in a folding tree saw if you need to cut branches down
1574367
A little too heavy duty for trimming hedges. Great for pruning but still a really heavy duty saw for this limited application. Would be like buying a hunting knife to butter your bread.
1084941
Seems like something is wrong. Mine cuts like a hot knife through butter. I have not tried to cut anything larger than 9" or so, but it will go through a 6" branch in 5-10 seconds. I debranched and cut up a fallen 20' pine in about 10 minutes.
1432079
After Christmas, I used it to chop through a 5" dia Christmas Tree trunk, swinging as hard as I could. The machete did not bend - the trunk did cut. It took several swings - which is proably why people don't use machetes to chop logs.