Tried a top-handle saw on a removal I'd normally use a pole saw for, nearly wrecked my shoulder

Was up in a big red oak last Tuesday, taking down some widowmakers over a garage. Usually I'd haul up a pole saw for the skinny stuff but I thought, hey, I'll be faster with the top-handle. Big mistake. After about 20 minutes of reaching and cutting, my shoulder started screaming. The pole saw lets me keep my arm closer to my body, but with the top-handle I was constantly extended out. Ended up finishing with the pole saw anyway and lost time. Anyone else find that top-handles kill your ergonomics on certain trees?

2 comments

2 Comments

gavin801mo ago

Honestly, sharp chain makes a world of difference, but I still pulled something trying to one-hand a top-handle on a leaning maple last fall.

xena_murphy1mo ago

Is your saw tuned right? I had the same problem until I realized my chain was getting dull fast from the oak sap and I was pushing way harder than I needed to. Sharpened it up mid job and the whole thing felt way lighter, less strain on my shoulder even with the reach. Also try choking up on the handle closer to the bar, gives you better leverage without overextending.