DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
Chainsaw Repair
HTML https://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Cordless Battery OPE - Corded Electric
*****************************************************
#Post#: 33394--------------------------------------------------
Oregon 40V Pole Saw
DIR By: Philbert
Date: February 3, 2014, 12:29 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
I had the opportunity to try a Beta version of a new Oregon,
battery-powered pole saw while doing some tornado clean up work.
This saw, which will be released this Spring, is part of the
Oregon 'PowerNow' cordless OPE product line. It uses the same
batteries, chargers, etc. as their other products.
HTML https://oregoncordless.com/US/Products/Tools/Cordless-Pole-Saw
The assembled saw telescopes from 86 to 123 inches, including
the 8 inch bar. It comes with Oregon 90SG chain
(
HTML http://www.oregonproducts.com/pro/pr...chain/90SG.htm)
which is
3/8 low-profile AND narrow kerf, .043 pitch, with the bumper
drive links. Smaller chains seem well suited for the battery
saws. This is NOT the PowerSharp chain, but conventionally
filed/sharpened. This chain takes a slightly smaller bite than
the 3/8 low-profile, .050 gauge PowerSharp chain used on the
Oregon 40 V hand-held chain saw.
The saw motor is located in-line, just after the trigger handle,
and uses a splined, aluminum shaft to deliver power to the
cutting chain; not a flexible 'speedometer' type cable. The
telescoping shaft is oval, and looks like it is some type of
fiberglass or graphite composite material.
The guide bar attaches to a cast, aluminum head with a built in
brush hook for pulling cut branches loose. The bar is held in
place with a tool-less knob on the cover, and chain tension is
adjusted by a screw at the end (not from the side). The drive
sprocket is held in place with an 'E' clip. The saw uses an
automatic oiler (non-adjustable on the model used).
Philbert
#Post#: 33395--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oregon 40V Pole Saw
DIR By: Philbert
Date: February 3, 2014, 12:30 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
The saw can be used with their 1.2, 2.4, or 4.0 Amp-hour, Li-Ion
batteries, which all weigh about the same. The 4.0 Ahr batteries
have not been released yet, so I was unable to try those.
My first impressions were very positive. it is relatively light,
well balanced, and feels well made. It felt lighter in use than
the 13.5 pounds (with battery pack) than the specifications
indicate, especially when working with the shaft fully
retracted. The oval shaft makes it easy to control the rotation
of the guide bar and chain.
Use is pretty intuitive, with an tapered/shaped handle and
two-part trigger. Everyone I showed it to seemed to understand
how to use it right away. Being a battery-powered tool, there is
no priming, choke, flooding, etc. It is also quiet, especially
between cuts.
The day I used this saw was pretty cold for a battery powered
tool, ranging from 10 to 22*F. I actually kept the batteries in
a 'cooler' in my car to keep them warm! I used winter grade bar
oil, and ran 3 of the 2.4 Ahr batteries, mostly limbing a 24
inch trunk diameter spruce that had its upper half broken off by
the storm, and was pleasantly surprised by the battery life.
This pre-release version had a bar oil tank that fills from the
end, which is pretty awkward on a 7 foot pole saw, unless you
are standing on a deck. The Oregon rep told me that the final
version will have a tank with a cap on the side, so it can be
filled with the saw laying down. I much prefer a side operated
chain tensioner, but this was not too much of a problem with the
short chain (34DL loop, which should not stretch much).
I was a little concerned about the knurled, shaft extension
collar/locking nut, which is fairly large (about 2-1/2 inches in
diameter) - I have small hands, and have had problems with this
part on manual pole pruners 'locking up', meaning that I had to
use some type of strap wrench to loosen them. I did not have any
problems with this one, but only used it for a limited period.
I showed the saw to a number of other responders, and the only
negative comment I received was from a guy in the tree business
who commented that the chain speed is slower than his gas
powered saw, and he did not think that he would like that.
Philbert
#Post#: 33396--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oregon 40V Pole Saw
DIR By: Philbert
Date: February 3, 2014, 12:33 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
The saw cut very well with the sharp chain and the weight of the
cutting head doing all of the work. Granted, the green spruce I
tried it on is not the most challenging wood, but in storm clean
up I like each cut to be deliberate, and to watch to see if
anything moves or changes. The lack of a cord, eliminating the
need to start and stop a gas powered saw, and the minimum amount
of noise when cutting, were all positives.
Having multiple battery packs is pretty important for extended
use. I brought an inverter to charge these in my car, but did
not need it or use it with 3 battery packs. The 4 Ahr batteries,
due this Spring, would be very beneficial.
Photos show pole saw in use on the standing part of a tree, and
a pile of limbs cut with the first battery charge (note pole saw
on pile for size reference).
Philbert
#Post#: 33397--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oregon 40V Pole Saw
DIR By: Chainsawrepair
Date: February 3, 2014, 12:35 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Nice read.
Any idea how many feet and inches it is when fulling extended
out?
Weight of it when ready for use?
Any speculation on what this will cost?
Thanks for posting.
I guess we could get powernow member to answer us if you dont
happen know.
#Post#: 33398--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oregon 40V Pole Saw
DIR By: Philbert
Date: February 3, 2014, 12:48 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
The assembled saw telescopes from 86 to 123 inches, including
the 8 inch bar.
Weight is 13.5 pounds (with battery pack) according to
specifications, and pretty close on my scale. There might be a
pound or 2 difference between battery packs, and with the new
bar oil tank.
I don't know what the pricing will be. That will vary with
which battery and charger is included, or if it is sold as a
'bare' tool for someone who already owns the chainsaw, hedge
trimmer, or string trimmer (same batteries and chargers).
As a side note, not having a gasoline motor running removes a
lot of distraction, making this tool very easy to use, and very
easy to communicate with co-workers - nice when working
overhead. On/Off simplicity. I have an electric pole saw
(Remington) with these advantages, but it does not feel as well
made, or as well balanced, and of course, the cord can be an
issue some times.
As noted, the chain does not spin as fast as a gas powered pole
saw, which could be an issue for production work. But I think
that pole saw work tends to be slower and more deliberate than
production felling or firewood production.
Nice tool for a homeowner. Could be a good choice for a
landscaper, groundskeeper, or arborist.
I think I actually like this tool more than the battery
chainsaw.
Philbert
#Post#: 33404--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oregon 40V Pole Saw
DIR By: Cut4fun
Date: February 3, 2014, 1:52 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Just trying to get a idea of the weight and inches above to what
I am already using.
PPT 261 12' 10" Dry Weight (lb)* 16.7lb no bar and chain.
154" not including the 12" bar so 166" total. 13' 10"
plus 4' or 5' extension can be bought extra.
That oregon one sounds nice at 13.5lbs 123" 10' 3"
#Post#: 33405--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oregon 40V Pole Saw
DIR By: Philbert
Date: February 3, 2014, 2:35 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Does that pole saw telescope, or have fixed segments?
The collapsed length is also important for transport and
storage. I was able to just fit this one in my small station
wagon. I cannot get the telescoping STIHL pole saws into that
car, but can fit the sectional (gas) ones.
Philbert
#Post#: 33407--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oregon 40V Pole Saw
DIR By: Chainsawrepair
Date: February 3, 2014, 3:13 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Telescope
I'll dig up a pic.
#Post#: 33408--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oregon 40V Pole Saw
DIR By: Chainsawrepair
Date: February 3, 2014, 3:20 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
echo ppt261
Apart for shipping and pic of when I unpacked it.
[img]
HTML http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=272.0;attach=408;image[/img]
Before shipping to me
[img]
HTML http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=272.0;attach=411;image[/img]
[img]
HTML http://chainsawrepair.createaforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=272.0;attach=412;image[/img]
Cant find my pic put together in barn. 1 from online shown it
collapsed.
HTML http://cdn-5.psndealer.com/e2/dealersite/images/NewVehicles/nv37533_1_400.jpg
#Post#: 33409--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oregon 40V Pole Saw
DIR By: Philbert
Date: February 3, 2014, 3:30 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
All things equal, a telescoping pole saw lets you adjust to a
desired length, which sometimes makes it easier to work between
other branches. It also means that you don't have to carry
extra pieces, or stop to assemble/disassemble them.
Sectional pole saws sometimes allow you to use an extension for
extra length, and as noted above, may break down into smaller
pieces for transport/storage.
Sounds like you got some advantages of each: telescoping with an
optional extention!
Here are the manufacturer specs for the Echo PPT 266 (newer
model?):
HTML http://www.echo-usa.com/Products/Power-Pruners/PPT-266
Another point to mention on the Oregon pole saw is that the
trigger is very easy to operate even while wearing thick gloves,
even with the trigger safety device (visible in second pair of
photos, above).
Philbert
*****************************************************
Page 1 of 2
DIR Next Page