LONGBOY

[arborworks1]

I purchased a Silky Longboy about two weeks ago. Extremely lightweight and easy to snap on and move about in open trees. well worth the price in my opinion

http://www.silkystore.com/Prod_images/longboy_22.jpg

[MasterBlaster]

Is that yellow part plastic or fiberglass?

[Stumper]

AW, Thanks for the feedback-I've been seriously contemplating a Longboy.

[arborworks1]

Nice edit thanks. I believe its plastic, It has good grip and feel to it. Even when wet. The blade is a little flimsy, well for snatching hangers out anyway. I would suggest the new hook fox.

We broke a blade in half the first week we had it

http://www.silkystore.com/Secure/ecommerce/details.asp?prdn=830

[rumination]

I've been thinking about getting one of those when I get back to the states. Does the hookfox fit on that model?

[Frans]

I was given one by the Silky rep.
Two weeks later I let it down to the ground (lightly dropped it). Dont do that.

The metal button ripped through the light weight tin foil tube.

Also I hated the screw which locks the blade open or closed.
Also, you cannot set the blade at an angle, which would make it easier to set/hang on a branch.
It was also not so easy to extend and shorten while in the tree. It seemed to be a good idea, but not easy to do.
You cant really hang it from your saddle unless you use the end hole with the bit of webbing included. Which is kind of clumsy.

All in all, I think they are nice, but way to flimsy for tree work. Maybe if you only worked on the ground?

[TC3]

Is that Zoro in the pic ?!? LOL
Sounds too light weight for my applications, but I hold Silky products in high regard & will stay tuned...
Thanx for the thread / reviews !

[Hobby Climber]

[QUOTE=TC3;188285]Is that Zoro in the pic ?!? LOL
Sounds too light weight for my applications, but I hold Silky products in high regard & will stay tuned...
-------------------------
-------------------------



With the below zero winters we get around here, I'd be worried about that yellow plastic freezing & cracking!

...Besides, I'm sure that the real Zoro would use a Hayauchi !!!


HC

[rumination]

Has anybody tried this one?

http://www.silkystore.com/Secure/ecommerce/details.asp?prdn=697

http://www.silkystore.com/Prod_images/hayate420_16_large_teeth_2ext_pole02.jpg

[RIVERRAT]

Yes Rumi that in my opinion is the best one.
The locking mechanism on the Longboy is just not that durable. It is easily bent. If only one person used it & was aware of it's shortcoming they could probably make it last. But I bet not.

[rumination]

Thanks Jeff.

[top hopper]

Leon,

I have that pole saw....

the Hayate ? I think. Its a heavy beast, and would never use it while climbing, but for ground use its the best. It'll rip thru a 6 inch limb with no problems. And it is also well built in comparison to its predecessor the Hyauchi

[rumination]

Thanks for the info John. Which size do you have?

[rbtree]

While I've never used a Hayate, it is better than the fragile and poorly designed Hayauchi. I now have the 20 foot Stihl branded ARS. IT's quite well designed.

I like Zubat pole saws, which are very light and easy to use, as long as they're not dropped. Interested in the LongBoy, for its folding blade and partially hooked tip--great for pulling hangers. But it is heavier.

[top hopper]

Thanks for the info John. Which size do you have?

The long one....

20 footer I think?

[Old Monkey]

I have the Hayuchi and it works well. Two other tree companies her have bought them after using mine.

[Greenhorn]

I think there was already a pole saw thread started by nick - I have the long boy but it is fragile and I find myself using a good ole jameson more often - spend time fiddling around telescoping in and out with the longboy too much - my work plan for pruning a large tree is more efficient with a fixed length pole - or maybe its just me

[MasterBlaster]

Gimme two lengths of fiberglass, thank you very much!

[sotc]

i like one length, dont like sloppy joints

[MasterBlaster]

I like long joints that don't run. :drink:

[sotc]

:D ha

[Jamin Mayer]

Okay, call me crazy. But, I never have used a pole saw in the 6 years in this industry. Am I missing something?:what:

[sotc]

12' :)

[RIVERRAT]

A good one can make the difference between having to climb up to get a couple of limbs or doing it from the ground.
After using a quality one you probably wont want to be with out it.
They also can be very handy in Crispy Cracker dead trees for setting ropes or snapping off dead tips.

[MasterBlaster]

I use my two 4' BS sections with the 6' head section to get 14'.

[RIVERRAT]

That is what I use most of the time.

[Blinky]

I've been using a longboy for almost a year now. I love and hate it. It's not as delicate as it seems. I've dropped mine 3 times, once it went 100' straight to the ground. It was folded and went blade first. Just like Frans said, the button ripped through the end of the small tube... I just ripped off the plastic thing, straightened the metal up a bit and it still works fine. It went 40' opened up once, flipped blade down that time too and snapped the blade.

After the third fall I bought the hook for it... I was using #4 Solid ground wire as a hook up till then. I haven't dropped it since. I hang it from my harness on a biner with about 12" of cord extending it away from my gear loop.

That saw has made me a lot of money pruning twigged out willow oaks and pecans. It has made some cuts possible that weren't doable any other way from the tree.

I hate hauling a sawpole in a tree but sometimes it saves so much time and energy it's just not even funny.

I wish I had a picture to post, maybe I'll shoot one tomorrow... it's one beat up saw.

Oh yeah, the thing that really makes it good in trees is the scabbard, it's easy to keep up with and you can't cut a rope with it on... if you fold the blade with no scabbard it's just a matter of time before a rope gets caught between the blade and shaft.

[TC3]

That's some good input, Blinkinest. I'll definitely keep that in mind. Fo' sho' !

[Jonseredbred]

Okay, call me crazy. But, I never have used a pole saw in the 6 years in this industry. Am I missing something?:what:

I can't think of a day I do not use one.

[TC3]

I can't think of a day I do not use one.
Jamin, honestly I do not know of one person in this industry that doesn't own & use a polesaw >>> even if only on occasion. It's a useful tool, trust me.
It's like when you never used a lanyard & then somebody shows you & the lightbulb flashes on.
It's not a matter of ignorance when a person doesn't employ techniques or tools. It's a matter of that person's budget & whether or not a new tool / technique will earn them money / & or time.
I hope the TH offers you both opportunities of how to save money & time.

[Hobby Climber]

I've been using the Hayauchi(21') for about 5 years now. Last year I bought a second after my hired help tripped and fell on the first one bending the pole.

I gave the bent one with a well used blade to a buddy of mine. He operates a peach orchard and claims its better that his newly purchased corona pole saw from Home Depot. (He did ask me to add a replacement blade to my next order this past summer).
-------------------------------------------------------------


Hayauchi vs hayate:


The Hayauche comes either 16' for $180 or 21" for $221 (Sherrill),
Replacement blades are $55

The Hayate comes at 20' only for $315 (Sherrill),
Replacement blades are $65

The Hyauchi is 1' longer and 2lbs lighter than the Hayate!


I believe the Hayauchi is the better bang for the buck but I've never used a Hayate.;)


HC

[JonnyHart]

The Hayauchi is on my wish list, I'm sure the blade rocks, but how's the pole when fully extended? I got a zubat polesaw (which I love) and it's still very rigid when extended, but it's only 2 short sections.
My Jameson fiberglass poles are always reliable, and they don't mind so much when you drop them. :D

[Hobby Climber]

JH,

The Hayauchi poles are is oval shape so if you hold it sideways it'll tend to bend a bit than if you held it straight. It is aluminum and not fiberglass so you'll have to be a little more careful with it and not step or drop anything on the pole!


HC

[JonnyHart]

Thanks HC, is it easy to handle fully extended? 20' is a long polesaw.

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but the Hayauchi blade is not an impulse hardened blade like the zubat. Meaning it won't keep the edge as long, but can be re-sharpened (if you're handy with a little triangle file).

[Old Monkey]

I haven't tried sharpening mine yet. I'll try and let you know.

[Chisel Tooth]

Smarter not harder = time saved and money made. Any tool or new way of doing things that will save me time, I use it.
See Ya
Mike

[Chisel Tooth]

From what I understand you don't actually sharpen a hand saw. You set the teeth, sure you knock off any burrs with a file, but other than that there is nothing to sharpen.
See Ya
Mike

[Hobby Climber]

CT is correct,

The blades on the Hayauchi cannot be re-sharpened...only replaced! Also the blades are designed to be used with long fast light strokes for best results. If you "muscle" it or use to much force on the blade...it won't cut as well and you'll dull the blade faster.


BTW, as you may or may not know, the Hayauchi blades can be attached to the IBUKI handsaw handle and visa versa! Same with the Zubat pole & hand saws!

It may come in handy to know this one day! ;)


HC

[Stumper]

Okay, call me crazy. But, I never have used a pole saw in the 6 years in this industry. Am I missing something?:what:

Boy are you ever!

[brendonv]

Any opinions on the Zubat pole saw?

[Jamin Mayer]

Jamin, honestly I do not know of one person in this industry that doesn't own & use a polesaw >>> even if only on occasion. It's a useful tool, trust me.
It's like when you never used a lanyard & then somebody shows you & the lightbulb flashes on.
It's not a matter of ignorance when a person doesn't employ techniques or tools. It's a matter of that person's budget & whether or not a new tool / technique will earn them money / & or time.
I hope the TH offers you both opportunities of how to save money & time.

I know of the benefits of the pole saw. In fact there are times, where I wanted/needed one while in the tree. But, that may be a half dozen times per year.

Besides, I am cabable of climbing out to some of the smallest of stuff to get it with a hand saw to make good clean cuts. If the limb tapers out too far, I can get it with a pole pruner. I have yet to see a person make a proper collar cut with a pole saw (the majority of times).--And I understand pole pruners don't always allow a person to make the best cut either.

My main deterrent to buying one is the idea of accidently slicing myself (or my rope) with a pole saw that may accidentally get bumped off its perch.
I have seen many scars from guys who have been sliced. I bet many folks here can show us their "war wounds" from a pole saw that was falling out of the tree.;)

So, when I measure the "pro's & con's" I choose not to use a pole saw for those reasons stated.

[Stumper]

Jamin, What do you do with young trees that are too tall to reach everything from the ground and too delicate to climb in? I know you just mentioned a Pole pruner but there are a lot of cuts that are too small to climb to but a bit big for a pruner. I may be a bit too pole saw dependant but not having one at all seems like you are missing out on a lot of 'best tool for the situation' opportunities.

[Jamin Mayer]

Stumper: How often do you use a orchard ladder? I held out on buying one because of my pride. I wanted to say, "I climb everything." But, now I use one nearly all of the time when structure pruning young trees. It allows me to use my hand pruners, hand saw, and pole pruner to do a structure prune on young trees.

Besides, I sell my customers structure pruning as a "process" not a "one time fix all." So, I know if I can't get a targeted branch during an initial trim job I'll be back in 2 years when the tree is slightly larger (But, that seems to be very rarely. I am in the business of creating "customers for life." I let them know that whoever trims their tree aught to be the one to care for it for long term. The reason is because I have a plan in mind for at least a decade on a tree to have good structure.

--I'm getting off track, but do you see where I am comming from?;)

[sotc]

ok im with you, i thought you didnt have a pole atall. i love my pole pruners and use them to. you can make just as good a cut with the saw most times though. i use the pruner for the smaller cuts usually where the saw just shakes the branch

[Tom_Scheller]

I'll take this opportunity to say that I really the foam core Jameson poles. I backed over one of my old cheapies and replaced it with a couple of good/but/spendies. Noticeably less flex when sawing or pruning at 16ft+.

TS

[MasterBlaster]

Really? I've never used the foam filled ones and allways wondered if they were worth the extra dinero. Cool.

[Stumper]

Jamin, Okay I follow you. I use my orchard ladder a lot....for shearing "shrubs"(some of 'em are Trees!). I tend to use extension tools on young trees because it is faster. I can circle the tree with a pole saw and a Silky and secateurs on my hip and have a good vantage point from all angles as I'm cutting things. Drop the PS and grab the Pole Pruner, circle again cutting what is needed and move to the next tree.(Or in Orchard settings circle 2 or 3 with one tool then do go back over them with the other)

[sotc]

ive got 1 foam core and dont like it. just got the call that my big order is in, theres 4 hollow poles with it!

[Jamin Mayer]

I'd be open to a free pole saw donation.:lol:

[MasterBlaster]

ive got 1 foam core and dont like it.

Why don't you like it?

[Al Smith]

I'm not a treeman per say but I do have both a power pruner and a pole saw.Both are 12 foot.They do save me a lot of work.Standing in a pick-em-up bed you can reach up quite a ways.For some reason though I tend to jamb the danged power pruner more often than I care to.

[OTGBOSTON]

I may be a bit too pole saw dependant .

My name is Stumper and I am a polesawaholic;)

I too love the polesaw and can't imagine fine pruning a large shade tree without one. It's 8' wooden for me with an ARS blade. If I need more reach I'll have another section sent up.

[sotc]

Why don't you like it?


its smaller in diameter so harder to hold and heavier. i also dont notice it bend less than my hollows.

[MasterBlaster]

Smaller? I did not know that!

[Skwerl]

I've never used the core filled, but I've also heard that the hollow ones have less flex. The smaller diameter of the core filled would explain that.

[Tom_Scheller]

Jameson core filled is slightly FATTER than the Jameson hollow. Measured it myself with a "highly accurate crescent wrench caliper." As for weight, my bathroom scale, the one that doesn't give the same weight twice, says that they are "about the same." I'd say within 6oz one way or the other.
Not scientific, but enough to discourage anyone (Willie) from spreading dirty rotten lies about my lovely poles. :D

TS

PS I will admit that they FEEL different, maybe smoother, which might explain the felt difference.

[MasterBlaster]

So they're NOT skinny'er?

[sotc]

ill take a pic later

[Chisel Tooth]

Hey where can I find one of those cresent wrench thingymabobs? :P
See Ya
Mike

[sotc]

ok foam is slightly narrower, and looks like slightly less flexable. the darker pole is the foam filled

[sotc]

also looks like the foam is heavier. my scale wouldnt read that little weight so i had to jump on with each pole. they both have loppers on them. the foam is a few inches longer but shouldnt make that kind of weight difference

[Tom_Scheller]

Looks can be deceiving. I'm telling you, measure it with a caliper, it's a hair wider. I see that we're both on the same level of flowerpot high tech. :lol:

TS

[sotc]

:D pristine test environment

[Paul B]

you guys are making me laugh! :D

[squisher]

Lmao, Willie the scientist!

[Frans]

Willie, from the pix you posted it looks like yu have the Wrapped foam filled Jameson poles

They have been discontinued and have been for several years.

The foam filled jamison poles today are the same diameter as any other pole, just stiffer and a hair heavier.
Better pole IMO

[sotc]

i got that pole when i worked for sam so that was maybe 6-7 years ago

[rumination]

The foam filled jamison poles today are the same diameter as any other pole, just stiffer and a hair heavier.
Better pole IMO



I agree with Frans.

[Frans]

I agree with Frans.

:big-hang-loose:

[Stumper]

Mike ,He just means an allsixteenths wrench.-Poor Easterners don't know the right names for stuff.

[Drella]

Gimme two lengths of fiberglass, thank you very much!

^^That's what I've been using for quite some time and I was considering trading up for a Silky.

I only need a saw that's 12' in length.

So honestly, since I'm sure we've all used the Fred Marvin / fiberglass pole set-up, how does it compare to the Silky?

The price of the old-skool Marvins are very attractive- and so are the blades..
But at $50 a pop for Silky! ? !

Is it really worth it???

[Skwerl]

Everybody eventually buys at least one Silky or ARS aluminum pole saw. I got mine 5 years ago at the EXPO in Baltimore. It's still in the shed (plastic locking clips are broke), but I use the Jameson poles with a Marvin hooktip blade on a standard polesaw head. The ARS blades are over $70 and just not worth it.

[Drella]

My old employer was so primative when it came to the fancy schmancy rigging tools and such. But you know what, he was for the most part,, right.

Thanks for saving me the cashola. With all the hype and me with my orange sticks, I was starting to feel like I was the fossil..

[Paul B]

I like Silky a lot but their pole saws are indeed not for rough handling.

[sotc]

Everybody eventually buys at least one Silky or ARS aluminum pole saw. I got mine 5 years ago at the EXPO in Baltimore. It's still in the shed (plastic locking clips are broke), but I use the Jameson poles with a Marvin hooktip blade on a standard polesaw head. The ARS blades are over $70 and just not worth it.

i guess eventualyy isnt here yet but i see no need to buy a conductive polesaw;)

[Blinky]

I like Silky a lot but their pole saws are indeed not for rough handling.

True that! I just put the third blade on my Longboy. The way it's balanced it will fall blade down even if you drop it from 15'. I've dropped mine three times now from height and it's beat to hell, but the buttons still work and it telescopes as well as it did new.

Still, I like it best if I have to have a pole saw in the tree and move around. It's compact and safe compared to other pole saws. You have to put a $25 hook on it though.

On the ground though I like a Jameson head and 3 short poles, same for the Marvin pruner. The fixed head with a short blade on a 4' pole is perfect for pruning young trees, Bradfords and raising low canopies.

Guy M. recently did a comparison of polesaws and I got to play with a few of'em. The Zubat is nice because it's light and small but it doesn't fold or have a hook.

The tool that got my attention was the Wolfgarten telescoping pole (http://www.gemplers.com/product/139075/WOLF-Garten-67-118-Telescopic-Handle) coupled with the 4:1 Limb Lopper (http://www.gemplers.com/product/139086/WOLF-Garten-Limb-Lopper).
Not incredibly durable but light and lickety-split fast to use. The pole has a one touch to advance and retract mechanism and the pruner cuts through hard 1" wood like it's butter. Leaves a clean cut you would guess was done with a bypass pruner even though it's an anvil lopper. Killer setup for use on the ground. Its all modular, you can snap a saw head on it, other stuff too probably. Nice gadget.

[No_Bivy]

14' ash pole with mondo blade.......

see.............
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ExClVQ7CdVs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ExClVQ7CdVs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SNU4B4BToIE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SNU4B4BToIE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>


deadwood slaying master......
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/d15nTAnii_U&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d15nTAnii_U&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[No_Bivy]

at lunch, you can spar:D
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HgT_5iOIVFA&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HgT_5iOIVFA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[Drella]

14' ash pole with mondo blade.......

That's too funny.

I thought many times to myself :/: that if I had a choice at using a weapon as self defense- against something like,, oh-- I don't know-- maybe a pit bull er' something, it would be the 12' pole-saw with Japanese razor technology!:evil:

I swear,, I've been using one for so long, that I would make hamburger out of ole' fido! 8)

[Skwerl]

The last time I was charged by a dog (belonged to the neighbor two doors down from where I was working), I had my saddle on and pulled out my Zubat. I took three steps towards the dog and she stopped 15' away and sat down. Lucky for her.

[Bounce]

The Silky's are pretty awesome saws, but definitely on the fragile side. They don't usually survive the kind of abuse most folks in this business dish out. Personally I prefer the good ol fiberglass poles. I use them for my pole saw, pole pruner, and big shot. I also found out they're a lot easier to repair - I ran over the ends of 3 poles with the truck a while ago and was able to just cut the broken ends off and put on 3 new couplers for about $30. The last Silky pole section I sent to somebody was about $75! They do cut better though....

[Drella]

I'm kinda shocked. By the way in which the Silky saws are advertised, I would've though them to be tough as steel.

I really like my fiberglass two piece except that they're starting to bow toward the center.

Would turing the couplers change that?

If someone knows for sure, I will give it a shot...

[squisher]

Snapped a zubat polesaw this summer like a frigging really expensive twig:(

[MasterBlaster]

I wonder what would happen if you epoxyed two blades together.

[squisher]

Wouldn't help me out I broke the pole itself not the blade.

[Paul B]

backed over a pole myself, bought a new one, that tool made me money over its cost many times since I bought it. :)