In todays article we are going to focus on the various Stihl pole saw models currently available on the market, and we hope we can give you all the information you need to choose the best one to suit you. These types of products are also know as pole pruners, so keep this in mind if you see them referred to as this.
There are quite a variety of them on offer though, so which one is best for you? How much do they cost? And what features do you need? We will try to answer these questions below.
What is the best Stihl pole saw?
Stihl offer two product lines of pole saws. One is for homeowners, and only features one product at present. The other line of products is aimed at professional users. So it all depends on what your intended usage will be.
If you only need to trim the odd branch every once in a while, then one of the homeowner style models should be good enough to meet that requirement. If you have a large property that has a range of trims and hedges that need constant maintenance, then one of the professional models will be better for your requirements. Almost all of the products in the Stihl pole chainsaw range are gas powered models, with the exception of one or two battery powered models. So in this article we are going to stick to gas powered models.
We will begin by taking a look at the Stihl pole chainsaw designed for your average joe.
Homeowners – Stihl HT56C Pole Saw
 This is the one and only current entry level pole saw from Stihl at the time of writing. That doesn’t mean it is a budget product by any means, as it packs quite a punch. The engine power is a respectable 0.8 kW (1.07 bhp), and the weight of the unit comes in at 6.2 kg (13.7 lbs) when it includes the complete cutting unit. This Stihl gas pole saw has a number of important features, one of which is the reduced emissions technology. This means it is environmentally friendly, while still packing enough punch to slice through the toughest branches with ease! It features a 2 bit pole design, where the top half folds back into the bottom for easy storage. The total length of the full stretched pole is 9 feet 2 inches. This Stihl model also includes the patented Easy2start technology developed by Stihl. This means instead of yanking away to get the motor going, all you need to do is give it a gentle tug and it should fire straight up. It also has Stihls patented Oilomatic chain, which means that you don’t need to worry about oiling the chain too often. Recommended retail price of this unit is $399. If you intend to use this pole saw over long periods, you might want to look into investing in the optional harness attachments. This harness fits on like a backpack and attaches to the saw at the front, and helps to take some of the strain off your arms over long periods. |
Professionals – Stihl HT100 Pole Saw
 The HT100 is the entry level pole saw for professional users. The engine output is 1.05 kW (1.4 bhp), and the weight of the unit is only 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs). It is designed to be light and easy to use, while still being reliable enough to chop through the toughest materials all day long. Included with this model is the Stihl anti vibration tech, which means you get a smoother experience and less overall fatigue during usage. The controls of this Stihl gas powered pole saw are also all at your fingertips, and this is known as the multi function control handle. This is a major advantage for the professional user, as it means you never have to fiddle with switches in obscure places in order to get the correct setting. More innovative technology on this pole saw includes a purge pump, which releases extra fuel to the carburetor if the machine has not been used in a while. Overall this is a good decent quality workhorse that can tackle most jobs with ease. RRP for this machine is about $449 or so. |
Professionals – Stihl HT131 Pole Saw
 If you intend to do a lot of trimming work or have especially high branches that need to be trimmed, then the top of the line HT131 may be just what you are after. The built in quick adjust telescopic handle allows the unit to extend up to a massive 16 feet, which should be more than long enough to handle most trimming jobs. In terms of power, the HT131 has a 1.4 kW (1.9 bhp) engine, and the weight is a respectable 7.8 kg (17.2 lbs). The fuel efficient engine has enough power to tackle the toughest of jobs, but at the same time remains efficient enough to keep running on next to no fuel. This model comes with all the bells and whistles as seen on previous models such as reduced emissions, anti vibration, multi control handle, and purge pump primer. If you want a pole saw that can handle any type of job, this is the one you want! Remember that if you intend to use this for heavy duty operations, then the HT Carrier support system might be a worthwhile investment to go along with the unit. The RRP on this unit is $649, which is pretty reasonable considering all the features you are getting for that price. |
Which of these models are ideal for you?
That is a brief summary of some of the more popular saws on offer. As you can see the entry level unit caters for most of the jobs your average homeowner should encounter, so it will suit most jobs just fine. If you need something with a bit more juice, then the HT100 is a better choice due to the slightly more powerful engine. If you intend to do a lot of trimming work everyday then the heavy duty HT131 is what you are after, as it is designed to withstand years of daily operating usage.
Where is the best place to buy them?
You can find these types of Stihl pole saws at most nurseries, and in diy shops, however since they are considered a bit of a specialty item they do tend to be a little overpriced in those types of stores. You may find them in some of the bigger retail shops too, but once again the range they stock is normally quite limited. You could also on the internet since there are many big online shops out there who specialize in pole saws. And the ability to compare prices between online shops is another definite advantage, so that is also worth looking into.
Summary
Remember to keep in mind all the tips and technology we have discussed today so you don’t end up paying more for a model that has features that you won’t use. Also remember that you get a 2 year warranty with your Stihl pole saw, so you can be rest assured that you have made the right choice. Hopefully your new trimmer will provide you with many hours of happy trimming!
