Summary of decisions made so far:
1. Hire someone for oak branches
2. Inquire about maple trees; decide to hire or DIY pending quote. I'm confident I can do it; it's just tiring and time consuming so depends on cost.
3. Buying the Makita LXT mini chainsaw. Buying Makita LXT batteries (5Ah 3x) and charger.


I need some thoughts re: reciprocating saw. I want to buy 18V brushless with adjustable shoe.


A. Bosch GSA18V-110N: This was my original choice. Decent reviews. I have 2Ah batteries (which may be enough for my usages). Would consider buying a larger battery if needed.

B. Makita XRJ05: Also decent reviews. Would be able to use the 3x 5Ah batteries from #3 above.

I'm price agnostic between A and B. Mostly cutting wood (soft and hard). Maybe some pallets w/ nails (infrequent). Not planning to cut metal (sheets or pipes) but you never know. Both sound like good products, well reviewed, comparable features.

Please help tie break?



-------------------------------------------

OP:
Background: I'm old and weak. To renew home insurance, I need to do a considerable amount of branch cutting and tree cutting immediately (w/in next few weeks) - cut down branches and/or trees that are too close to the house (within 5 feet)); this includes branches that overhang above the roof.

The trees that I need to cut down have trunks about 6-8" in diameter (Japanese maples). The branches that I need to cut down are about 4-6" in diameter (oak). The branches are also about 10-18' above ground.

I have a handsaw that could probably do the work but between the substantial amount of cutting down and pruning I need to do, as well as the cleanup (cutting up everything into smaller pieces to dump into the yard waste container), it would be too exhausting for me.

For budget reasons, it's difficult to hire someone for this as well - I think it will be much more cost effective to buy the right tools and do it myself. That being said, I don't have the right tools.

I'm seeking some recommendations on tools for this job:

1. I thinking about a reciprocating saw that uses Core 18V / M18 Fuel. I have Bosch Core 18V and Milwaukee Fuel M18 drills and batteries. Would like a tool that could utilize existing batteries. Unless the recommended tool for this is not offered by Bosch / Milwaukee. If a recip saw is recommended, I could use some advice on which model to pick. Looking for something decent, buy once, cry once. Not the best but not the bottom either.

2. I think the pole saws (Silky or Fiskars) may work for the higher branches but they are expensive; if I need something like a reciprocating saw for cleanup and other work (cutting down trees), then if I can avoid a pole saw, that would be nice. Likewise, I'm averse to the pole chain saws (Milwaukee, Ego) as well - very expensive for limited utility.

3. To reach the higher branches, I'm thinking about using an 8' ladder or perhaps renting some sort of lift from the local home improvement store. Ill advised? Recommend a different method?

4. If a reciprocating saw (or other type of battery saw) is recommended, I could also use recommendations for what type of blade to buy. Again, Japanese maple and Oak trees; trunks and branches up to about 6-8" thick.


I'm hoping I don't need a chain saw (regular or handheld mini version) for this. To me, those are a different beast that requires my education on how to maintain and use them safely. I'm a little apprehensive to be honest having never used one in my life.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: konata88,

Look at a smaller electric chain saw. Pretty light and plenty of blade for what you describe. I know Stihl makes a good one, many to choose from.

Any pole saw can wear you out quick, handy but a chore.

For small stuff, a Fiskars Lopper, a great tool.
https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars...ps%2C169&sr=8-3&th=1

I am 70 and do this type work all the time. From what I am reading you definitely need to hire someone to do this work for you. You can’t afford getting hurt; 6” limbs are cumbersome and heavy. The tools needed can be expensive, especially for one time use.
Doing trim work from a ladder is an accident waiting to happen, even for those of us that know better.
Billy

I have the Milwaukee battery powered 16" chainsaw and 10" pole saw. They are great and you can use your existing batteries. I have cut 6" branches without difficulty.

However as pointed out, if there are big trees and branches near your house, it is highly recommended you get someone who knows what they are doing and has specialized equipment to protect your property.

Oh sorry wrong type of saw.....

quote:

Originally posted by p113565:
I am 70 and do this type work all the time. From what I am reading you definitely need to hire someone to do this work for you. You can’t afford getting hurt; 6” limbs are cumbersome and heavy. The tools needed can be expensive, especially for one time use.
Doing trim work from a ladder is an accident waiting to happen, even for those of us that know better.
Billy

Great advice.
Maybe you have a network of people who might be able to find a volunteer this work -- for little to nothing. Maybe you can trade out services you provide.

Arborist work and tree felling can be difficult and dangerous. I fell, cut up, and clean up trees regularly at our family ranch. It's a process that should never be taken lightly.

I needed to do some of the same trimming awhile back and I do own a pole saw/clip . It will wear you out.

So I decided to rent a power pole saw. What a great thing it turned out to do. It made light work of a chore and I ended up looking for additional limbs that needed cutting.

Instead of a purchase , see if this is an option.

As someone who has done a lot of this kind of work over the years. It can be extremely dangerous.

I agree with p113565.

"From what I am reading you definitely need to hire someone to do this work for you."

About 5 years ago a local business owner died in my area cutting down about a 5" branch.

I'm old and weak should not be doing tree work.

I am old and not weak and it was a lot of work for me when I lost a bunch tree parts in a storm and had to cut them up.

The cost of the tools you need and or rent it will be cheaper to hire some one.

If you get hurt, you can be sure you will have preferred you spent the money than being injured.

Get at least 5 quotes, the difference in quotes was in the thousands when I needed a couple of trees taken down in my back yard.

I did the work because it was after a storm and all the pros were making big buck clearing roads for cities and towns.

No one wanted a small job. One of the limbs was leaning against my house and roof.

Pay somebody. Seriously. Big branches that high off the ground are a recipe for disaster if you don’t know what you’re doing and fucking around on ladders with the wrong tools. Get quotes from 3-5 guys. Decide how much insurance you’re comfortable with them having or not. It will be quick work for a pro.

If a pretty much one time task I think I'd hire it done because there's a good bit of work just cleaning up and getting rid of all the cut trees and limbs. But if the trimming may need done again every couple years (even though it'll be much less and easier) I would consider using the money you'll pay to have it done for you to buy what TSE has (since you already have the charger and battery) and do it yourself. This is assuming you can, and don't mind, doing the work and you have a place to pile the cut up limbs to compost or burn.

quote:

Originally posted by TSE:
I have the Milwaukee battery powered 16" chainsaw and 10" pole saw. They are great and you can use your existing batteries. I have cut 6" branches without difficulty.

You are going to spend Four hundred dollars to maybe get the job done over three weeks plus dump fee's and risking getting banged up ,bruised and perhaps numerous doctor bills.

Call the man.

Call habitat for humanity.
They do stuff like this all the time, even if it costs a grand you are way ahead.

A man has got to know his limitations.

We got one old fart down ,we don't need another

And now you've got new tools laying around you won't use again.

There are people that will help you.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bendable,

OP have you tried asking anyone at church (if you go to one)?

Do you live near me. I would help with manual labor but I’m kinda slow now. I have a chainsaw.

quote:

I am 70 and do this type work all the time. From what I am reading you definitely need to hire someone to do this work for you. You can’t afford getting hurt; 6” limbs are cumbersome and heavy. The tools needed can be expensive, especially for one time use.
Doing trim work from a ladder is an accident waiting to happen, even for those of us that know better.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^
GREAT ADVICE!
Billy

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I stopped doing this kind of work. I have a neighbor that I pay. I pay him back in dollars and other things I can do. Recuperation from a broken leg or ankle can last a lifetime. Sometimes it is permanent. Pain and suffering sucks. Physical therapy is hard and paying the copays for an orthopod takes years. Tree cutting is a PROFESSION. Would you consider doing your own surgery? If you have a good insurance agent they should know who is reputable. Hope this helps

Thanks guys. I appreciate the concern. Let me add a little more detail that should have been included in the original post. I kind of rambled above.

The jobs:
1. Japanese maple trees. Around 6-8" trunks and about 10' tall. I think I can cut these down. Have previously cut down similar japanese cherry tree before. But the cleanup (cutting into pieces to dump into the 96 gallon yard waste container) is a lot of work for a handsaw. Would a reciprocating saw be good for this? The branches are probably around 2" thick.

2. Oak tree branches. This is the challenge. 6" branches about 10-18' above ground. I was thinking ladder for the branches 10' above ground. But what if I rented a 19' lift from home depot? The ground is slightly sloped but relatively flat. I was thinking about sectioning - cut the branch at the end first (maybe 5' section). Then cut another section. Then one more section - divide the branch into 3 sections. Could I use the reciprocating saw and a rented lift? Electric pole saw or pole chain saw better (at this point, renting the tool or hiring someone may be better as suggested). Reciprocating saw I could use in general. Pole saw / chain saw is not something I would really need except for maybe an emergency situation (tree down after a storm).

I don't need to cut down the oak trees, just some branches. If this is really too dangerous, I'll hire someone. But I was hoping that I could just buy something like a reciprocating saw ($150) and rent a lift ($200/day) vs hiring someone ($1000-2000).

If a reciprocating saw is good for at least #1, I could use recommendations on which model and what type of blade to buy.

If a reciprocating saw and lift is still not good for #2 and I should hire someone, I'll do that. But would still like to try #1 to save money. I think it would be similar to the cherry tree which was not bad, just very tiring.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
Do you live near me. I would help with manual labor but I’m kinda slow now. I have a chainsaw.

Appreciate the offer!! I'm on the west coast near insanity central.

I use an M18 Fuel, One-Handed reciprocating saw with a 9" pruning blade.

If you aren't already on the M18 platform, and are starting fresh, then I would recommend the Ryobi brushless line with their "HP" marked batteries. It's a better bang for the buck.

I'm pruning, not cutting down trees. Cuts easily through most limbs. 2" thick shouldn't be a problem.

quote:

I'm pruning, not cutting down trees. Cuts easily through most limbs. 2" thick shouldn't be a problem.

Cool. There are about 100 different Milwaukee M18 reciprocating saws. If Bosch is good to go, they just have a handful of models. Is Milwaukee better than Bosch for this stuff? I'd prefer to go w/ Bosch because I think long run that's what I'll stick with.

I just don't know what to look for and which style to choose. Two main styles seem to be just straight and one with kind of a hump for the motor. I'll look for "Pruning saw blade" around 9" long.

The DEWALT DCS367B 20V Max XR Brushless compact reciprocating saw is my new favorite for branch cutting because of its design of how you hold it. Milwaukee makes some good stuff so does Mikita just make sure you get a brushless motor one as they are a step up from old school ones.

Get you some Freud / Diablo Carbide 3 TPI pruning reciprocating blades in 6" and 9" lengths because they rock.