Mick!
TreeHouser
Thought I’d scribble a few thoughts on this saw for those curious about it.
I have had the 536 for a good few years and have like and disliked some aspects of it, the relative lack of power in hard wood like acacia means you have to pick and choose when to use it, lime re-pollards and the like are it’s preferred territory, but it’s by no means first off the shelf on a daily basis.
So the new offering.
It’s got very useable power, a genuine dismantling saw, unlike the 536, and most importantly it has a clutch so you can gauge the pressure needed and back off the power a bit so it doesn’t just stop dead like a battery drill.
It’s heavy, even with the smaller battery it’s heavier than a 201, don’t be fooled by just picking it up in the shop, the addition of the battery adds a lot. One handing at reach is a strain, especially if you’re in your twilight years climbing wise or are not especially strong.
It does promote better saw handling, and you really have to be disciplined about stowing it between cuts on your harness to save energy.
Battery life is good, three will see you through most days, even with a bit of chogging down which is the hardest work a topper will do.
Safety wise the rundown on the chain is in line with other battery saws (it stops ‘quicker’ if that’s makes sense) so it feels less dangerous
The big plus is the lack of noise and that you don’t have to start/stop it, so much so that I went out and bought the rear handled one for ground work, along with the helmet coms it means we can talk about weights, ‘letting it run’ and the minutiae of the work without confusion or shouting.
So, should you buy one? Well it’s expensive, especially with the charger and spare batteries.
In all honesty if you have a decent topper already and are happy with it I wouldn’t lust after it too much at that money.
I am pleased with it however, my go to climbing saw.
I have had the 536 for a good few years and have like and disliked some aspects of it, the relative lack of power in hard wood like acacia means you have to pick and choose when to use it, lime re-pollards and the like are it’s preferred territory, but it’s by no means first off the shelf on a daily basis.
So the new offering.
It’s got very useable power, a genuine dismantling saw, unlike the 536, and most importantly it has a clutch so you can gauge the pressure needed and back off the power a bit so it doesn’t just stop dead like a battery drill.
It’s heavy, even with the smaller battery it’s heavier than a 201, don’t be fooled by just picking it up in the shop, the addition of the battery adds a lot. One handing at reach is a strain, especially if you’re in your twilight years climbing wise or are not especially strong.
It does promote better saw handling, and you really have to be disciplined about stowing it between cuts on your harness to save energy.
Battery life is good, three will see you through most days, even with a bit of chogging down which is the hardest work a topper will do.
Safety wise the rundown on the chain is in line with other battery saws (it stops ‘quicker’ if that’s makes sense) so it feels less dangerous
The big plus is the lack of noise and that you don’t have to start/stop it, so much so that I went out and bought the rear handled one for ground work, along with the helmet coms it means we can talk about weights, ‘letting it run’ and the minutiae of the work without confusion or shouting.
So, should you buy one? Well it’s expensive, especially with the charger and spare batteries.
In all honesty if you have a decent topper already and are happy with it I wouldn’t lust after it too much at that money.
I am pleased with it however, my go to climbing saw.
