Swapped my manual pole pruner for a gas one and it SAVED my shoulders

I used to hand-prune everything with a manual pole saw for like 8 years. Last fall I finally bought a Stihl gas pole pruner after my right shoulder started aching every single night. That thing cut my time on a big live oak job from 4 hours down to maybe 90 minutes. I should have done it sooner but I was stuck in that 'manual is fine' mindset. Now I look back at all those achey evenings and just shake my head. Anyone else fight upgrading to a power tool for way too long?

2 comments

2 Comments

caseywest12d ago

Yeah the 'manual is fine' mindset is a trap. I did the same thing with a backhoe attachment for my tractor, kept telling myself I'd stay in shape by digging post holes with a hand auger. Took one trip to the chiropractor to realize I was being an idiot.

umaadams12d ago

Right? I did nearly the same thing but with a cheap electric tiller. Told myself I'd save money and get a workout. Three hours later my arms felt like noodles and I'd barely churned up a garden patch. Rented a real tiller the next day and finished in 20 minutes.