Black & Decker Pole Saw

As someone who frequently tackles yard maintenance tasks, I recently had the opportunity to put the Black & Decker LPP120 cordless pole saw to the test. This tool is designed to help users cut branches up to 6 inches in diameter without the need for a ladder, which is a significant advantage for anyone looking to maintain trees and shrubs safely from the ground.

First Impressions and Setup

The first thing that struck me about the Black & Decker pole saw was its lightweight design. At just 10 pounds, it’s relatively easy to maneuver, even when fully extended. The tool comes with an 8-inch cutting bar and chain, a 20V MAX* lithium-ion battery, a smart battery charger, and various accessories including a chain guard, oil bottle, and wrench. Assembly was straightforward and took me about five minutes to get everything set up and ready to go.

Usability and Performance

One of the standout features of this pole saw is its cordless operation. The freedom to move around without being tethered to an outlet is a game-changer, especially for larger properties. The battery life is impressive, allowing me to cut up to 100 branches of 1-1/2 inch diameter on a single charge. During my testing, I found that the battery held up well for over an hour of intermittent use, which was more than enough for my typical yard work session.

The pole saw offers a center extension that provides a usable length of either 6.5 feet or 10 feet, enabling an overhead reach of up to 14 feet. This feature was particularly useful for reaching higher branches without the need for a ladder. However, I did notice that the pole tends to flex a bit when fully extended, which can make precise cuts a bit challenging. Despite this, the in-line power-head design improves maneuverability and visibility, allowing for more accurate cuts.

Cutting Efficiency

The saw's 8-inch bar and chain are capable of handling branches up to 6 inches in diameter. In practice, I found that it performed exceptionally well on smaller branches, around 2 to 4 inches in diameter. For thicker branches, the saw does strain a bit, and the battery drains more quickly. It’s important to note that this tool is not intended for heavy-duty use, but for light to moderate yard maintenance, it works admirably.

One downside I encountered was the lack of an automatic chain oiler. The manual oiling process can be a bit cumbersome, and it’s easy to forget to re-oil the chain during extended use. This can lead to the chain becoming slack and requiring frequent adjustments. A thumb oiler would have been a more convenient addition to this tool.

Build Quality and Durability

The overall build quality of the Black & Decker pole saw is decent, though it’s evident that this is not a professional-grade tool. The plastic components, while lightweight, do not inspire confidence in terms of long-term durability. The connecting joints between the pole sections are a bit slack, which adds to the wobbliness when fully extended. Additionally, the chain tends to come loose more frequently than I would like, requiring periodic tightening and adjustments.

Ergonomics and Comfort

One of the highlights of this tool is its ergonomic design. The lightweight construction and balanced design make it relatively easy to handle, even for extended periods. However, the weight distribution changes when the pole is fully extended, making it feel heavier and more difficult to control. For users who may not have the upper body strength to handle this, it could become tiring quickly.

Noise and Safety

The Black & Decker pole saw operates relatively quietly compared to gas-powered alternatives, making it a more neighbor-friendly option. Safety features include a chain guard and a well-designed handle that keeps your hands at a safe distance from the cutting bar. However, as with any chainsaw, it’s crucial to wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection.

Final Thoughts

The Black & Decker LPP120 cordless pole saw offers a convenient and efficient solution for light to moderate yard maintenance. Its cordless operation, impressive battery life, and lightweight design make it a practical tool for homeowners looking to maintain their trees and shrubs without the hassle of a ladder. However, it does have its limitations, particularly in terms of build quality and the lack of an automatic chain oiler.

Would I recommend this tool? For casual homeowners who need to perform occasional yard maintenance, the Black & Decker pole saw is a solid choice. It’s affordable, easy to use, and gets the job done for most light-duty tasks. However, for those who require a more robust tool for frequent or heavy-duty use, it may be worth investing in a higher-end model with better build quality and additional features.

In conclusion, the Black & Decker LPP120 is a valuable addition to any homeowner’s tool collection, provided its limitations are understood and it’s used within its intended scope. For its price point and ease of use, it offers good value and can make yard work significantly more manageable.