Thinking about getting a Stihl HT 56 C-E pole saw? If youre like most homeowners, you have at least a few trees on your property that need a proper trimming. Tree trimming can be costly. It can be dangerous to climb up the ladder using a chainsaw. What do you do if you have to trim branches from a large tree?
A pole saw is the perfect tool for this job. A pole saw, which is essentially an ultra-lightweight chainsaw on a stick. Allows you to quickly and safely trim overgrown trees from the ground. Stihl makes some of the best options on the market, and today, well cover the Stihl HT 56 C-E Pole Saw.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Pole Saw
Before you begin shopping, there are a few critical considerations to make. Depending on your needs, these factors will help point you in the right direction. This will allow you to choose the best saw for you.
Manual Or Powered
The most economical pole saws are manual versions which feature a saw blade attached to a long pole. These are great if you need to trim only a few branches. However, if you have many trees to trim or lots of trimming to do, it can be tiring to use a hand-powered saw.
The electric and gas versions of the chainsaw blade are attached to a long pole. The motor sits at the end of the pole. These saws allow you to make quick work of all your trimming needs. These saws are ideal if you have lots of trimming to do or you need to cut trees frequently.
Electric Or Gas
You will need to choose between an electric and gas model if you decide to purchase a powered polesaw.
For lighter-duty work, electric models are the best choice. For larger jobs and tree trimming professionals, gas-powered models work best.
With electric pole saws, youll find battery powered models and models which must be plugged into power to work. The battery-powered models allow for complete freedom of motion. You can only use the battery-powered models for as long as you have a charge. Corded electric models dont have this issue, but you can only work as far away as your extension cord allows.
Gas powered pole saws are the industry standard, and theyre well suited for any kind of tree trimming work.
Telescoping Pole
It doesn’t matter if you choose to go manual, electric, or gas, it is best to find a saw with a telescoping handle. This will allow you to reach higher branches without having to contend with a ladder.
Chain With Self-lubricating Properties
A self-lubricating chain for all powered pole saws is a must. The maintenance of a self-lubricating chain is much easier. It will also do a better job of cutting through thicker branches without binding. Binding can damage your saw.
Stihl HT 56 C-E Pole Saw Overview
The HT 56 C-E from Stihl is arguably the most popular pole saw for homeowners that have a relatively large amount of pruning to take care of.
This pruner has many desirable features. It is designed to make it easier than ever for homeowners to do their own tree trimming. It is also extremely lightweight. While this pole saw boasts some features that you wont find on other trimmers from competing brands, its still an affordable alternative to most quality pole saws.
The HT 56 C-E has a 27.2cc motor and measures 23 cm5 cm in length. This makes it ideal for residential trimming jobs.
Stihl offers a 2-year warranty on this pole saw. Even if you use the saw for commercial purposes. This means youll have peace of mind knowing youre covered if there are any issues with your saw.
What We Like
- It is easy to use straight out of the package
- Made in the USA
- Lots of high-end features
- Self-lubricating chain
- Pole can be easily disassembled
There Is Always Room For Improvement
- Is there no extendable pole?
- Difficult to find replacement chains
- Replacement chains are expensive
Features & Benefits
Let’s talk about the meat and potatoes of this polesaw. This pole saw has all of the unique features and benefits that the saw includes.
Easy2Start System
One of the most helpful features of this pole saw is its starter, which has many advancements designed to make it easier than ever for anybody to start the tool. Except for an electric start function, youll be hard pressed to find a power tool that starts quicker or with less effort than a tool equipped with Stihls Easy2Start System.
Made In The USA
There is something to be said about American companies who continue to manufacture their tools here, despite the fact that so many factories are moving production overseas. While foreign and domestic parts are used, this pole saw is entirely assembled in the United States.
Technology For Reducing Emissions
One of the main drawbacks of gas-powered tools are the emissions they release into the atmosphere. The trimmers engine emits significantly less emissions than the EPA or CARB and is also much quieter than other models.
OILOMATIC Chain
Properly lubricating the saw chain will ensure a smooth cut and longer chain life. This pole saw features Stihls patented OILOMATIC chain, which lubricates itself during use to reduce friction and chain wear.
A self-lubricating chain will save you time and money over the life of your saw, so you can spend more time working and less time fussing with a dull chain.
Lightweight Gearbox
One of the most important aspects of a pole saw is its weight. Fatigue is quick to set in when youre working with a pole saw, and the heavier your saw is, the harder your job will be.
This pruner is extremely lightweight at 26 kg, thanks to its lightweight components.
Two-Piece Polish
The HT 56 C-E features a two-piece pole design which allows you to functionally split the tool in half when its time to pack it up for storage. It can be hard to store a pole saw that is nearly 10 feet long. This feature makes it easier to store your pruner away when it’s not in use.
Alternatives
The Stihl HT56 C-E pole trimmer is a popular choice among discerning homeowners. It may also be a good option for you. There is no one size fits all when it comes to pole saws, or any other product. You may find that there are better options for you.
If youre looking for a higher-end commercial saw thats capable of tackling even higher branches with its 41 cm telescoping pole, the Stihl HT103 may be a great option for you.
Stihls top-of-the-line offering, the HT250, is also a great alternative, especially if youre a gearhead who enjoys having the best of everything.
Of course, if youd like to look into other brands outside of Stihl, youll find plenty of options there as well. Remington quickly established a reputation for producing great tools at an affordable price. The RM25CS polesaw delivers impressive features with a low price.
Finally, if youd like to avoid a gas engine altogether, youll find plenty of quality electric pruners, like the full-featured and affordable Sun Joe SWJ803E.
