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Customer Review
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 April 2024Really wanted to like this, and given a lot of thought before reviewing.
I already own the split shaft pole saw, which is a great 5 star product. I bought this to use for more confined tasks, where I can't get the pole saw in, due to it's length.
However, the handsaw has been a thoroughly frustrating, and potentially dangerous experience.
Biggest issue is the chain coming off. It has happened every time I've used the saw. Putting the chain back on is a pain with gloves on. I had to refit the chain 3 times yesterday.
Also, one of the times the chain came off, due to the design, it bit into the plastic body of the saw, and stuck there. Took a lot of pulling to get the chain free, so it could be refitted. The design of the handle is to blame for this, the pole saw can't fail like this.
Secondly the chain oil leaks all the time. You have to lay down the saw in a specific way, otherwise it's all gone. During use, it drains the entire tank super quickly too.
Lastly, and most dangerously, during one of the chain replacements, I noticed wood chippings had got stuck in the safety switch. That meant the safety was permanently engaged, and the blade starts just by touching the trigger. That's just not safe. Again points to bad design - the safety system shouldn't be failing in a dangerous way, just from the saw being used as intended.
If it wasn't such a hassle, I'd be sending it back. I am thinking about lodging a complaint with Makita about the safety switch too - it's just dangerous.
