Hooyman High Limb Chain Saw with Rope for Cutting Trimming Hunting and Camping

This product exceeded my expectations. We used it on some pretty high limbs and it cut through the smaller ones like butter. On one of the larger limbs, it did get jammed when it was 90%+ of the way through. I was able to hook the end of the limb with a long pole and that provided enough torque to break the limb the rest of the way. I originally intended on just trying to open up the cut a little to free the blade. As some other reviewers mentioned, another throw rope with a weight probably would have done the job and helped open the cut to free the blade.Things to watch out for:Throwing the weight isn't easy. You will probably miss the first few times you try. I found it easiest to ensure the rope and the chain were laid out in front of me with no kinks and to swing the weight with about 8-12" of rope. Be aware of what you might hit if you miss the limb. That is what is beyond, below, and off to the side of where you are throwing a rock. No near misses here but I can see things going awry.You are cutting limbs from high up. They have a lot of energy to transfer to whatever is below them. Keep the area clear of people, pots, tools, etc.,... If you are doing this as a one person job, make sure you stand well off to the side and NOT below the limbs.

Just finished cutting off a limb that split on one tree, but hung up on another. Putting rocks in the throw bag didn't seem heavy enough, so I replaced them wrench sockets. The bag velcros closed, so there was no worry about losing them. One throw and I was over the branch, which was 20ft over my head. The rope is nice, it doesn't stretch, which is important. It is also nice and slick, so it slides through the branches. It did make it hard to hold onto the rope. I started to cut, but found myself constantly adjusting my grip. I finally cut two pieces of broom handle, put a hole in the middle and tied them to the rope. Much better. The saw cut the 5 inch limb in less than 10 minutes. It caught a few times due to the weight of the limb shifting as I cut. The limb was still stuck in the other tree, so I threw the rope over the limb again with the weight bag to yank it down. Made well, worked well. Would be better if it came with wooden handles instead of having to make them myself.

Sawing limbs is NOT a no brainer. I've used this quite a bit. It works best with 2 people-one with each end of the rope. I've used a "lead" line or sometimes a long pole to position the saw/rope. I use dowel "handles" on the ends of the rope to hold onto the rope and pull hard.

Worked for me. They do get pinched if you pull them under the branch after the branch starts to break. Watched a video of a woman using it and walking side to side rather than standing in one spot to prevent it getting caught. You can start out in one spot but will learn quickly when it starts getting tight to start moving and keeping the ropes spread. Two people would work better to keep them spread. I have cut several high branches ( 3, 4 & 5 inches) and has not failed yet. Totally paid for itself, when it fails I will buy another.

it worked rather well till the last little bit. a very narrow angle and it seized. But the limb was cut enough that I could throw another rope over the limb and and shake enough to seperate the limb from the tree.

I tried and tried to get this thing to work. I really could have used some instructions. I did check out a YouTube video on rope chains, but I found this very difficult to use. It ultimately got stuck way up in the tree and professionals had to cut the branch. Frustratingly, the chain would get crimped all the time and I had to undo them. Fortunately, Amazon allowed me to return this very difficult device. Mine did not break and the rope seemed strong enough. I would suggest that if you have never used one of these before, try to get some practice using one before buying your own.

Works well. You will need to read instructions well and learn how to undercut limbs for certain situations.

It does work. 2 people are needed.Would have rated it higher but I had to buy my own ropes as all I received was the chain.I made handles from a broom stick. One for each end about a foot long and tied the rope to them. Worked pretty good.