Revelation
I don’t remember what year it was, but I distinctly remember my shock when people introduced me to an extension shaft. Up until that point, I had used power shears and ladders to reach tall hedges. Now, here was another piece to add to my tool arsenal. At the time I thought it was brilliant.
Of course, the extension shaft will not make you rich but it will allow you to get work done. I hate to turn down work when it’s perfectly easy. All I need is the right tool.
Cedar hedge
One recent case is from a residential job. My client has a decent-sized cedar hedge that requires a twelve-foot ladder to top. The sidewalk side is easily accessible and it’s also the most critical. That’s because the city sometimes sends letters to my client, reminding him to prune the hedge off the sidewalk so people can pass by. That’s where I come in. Otherwise, the city will come in to do it and charge him for it.
Now, the back side is trickier because the bed is much lower than the sidewalk. It’s also narrow and edged by old wood ties which makes parking a ladder there very sketchy. Luckily, I invested into my own Stihl extension shaft. Listed by Stihl Canada at C$114.99, the dealer took off C$11 which covered taxes. Total cost, taxes included, C$115.90.
I briefly considered buying the more expensive, but lighter, carbon extension shaft. However, the dealer told me that it’s not as sturdy so I let it go. The regular extension shaft obviously adds weight to your shears so be ready.
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Conclusion
Extension shafts are great to have in your tool box because they allow you to reach farther without having to use a ladder. When you’re using a chainsaw attachment, being farther away from the tree is also safer. Priced at just over C$100, you can recover the cost from one job. Just keep the shaft nicely protected in its plastic case when not in use.
