Trail Tools and equipment

For my reference, some of the tools and equipment for trail work. What to carry in the pack for different primary tools. Checklist format for getting out the door quickly. In general, numbers increase from bottom of pack to top, for a backpack having a bottom zipper.

POLESAW - BATTERY - KOBALT

1. Pole saw. Kobalt.
2. Batteries. Typically carry 4 but up to 6. One 4-amp battery, most are 2.5 amps, sadly two are a measly 2 amps so the weaker ones get left behind to make room in pack for bigger batteries.
3. Other. See section on chainsaw for overlapping requirements such as oil, first aid, fire extinguisher, etc. If no chainsaw and just polesaw, I don't wear chaps because the chain is 6+ feet away so lesser chance, but not zero, of cutting injury.

Commentary: I use Kobalt pole saw for many years and have been happy with it, but recent issues with newer model has me wanting to switch brands next time it breaks.

• Good: It is bigger, 10-inch bar instead of 8.
• Good: No tool is required to adjust chain tension. Previously required a Philips screwdriver.
• Good: Safety lock supports left and right-handed use, well designed too.
• VERY BAD: Motor housing in new model obstructs sight line to the saw, so you cannot see what you are cutting in real time! This is a deal breaker for me, was fine with the older models.
• VERY BAD: Chain gets loosened all the time! More than just normal heat expansion from use. The cover which locks the chain in place is easily and frequently loosened during use, no matter how tight you set it. This is more than inconvenience. A loose chain can get ruined if it falls off.
• Bad: Battery included is only 2 amps. Previously was 2.5 amps. Inconvenience only, as I have plenty of batteries, but I prefer larger batteries, so I don't have to carry as many.
• Bad: Chain tightener puts housing on other side of saw, annoying but no big deal, but more importantly the part that locks it in place is part of the cover, not the saw directly. This makes it difficult to line it up and see that it's connected before putting on cover, cause it's part of the cover itself! Might take some getting used to, but this wastes time in the field and if not lined up properly, chain can slip and then you need to buy a new one if it bends the drivers as it did to me recently, cost is $27 to get a new chain at Stihl, I don't know if Lowes even sells the proper size chains.
• Annoying: Warranty replacement requires physical receipt, per store policy that applies to select tools only, but relates to chain saws and pole saws. Not sure if this is all Lowes stores. This requirement seems to have come about around 2025, I think.

HEDGE TRIMMER - BATTERY - STIHL

Todo: complete this

BRUSH CUTTER- BATTERY - STIHL KOMBI

Todo: complete this

1. eKombi. describe
2. Brush Cutter Attachment. describe.
3. Full Harness. It comes with a single strap harness, which is junk IMO because it relies on gravity on the shoulder, so any lightening of pressure or movement of shoulder causes it to slip off. Thus, you put more pressure on it than preferred, leading to fatigue. I recently purchased their "Double Standard Harness" but haven't tried it yet, and they seem to have upgrades such as "Forestry Double Shoulder Harness", "Advance X-Treem harness", and "Universal Double Shoulder Harness". Currently considering returning it before I open the packaging for one of the other options, TBD.
4.