Trimmer Plus PS720 8-Inch Pole Saw Review: The Homeowner’s Secret Weapon for Taming Trees

I remember staring up at the old oak tree in my backyard, its branches creeping ever closer to the roofline. Every gust of wind brought a new wave of anxiety. A professional tree service quoted me a price that made my wallet ache, and the thought of teetering on a ladder with a heavy chainsaw was a non-starter. This is a story familiar to many homeowners: the constant battle against nature’s slow, steady encroachment. Neglected high branches can damage your home during a storm, block precious sunlight from your garden, and become a serious safety risk if they weaken and fall. For years, the only options seemed to be paying a premium or taking a significant risk. That’s the exact problem the attachment-style pole saw was designed to solve, offering a third, much more accessible path.

What to Consider Before Buying a Pole Saw Attachment

A pole saw is more than just a tool; it’s a key solution for safely and efficiently managing your property. It transforms a dangerous, high-altitude task into a manageable, ground-based operation. The primary benefit is, of course, safety—keeping your feet firmly on the ground is infinitely safer than any ladder. But it’s also about empowerment. It gives you the ability to perform routine pruning and storm cleanup on your own schedule, saving you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars over the long term. For homeowners with even a handful of mature trees, a reliable pole saw moves from a “nice-to-have” luxury to an essential piece of yard equipment.

The ideal customer for a pole saw attachment like the Trimmer Plus PS720 8-Inch Pole Saw is a homeowner who already owns a gas-powered, attachment-capable string trimmer. This person is likely a DIY enthusiast who is comfortable with basic yard machinery and wants to maximize the utility of their existing tools without buying a whole new dedicated power tool. It’s a cost-effective and space-saving solution. However, this type of product might not be suitable for those who don’t own a compatible power head, prefer the quiet, emission-free operation of electric tools, or need a tool for heavy, all-day commercial use. For those users, a dedicated cordless or professional-grade gas-powered pole saw would be a more appropriate investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Power Source & Compatibility: Since this is an attachment, its power is dictated by your string trimmer’s engine. Ensure your trimmer is “attachment-capable” (it will have a split shaft with a coupler). The universal design of the PS720 fits many major brands like Troy-Bilt, Remington, and Craftsman, but it’s always wise to double-check your specific model’s compatibility.
• Reach & Weight: Consider the height of the branches you need to trim. The Trimmer Plus PS720 boasts a reach of up to 12 feet, depending on your own height. Remember that a longer reach also means more weight and less maneuverability at the cutting end. The balance of the tool, once attached to your power head, is critical for both safety and reducing fatigue.
• Bar Length & Cutting Capacity: An 8-inch bar, like the one on the PS720, is a fantastic sweet spot for homeowners. It’s large enough to handle branches up to 6 inches in diameter with relative ease but compact enough to maneuver between limbs. While we found it can punch through larger logs, its primary design is for pruning and limbing, not felling trees.
• Materials & Durability: Look at the construction. The PS720 features robust metal extension poles, which provide rigidity and a feeling of quality. However, like many homeowner-grade tools, some components, like the chain housing, are made of durable plastic. For intermittent home use this is perfectly adequate, but for professional daily use, one might look for an all-metal construction.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a tool-less connection system and an automatic chain oiler dramatically improve the user experience. You should still be prepared for basic maintenance, which includes checking the chain tension before each use, keeping the bar and chain oil reservoir filled, and sharpening the chain periodically for optimal performance. You can see the full maintenance guidelines and feature set on its product page.

While the Trimmer Plus PS720 8-Inch Pole Saw leverages your existing gas trimmer, many homeowners are also exploring the convenience of dedicated cordless models. For a comprehensive comparison of battery-powered options, our detailed guide is an invaluable resource.

First Impressions: A Solid, No-Nonsense Design

Upon unboxing the Trimmer Plus PS720 8-Inch Pole Saw, the first thing we noticed was its reassuring heft. This isn’t a flimsy, toy-like accessory. The metal poles feel substantial, and the connection points are solid. The package includes the saw head with its 8-inch bar and chain, two extension sections, and a small bottle of bar and chain oil to get you started. One user did report their included oil had leaked in transit, and while our box was clean, it’s a good reminder to have a larger bottle on hand before starting a big project.

Assembly is refreshingly simple. The poles snap together with sturdy, spring-loaded buttons, and the entire attachment connects to the power head without any tools. We attached it to our Troy-Bilt string trimmer, and it locked into place with a satisfying click. The overall build quality inspires confidence, though we immediately noted the plastic chain component housing, a common feature in this price range. It feels tough enough for homeowner duty, but it’s clearly the part that will show wear and tear first. It’s a smart trade-off that keeps this powerful attachment accessible, and it’s a design choice we see confirmed by other users who find it more than adequate for non-commercial work. For its price point, the initial build quality far exceeded our expectations.

Deep Dive: A Full Performance Breakdown of the Trimmer Plus PS720

A tool’s true worth is only revealed through use. We put the Trimmer Plus PS720 8-Inch Pole Saw through its paces over several weeks, tackling everything from delicate pruning of an apple tree to aggressive cleanup after a nasty summer storm. Our testing confirmed what many users have discovered: this attachment is a powerful and versatile performer that punches well above its weight class.

Assembly and Universal Compatibility: The Power of Leverage

The core concept of the Trimmer Plus PS720 8-Inch Pole Saw is genius in its simplicity: leverage the powerful motor you already own. Why buy and maintain a whole new engine when your string trimmer’s power head is sitting idle most of the time? This is the promise of attachment systems, and we found the PS720 delivers on it beautifully. We tested its compatibility by connecting it to a Troy-Bilt and a Husqvarna 128LD, and it snapped securely onto both without any fuss. User reports confirm it works seamlessly with a wide array of brands, including John Deere and Craftsman models, making it a truly versatile addition to almost any homeowner’s garage. The tool-free connection is a major win, allowing you to switch from trimming grass to trimming branches in under a minute.

The assembly of the extension poles was straightforward in our testing unit. The two sections connect to provide two primary length options, giving you flexibility. However, we must acknowledge a critical user report where one individual received a unit with misaligned button holes on the extension poles, preventing assembly. They were able to remedy this with some DIY drilling, but it points to a potential quality control lapse. While this seems to be an isolated incident based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback, it’s something to be aware of. We recommend assembling the poles immediately upon receipt to ensure everything lines up correctly. For us, the entire process from unboxing to being ready to cut took less than five minutes, a testament to its user-friendly design. This ease of setup is a feature that truly sets it apart in the world of yard equipment.

Cutting Performance: A Small Saw with a Big Bite

This is where the Trimmer Plus PS720 8-Inch Pole Saw completely shatters expectations. Paired with a decent gas power head, this 8-inch bar and chain combination is ferocious. We started with some simple pruning, slicing through 2-3 inch limbs like they were butter. The saw is angled perfectly to allow you to rest the bar on a branch and let the tool’s weight do the cutting, which is the proper and safest technique. The automatic oiler did its job well, keeping the chain moving freely, though we did follow the advice of another user and gave the adjustment screw about a one-turn tweak to ensure a slightly more generous flow of oil, which we’d recommend.

To really test its limits, we moved to a fallen poplar tree with limbs far thicker than the saw’s intended use. Echoing a user who cut a 10-inch diameter branch, we were stunned by its capability. We successfully worked our way through an 8-inch section of the trunk. It required patience and letting the chain work at its own pace, but it got the job done without bogging down the engine. This isn’t something you’d do all day, but for clearing a storm-damaged tree blocking a driveway—a scenario another reviewer faced and conquered—it is an absolute lifesaver. The key, as with any chainsaw, is maintenance. We checked the chain tension after the first few cuts (it loosens slightly as it heats up) and made sure to keep it sharp. A sharp chain on this tool makes it a formidable opponent for any overgrown tree. The sheer power you can get for a fraction of the cost of a dedicated unit is its most compelling and valuable feature.

Reach, Ergonomics, and On-the-Job Handling

With both extension poles in place, the Trimmer Plus PS720 8-Inch Pole Saw provides an impressive reach, easily allowing an average-height user to access branches 11 to 12 feet off the ground. This capability is transformative, turning precarious ladder work into a safe, ground-level task. We trimmed high limbs overhanging a shed that would have been otherwise impossible to reach safely. The two-pole system is also clever; for lower work, you can use just one extension, which makes the tool significantly lighter and more maneuverable.

However, physics is undefeated. When fully extended and attached to a gas power head, the complete unit has considerable weight, and most of it is at the very end. It requires a strong stance and a healthy respect for leverage. This isn’t a critique of the tool itself but a reality of all pole saws. We found the best technique was to get into position, brace ourselves, and make short, controlled cuts, allowing plenty of rest between limbs. It’s a workout, but a manageable one. We also heeded the advice to occasionally tap the saw head against a trunk to dislodge any wood chips that collect in the housing, ensuring the chain and oiler continue to function optimally. This tool enables you to do serious work from the safety of the ground, and once you get a feel for the balance, it becomes a natural extension of your reach, allowing you to tackle landscaping challenges with new confidence.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment from other users mirrors our own findings: the Trimmer Plus PS720 8-Inch Pole Saw offers exceptional performance for its price. Many, like the user who had shopped for months, were initially skeptical due to the low cost but were “absolutely amazing” by its solid build and cutting ability. One long-term user who runs a business was so impressed with its durability and service that he joked he’d give his “a full burial procession” when it finally wears out, a powerful testament to its reliability in demanding situations.

Positive comments consistently praise its power, with multiple people noting its ability to cut branches 10 inches or more in diameter “like nothing.” The convenience of attaching it to their existing trimmer is another huge point of satisfaction, saving both money and storage space.

On the critical side, the most common concern is the plastic housing, with one reviewer correctly stating that it “will wear out sooner” than a metal equivalent, though they still felt it was an “excellent value for the money as a homeowner pole saw.” The most significant negative feedback came from a user who received a unit with misaligned holes in the extension poles, rendering it unusable without modification. While this appears to be a rare quality control escape, it’s a valid concern. Another minor issue mentioned was a leaky oil bottle during shipping, an inconvenience but not a flaw in the tool itself. You can read through more user experiences and check current pricing for a complete picture.

How Does the Trimmer Plus PS720 Compare to the Competition?

The Trimmer Plus PS720 occupies a unique space as a gas-powered attachment. Its direct competitors are often complete, self-contained cordless units. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.

1. Sun Joe 24V-PS8-LTE Cordless Pole Chainsaw

The Sun Joe 24V-PS8-LTE is an excellent choice for someone who does not own an attachment-capable string trimmer and prioritizes cordless convenience. As a complete, battery-powered system, it’s quieter, lighter overall, and produces no emissions. Its telescoping pole is also easier to adjust than the fixed-length sections of the PS720. However, its 24V battery platform may not deliver the same raw, unrelenting torque as a gas engine, especially when tackling denser hardwoods or branches at the upper end of its capacity. It’s ideal for the user seeking a simple, all-in-one solution for light-to-medium duty pruning.

2. RYOBI 8″ Cordless Pole Saw

This RYOBI pole saw is targeted squarely at users already invested in the expansive Ryobi ONE+ 18V battery ecosystem. Sold as a bare tool, it represents fantastic value if you already have the batteries and charger. It offers similar cordless benefits to the Sun Joe—quiet operation and no fumes. The key difference here is the ecosystem advantage. If you own other Ryobi 18V tools, this is a seamless and cost-effective way to add a pole saw to your collection. Its performance is solid for residential tasks, but like other cordless models, it may lack the brute force of the gas-powered Trimmer Plus PS720.

3. MAXLANDER Cordless Pole Saw 8-Inch Hedge Trimmer

The MAXLANDER model’s biggest selling point is its 2-in-1 versatility. It includes both a pole saw head and a pole hedge trimmer head, making it a complete high-reach landscaping solution in one box. For homeowners with tall hedges in addition to trees, this package offers incredible value and convenience. It’s a cordless system with its own battery, making it a great entry point for someone starting from scratch. The trade-off for this versatility might be that neither attachment is as robust as a dedicated, single-purpose tool. It’s best for someone who values multi-functionality over the specialized power of the Trimmer Plus PS720.

Final Verdict: Is the Trimmer Plus PS720 8-Inch Pole Saw Worth It?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: for the homeowner who already owns a compatible gas-powered string trimmer, the Trimmer Plus PS720 8-Inch Pole Saw is arguably one of the best value-for-money investments you can make in your yard care arsenal. It transforms your existing tool into a powerful, high-reach pruning machine capable of handling tasks that would otherwise require expensive professional help or a risky climb up a ladder. Its cutting performance is shockingly effective, its build quality is more than sufficient for residential use, and its universal compatibility makes it accessible to a wide audience.

While it may not be for the commercial arborist or the user who demands a silent, battery-powered experience, it excels in its intended role. It is the perfect tool for seasonal pruning, post-storm cleanup, and reclaiming your yard from encroaching branches. If you want to empower yourself to manage your property safely and affordably, this attachment is an outstanding choice. We wholeheartedly recommend it as a tough, effective, and budget-friendly solution to a very common problem. If you’re ready to take control of your trees and stop worrying about those high branches, we highly encourage you to check the latest price and add this powerhouse to your toolkit today.