The Ryobi RPP 720 Pole Pruner is another excellent specialized electrical garden tool from Ryobi.

Design is good and Ryobi have opted for a cord rather than cordless design, probably because of weight and the potential need for use over a longer period. After all, pruning may be an all-day affair.

Having said that, this baby makes short work of what can otherwise be a really wearying task. No more reason to keep putting off pruning the garden or dealing with those troublesome trees!

[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B0001KA1HQ” locale=”uk” height=”92″ src=”https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4127C8BRCRL._SL110_.jpg” width=”110″]One point worth noting: be sure to buy the protective gear and extra oil when ordering – protective gear for two might be necessary if you have a helper. Falling branches and flying wood chips can be quite hazardous. Please see our review of the Draper Safety Helmet and Visor Set (pictured), which is currently available at only £13.99 from Amazon (down from £37.94).

Also, be very careful of the cord when using the machine. Although it would normally be safely out of the way, a careless resting position could pose some danger. Be aware of the Livetool indicator – it is there for your protection. At 3.9 kg and with a large part of the weight on the end of a pole, it can be quite tiring to use – especially when the pole is fully extended.

[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B000Y8VMBE” locale=”uk” height=”75″ src=”https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Wbr6-peCL._SL75_.jpg” width=”33″]Also be sure to keep an eye on the oil level (as recommended by the manufacturer) to make sure it doesn’t run dry. Keeping a satisfactory level of oil helps extend the useful life of the machine. You will need Ryobi Rga-003 Chainsaw Oil.

It is almost brilliantly simple and straightforward in conception, the Ryobi 720w pole pruner RPP720 being no more than a mini-chainsaw on a pole, set at an angle for ease of use.

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Full specs for the Ryobi RPP 720 Pole Pruner are:

• 720 Watts 240 Volts motor.
• Weight: 3.9 kg
• Telescopic pole, extends from 110 cm – 180 cm (fibreglass).
• Blue Livetool Indicator – a useful safety feature.
• Chan bar length: 20 cm.
• Chain speed of 15 m/s for fast, clean cutting.
• 15º angle of blade to pole for easier cutting.
• Overall Length: 200 cm – 270cm at full extension.
• Automatic chain lubrication for longer chain life.
• A harness & protective scabbard are included – the harness is particularly helpful in use.

The RPP720 in action - image from heimwerker-test.de

This is a gardener’s dream, particularly if you have lot of pruning to do. The blade is long enough to handle anything that can reasonably expected of the Ryobi RPP-720 Pole Pruner.

The satisfied reviews attest to its unmatchable useful in its intended role. Some reviewers seemed to revel in the thrill of making chips fly. It seems to evoke a latent youthful pleasure in sheer destruction, but with useful results.

The one negative 3-star review was from someone who struggled with assembly. There were comments that the assembly instructions weren’t that good, but common sense should win the day. Just be careful to remove all the rubber grommets and not assemble the poles the wrong way round. The other reviews were nine 5-stars with six giving 4-stars. It was rated as being well worth the price.

Tip: Before you decide if this is the right machine for you, check out our review of the Ryobi RPT400. If you only have thinner twigs (up to about half an inch diameter) to cut through, this makes a good alternative to a Pole Pruner and is even cheaper!

This pruner ranks at #13 in pruner sales for Amazon, probably reflecting its specialized application rather than its usefulness. If you have tall or tallish trees to prune in your garden – probably an annual job which you dread doing – then this is definitely the machine for you. The Ryobi 720W Pole Pruner is available for a great price from Amazon – get it now: you’ll be happy you did.