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(More customer reviews)I purchased the Mantis e-system last year and finally got around to taking it out to use it today. I originally bought the e-system with the head unit, the hedge trimmer and the pole saw as a package deal. The following review will cover all three parts, since they are designed to be used in conjunction with each other.
I was really excited when I first ran across this product. What could be better than a pole hedge trimmer that also can turn into an edger or pole saw, etc? Seems like a good idea, although I didn't notice the "made in China" on the box until I went to open it today.
So with three medium trees in the side yard to trim, I broke open the Mantis package. Packing was nice and the company included some bar oil for the pole saw. The head unit was a bit heavier than I expected. I also noticed that the trigger to operate it was a bit awkward. There is a button you have to push in order to depress the trigger, but it's difficult to work it. I found this to be really annoying while using the tool, although if you tilt it to the side a little, it makes it a little easier.
At first, the parts seems pretty well made. The hedge trimmer attaches to the head unit with a pin that you pull out and then a little plastic knob that you tighten down. There is a lever and nut which you use to articulate the angle of the edge trimmer; it's a pretty nice setup and I liked how the hedge trimmer was adjustable.
So I attached the hedge trimmer and plugged the head unit it. I pushed the trigger and nothing happened. What the heck? I pushed it again and I could hear the motor straining to start, but again, nothing. After a few more attempts, the hedge trimmer started to go. Wow, how lame... It seems the head unit is a bit under powered or something. Each time you push the trigger, it takes a second to get going, then it starts to move the hedge trimmer back and forth in a cutting action. It does work, but it's kind of strange because my other hedge trimmer doesn't do that. The hedge trimmer cuts okay, but let me tell you, when you have the hedge trimmer pole attached to the head unit, this thing is heavy as all get out. I have a heavy 15 lb chain saw and this pole hedge trimmer makes it feel "light". I was really surprised by how heavy the setup felt - it sure didn't seem like Mantis went out of their way to save weight on the unit. I'd give the hedge trimmer a C- grade, given that it doesn't start up right away and that it weighs a lot. It does trim okay, but I wasn't all that impressed with it. Even after putting oil on the blades and loosening the screws that hold the blades together, it didn't speed anything up as far as the cutting action.
While cutting, I quickly ran into limbs which were larger than the 1/2 size the hedge trimmer can handle. No problem, I switched to the pole saw. The pole saw is like a little chain saw. In fact, it comes with a nice little Oregon chain (Oregon is the company who invented the chain saw blade and I actually use them on my Stihl chainsaw because their chains are so good). So that part was nice. The pole saw also includes a little bar just like a chain saw. It's maybe 12 inches long and nicely made. The problem came in when I went to attach it to the part on the end of the pole. The pin and screw which adjust the tension on the bar/chain is really lame. On mine, the threads were a bit rough looking. After mounting the bar and chain, I adjusted it, but was less than impressed with the design of this area. The screw they use to adjust the tension on the chain is really cheap and difficult to adjust during use. There is also an oil tank, which you fill with 30 weight bar oil.
The pole saw cuts pretty well, but overall it has a cheap feel to it. As I used it, it seemed like it starts to loosen up (and not in a good way). I went to tighten the chain, but again, the screw setup is really poorly designed. Also, it just seems like the part where the bar attaches is not very heavy duty. Beyond this, when cutting limbs, the pole saw throws the wood chips right back into your face. I guess there isn't much you can do about it, but it is a hassle. Also, when cutting, the bar bounces all around. I only used the pole saw to cut a few limbs, but I wouldn't put too much hope in it holding up long term.
Overall, this product has potential, but it just seems poorly designed and executed. The quality just isn't there. It feels like it was designed by someone who has never done yard work - especially when you consider how heavy it is. I would hate to have to use this thing on a daily basis and/or for any extended period of time. I also have my doubts if it would even last for an extended period of time.
As much as I like the concept of the e-system, this product just falls short and lands in the cheap China junk category for me. I guess you get what you pay for. It's not all that expensive (similar stihl products probably cost more than twice as much). However, unless you plan to use the Mantis on a very limited basis, I think I would recommend against purchasing it.
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Mantis 330106 E-System Pruner/Chain Saw AttachmentThe Mantis chain saw attachment makes pruning branches and tree limbs easier, cleaner and safer. It offers nearly 5-1/2 feet of reach and the power to slice through branches up to four inches thick. The chain saw prunes tree limbs and branches safely with your feet planted firmly on the ground. The pruner attachment is lightweight, precision-balanced, and practically maintenance-free with an automatic blade oiling system.
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