BLACK+DECKERLopper Chain Saw, 4.5-Amp (LP1000)

I've been using the Alligator Lopper for YEARS. I've never owned a chain saw, and for almost any job I've needed to do around the house, this Lopper does the job exceptionally well. It will comfortably saw through limbs as thick as 6" or maybe more very quickly and effortlessly. It isn't loud like a chain saw and has good longevity. If you only occasionally need to cut medium sized limbs, this is your tool! It can be a bit heavy after while, but then this is to be expected with the power it has, and it's no heavier than a chain saw. It even has a safety switch in one of the handles in case you lose your grip, and the cutters will stop moving instantly. I like the fact that it's electric since it can sit in my shed for years unused without worrying about gas thickening and oil decomposing. Love this tool!

After the "Halloween" snow storm that slammed the northeast, I had major clean up to do and there were long waits for tree service companies.I saw the B&D Alligator Lopper chainsaw on Amazon which had mostly positive reviews, but I was concerned about some of the negative reviews--especially those saying that the chain repeatedly came off.After buying this and using it for a weekend (about 5 hours each day), I can say that I really loved this product and had ZERO issues using it. The chain never came off once (or damaged any part of the saw as shown in one of the pictures on Amazon). The only thing that I can think of which caused people to have issues with the chain is that they may not have adjusted the tension frequently enough.The only hints that I have (which may have helped me with having no issues) is to oil it frequently (ever 15 minutes or so) and reset the chain tension. Both of these are VERY easy to do.1) To oil the chain, simply open the oil hole cover to insert the provided bottle and push down to provide a few drops of oil. (The bottle is empty in the package--you need to buy chain saw oil which you can do on Amazon or at any auto-parts/hardware store.)2) To reset the chain tension, use the wrench they provide to loosen, then re-tighten, the two nuts on the side of the tool. That automatically resets the chain tension.That's it!I would trade those two minor things to do against having to fight with starting a gas engine on a regular chain saw any day.And this saw can cut trees/branches up to 5 inches+ (even though the specs say 4 inches). If you're careful and work from both sides of the tree/branch, it's very easy.Easy--and SAFE--to use, cuts through wood like butter: I usually don't unequivocally love very many tools or gadgets, but this one I did! For less than $70, you can't go wrong...

This tool is perfect, PERFECT, for the job it's designed to do. I had a yard full of tree branches after a storm, and it ripped through them in an hour. I wish I had bought it years ago. I have no need for cordless, which would add 50% to the price, and would burden me with yet another proprietary battery and charger. [begin rant] Tool batteries are unreliable, short-lived, brand-exclusive, non-recyclable, and ridiculously expensive to replace -- I hate 'em, and I don't want any more of the stupid things [end rant]. The lopper works just fine on a 100' 16 gauge cord, which is the recommended weight.The safety features on this tool allow me to use it with confidence. Both sides of the bite radius are covered, and you have to press both triggers to make it run. Read and follow every word of the manual, and you'll be fine. Don't even think about using it without wrap-around eye protection.Tip: buy the smallest bottle of chain oil you can find -- I saw an eight ounce bottle, but made the mistake of buying a quart. The little oil reservoir on the saw holds maybe eight drops, and the manual says that that's good for about ten minutes of cutting. I cut all those branches, and cleared a couple dead shrubs, and a 4" stump, and there was still a little oil in the reservoir. It'll take me a long time just to empty the squirt bottle that came with the tool.Missing feature: a simple storage bag. The lopper is large and awkward, and unless you have a long shelf for it, you'll need to keep it in the box. I'll buy a bag separately, when the box wears out.IMPORTANT: Black & Decker has a well-earned reputation for making cheap and shoddy power tools that crap out after a couple seasons. I would have preferred a better brand, but no one else makes a comparable tool. Only time and use will tell if this tool matches B & D's reputation, but brand new out of the box, it's excellent.