I have gone through three Ryobis and am done. First one lasted awhile but the other two less than a year. The output shaft keeps breaking off. I kept getting them because I have the charger and batteries. What do I need to look at, Dewalt or Milwaukee?

I'm not sure a recip is the best tool for the job. That said, hard to go wrong with a Milwaukee. I have a corded Bosch that has been to hell and back and never let me down.

jaggiemaggie said:

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I recently bought my FIL the 8" 'chainsaw' and it seems to do ok on 1-3" branches. Just picked up the brushless 12" ryobi chainsaw but haven't had a chance to use it yet.

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I just bought one from Worx and it's awesome.

I'm all Dewalt 20V. Reciprocating saw is great and so are their chainsaws and pole saws.

The Pilot said:

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After the second saw, I would have bought a chainsaw

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+1. Recip isn't the right tool for the job if you're doing so much trimming that you kill them.

If it's too big for a good set of loppers, the chain saw it coming out for me. My next saw for the house will likely be an Ego, but I currently have Stihl, so that won't be anytime soon.

If you want to stay on the battery front, lock in on a tool system that can expand. If going with something like dewalt, get on slickdeals and put a deal alert in. There are tons of deals to be had that will get you Dewalt batteries/tools for a some incredible prices if you have some time to wait.

Used a chainsaw/pole saw on trees.

If you are buying cordless you really should be thinking about what battery platform you want to stick with for all your power tools. I don't think you can go wrong with either Dewalt or Milwalkee.

That said, I do agree that a chainsaw is probably your best option. In that case, I would still go electric and stick with the battery platform you are getting into. I am a Dewalt guy and therefore would buy this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-20V-MAX-8in-Cordless-Battery-Powered-Pole-Saw-Tool-Only-DCPS620B/310164031

I have Dewalt because I have a lot invested in other tools and the battery system. I use my reciprocating saw for pruning almost exclusively now, no bar oil, lighter, less noisy. However I do use these blades or whatever brand is on sale. pruning blades I can cut cedar almost as quick as chainsaw and can also cut saplings off at the ground without fear of getting dirt and rocks in a chainsaw.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-FUEL-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-8-in-HATCHET-Pruning-Saw-Tool-Only-3004-20/321506905?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&&mtc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-D28I-028_032_PORTABLE-BI-MILWAUKEE_4051-NA-SMART-NA-NA-MK682242200-NA-BT3-4051-NA-NA-NA&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-D28I-028_032_PORTABLE-BI-MILWAUKEE_4051-NA-SMART-NA-NA-MK682242200-NA-BT3-4051-NA-NA-NA-71700000085611950-58700007282788739-92700074694288766&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxbefBhDfARIsAL4XLRq69bkaaa-n5siyxvMHHtH90OMgRAwMrMqAo8rgBANwDxOI78CWkMkaAuRcEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

RYOBI fan or sucker here, some tools/etc great, others Radio Shack old days junk

Tree limbs long handle loppers can't do and Shark saws too much sweat =
Ryobi sawsall but buy the NEW blades = are great, come in a set but still have to be careful.
Original blades are too weak and need a pro handler.

THEN if limbs larger ....
Do NOT use Ryobi chain saw! Leaks bar oil, bounces on hard oak & has to be forced to cut oak (OK for soft wood but not ideal) save your money UNLESS you buy a top dollar sharp chain for it but then the power will run out and as speed declines, the more dangerous it becomes ...

Agree with corded 8+inch chain saw and my old cheap one from Home Depot on a pole is the bomb. Can get on Amazon as well.

Older now, found really good deals on guys that come do it and can reach what now is out of reach for me, even on the roof (+ER costs) + they lower cutting to ground, whereas mine all fell to make damages. Tipping could be cold beer if end of day, just saying. These guys are found everywhere, NextDoor.com, BBB, this forum, Google, etc.

The blade you are using may make the biggest difference in performance. A dull or inadequate blade may have been making your Ryobi overwork and break.

You should be using a pruning blade for this application. Let the tool do the work. If you're fighting the tool or muscling it that may be causing premature failures.

You say that like you believe it's actually 20V

Another vote for dewalt. Fyi- Outdoor board had a recent discussion on electric chainsaws.