Toro 51870 60V MAX 10-inch Brushless Pole Saw
The Toro 51870 60V MAX 10-inch Brushless Pole Saw is built for tackling high or hard-to-reach branches with ease, offering gas-like cutting power in a lightweight, cordless design. Powered by Toro’s 60V Flex-Force Power System, it uses a high-efficiency brushless motor that automatically adjusts power output with RunSmart® technology to maintain cutting speed and extend tool life. Its 10-inch bar and chain can handle limbs up to about 8 inches in diameter, making it ideal for routine tree maintenance, storm cleanup, or seasonal pruning. The included 2.0Ah 60V lithium-ion battery provides up to 80 cuts through 4x4 lumber on a single charge and recharges in roughly 100 minutes. Weighing around 12 pounds with the battery, it’s easy to maneuver while extended up to 8 feet, giving you comfortable reach for trimming without a ladder. The automatic chain oiler ensures consistent lubrication, reducing friction and extending chain life, while tool-free chain tensioning keeps adjustments quick and simple. For best performance, always start with a fully charged battery and keep the chain sharp and well-oiled—this reduces strain on the motor and improves cutting efficiency. Avoid forcing the saw through thick or dense branches; instead, let the chain do the work, allowing the brushless motor to adjust torque automatically. After each use, clean debris from the bar and chain area and check for proper tension before storing.
For easy troubleshooting, if the pole saw doesn’t start, make sure the battery is fully charged, correctly seated, and that the safety lock and trigger are properly engaged. If the chain doesn’t spin, verify that the chain brake isn’t engaged and the tension is correctly set. Poor cutting performance is often due to a dull chain or lack of lubrication—sharpen the chain and refill the oil reservoir regularly. A chain that slips or loosens frequently can indicate worn parts or incorrect tension. If runtime drops suddenly, it may be due to cutting oversized branches, a failing battery, or buildup around the bar and sprocket area. To maximize efficiency, plan cuts from the outer edges of trees inward, prune dry wood rather than wet or green limbs, and take breaks between cuts to prevent overheating. Store the saw and battery in a cool, dry place, avoiding long-term storage with a fully depleted battery. With its long reach, quiet operation, and reliable power, the Toro 51870 delivers precise, clean cuts with minimal maintenance, making it an excellent tool for homeowners who want to maintain healthy, well-shaped trees without the hassle of gas engines or manual saws.
Specifications & Cutting Capabilities
- It features a 10-inch bar and chain (25.4 cm) for cutting.
- The unit includes a 3-phase brushless motor with RunSmart® technology, which dynamically adjusts power and RPMs based on load for better efficiency and longer life.
- The pole saw reaches up to 8 feet (via its telescoping / multi-section pole) so you can trim higher branches from the ground.
- On a single charge (using the included 2.0 Ah battery), it’s rated to make up to 80 cuts through 4″×4″ timber (in ideal conditions).
- Weight: about 12 lbs. with battery (5.4 kg) and around 9 lbs. without battery (≈ 4.1 kg)
- Battery: uses the L108 (60V Max, 2.0Ah / 108 Wh) battery.
- Charge time: ~ 103 minutes for full battery recharge.
- Automatic bar & chain oiler is built in (so you don’t need to manually oil the chain constantly).
Common Troubleshooting & Diagnostic Tips
Here are issues you might face with a pole saw like this and suggestions to diagnose/fix them:
| Issue / Symptom | Possible Cause | Troubleshooting / Fix |
|---|
| Saw won’t start or motor doesn’t spin | Battery is dead, not seated correctly, or connections are poor | Charge the battery fully, re seat it, check connectors for corrosion or damage, confirm any safety trigger / switch is being engaged |
| Chain doesn’t spin even though motor runs | Chain brake engaged, bar clamp loose, mechanical issue in transmission | Disengage chain brake, check bar nuts / clamp, inspect drive gear, ensure chain tension is correct |
| Reduced cutting performance or hard to push through wood | Dull chain, low battery voltage under load, inadequate lubrication, clogged bar/chain | Sharpen or replace the chain. Ensure the battery is sufficiently charged (voltage sag damages performance). Check the automatic oiler is working and chain is properly lubricated. Clean debris around chain/bar area. |
| Chain slipping off bar or gets loose quickly | Poor tensioning, bent bar, worn parts | Re-tension the chain per manual. Check bar for bends or wear. Replace worn sprocket / components as needed. |
| Battery drains very fast | High load (thick wood), battery aging or cell failure, inefficiencies in operation | Use the tool under lighter loads, avoid overextending cut diameter, rotate / test battery health, replace battery if aging |
| Overheating or motor stalls | Overload (too thick branch), improper cutting angle, inadequate motor cooling | Use the saw within recommended branch size limits, don’t force the cut, allow cooling or rest periods, ensure air vents on motor are not blocked |
Tips for Best Efficiency & Longevity of Use
To get the most out of the 51870 pole saw, while preserving battery life and tool health, here are best practices:
- Start with a full battery: Always begin pruning with a fully charged battery to maximize power headroom.
- Stay within cutting limits: Avoid attempting to cut branches thicker than what the 10" chain can handle. For best results, cut smaller sections rather than trying to force a large cut in one pass.
- Make clean cuts: Use the proper angle and allowance. Let the saw do the work; forcing slows it down and taxes the battery.
- Let the motor adjust: Because of the brushless + RunSmart system, the tool will adapt its speed and torque to load. Don’t override it, letting it ramp up and down naturally helps optimize performance.
- Keep chain sharp & well-lubricated: A sharp chain reduces drag. The automatic oiler helps but check that oil flow is adequate and that the chain is lubricated before heavy use.
- Reduce overhead strain: Use the pole extensions carefully; support the weight so you don’t fatigue yourself or jerk the tool.
- Alternate battery packs: If you have multiple batteries, rotate their usage so one doesn’t wear prematurely.
- Store properly: Store the saw (and battery) in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving the battery fully discharged for long periods.
- Inspect before use: Check chain tension, ensure bar and chain are intact, check for debris or buildup, and verify safety mechanisms.
- Work methodically: Plan your pruning path to minimize reaching or awkward angles that stress the tool or chain.
- Avoid overworking in dense wood: If a branch is too dense or knotty, consider cutting it in stages or selecting a stronger saw rather than overloading this one.
