Love my power pruner!
I'm working on my HT-131 right now! Not that that's really the best way to start, but I've had it for 4 years with almost no maint. other than tuning the carb once & changing plug & filter! Serves me right, as I've used it for @ least 8 hrs. every work week, sometimes up to 30hrs...it's essential when pruning smaller trees or pruning for street clearance/foot/vehicle traffic, knocking out a lg. volume of small diameter limbs, sometimes larger, if you're smooth about it! It's heavy, I can attest to that, but with proper posture(hold it like a giant war hammer/cleaver, 45 degrees, throttle next to your hip) you can lug it around all day. I'm sure any one of the fancy harnesses you can look funny wearing would decrease chances of blowing out your shoulder even less! Using a power pruner or even the longest pole saw Silky makes(Hayauchi! also, with their Sugoi handsaw, indispensable as backups or an even "greener" option I choose) all day is a whole different level of work & strain on the body, then using a saw on the ground all day...so wear headgear, good eye protection etc. if you don't like dancing & dodging branches all day...the only other power pruners I've used were a newer model Echo(the HT-131 out cut it, no question) a horrible Remington electric & my KM 130 R with the pruner attachment & heavyweight extension...can you tell I like that engine class? Anyway, grow some great stuff & have fun!