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Garden Hoe vs. Reacher Pole: A Real-World Functional Test

Posted on by Matt Anton

When you need to pull, reach, or retrieve items from high, deep, or awkward spaces, the tool you choose can make all the difference. Many people instinctively grab a garden hoe because it’s already in the garage, but as Michael Della Polla demonstrates in his functional test video, the hoe simply wasn’t designed for this job. The SawTrax Heavy Duty Reacher Pull Pole End (HD), on the other hand, was built precisely for these tasks.

Below, we break down the differences in performance, safety, efficiency, and real-world applications—so you can see why the Heavy Duty Reacher Pole End is the better choice for homes, warehouses, and retail environments.

The Length Test: Why Reach Matters

A typical garden hoe is meant for digging and scraping, which means it has a short, fixed handle. When trying to reach behind boxes, totes, or luggage in a truck bed, it often falls short. In the video, Michael shows that the hoe simply can’t reach far enough to retrieve items from deep spaces. The Reacher Pole, especially the telescoping Pocket Reacher, extends easily and collapses for compact storage. This gives you greater reach and control without climbing into awkward positions or crawling into truck beds or shelving areas.

Pulling sand 1

Pulling concrete 1 600 px

box pull 600 px

boxes and bags 600 px

Damage Test: How the Wrong Tool Can Ruin Your Items

Garden hoes have metal teeth and rigid heads meant to break up soil. They’re not designed to pull delicate or packed items. Using a hoe for reaching tasks can tear cardboard, scratch luggage, rip packaging, damage plants, or snag wires. The Heavy Duty Reacher Pull Pole End is made from fiberglass-reinforced ABS plastic. It’s smooth, strong, and durable enough to pull more than 200 pounds without breaking, all while protecting the items you’re pulling.

Strength Test: Built for Real Work

The HD Reacher Pull Pole End is a purpose-built tool. Its fiberglass-reinforced construction provides strength without unnecessary weight. It fits most threaded poles, including standard paint poles, and offers a secure screw-on design. The wide pulling surface gives stability and control without the risk of ripping products or damaging surfaces. You can use your own pole or purchase a complete SawTrax Reacher Pole package. For maximum portability, the Pocket Reacher telescopes for easy storage.

Where the Reacher Pole Outperforms a Hoe

Home Use

Pulling items from truck beds or car trunks, hanging plants or decorative lights, and retrieving objects from high shelves are all tasks where the Reacher Pole End shines.

Retail Use

Stores rely on it for pulling products forward for merchandising, resetting planograms, lining up products, back-stocking inventory, and reaching items on high pegs without ladders.

Warehouse Use

Workers use it to break conveyor jams, reach items on deep pallets, and pull heavy bags such as soil, cement, and dog food without tearing them. It eliminates the need to climb under racks or stretch into unsafe areas.

The Bottom Line: Use the Right Tool

Michael’s video makes it clear that a garden hoe is the wrong tool for reaching and pulling tasks. The SawTrax Heavy Duty Reacher Pull Pole End delivers better reach, safer operation, greater strength, and improved efficiency. Whether you’re a homeowner, retailer, or warehouse operator, upgrading from makeshift tools to the right one will save time, reduce strain, and protect your products.

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How the Scoop Dolly Helped Move a Piece of 9/11 History

Posted on by Derek Buffardi

When Innovation Meets Honor

At Saw Trax, we design tools that make hard work easier, safer, and smarter. But every once in a while, a project reminds us why we do what we do.
That was the case when Facilitator Technologies of New York, led by Bruce, reached out about a monumental challenge: transporting a 7-foot-diameter, 700-pound Fireman Hat — the “911 Shield” — now proudly displayed at the FDNY Fire Museum in New York City.

(Derek and the team at Saw Trax) The task? Move this priceless, one-of-a-kind piece of art safely and smoothly — and possibly prepare it for travel across the country for future exhibitions.
The solution? The Saw Trax Scoop Dolly.

After working closely with Bruce, Derek and his team confirmed — and proved — that the Scoop Dolly could handle the task. Upon receiving and testing it, Bruce couldn’t have been happier with the results.

Scoop Dolly in New York

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Built for Heavy Lifting — Literally

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Originally engineered to handle our own 10-foot, 500-pound crated panel saws, the Scoop Dolly combines the scoop-lip loading technique of a hand truck with 360° omnidirectional dolly movement. Its ergonomic design allows one person to move loads up to 800 lbs (and up to 1,000 lbs with the heavy-duty upgrade) without the need for forklifts or multiple handlers.

Made from 12-gauge American steel, the Scoop Dolly’s flat-loading scoop and adjustable tilt legs make it easy to load large, tall, or awkwardly shaped objects while maintaining balance and safety. From oversized doors and windows to prefabricated walls, the Scoop Dolly turns what used to be a four-person lift into a one-person, no-sweat operation.

A New York Challenge: Moving the 911 Shield

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When Bruce at Facilitator Technologies first contacted us, his question was simple — “Will it hold?”
The Fireman Hat, or “911 Shield,” was massive, beautifully crafted, and delicate. It had to fit onto the dolly, clear the truck roof by just an inch, and stay secure through setup, movement, and display.

After working closely with Bruce, our team confirmed — and proved — that the Scoop Dolly could handle the task. Upon receiving and testing it, Bruce couldn’t have been happier with the results.

Customer Testimonial: Confidence in Every Move

Here’s what Bruce had to say about his experience:

How was working with Derek?
“Amazingly professional.”

Are the dollies safe and efficient?
“Totally safe and efficient.”

Did they save your team time?
“Would be impossible without.”

Did it perform as promised?
“Performed as advertised!”

Would you recommend to others?
“Yes.”

Additional comments:
“Thanks to a wonderfully dedicated team!”

Today, that same Scoop Dolly still supports the 911 Shield — not just as a transport tool, but as the foundation for its museum display. Few products can say they help carry history.

Empowering Work, Elevating Purpose

From stair manufacturers to window fabricators, from warehouses to museums, the Scoop Dolly continues to prove its worth in any setting that demands precision, power, and safety. It’s more than a tool — it’s a testament to what one person can achieve with the right equipment.

At Saw Trax, we’re proud to help teams like Facilitator Technologies and institutions like the FDNY Fire Museum work smarter, safer, and stronger.
Because when innovation empowers people, even history can move with ease.

Ready to Empower Your Workflow?

Explore the Scoop Dolly and accessories that fit your unique operations.
Visit SawTrax.com/ScoopDolly\

Derek’s info for questions and future needs. 

Derek C. Buffardi Sr. – National Sales Manager

Derek.Buffardi@SawTrax.com

Cell Phone: 706-973-2889

Saw Trax / Dolly Trax Mfg, Inc.

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SawTrax is at the Georgia Safety Conference in Savannah, GA

Posted on by Matt Anton
Michael Della Polla and Dale Murphy
Naval Aviator, CEO of SawTrax, Michael Della Polla and MLB All Star Dale Murphy

Savannah, GA — Thanks to everyone who came by to talk shop about safer, smarter material processing at the Georgia Safety Conference, held September 3–5, 2025 at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront. Our team brought a hands-on lineup built around one simple idea: reduce injuries while increasing throughput—from vertical panel saws to ergonomic dollies to reach tools that keep feet on the floor and shoulders out of harm’s way.

Why safety leaders care about vertical panel saws, carts, and reach tools

When the goal is fewer recordables without sacrificing output, three levers make an outsized difference:

Engineering controls at the cut
Vertical panel saws index the material, not the operator’s body. With the work upright, you avoid awkward stoops, long reaches, and unstable table feeds that drive strains and rework.

Material handling that eliminates team lifts
If one person can stage, move, and position bulky items smoothly, you’ve removed the riskiest part of the job—without adding headcount.

Micro-interventions that prevent “just this once” climbs
Simple reach tools stop ladder grabs, chair stands, and shoulder-high stretches—the small behaviors that become big injuries.

Below are the highlights we featured in Savannah and why safety managers, operations leaders, and shop supervisors are standardizing on them.

Spotlight #1: Varsity Series Vertical Panel Saw

What it is: A compact, portable, pro-grade vertical panel saw designed for tight shops and job sites. The Varsity Series offers full-sized cutting accuracy in a smaller footprint, thanks to a folding stand and frame wheels that make it easy to roll, deploy, and store. Ideal for breaking down sheet goods precisely—without dedicating half your shop to a horizontal table.

Why it’s safety-forward

  • Ergonomic posture: Work upright. The machine—guided by the carriage—does the travel, not the operator’s back.

  • Repeatable accuracy = fewer re-cuts: Less rework means fewer extra handling cycles (and less dust exposure).

  • Fast setup in the safe zone: Deploy it near storage to shorten carry distance and reduce collision risk.

What safety leaders notice first

  • New hires get productive quickly: vertical cutting is intuitive.

  • Clean lines and predictable feed reduce cognitive load and “winging it” on the table saw.

  • Easier floor management: smaller footprint keeps aisles clear.

Spotlight #2: Scoop Dolly

What it is: A pivoting hand-truck-like dolly that slides flat under the load, then tilts the object back using a scoop handle. Because the casters stay flat on the floor as you tilt, they don’t bind or stress bearings, which keeps moves smooth and controllable. Optional wheel configurations expand the footprint for ramps, docks, and uneven transitions.

Why it’s safety-forward

  • One-person moves for top-heavy or bulky items: Doors, windows, cabinets, machines—without the risky “two-person shuffle.”

  • Controlled center of gravity: Adjustable support lets you set the right angle for the payload, maintaining balance and line-of-travel control.

  • Fewer push/pull strains: Smooth caster tracking reduces sudden resistance, the #1 culprit in back and shoulder tweaks during transport.

What safety leaders notice first

  • Near-misses from “help me grab this” drop dramatically.

  • Job sequencing improves because a single operator can stage independently.

  • Operators self-select the safer method because it’s faster and easier than muscling the load.

Spotlight #3: Pocket Reacher

Traditional reach poles are inherently dangerous as it requires awkward squatting, bending, or ironically reaching with your own body while standing precariously on top of a ladder.

What it is: A compact, telescoping reach tool that lets operators hook, pull, and position items on shelves, pallet racks, and pegboards without climbing or over-reaching. It’s light, collapses for pocket/holster carry, and swaps between narrow and wider heads for different tasks.

Why it’s safety-forward

  • Eliminates “quick ladder” culture: Fewer unauthorized climbs and chair stands.

  • Protects shoulders and necks: Turns awkward overhead reaches into neutral, elbow-close motions.

  • Speeds light picking and facing: Safer and faster—so adoption sticks.

What safety leaders notice first

The engineering edge behind SawTrax accuracy: Accu-Square

SawTrax vertical panel saws use Accu-Square, a patented indexed alignment system that “sets and forgets” the relationship between guide tubes and frame. It stays square—even after moves—so you’re not chasing adjustments or accepting rework risk. Fewer out-of-square cuts means fewer repeats, less handling, and less exposure time on the tool.

Safety + productivity: the compounding effect

  • Fewer lifts and carries → fewer strain/sprain injuries and fewer bottlenecks between storage and cutting.

  • Cleaner, straighter cuts → less rework, less dust, shorter exposure windows.

  • No-climb reach → fewer line stoppages due to ladders, fewer near-miss reports, faster light-duty work.

When you combine a vertical saw for primary breakdown, a ScoopDolly for movement, and a Pocket Reacher for small tasks, the system delivers more than the sum of its parts: measurably safer workflows that are also faster.

Missed us in Savannah?

If we didn’t connect in person, we’d still love to walk you through the lineup you saw attendees using on the floor:

  • Varsity Series Vertical Panel Saw — compact, portable, pro-grade cutting with a folding stand and wheels.

  • ScoopDolly — pivoting, flat-under-load dolly that makes one-person moves realistic and safe.

  • Pocket Reacher — telescoping reach tool that keeps operators grounded and productive.

Want a tailored spec for your space, materials, and throughput targets? Tell us your most common sheet sizes, the tightest aisle you navigate, and your top three “near-miss” scenarios. We’ll map a safety-first, speed-second package that fits your shop—and your injury-reduction goals.

Safety Conference

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What Does a $2,200 Saw Have in Common with a $10,600+ Competitor’s Panel Saw?

Posted on by Matt Anton

Short answer: Real, sealed bearings that let the saw carriage track a truly straight line. The Saw Trax Compact Classic gives you that same core accuracy tech—and stacks on design choices that make it tougher, easier to keep aligned, and simpler to service, without the five-figure price tag of other panel saws.

C52C with Fixed Stand

Core truth: The key to panel-saw accuracy is how the saw carriage rides the rails. High-end machines use sealed bearings on dual guides so the saw tracks dead straight. That’s exactly how every Saw Trax Compact Classic is built—12 sealed bearings on nickel-chrome plated guide tubes for smooth, repeatable cuts.

12 Sealed Bearings

Even load distribution and planted carriage travel. Many pricey competitors use real bearings—but often fewer.

Accu-Square™ Alignment

Patented, factory-set system designed not to drift out of square, with 1/32″ indexed micro-adjustments.

Built for the Shop

Powder-coated steel frame and nickel-chrome rails resist wear and corrosion in real-world conditions.

Smarter Support

10 material rollers on 5-ft frames (vs. 8 typical) plus a center support step that protects thin off-cuts.

Service Made Simple

Off-the-shelf Makita 5007F saw: fast repairs, easy replacements, standard 7-1/4″ blades.

Modular & Upgradeable

Bolted guides/fences mean replace parts—not the machine—and accept inserts like router, knife, ACM shear.

Quick Hit Comparison

Core Need Saw Trax Compact Classic $10,600+ Bearing-Carriage Competitor
Straight-line tracking Sealed bearing carriage on dual guides Sealed bearing carriage on dual guides
Bearing count 12 sealed bearings Real bearings, often fewer
Alignment Patented Accu-Square™, indexed 1/32″; factory set Conventional adjustments; can drift
Frame & rails Powder-coated frame, nickel-chrome guide tubes Commonly zinc-coated/painted frame; zinc-plated tubes
Material support 10 rollers + center support step Often 8 rollers; no center step
Motor & service Makita 5007F (off-the-shelf); standard 7-1/4″ blade included Proprietary parts/blades more common
Modularity Bolted components: replace parts, not the machine Welded assemblies limit repair options
Price (as configured) From ~$2,199 (C52C) $10,600+

Note: Prices reflect the models described at the time of writing and may change.

Which Model Fits?

Model Crosscut Capacity What You Get Price
C52C 52″ Saw Trax Compact Classic frame, 12-bearing carriage, Accu-Square™, Makita 5007F, fixed stand & transport wheels $2,199.00
C64C 64″ Everything above plus wall-mount kit (in place of fixed stand) $2,599.00

Standard Equipment

  • Accu-Square Alignment System
  • Accu-Glide Sealed Bearing System
  • Powder Coated Steel Frame
  • Nickel-Chrome Plated Guide Tubes
  • Quick-Release Carriage (2 locks)
  • Retraction Mechanism
  • Cord Holder
  • Center Material Support

Package Includes

  • Makita 5007F saw
  • Trigger Lock
  • Spinning Saw Insert Plate
  • Dust Containment Hood
  • Vertical & Horizontal Measuring Tapes
  • Wall Mount Kit (C64C only)
  • Fixed Stand & Transport Wheels (C52C only)

Optional Accessories

  • Wall Mounting System
  • Dust Brush, 12′ Hose & Coupler
  • Full Mid-Fence
  • Pivoting Knife Insert Plate
  • Floating Router Insert Plate
  • Spring Hold Down
  • ACM Rolling Shear Insert Plate
  • Sheet Clamp
  • Full Builder’s Extensions
  • Laser Guide
  • Steel-Sleeved Material Rollers
  • Frame Dust Collection
  • Flip Stop System
  • Universal Insert Plate
  • Material Dolly
  • Transport Wheels
  • Folding Stand
  • Stop Block with Bar

Real-World Payoffs

  • Accuracy without anxiety: sealed bearings + indexed square = reliable cuts.
  • Lower total cost of ownership: standard blades, off-the-shelf motor, modular parts.
  • Faster learning curve: clear sightlines, dust hood, simple carriage locks, straightforward scales.
  • Room to grow: add a floating router, pivoting knife, or ACM rolling shear via quick-release inserts.

FAQs

Does the Compact Classic arrive square?
Yes. It’s factory-set with the Accu-Square™ system and designed not to go out of square. Micro-adjustments are indexed at 1/32″ if needed.
Can I swap cutting tools in the carriage?
Absolutely. The quick-release carriage accepts inserts for a floating router, pivoting razor knife, and ACM rolling shear.
What about dust control?
A dust containment hood and hose coupler are available; you can also add frame dust collection and a brush kit as accessories.

See the Compact Classic Series (C52C & C64C)

If accuracy and dependability are priorities, the Compact Classic is the simple choice.

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Why Every Saw Trax Panel Saw Runs on Makita Power

Posted on by Matt Anton

Contractors and fabricators depend on tools that deliver consistent power, precision, and durability. Saw Trax Manufacturing recognizes this need – which is why every one of their vertical panel saw systems runs on Makita power. Across the entire Saw Trax lineup, from the entry-level Classic and Varsity models to the specialized Sign Maker’s series and the heavy-duty 1000, 2000, and 3000 series, the cutting power is supplied exclusively by Makita circular saws.

Saw Trax Panel Saw with Makita 5007F

Makita at the Heart of Saw Trax Panel Saws

For general-purpose and light-duty applications, Saw Trax employs the Makita 5007F 7¼″ saw on the Classic, Varsity, Sign Maker’s, and 1000 Series. For more demanding cuts, the Makita 5477NB Hypoid saw comes standard in the industrial-grade 2000 Series. And for deep cuts, the 3000 Series panel saws are equipped with Makita’s HS0600 10-1/4″ saw.

Makita 5007F: Workhorse Power for Classic, Varsity, Sign Maker & 1000 Series

The Makita 5007F is a legendary 7¼″ corded circular saw known for its balance of power and portability. Its 15 Amp motor delivers 5,800 RPM for clean, fast cuts through plywood, MDF, laminates, and plastics. It can cut up to 2-3/8″ and 1-3/4″, making it ideal for sheet goods up to ~1¾″ thick. Features like two built-in LED lights and a dust blower help maintain visibility and accuracy. Its heavy-gauge aluminum base and all-ball-bearing construction ensure long-term durability, and since it’s an off-the-shelf Makita, contractors can source parts and blades anywhere.

Makita Powered Panel Saw for Woodworking

Makita 5477NB Hypoid: Torque and Durability for the 2000 Series

The Makita 5477NB Hypoid saw powers the 2000 Series, Saw Trax’s industrial workhorse. Its hypoid gear design delivers more torque than a standard sidewinder, making it ideal for cutting dense materials like Lexan, MDF, and multiple stacked sheets. With oil bath technology and sealed gear housing, it requires virtually no gear maintenance. The 15 Amp motor maintains constant power under load, while the chemically treated base resists rust and maintains accuracy. This combination gives high-volume shops a reliable, low-maintenance cutting solution.

Makita HS0600: Deep-Cut Capacity for the 3000 Series

The Makita HS0600 brings extra cutting depth to the 3000 Series, with a 10-1/4″ blade capable of cutting 4x material in a single pass. It offers a 3-13/16″ depth and 2-11/16″, perfect for thick countertops, stacked panels, and solid-surface materials. Its magnesium die-cast components keep the weight manageable at 15.2 lbs, while dual bevel supports provide precise angle cutting. For shops needing maximum capacity without sacrificing precision, this saw delivers.

Precision Cutting with Makita Powered Panel Saw

Precision, Ruggedness, and Efficiency – The Makita/Saw Trax Synergy

  • Reliability: Both Saw Trax frames and Makita saws are built for longevity, minimizing downtime.
  • Precision: Rigid bases, accurate bevel adjustments, and blade visibility features ensure perfect cuts.
  • Ruggedness: Makita’s pro-grade construction matches Saw Trax’s durable frames for jobsite use.
  • Efficiency: Quick blade changes, common blade sizes, and ergonomic designs save time and reduce fatigue.

Best in Class

Every Saw Trax panel saw runs on Makita power because it ensures professionals get the best of both worlds – Makita’s engineering excellence paired with Saw Trax’s precision frame systems. From the versatile 5007F to the torque-heavy 5477NB and deep-cut HS0600, each model is perfectly matched to its Saw Trax counterpart, delivering power, precision, and long-term value to contractors, woodworkers, sign makers, and fabricators.

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