Rent a dedicated two-handled brush cutter. Make a day of it.
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That’s similar to the first attachment I posted. I’m just wondering if a hedge trimmer attachment would work and be more efficient because it has a longer cutting area.
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I don’t think the gaps in a hedge trimmer attachment will be big enough for some of your brush. I could be wrong though.
If you get metal cored string for a weed whip, that will cut down nearly anything, too - but for 100 feet of yucky slope, I’d want the U handle and harness.
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It sounds like you really want the hedge trimmer to be the tool for this, but it’s just not designed for brush clearing, and really likely is not up for the task. A sharp, properly tensioned, chain on your pole saw gives you that same sort of reach and is more likely to get the job done.
Or a pair of waterproof boots and the brush cutter. (I agree on the harness, get a good one.)
Or boots and a long set of loppers.
I agree, but the attachments are within my budget and I don’t care if it takes a few/several days. I want it done, but it’s not on a timeline. Also, the hedge trimmer says it cuts up to 3/4" and there’s nothing there that’s that big. I might decide to get both and see what works best.
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Sounds good! I mentally work in a way where I’d try and blitz that out in a day, because once I took my boots/waders off, it would take quite a bit for me to get after it again on “day 2” lol
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I can try again, but as I said when I tried it before the chain came off. It’s almost brand new and worked great for trimming tree limbs both before and after, but when I used it on the goldenrod something got caught and popped the chain off or something else happened.
I do have a shoulder strap that came with the pole saw attachment that I can use.
Part of it is that I only have 1 battery so it limits my work time. I do plan to get more so I can swap out, just haven’t yet.
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Do you know how to adjust the chain tension? It’s something that you should be checking and adjusting (if necessary) every time you use the tool. Being new makes that even more important, because chain often stretches in the first few uses. It’s not a set and forget thing.
Here’s a little video. When you pull the chain down away from the bar, you shouldn’t see the entire drive link.
If your saw is throwing the chain, it’s too loose. Or, there’s something really wrong with some part of it, the bar or chain or sprocket.
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This is the pole saw attachment I have:
RYOBI EXPAND-IT 10" Pole Saw Attachment RYPRN - The Home Depot
It works great on all kinds of branches, I only had an issue when I tried it on the goldenrod, which I only did once. I will try it again and see what happens.
Here’s a video on how to tension a Ryobi pole saw.
If your saw is throwing the chain, it’s too loose. There’s nothing about goldenrod that excuses a saw tossing a chain.
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We use hand operated weed whakers like this you swing back and forth.
Cuts thick stuff as you walk along swinging it and you can get with it into places nothing else can get into, like around and half under cattleguards.
You keep the edge sharp with a small whetstone.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-Long-handle-Tool-Weeder/5015343879?store=2801&cm_mmc=shp--c--prd--sol--ggl--CRP_SHP_LIA_SOL_Online_E-F--5015343879--local--0-_-0&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W_QyzEKEgJIo7IB7p6GmuDCB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsJO4BhDoARIsADDv4vDJ46leExm-rmwSuWhOkvWOA8OOXCYtmK10oLc_9vL4GrRQ8934IzIaAnrQEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
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This is what my husband likes to use on our steep slope. We don’t have goldenrod or rose bushes, but it works on tall bunch grasses, senna, etc.
Also good for working on one’s golf swing, lol.
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I am going to get hate for this…but kill it all…with umm…30%vinegar…and dishsoap…never…(cough) ever…evil herbicide…then again, it is spooky season. But no herbicide…(cough…cough…) then the hedgetrimmer attachment and a good metal rake to get all the debris out of there… ask me, my ryobi hedgetrimmer attachment and my creek how I know… 
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We have the makita version of the hedge trimmer, it’s pretty stout. We’ve been happy with it for clearing some steep stuff by our pond.
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Thank you @carman_liz and @Djones for confirming that the hedge trimmer will work. I bought the brush cutter attachment, but I will get the hedge trimmer as well. I have plenty of areas that will make both attachments useful.
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