If you have had enough of straining your arms and back, while dangling precariously off a ladder in an effort to tame unruly foliage, like a dense brush and overhanging branches around your homestead, then why not invest in a pole saw.
The 7 Best Pole Saws
- Greenworks 20192 Pole Saw
- WORX WG309 Electric Pole Saw & Chainsaw
- BLACK+DECKER Pole Saw (Our Top Pick)
- Poulan Pro PR28PS Pole Saw
- Oregon Cordless PS250 Telescoping Pole Saw
- MAXTRA Pole Saw
- Sun Joe SWJ802E Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw
Our Top Pick for the Best Pole Saw
Our top pick for the best pole saw is the BLACK+DECKER Pole Saw. This well-designed pole saw will help you complete small to medium cutting, trimming, and pruning tasks around your home.
As well as being very easy to maneuver while you cut branches or trim thick brush, the powerful lithium battery means you do not have to worry about gas and it produces long-lasting power. The high-quality fiberglass pole has an extended reach of 14-feet, so it is the perfect tool for accessing those hard to reach places like overhanging branches and tall trees.
Check the price on AmazonWhy You Should Buy a Pole Saw?
A pole saw is just like the name sounds, a small chainsaw that is mounted on the end of a pole. This versatile gardening tool can be used for multiple applications: it is ideal for pruning fruit trees, limbing trees, cutting branches from the crown of trees, and cutting through logs for firewood.
1. Extended Reach for Pruning and Cutting
What makes this tool so attractive is its sturdy but slimline telescopic pole that allows you to reach hard to access branches.
Some models have a reach of up to 15-feet, which can help you to trim and prune with ease. There are pole saws that have extra long bars on the chainsaw, up to 10-inches, that can cut through branches up to 7-inches thick and can slice through small logs.
2. Quick and Efficient
With their powerful motors pole saws are quick and efficient and will make those tough gardening chores so easy to complete. Some pole saws have shafts that come in 2 pieces so that you can use them for hard to reach places above your head, and then you can disassemble the pole to a shorter size for close up pruning work.
Most pole saws are well balanced, which means they are the ideal tool for maneuvering in tight spots. However, remember they do have a small chainsaw mounted on the end and a powerful motor so expect them to have some weight.
3. Portable
Most pole saw shafts are made from aluminum or fiberglass, so they are light enough for use around a large property and acreage. You can also use them while you are camping.
4. Multifunctional
Some models offer you extra features such as the WORX WG309 Electric Pole Saw & Chainsaw that has 2 cutting tools in one. You can use the pole to prune and trim back branches and then detach the pole to easily chop up the fallen limbs with the chainsaw.
Many pole saws can accept other gardening attachments, so they can be used as a blower, hedge trimmer, edger, and much more.
5. Automatic Oiler
One thing is for certain, when you are using a chainsaw for an extended period of time, the chain can get rough and may not operate as smoothly as when you first unpacked it out of the box. If you will be using the pole saw quite frequently, then look for a manufacturer that offers an automatic oiler, so that the chain will always be properly lubricated.
Three Types of Pole Saws
Pole saws are available with 3 power sources: electric (corded), gas-powered and battery-powered.
1. Electric (corded)
Electric pole saws are a great choice if you are looking for a tool that gives you a cleaner and emission-free power source. You do not have to worry about working with messy and volatile gas and having to add the right amount of oil.
All you have to do is just plug in the pole saw and start trimming and pruning your garden into perfection. The only downside of using electricity is that you have to stay close to a power outlet or you may need to use a heavy-duty extension cord.
2. Gas-powered
If you want a portable option that allows you to transport your pole saw in your car, and a cutting tool that you can use anywhere, then choose a gas-powered saw. They are ideal for working in tight spots, can easily cut and prune among dense tree branches without having to worry about the cord.
However, they emit fumes, and you have to keep checking the gas level. There is oil to consider, and the engine can make them heavier than other models. Still, if it is power you need for heavy-duty chores, then a gas-powered pole saw is the ideal fit for you.
3. Battery-powered
Like gas-powered models, battery-powered pole saws are portable, which makes them ideal for large properties, acreage, and they are also a good choice for camping. They come with a strong battery, either Lithium-ion or Ni-cad, and a powerful motor. So you can easily cut through thick undergrowth, tougher tree limbs, and small logs.
The battery will need to be charged, and many models come with their own charger. However, if you have a large property and a lot of arboring to do, then you will probably need an extra battery. A good tip for lasting performance is to choose a pole saw that is powered by a lithium-ion battery.
Eight Safety Tips for Using Your Pole Saw
Just like a traditional chainsaw or any gardening tool that is a high powered machine, adhering to safety tips before and during use can mean the difference between removing a tree limb or removing one of our own limbs. So here are 8 safety tips that will make your gardening chores enjoyable and hopefully accident and injury-free.
1. Read the pole saw’s instructions or manual. Before you begin to use your new, bright, and shiny pole saw, read the manufacturer’s instructions. I have lost count of the times I have jumped straight in and started to use my newly purchased gardening tool and wondered why it was not working the best.
Take a few minutes to read the instructions and the tool’s specifications before you start to use the pole saw. It will make all the difference to your ongoing working experience with the tool.
2. Plan your cutting schedule and work area. Cordon off the area where you plan to cut, especially if you are cutting and trimming trees. If you are working at home, let someone know what you are planning to do.
If you are working in a remote area, try to have someone with you or once again advise your family or the authorities of your work plans. Clear your work area of any debris, and be aware of any above-ground root systems that you could trip over when you are working.
3. Be careful when cutting thick wood. Pole saws are primarily designed to cut through tree limbs up to a few inches thick, although some can even cut up to 7 or 8-inches thick, be careful if you use the tool for cutting through very thick wood. It will take longer, and it can be dangerous if it is a branch that is located high up above your head.
4. Cutting high branches. Before you start to cut branches that are located in a hard to reach area, make sure you are familiar with using the machine. Besides reading the instructions, learn some basic pole saw techniques that can help to make your gardening chores incident-free.
5. Pole extensions. Pole saws come with extensions that can give you an extended reach of up to 15-feet. However, they can get heavy and you can get tired, especially if it is heavy-duty work. So take rest breaks. If it is hot weather, keep some water with you, especially if you are working in a remote area.
6. Safety gear. Wear safety gear, protective goggles, gloves, and a hard hat, especially if you are cutting limbs off trees, and invest in a safety harness.
7. Power lines. Do not work near power lines, or cut branches that are near a power line. Consult a professional arborist.
8. Check the oil level. If you are using a pole saw that requires oil, make sure that you do not flood the reservoir as it can cause the oil to leak during operation.
7 Best Pole Saws – Reviews
1. Greenworks 20192 Pole Saw
With a powerful 6.5 amp and an 8-inches Oregon chain and bar, the Greenworks 20192 Pole Saw is the perfect choice for pruning and cutting through slim branches.
It is easy to start and assemble, and the 8-feet aluminum shaft comes in 3 sections, which you can adjust to reach up to cut high branches without causing any strain to your back or arms. The cutting chain can be adjusted with just a turn of a bolt, and there is a viewing window so you can see when you are running low on oil.
Additional features include a handy nylon carry bag for portability and storage. The highlight of this pole saw is that it comes with a very generous 4-year factory warranty.
Pros
- Great price
- Easy to start
- Lightweight
- Good cutting power
- Ideal for small cutting and pruning jobs
- Quiet
- Four-year warranty
Cons
- Pole can be heavy and unbalanced when it is completely extended
- Plug can come loose from the machine
- Oil may leak
2. WORX WG309 Electric Pole Saw & Chainsaw
WORX has designed an affordable and versatile tool, which is ideal for small to medium level pruning and cutting chores. An 8 amp motor delivers consistent power.
The 8-feet telescopic pole and rotatable handle give you that much-needed control when pruning and trimming dense bushes and hard to reach foliage, so you will never need to climb a ladder to cut through high branches again.
The 10-inches bar can effortlessly cut through tree branches up to 7-inches thick in a matter of seconds.
The WORX pole saw can also be disassembled and used as a chainsaw for cutting through logs. Special operator features are a patented auto-tensioning chain system that can extend the life of the cutting chain, an automatic bar and chain oil to keep the chain running smoothly, and an oil indicator so that you can keep your eye on the oil level.
Pros
- High-quality cutting tool
- Compact
- Ideal for small to medium cutting and pruning jobs
- Easily cuts through heavy brush
- Rotatable handle
- Automatic chain oil
Cons
- Pole can be heavy when it is extended
3. BLACK+DECKER Pole Saw
BLACK+DECKER has been manufacturing reliable and high-quality power and garden tools and accessories for over 100 years, so you can be confident that their LPP120 pole saw will deliver the power and performance you need for all of your trimmings, pruning, and cutting chores.
The massive 20-volt battery gives you that sustained cutting power, and with an 8-inches cutting bar, you can cut branches up to 6-7-inches in diameter.
As one of the lightest pole saws at 6.3lbs, the saw is quiet and has minimal vibrations, which makes it easy to use and maneuver in tight spots.
If you extend the pole to its maximum length of 10-feet, you can cut high branches that are normally a challenge for you to reach. You can even remove the center part of the pole to reduce the length for close up pruning of delicate fruit trees.
One of the highlights of this pole saw is its battery life as it is powered by a lithium-ion battery and it can hold a battery charge for quite a long time, depending on how long you will be using it. For longer heavy-duty jobs, it is a good idea to have a second battery ready to go. The unit also comes with a bottle of oil and a battery charger.
Pros
- Great cutting power
- Good battery life
- Ideal for cutting and pruning tall trees
- Ideal for large properties
- Lightweight
- Maximum reach up to 14-feet
Cons
- Bar & chain must be manually oiled
- Battery takes several hours to charge
4. Poulan Pro PR28PS Pole Saw
Poulan Pro is another manufacturer of high-quality gardening power tools, and their pole saw delivers an excellent cutting performance.
The strong gas-powered 28cc 2-cycle motor gives you the power you need for all your cutting, pruning, and trimming needs. The pole can be extended up to 12-feet, but you can use the 3-inches extension for hard to reach places and remove one of the sections when you are doing close up pruning work.
Poulan Pro designed this pole saw with the gardener in mind as the spring-assisted Surefire Air Purge Delivery System allows for effortless starting which is as easy as Prime, Choke, and Pull. An auto-return switch automatically resets to the ON position for easier re-starting.
The pole saw is equipped with a dual-line feed Tap’N Go head for a better cutting result. Reloading the trimmer spool is very simple too. The shoulder strap and the over-mold handle give you good comfortability and the well-balanced straight shaft provides overall operator control. The transparent gas container shows you when the gas is running low.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Powerful
- Quiet
- Lightweight
- Well balanced
- Effortless starting
- Shoulder strap and over-mold handle
- Oil level indicator window
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty cutting
5. Oregon Cordless PS250 Telescoping Pole Saw
If you have a lot of trees around your homestead that have overhanging branches that desperately need to be trimmed, and you want an emission-free and easy to start pole saw with just the push of a button, then the Oregon Cordless PS250 Telescoping Pole Saw is the perfect choice for you.
It has a fiberglass shaft that can be extended from 7.3-10.4-inches without tools, which will give you a maximum reach of up to 15-feet.
The newly improved 8-inches compact cutting bar and mid-mount motor design means the pole is well balanced and is ideal for those hard to reach places, and for trimming branches in tight spots.
The Oregon pole saw is powerful with a strong motor, a high-speed chain, and the 4.0Ah volt max lithium-ion battery will provide you with up to 500 cuts.
The saw delivers an efficient cutting performance for branches on all kinds of trees, wild hickory and pine trees, and even thicker limbs up to 6- 8-inches thick on oak tree branches. The pole saw also comes with a battery and a charger.
Pros
- Easy to start
- Strong cutting performance
- Good battery life
- Powerful
- Ideal for light to medium-duty cutting
- Extended reach up to 15-feet
- Automatic Oiler
- Oil level indicator window
Cons
- Expensive
- Can be heavy when using the saw at its maximum length
- Not ideal for heavy-duty cutting
- Cutting chain can jump
6. MAXTRA Pole Saw
The MAXTRA Pole Saw is a versatile cutting tool that has been designed for tackling multiple gardening chores. It is ideal for all small to medium cutting and pruning jobs around your homestead, and the pole saw delivers an efficient and clean running performance.
You can use the pole saw for cutting tree branches up to 7-8-inches thick. Its 4-in-1 design allows you to use the saw as a hedge trimmer, a string trimmer, and a brush cutter. When using this pole saw as a hedge trimmer, you can also adjust it so that the saw locks into multiple angles, so it is also perfect for trimming and shaping high trees.
As the sturdy 8.2-feet steel pole has an extended reach up to 16-feet, it is very easy to use the pole saw to cut and trim unruly branches and shape tall trees.
Besides its exceptional cutting performance, the MAXTRA pole saw has a powerful 42.7cc 2 cycle gas engine, which is easy to start due to the 2-position choke and there is no need to pull the cord multiple times. It also comes with a vibration reduction shoulder strap for extra comfort and a carry bag.
Overall, the MAXTRA pole saw is a reliable gardening tool that delivers a long-term smooth cutting performance.
Pros
- Easy to start
- Great value for money
- Powerful engine
- Strong cutting ability
- Ideal for small to medium cutting and pruning chores
- Can be used as a hedge trimmer, a string trimmer, and a brush cutter
- Comes with a vibration reduction shoulder strap for extra comfort and a carry bag
Cons
- Heavy
7. Sun Joe SWJ802E Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw
Sun Joe specializes in developing innovative outdoor tools that will help you keep your garden looking beautiful throughout the year and their pole saw is destined to become one of your favorite gardening tools. The Sun Joe SWJ802E Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw takes all the difficulty out of trimming your overgrown trees.
Its telescoping pole extends up to 8.7-feet so you will have an extra-long reach up to 15-feet. This pole saw also features a 10-inches cutting bar and chain with an auto-oiler to keep the saw fully lubricated during use.
If you have lots of trees around your home or an orchard that needs regular pruning, the Sun Joe pole saw is a great choice for you. Its powerful 6.5 amp engine delivers a superior cutting ability and the sharp saw cuts effortlessly through branches up to 7.5-inches thick.
As this pole saw is powered by electricity, it starts at the press of a button and you do not have to deal with smoke, fumes, unpredictable start-ups, or costly tune-ups. It is also equipped with a built-in safety switch to prevent accidental starting.
The SWJ802E is very lightweight at just 7.9lbs which makes it ideal for light to medium-duty chores. You can let gravity do all the hard work as the slim, well-balanced shaft makes the pole saw comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver as you reach up and cut branches above your head.
Although the Sun Joe is not strong enough for heavy-duty cutting tasks and you need to stay connected to a power outlet, it is a reliable saw that is well suited for any gardener. Sun Joe offer a full 2-year warranty for extra peace of mind.
Pros
- Perfect for trimming overgrown trees and cutting thin logs
- Ideal for light to medium-duty tasks
- Can cut through branches up to 7.5-inches thick
- Easy to start
- Lightweight and well-balanced
- Quiet
- Powerful cutting performance
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Can get heavy when fully extended
- Electric power does not provide a lot of maneuverability for a large property
Our Top Pick for the Best Pole Saw
Our top pick for the best pole saw is the BLACK+DECKER Pole Saw. This well-designed pole saw will help you complete small to medium cutting, trimming, and pruning tasks around your home.
As well as being very easy to maneuver while you cut branches or trim thick brush, the powerful lithium battery means you do not have to worry about gas and it produces long-lasting power. The high-quality fiberglass pole has an extended reach of 14-feet, so it is the perfect tool for accessing those hard to reach places like overhanging branches and tall trees.
Check the price on Amazon
