Pole saws are great at tackling those lifeless limbs and tough to reach branches while you stand safely on solid ground. With the best pole saw at your disposal, you can take the difficulty and danger out of tree trimming.
All you need to do is slide the telescopic pole, and you can gain up to 15 feet of overhead reach. This is a convenient way of cleaning up unwanted tree branches at your backyard.
Now, using these saws aren’t that difficult, but choosing one, that’s a whole different story.
You need to look for multiple features such as durability, how far can you reach with your pole saw, angle adjustments, motor power, cutting chain and if the tool can handle all your yard trimming tasks, etc. There is also the matter of safety.
Chances are, you might end up choosing the wrong saw just to save some money. But that doesn’t mean you should buy the most expensive one out there. There is a sweet spot in between this guide will help you find that.
In this pole saw reviews, I’ve handpicked 10 of them that will provide the best value for your money.
Our Top 10 Best Pole Saws Reviews
See our list of top 10 pole saws reviews that are ideal for small to medium branches, trees and all your other needs around your property.
1. Greenworks 8.5′ 40V Cordless Pole Saw – Top Pick
Pole saw, or pruning saw, whatever you want to call it, Greenworks knows how to make the best one. This beast of a cordless tool is powered by Greenworks G-MAX 40V Li-Ion battery. It’s a powerful battery that is compatible with all their cordless power tools.
This high-performance battery delivers fade-free power with no memory loss. If by any chance you already own this battery, you can buy the unit as a tool only to save some money. Now let’s talk about performance.
The whole unit weighs around 8 pounds, and it features an 8-inch chain and bar to precisely cut unwanted branches. This also allows you to easily and quickly trim what you want around your property.
Furthermore, you have complete control over your chain tension. The tool allows you to adjust the tension with a simple screwdriver to either tighten or loosen the chain. This is the reason why this tool is known as the ultimate battery-powered pruning saw.
In addition, there is an automatic oiler feature that applies oil to the chain and bar. This ensures durability and long-lasting performance. The transparent oil tank allows you to clearly see the oil level so that you can refill it when you are running low.
This is a feature that I think all the pole saw manufacturers should add to their products. Now, let’s talk about reach. It has an 8-feet pole length and is able to provide 65 cuts per charge. The electric start feature is convenient and starts flawlessly every time.
Additional features include low noise, smooth operation, onboard charge level indicator, ergonomic grip and last but not least, a 3-piece extendable aluminum shaft.
Pros
- Powerful 40V Lithium-ion G-MAX battery.
- Fade free power and smooth performance.
- Automatic oiler.
- 8-inch chain and bar.
- Ergonomic rubber grip.
Cons
- The battery is difficult to remove.
2. BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Pole Saw – Our Runner UP
The best feature of a cordless pruning saw is that you don’t need to mess around with any extension cables or worry about getting fuel for the tool. It’s cordless for a reason. Totally battery powered and works just as powerful as a gas-powered tool.
This one from Black & Decker is powered by a 20-V lithium-ion long lasting battery.With a fully charged battery, this is able to provide 100 cuts of 11/2-inch pine branches – this is what the manufacturer claims it can do.
However, for yard trimming, it’s more than adequate. Speaking of trimming, it features an 8-inch chain and cutting bar that allows for quick and easy cutting work. You can buy this unit with or without the battery.
Now, the pole is lightweight. It’s a fiberglass pole that gives you a whopping 14-feet long reach. With this, you can easily tackle any of your yard tasks and reach those tough to reach places.
This 8-inch pruning saw can easily handle small to medium sizes trees and plants. Since it’s from Black & Decker, you don’t have to worry about its reliability.
This is the best pole saw for pruning overhead unwanted tree branches. The LPP120 has a longer lifespan and is easy to use. Speaking of usability; there is an in-line powerhead that allows for visibility between branches and easy maneuverability. It’s also highly portable as you can disassemble it quickly and take it wherever you need some pruning.
Chain tension adjustment is also easy on this one. On the side, you will see two black cap screws that you can adjust via the tool that it comes with. Since it’s a cordless model, make sure to take some breaks after a couple of cutting sessions.
You don’t want to burn up the motor. However, what I’ve seen is that the motor is highly reliable and can dissipate heat without any problem.
Pros
- Lightweight fiberglass pole.
- Good visibility between branches.
- Longer operating time.
- Easy to use and portable.
- Plenty of power.
Cons
- You need to tighten the chain after a couple of cuts.
3. Sun Joe SWJ800E 8-Inch Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw – Best For The Money
When you want powerful cutting tools, Sun Joe is the brand that you can trust. They are a reliable bunch that knows what the consumers want. And they design their product in a way that everyone can use with ease.
The Sun Joe SWJ800E pole chainsaw is no exception. This is the ideal tool to handle thin logs, dead branches, and overhanging limbs.
This 6.5-amp electric pole chainsaw is powerful enough to handle those stubborn tree limbs that are 7.5-inch thick. Since it’s a corded tool, you don’t have to worry about losing power in the middle of your trimming session. You can easily use it for a couple of hours at a time because the whole unit weighs only 7 pounds.
To get better leverage, extend your left-hand grip on the shaft when you fully extend the pole. Raise or lower the saw as needed.
Since it has 15 feet reach, no overhead job is to tough to reach for this one. Although it’s lightweight and has good reach, it sure doesn’t feel cheap, and it doesn’t wobble. The extension pole is rigid on this one.
You can adjust the head angle to precisely cut what those awkwardly grown tree limbs. The 8-inch cutting bar and chain make quick work of thick tree branches and has an auto-oiler that keeps them fully lubricated to prolong the lifespan.
This saw also allows for easy tool-less chain tensioning, which is a feature that is only found in more expensive models. With just a turn of a screw, you can easily adjust the chain tension.
To prevent accidental starts; there is a built-in safety switch. For comfort and control, it features non-slip foam grip so that you can work for hours without experiencing any fatigue.
Pros
- Good adjustability options.
- Easy to use.
- Fifteen feet of overhead reach.
- A corded tool that features a cord lock.
- Rigid extension pole.
Cons
- It’s corded, which means you will need extension cables.
4. TrimmerPlus PS720 8-Inch Pole Saw with Bar and Chain – Best Value
The TrimmerPlus 8-inch pole saw attachment works with many common weed eaters that have a separable powerhead and attachment system. With purchase, you will get one extension that will work with your other tools; the pole saw attachment and lubricating oil.
Whether you need to clean up after a storm or prune some trees, or just regular maintenance, this one is compact and easy to use.
Thanks to its extendable wand, it makes cleaning up high branches a breeze. This is a pole saw and more. It can handle a variety of different tasks, plus you get to attach different cutting tools to handle all your yard chores.
It has a 12-feet overhead reach along with a 7-foot long pole. Depending on your height, you can reach even further if you’re a tall person.
Just like all other pole saws, this too has an 8-inch bar and chain to cut medium-size branches easily. To keep these two units lubricated, it has an auto oiler. Make sure to fill the tank with oil before you start working. Thanks to its two extension sections, you will be able to work with two different height options.
Having a pruning saw like this one is bliss. You don’t need any ladders; you don’t need to climb up trees, and you can easily reach heights while safely standing on the ground. If you can maintain it well, this one can serve you for a long time. This is a very good weed trimmer for the money if you are familiar with gas-powered pole saws.
For example, if you already own a powerhead and looking for a good attachment that will fit, this is the one. It has a high-quality Oregon brand chain and bar, and the build quality is solid for the price.
If you are a homeowner and know how to maintain your saw, this will surely last many years, granted if you plan on using it a few times a year.
Pros
- Auto oiler to maintain peak performance.
- Easily connects with a lot of string trimmers.
- Two height options.
- Great value for the money.
- Work with a lot of different powerheads.
Cons
- Needs adjustments right out of the box.
5. EGO PSA1000 10-Inch Pole Saw
This 10-inch pole saw from EGO works with a lot of battery-powered heads within the multitool system from EGO, which means they are only compatible within their own ecosystem. Just like how Apple runs its business. This pole saw features a 10-inch Oregon brand chain and bar, and on the side, there is an auto oiler that keeps them lubricated.
Besides the oil tank, you will see the chain tension screw. It also has those bucking spikes that allow you to position the saw precisely. For this attachment to work, you will need the PH1400 powerhead. This won’t come with the purchase, though. You need to buy it as a separate unit.
If you already own one, this pole saw attachment would be a good value. This one is highly adjustable, and you can greatly increase your overhead reach by attaching an extra section.
By doing that, you can make the pole even longer and, in the end, you can gain 16-feet of overhead reach depending on your height.
However, the saw itself isn’t adjustable. What I mean by that is you cannot change the angle. Unlike the previous model, this one isn’t designed to work with other powerheads except for the PH1400 or similar powerheads from EGO.
You should only buy this if you already own the PH1400 or similar tools. In terms of cutting power, you will feel like you are using a gas-powered tool. In this modern age, you will hardly feel any difference between the battery and the gas-powered cutting tool.
However, you will be limited to the operational duration and not the cutting force. It cuts well, and the rigidity of the pole itself makes it very comfortable to use for a long time.
Pros
- Good attachment unit for the PH1000.
- The rigid pole that makes it easy to use.
- Features auto oiler.
- Single screw chain tension adjustment.
- Easy to increase pole height.
Cons
- The saw angle is not adjustable.
6. Remington 41AZ32PG983 RM1025P Electric Pole Saw
Want to know how?
Well, this 2-in-1 functionality will let you use it as a pruning saw in the first place. Secondly, if there is a grounded piece of log that this cat cut, you can easily turn that into a chainsaw and deal with that as well.
Let’s focus on the technical facts now. This saw runs by a motor with 8 amp of amperage. It’s a low kickback design and hence, friendly for non-professional users. The length of chain and bar is 10 inches, which is good to cut even thick limbs and branches.
Being an important factor, the overall reach of this pole saw is as high as 15 feet, which is great. To quickly adjust the length of the shaft, there is a telescoping design backed by a flip and lock clamp system.
Therefore, pruning branches of a variety of height will be no big deal for you.
To make sure that you have a firm control on what you’re doing with this pole saw, the grip had been made non-slipping. Also, it’s made to be anti-rotation which ensures further stability of the saw.
In terms of price, this pole chainsaw lies in the sweet spot between premium cordless pole saws and saws that are extremely cheap. So, you can meet the ends of cost and functionalities right with this model.
Pros
- 10 inches long bar and chain.
- Works as both chainsaw and pole saw.
- Runs on a 8 amp high power motor.
- Non-slipping grip with anti-rotation.
- Can reach up to 15 feet overhead.
- Height adjustment made it easy.
Cons
- No automatic chain tension adjustment.
7. DEWALT DCPS620M1 Pole Saw
To make up your mind on it, let’s check out the features and specs our one of the top-rated pole saw of the market-
First thing first, it’s the bar and chain that matters. With this saw from Dewalt, we have got an 8 inches bar and chain length, which is good enough for trimming and cutting small and medium tree branches.
As it’s a battery driven saw, the number of cuts matter on each of the full charges. Thanks to the high efficiency brushless motor that gives this saw an ability to cut 96 times in a single charge.
Originally, you will find it as 5 feet long saw. But the highly balanced shaft can extend up to 10 more feet, giving it a total reach of 15 feet. With that, we think you will hardly need to use any ladder or similar support to reach high tree branches anyway.
However, while making a heavy load of cuts, the auto oiling feature will save your day by preventing any accidental jamming or so. Thanks to Dewalt for that.
To make it friendly to users, there are a couple of features. Firstly, it’s the metal bucking strips that provides a nice grip in cutting. And secondly, it’s the tree hook that makes it easy to attach and remove the pruned tree branches.
The DC battery that it requires to run is a Li-ion type. And it’s a rare thing and we appreciate it very much that you don’t have to buy it separately.
Pros
- 15 inches of total shaft+pole length.
- 8 inches length of the bar and chain.
- It comes with a heavy-duty Li-ion battery.
- It provides 96 cuts in a single charge.
- Auto oiling to save jamming.
- Metal bucking and tree hook are there.
Cons
- Quite expensive compared to its competitors.
8. Scotts PS45010S 10-Inch 8-Amp Corded Electric Pole Saw
It’s a corded pole saw with an 8 amp motor inside, which gives you a relentless cutting experience. To fine tune your cutting measures, there are five cutting angle adjustment options as well.
To control it to the fullest, the handle is with a rubber coat with a foam grip. That makes operating this pole saw no harder anymore.
As said before, the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools PS45010S comes with a corded power option. But don’t worry about getting tangled with the cords, as there is a cord retention feature.
And the best thing is, all these specs and lovable features come at one of the cheapest price points in the market.
Pros
- 5 cutting angles.
- 8 amp of high motor power.
- 10 inches of bar and chain length.
- Cord retention to prevent tangled wires.
- The most budget-friendly pole saw on the list.
Cons
- Might have some jamming issue every now and then.
9.BLACK+DECKER PP610 Corded-Electric Pole Saw
Let’s talk about the electric parts first. The amperate of this corded electric pole saw is 6.5 ampere, which is pretty much the industry standard. There is an inline motor that drives this saw. And the length of the power cord is 9-½ feet, which is long enough for distant pruning.
The next surprising thing about this saw is the length of it’s bar and chain. It’s 10 inches for both, and that’s quite large for a pole saw of this sort of budget. Starting from small, you can even prune big tree branches of 10-12 inches of thickness.
Putting this pole high with just one hand might sound tough, especially if you are not a bulky man. But the overall weight of just 7.9 pounds had made the job pretty easier. So, controlling the cut without worrying about the load won’t going to bother you at all.
Like any pole saw, this one comes with an auto-oiling system. So, your pole saw will be getting it’s lubrication no matter how heavy you’re working with it.
Lastly, it’s definitely the best pole chainsaw if you cut out the expectation of remote(battery-driven) functionality.
Pros
- 9-½ feet long cord.
- 6.5 Amp with a powerful motor.
- 10 inches of bar and chain length.
- Weighs only 7.9 pounds.
- Provides auto oiling feature.
- Safe and easy to use.
Cons
- Not a good option for a remote site.
10. Greenworks 8.5-Inch 6.5 Amp Electric Corded Pole Chainsaw
If you don’t want to spend an extra hundred bucks after battery-driven pole saws and stick to quality electric pole saws with cords, this is the shot of yours. It’s called the Greenworks 8.5-Inch Corded Pole Saw and we are going to break down its specs for further decision making-
First thing first, it’s a corded electric pole saw that comes with a bar and chain length of 8.5 inches. That means you can make unlimited cuts to small and medium-sized tree branches with peace. If it’s the height and reach that you are bothered about, it would give you about 8 feet of that. So, as long as the tree is not quite high, it should be okay to prune with this pole saw from Greenworks.
Note that, if you want to reach higher, there is a 10 inches version of the same pole saw that you can consider.
Greenworks 8.5” Pole Saw runs on a 6.5 amp motor, giving it a standard cutting speed and frequency. In case you want to adjust the chain tightness, there is an easy adjustment scheme for that.
To make things smoother and easier for the user, there are a couple of features that we want to mention. And they are- the electric start and the automatic oiler. For the first one, you won’t have to put a lot of effort into turning it on and off. And for the second one, it will hardly be facing any jamming in the chain and bar area.
Pros
- One of the most budget-friendly picks.
- 8.5 inches of bar and chain.
- 8 feet of reach to the tree branches.
- Autom oiling and chain tension adjuster.
- Pretty budget-friendly pole saw.
Cons
- The height of 8 feet might ask you for a ladder sometimes.
Choosing the Best Pole Saw | A Definitive Buyer’s Guide
Chainsaws and ladders really don’t mix together. And when you have shrubs and trees on your property, you can’t ignore pruning duty. If you really want to be safe while using a chainsaw 10-feet above your head, there is a better way to do it. And that is by using a pole saw.
What Is A Pole Saw Used For?
A pole saw is basically a chainsaw attached to a pole. It might sound weird, but these are widely used by homeowners. At the bottom of the pole, there is a trigger that gets the chainsaw going.
There will also be a safety switch on high-end models. If it’s an electrical chainsaw, you need to plug it in, or if it is battery powered, you will need to charge it fully. There are some gas-powered and models too.
When you have a lot of tree branches sticking out, the safest way is to use a pruning tool as the pole saw. To use it, you simply need to get the chainsaw over the branch and cut it like a regular chainsaw while standing safely on the ground.
These are specialized tools that are great for cutting and trimming in hard to reach areas. You will feel the need for the best pole saw if you have a lot of pruning to do in high places.
However, finding the right one can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you have never used one before. And that’s why I have made this buying dedicated to first time buyer’s and professionals alike.
Whether it’s your first time buying a pole pruner, or you are simply looking for an upgrade over your old tool, follow this guide, make sure the criteria I’ve listed are all in check, and you will definitely end up buying the right one.
Types of Pole Saw
Depending on how they are powered, there are mainly three types of pole saws. Electric, battery-powered, and gas-powered. This is the primary factor before you decide to buy one. Each has their own perks, so make sure you know about each type before you make the decision.
Electric
I’m going to cover both corded and cordless models in this section. Most electric poles out there are either powered by battery or via an electric cable. If you own a small garden with a smaller number of trees, opt for cordless models.
One full charge will be more than enough for your entire pruning work. Cordless models are also a popular choice among homeowners because of their convenience and portability.
With the addition of new and powerful lithium-ion batteries, these portable models are now more powerful than ever. However, the only downside is their runtime.
While you won’t have any problem regarding cutting strength, you will be limited to runtime. And that is where a corded electric model comes into play. Same power, same strength, and unlimited runtime because they are powered by an electric outlet.
While corded models are powerful, you will need long extension cables to move the pole saw around your property.
Gas Powered
Gas-powered pruning tools are powerful than electric models for a lot of reasons. And most heavy-duty pole saws are gas-powered because of the raw power. They are ideal for heavy pruning of medium to large-sized tree branches.
They also last longer than electric models, but they require maintenance from time to time. And another drawback of this type of tool is the emission of fumes, and there is also the noise factor.
Pole Reach
There are various lengths when it comes to pole reach. The standard is 10-feet; however, there are models that can give you reach up to 15-feet. These poles are usually made from fiberglass or steel. Some are extendable, while others are fixed in length.
The telescopic ones are preferable because you will get different height options. After type, the length of the pole is an important deciding factor. However, the longer the pole gets, the more expensive the pruning saw will be.
And longer poles are also cumbersome to use. So, make sure to pick the right size for your garden. I mean what’s the point of buying a 15-feet long pole while the branches you’ll cut in less than 10-feet high.
Choose a telescopic pole because they are easier to store and transport. If you don’t plan on moving around a lot with your pole saw, consider buying a fixed-length pole.
Bar Length
It’s the length of the plate where the chain spins. It is usually measured in inches, and the standard size is 8-inch. This also indicates that you can easily cut an 8-inch thick branch with an 8-inch saw.
There are longer bar lengths, but those are meant for thicker branches. When buying a pruning pole, consider the thickness of the branch around your garden. Most likely, you won’t need anything longer than 8-inch.
The larger the bar length gets, the heavier and more expensive it will become. And that’s why gas-powered ones are usually bigger than electric powered tools because they are powerful.
Apart from regular 8-inch size, there are other sizes available like 6-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch.
Weight
If you plan on working with pruning pole for extended periods of time, you might want to consider the length of the tool as it can increase the overall weight if you choose to go with a longer pruning pole. Operating a heavy saw for a long time will quickly tire you out.
And that’s why electric models are popular and widely use by homeowners because they are powerful and at the same time lightweight.
Engine
The engine looks a lot like an edger or a weed eater, and this is what drives the saw blades on the chainsaw. It’s always located at the end of the pole.
Depending on how your pole saw is powered, the size may vary. For example, gas-powered pole pruners are larger than electric powered ones.
Controlling Features
To make sure that users can have controls and stability on the pole saw while operating, brands offer a number of features in the saws. They often make the grip very non-slippery, provide anti-rotational features, and even make the overall weight light.
Check for as much as these features in your next favorite pole saw, and gain supreme control on your work.
7 Safety Tips for Operating A Pole Pruner
Here are a few things to remember when operating a pole saw.
- Always operate during the day.
- Don’t use any plugged-in equipment when it is wet outside.
- Use long extension cord and keep them untangled.
- Watch out for electrical wires when pruning.
- Only cut one limb at a time.
- Watch for spring back when cutting limbs under tension.
- Don’t cut branches thicker than 8-inches.
Pole Saw Maintenance
Maintenance of these tools are very similar to basic chainsaw maintenance, and most of the time, gas-powered saws require the most attention. Even the best pole saw needs maintenance. If you want to keep them functioning at their best and also avoid problems while working down the line, proper maintenance is required.
- For gas-powered tools or any other power type for that matter, make sure the oil reservoir is filled with chain oil.
- Clean the bar rails before and after you sharpen the chain.
- Always check for loose screws, bolts, and nuts. Ensure they are tight and if not, tighten them as needed.
- When you want to adjust the chain tension, do it before you start cutting and undo what you have done after you have finished your work.
- Store the saw in a dry place and make sure wipe it clean.
Best Time of The Year for Pruning
There are certain times in a year that you should avoid pruning tree limbs. And there are times when it is ideal for getting rid of unwanted tree branches. Here is a general guide that you can follow to determine the best time to prune a tree.
Time to Avoid Pruning
Don’t prune in the fall. Even if you need to do it, use a manual saw. Because this is the time of the year when fungi and mold are the most active in the air. You don’t want them making their way into your fresh cuts.
Ideal Time to Prune
Winter is the ideal time to get rid of those unwanted tree limbs. If you need some major pruning done, this is the time of the year to do so. It’s safer for you, and it’s also safer and healthier for the tree.
Since there is no leaf growth, it makes the whole process easier. Wait for the coldest part to pass before you start trimming.
Summertime
You can also trim branches in the summer, but it is best to wait until you see leaf growing. Also cut down those branches only that you want slow growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to safely operate a pruning saw?
Make sure to gear up properly before you start trimming. Safety gears like gloves, hard hat, boots, snug-fitting clothes, eye, and year protection are recommended.
- When is the right time to refill chain oil?
When it’s half empty.
- What are the basics of cutting when using a pole saw?
Make sure you are on solid ground. Stand in a stable position, hold the pole saw tightly and make sure the safety switch is on. Press the chainsaw against the branch you want to cut. Apply steady pressure and let the chain do all the cutting.
Final Thoughts
Cutting tree limbs above the ground can be done in many ways, but nothing is safer than the use of a pruning saw. It’s way better than using a ladder and a big chainsaw. Don’t ever do that.
You can easily achieve amazing results just by getting yourself the best pole saw on the market. They are easy to use, efficient, and safe. And this list of pole saw reviews should make it easier for you to find the perfect one.
This is me Sonnet. I manage a full-time workshop for my clients’ woodworking projects. From a very young age, I’ve been always passionate about DIY projects. And that’s the reason I’m amicable with the woodworking tools. I’m regularly handling a couple of projects like cabinets, furniture, boats, and many more using wood, veneers, and laminates.