The only way to keep your larger shrubs and trees pruned is with a pole saw. Manual pole saws do exist, but why go through all that hassle working up a sweat. It’s time to go electric.
The best electric pole saws should help you keep your yard under control.
Want to know which one is best? Let’s take a look.
- Long reach
- Auto-lubrication
- Value for money
- Battery-powered
- Auto-lubrication
- Multi-use battery
- 10-inch blade
- 8 amp motor
- Adjustable head
- 110 cuts between charges
- Lightweight
- Interchangeable battery
- Cordless
- Lightweight
- Auto tension & lubrication
How Do Electric Pole Saws Work?
Electric pole saws work by mounting a small chainsaw on the end of an extendable pole. It is that simple. Some have cords, and some are battery-operated. Both have their merits.
The ability to reach heights is crucial if you are going to keep your larger bushes and trees under control. They are safer to use than the alternative, you balanced on the top of a step ladder swinging a chain saw. We think you’ll agree that that scenario is fraught with danger.
Are Electric Pole Saws Any Good?
Electric pole saws have one function, and that is to prune small to medium-size bush/tree limbs that are out of reach. So, the fact that they have extendable poles and can reach heights far beyond your capabilities makes them extremely useful.
They are safer to use, simple to use and easy to store away. Also, pole saws are relatively affordable. So, if you have a garden that needs constant pruning, electric pole saws are the tool to use.
Pros
- Safe to use.
- Adaptable.
- Relatively cheap.
- Easy to store away.
- Increases your reach.
Cons
- One-use tool.
- Limited power.
- Only useful on smaller limbs.
How to Choose an Electric Pole Saw
Choosing an electric pole saw involves research and finding features that suit your needs. Here are a few pointers.
Double Check the Facts
When manufacturers state the reach of their pole saws, you should be suspicious. What they don’t tell you is that they often include your height in that equation. And you might ask how they know your height. They don’t. They just assume that you are a standard size. So, if you are 5 feet tall, pat yourself on the back because you have just grown several inches overnight.
Always look for the pole length as an indicator of the reach and then add on your actual height.
Consider the 2-in-1 Option
If you can get a pole with a detachable chainsaw, you have taken a one-use tool and turned it into a garden maintenance all-rounder. Not all pole saws have this feature, and typically, the more money you pay, the more likely you are to get this.
You aren’t going to get a pole saw to rival an actual chainsaw’s power, but you still get a saw that can tackle most garden chopping and trimming duties.
Adjustable Cutting Angles
You should look for a saw that allows you to adjust the blade’s angle to reach awkward places. It also means it opens up your pruning regime to include tree and shrub limbs that you might have previously overlooked.
Please Note: Most adjustable heads swivel to 30 degrees.
Self-Oiling Chains
As with all power tools, to keep the moving parts in good working order, you need lubrication. Some pole saws have self-oiling chains, which reduces the need for you to keep checking the blade.
It doesn’t mean your pole saw is maintenance-free, but it does make life a lot easier.
Self-Tensioning Chains
Similar to oiled chains, tension is a vital component of the efficiency of your power tool. Keeping the chain at the right tension keeps it from coming off, and the saw working as it should.
Manual Versus Electric
Manual pole saws are cheaper and never fail. All they require is sharpening from time to time. However, you need stamina and strength to operate one, so if you have mobility issues and reduced capabilities, a manual pole saw is not going to be a good choice.
Remember
An electric pole saw is easy to operate and, provided you are using it within the limits of the manufacturer’s recommendations, will speed up the pruning process immeasurably when compared to a manual pole saw.
Reach
How far you want your pole saw to reach depends on the size and shape of the shrubs and trees in your garden. The best rule of thumb is to buy a pole saw with the maximum reach available regardless of the height of your shrubbery.
That way, you will have the capacity to tackle every sawing task you need.
Cordless Vs. Corded
Cordless pole saws give you the freedom to roam, free from the constraints of a power cable and the need to plug it in. If you have a large garden, a cordless pole saw would be a smart choice.
Pros
- Go-anywhere.
- Ideal for large gardens.
- No trip hazards.
Cons
- More expensive.
- Heavier.
- Limited battery power.
Corded pole saws are always on top of their game. They suffer zero power loss and keep going until the job is done. You may be restricted by the length of your power cable, but if you have a smaller yard, a corded pole saw might be the better option.
Pros
- No loss of power.
- Cheaper.
- Lighter.
Cons
- Limited range.
- Trip hazards.
- Need a power supply.
The Best Electric Pole Saws of 2022
There are many types of pole saws, with each performing better at different tasks. We scoured the market to bring you our take on the 5 best electric pole saws.
1. Sun Joe SWJ800E 8-Inch Telescoping Pole Saw
Best Telescoping Pole Saw
Sun Joe features heavily in the pole saw market. They have popular products that perform well and don’t break the bank on price.
This telescoping model has an 8-inch cutting bar with automatic lubrication.
The pole extends to 8.7 feet, and the maximum branch diameter this will cut is 7.5 inches thick.
It may not be the highest capacity pole saw on the market, but it will tackle most of your garden needs.
The Pros
Price
Sun Joe offers a range of pruning saws at a great price, and this is no exception. It is a fraction of the cost of similar saws, but without the compromise on performance.
Reach
This saw doesn’t have the longest reach on the market, but it extends to 8.7 feet, and if you couple that with your height, you are getting a total range of between 14 and 15 feet.
Auto-Lubrication
This saw has an oil reservoir that holds 2.7 fluid ounces of oil. It keeps the chain lubricated automatically, reducing the need to perform the task manually.
The Cons
Build Quality Issues
The price you pay for this saw is low. For this reason, the components are not of the highest quality, and many have complained that the saw wears out quickly.
Underpowered
This is a saw designed for lighter tasks, thanks to the 6.5-amp motor. You won’t be using this to tackle the larger pruning jobs.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 7 pounds |
| Blade length (inches) | 8 |
| Extended length (feet) | 8.7 |
| Battery/corded | Corded |
| Amps/volts | 6.5 amps |
| Warranty | 2-year |
| Price | $ |
2. Greenworks 20672 Cordless Pole Saw
Best Cordless Electric Pole Saw
This battery-powered pole saw has a 40V lithium-ion battery that powers multiple other tools in the Greenworks range. It has an 8-inch bar and a 3-piece aluminum shaft that extends to 8 feet.
The battery is powerful enough to deliver an average of 65 cuts between charges, and the saw blade is auto-lubricated to keep it running smoothly. Unlike some manufacturers, who sell battery-powered tools where the battery and charger costs extra, Greenworks has included both in the purchase price.
The Pros
Battery-Powered
The freedom that a battery gives you is the main reason to buy a cordless pole saw over a corded one. If you have a larger space to prune, battery-operated is the way to go.
Auto-Lubrication
Keeping the chain lubricated keeps the tool in top cutting condition. It means there is one less thing for you to worry about.
Multi-Use Battery
Once you’ve finished chopping limbs from your tree, you can slot the battery into any of the other compatible Greenworks tools.
The Cons
Limited Power
Battery power is both convenient and inconvenient at the same time. While you can go anywhere, you will always have one eye on the state of charge on the battery.
Price
This tool is double the price of the Sun Joe. You always pay a premium when buying a cordless power tool.
Weight
The added weight of the battery increases the weight of the tool. Corded pole saws are considerably lighter and easier to use over extended periods.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 15.3 pounds |
| Blade length (inches) | 8 |
| Extended length (feet) | 8 |
| Battery/corded | Battery |
| Amps/volts | 40 volts |
| Warranty | 4-year |
| Price | $$$ |
3. Sun Joe SWJ803E 10-Inch Pole Saw
Best Electric Pole Saw for Tree Trimming
Sun Joe features again! This is a larger pole saw, better suited to thicker limbs on trees. The 10-inch blade makes light work of them, and you can cut the more awkward to reach branches using the adjustable head.
It also has a more powerful 8-amp motor, which slices through branches up to 9.5 inches in thickness. This saw is also corded, so you will never suffer a loss of power. It all adds up to an excellent saw package for tackling the small trees in your garden.
The Pros
10-Inch Blade
If you want to slice through thicker branches, you need a blade that can cope. This 10-inch blade is perfect for the role, sawing through 9.5-inch diameter limbs with ease.
8 Amp Motor
The amperage on the motor helps to increase power. 8 amps is sufficient to tackle tougher jobs like tree pruning.
Adjustable Head
The head pivots to a maximum of 30 degrees, making it easier to adjust the angle you are cutting. It also means you can get to the hard-to-reach branches a little easier.
The Cons
Build Quality Issues
Sun Joe saws are popular, but they are not premium-grade. Many people have reported issues with the chain falling off and the motor burning out.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 7.9 pounds |
| Blade length (inches) | 10 |
| Extended length (feet) | 8 |
| Battery/corded | Corded |
| Amps/volts | 8 |
| Warranty | 2-year |
| Price | $ |
4. Black + Decker Max 8-Inch Pole Saw
Best Corded Electric Pole Saw
Black+Decker has been making power tools for generations, so it is only fitting that we crown their saw as the best corded electric pole saw. The pole extends to 10 feet, and the 8-inch blade can repeatedly chop 110 times between charges provided the branches are no thicker than 1.5-inch pine.
This pole saw has a maximum cutting diameter of 6 inches, so it isn’t going to be useful on thicker branches, but it should cope with general pruning.
The Pros
110 Cuts Between Charges
This saw offers 110 cuts between charges, which means that you get more done before the battery needs juice. It also increases the efficiency of the saw because you aren’t charging it every ten minutes.
Lightweight
Weighing in at just under 10 pounds, this electric pole saw is lightweight and maneuverable. It means you can keep working for longer without the strain on your arms, legs, and back.
Interchangeable Battery
The lithium-ion battery is interchangeable with other cordless Black+Decker power tools. So if you own a hedge trimmer, once you’ve pruned the heavy foliage, you can swap the battery into the trimmer for lighter work.
The Cons
Battery and Charger
The battery and charger are not covered by the warranty, which seems odd considering they come with the product.
Build Quality Issues
It seems that to keep the costs down, Black+Decker has used cheaper materials in the construction of their pole saw.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 9.06 pounds |
| Blade length (inches) | 8 |
| Extended length (feet) | 10 |
| Battery/corded | Battery |
| Amps/volts | 20 volts |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
| Price | $ |
5. Worx WG323 10-Inch Pole Chainsaw
Best Electric Pole Chainsaw
The advantage of this cordless pole and chainsaw kit is that when you have finished working on the higher branches of your trees and shrubs, you can remove the pole and prune the lower limbs.
It is more versatile than a straightforward pole saw. Also, it is cordless, so it is a go-anywhere tool, making it the perfect choice for larger gardens and spaces. The cutting blade is auto-tensioned and self-lubricating, which reduces maintenance, and the pole extends to 8.75 feet.
The Pros
Cordless
The battery pack is interchangeable with other Worx power tools. It means that when you have finished chopping branches, you can start on the hedges by swapping the battery into another power tool.
Lightweight
While this saw set is heavier than corded varieties, this is light for a battery-powered saw, weighing just 10 pounds. It makes it over 5 pounds lighter than the Greenworks cordless pole saw.
Auto Tension and Lubrication
Saw chains work loose, so the auto-tension feature is a timesaver when it comes to maintenance. Also, the self-oiling facility takes away the manual labor element of upkeeping the saw.
The Cons
Limited Power
Batteries have a finite level of charge, so you are either going to have to buy a spare or make sure your battery is continuously charged. You don’t have to worry about this if you have a corded saw.
Build Quality Issues
The oil tank is prone to leaking. This makes a mess of the saw and renders the auto-oil facility useless.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 10.03 pounds |
| Blade length (inches) | 10 |
| Extended length (feet) | 10 |
| Battery/corded | Battery |
| Amps/volts | 20 volts |
| Warranty | 3-year |
| Price | $$$ |
| Product | Best | Weight | Blade length | Extended length | Battery/corded | Power | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Joe SWJ800E Telescoping Pole Saw | Telescoping | 7 lbs | 8 inches | 9 feet | Corded | 120V | 2-year |
| Greenworks 20672 Cordless Pole Saw | Cordless | 15.3 lbs | 8 inches | 8 feet | Battery | 40V | 4-year |
| Sun Joe SWJ803E 10-Inch Pole Saw | Tree Trimming | 7.9 lbs | 10 inches | 8 feet | Corded | 120V | 2-year |
| Black + Decker Max 8-Inch Pole Saw | Corded Saw | 9.06 lbs | 8 inches | 10 feet | Battery | 20V | 2-year limited |
| Worx WG323 10-Inch Pole Chainsaw | Chainsaw | 10.03 lbs | 10 inches | 10 feet | Battery | 20V | 3-year |
Electric Pole Saw FAQs
What Are Pole Saw Shafts Made Of?
Most pole saw shafts are made of tubular steel or aluminum. Aluminum is lighter and is better at limiting corrosion. Both are ideal materials because pole saws have to be lightweight yet durable.
On some of the less expensive models, you often find fiberglass poles. They are lightweight, but they are less robust and could result in the pole snapping over time.
Do Electric Pole Saws Emit Smoke?
If your electric pole saw is emitting smoke, something is wrong, and you should cease using it immediately. If the pole saw is used correctly and is in full working order, you should see no smoke whatsoever.
Which Is Better, a Gas or an Electric Pole Saw?
Much like the corded versus cordless argument, it depends on whether you want to be tied to a wall socket. Gas pole saws are the ideal choice if you are pruning a vast expanse of land. They are also more powerful, making them the prime choice for professionals.
The only downside is they require higher maintenance and gasoline to power them. This is an added cost you will need to factor in.
Corded pole saws are cheaper and have less power, so are better suited to domestic gardens that require moderate pruning. You must accept that you are limited to what you can cut and the distance you can move it.
What Is the Longest Electric Pole Saw?
Most electric pole saws struggle to compete with manual varieties. With an electric motor comes added weight. This gives an electric pole saw an uneven weight distribution, making it uncomfortable to use for prolonged periods.
For this reason, the maximum reach is usually about 10 feet. Manual pole saws can reach as far as 21 feet, over double the distance.
Who’s In Pole Position?
Pole saws are incredibly useful. They give you the ability to extend your reach considerably while keeping you safe. They are efficient, powerful and cost-effective. If you’ve ever experienced a power outage, thanks to a falling tree branch, you will realize the benefits of a pole saw.
If you have a yard with lots of bushes and trees, get an electric pole saw and see the difference it makes to your life.
