Pole saws aren’t as common as hedge trimmers or chain saws, but they are as important if you want to keep trees and foliage at bay. The beauty of a pole saw is that it’s mounted on a pole (nothing like stating the obvious), and this means it can reach places other saws can’t.
Pole saws are a safer option because it means you don’t have to climb a ladder, which can be tricky, especially if the ground is uneven. Also, chainsaws and ladders don’t mix.
We look at the best pole saws to help you decide which is right for you.
- Automatic oiler
- 65 cuts per charge
- 3-piece pole
- Lightweight
- Ideal first buy
- Telescoping pole
- 110 cuts between charges
- Lightweight
- Interchangeable battery
- High-powered
- Go-anywhere tool
- One year warranty
- Simple to use
- No maintenance
- Adjustable length
- No cord
- Extra power
- Faster work rate
- 5-in-1 kit
- Comes with PPE
- Great price
Product Reviews
Research was the key to delivering this list of pole saws. We wanted to make sure they were popular and the best in each category. We also listened to customer feedback to make sure we were presenting the absolute best products.
1. Greenworks 20672 Cordless Pole Saw
Best Battery Pole Saw
This Greenworks cordless pole saw runs on a lithium-ion battery, so it should hold its charge and give you a longer runtime. The company states that you get 65 cuts per charge.
This pole saw is quite heavy, weighing in at 15.3 pounds. That means this battery-operated pole saw is as heavy as some gas-powered varieties. It has a 3-piece aluminum pole that has a reach of 8 feet, and an 8-inch cutting bar and chain for tackling sizable branches.
It also has an automatic oiler that applies oil to the bar and chain when needed to preserve the life of the saw.
Top Tip
What We Like
Automatic Oiler
This ensures that the bar and chain are lubricated. It means there is less wear and tear on the moving parts, and the saw operates more efficiently.
65 Cuts Per Charge
65 cuts per charge means that you can prune a lot of branches between charges, and it means that it can handle thicker limbs.
3-Piece Pole
The pole comes in three sections, which enables you to choose the length you want. This is handy for adjusting the height from low to high branches.
Warranty
This Greenworks model has an industry-leading 4-year warranty. That’s double the competition.
What We Don't Like
Weight
This saw is on the heavy side. It weighs over 15 pounds, and that’s the same as a gas-powered pole saw.
Price
This saw is quite pricey compared to other cordless pole saws. And the new model is even more expensive, increasing the cost by another $40.
Product Specs
| Reach | 8 feet |
| Pole Type | Three-piece adjustment |
| Blade Size | 8 inches |
| Weight | 15.3 pounds |
| Suitable Uses | Medium size branches and general garden use |
| Cost | $$ |
| Warranty | 4-year |
2. Sun Joe SWJ800E 8-Inch Pole Saw
Best Pole Saw for the Money
This Sun Joe pole saw is excellent value for money. It costs less than half the price of the Greenworks model, and yet it still has lots of features. It has a telescoping pole that extends to 8.7 feet, an 8-inch blade head, a 6.5 amp motor that cuts branches up to 7.5 inches thick, and auto-lubrication.
It weighs 7 pounds, so it is much lighter than the Greenworks, and it comes with a 2-year warranty.
What We Like
Lightweight
This pole saw is light, so it means that you don’t need to strain your arms and back when using it. It also enables you to cut for longer between rest breaks.
Price
This is the stand out feature of this pole saw and the reason we made it the best saw for the money.
Ideal First Buy
If you are new to pole saws, this inexpensive model is the best way to learn without breaking the bank.
Telescoping Pole
The telescoping pole is easy to use and allows you to adjust the saw to any height.
What We Don't Like
Short Power Cord
The power cord is tiny in length. Sun Joe recommends using an extension cable of no more than 25 feet. This means restrictions on where you can go with this saw.
Product Specs
| Reach | 8.7 feet |
| Pole Type | Telescoping |
| Blade Size | 8 inches |
| Weight | 7 pounds |
| Suitable Uses | Medium size branches and general garden use |
| Cost | $ |
| Warranty | 2-year |
3. Black + Decker Max 8-Inch Pole Saw
Best 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 electric pole saw. The pole extends to 10 feet, and the 8-inch blade can repeatedly chop 110 times between charges providing 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.
What We Like
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.
What We Don't Like
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 have used cheaper materials in the construction of their pole saw.
Product Specs
| Reach | 10 feet |
| Pole Type | Telescoping |
| Blade Size | 8 inches |
| Weight | 9 pounds |
| Suitable Uses | Medium size branches and general garden use |
| Cost | $ |
| Warranty | 2-year |
4. Maxtra Gas Pole Saw
Best Gas Pole Saw
Okay, so now we are getting to the heavy-duty pole saws. This Maxtra will tackle thicker and denser branches. It has a 3.6-foot extender pole that could easily reach up to 15 feet. Plus, the cutting head is highly adjustable from 90 degrees up to 180 degrees.
The saw blade is 10-inches long and it has 42.7cc powerful engine, which has the power to get the job done. Because it’s a gas pole saw, there are no restrictions on where you can go with it, so if you have a large plot, this might be the one to choose.
What We Like
Power
This Maxtra will rip through most wood and will make light work of tough tasks. Unlike electric pole saws, this gas-powered model doesn’t suffer from a lack of power.
Go-Anywhere
Gas pole saws are the ultimate go-anywhere tool. Take them on the road, or to the bottom of your garden. And the beauty is that unlike a battery saw, this one won’t run out of juice as quickly and need recharging.
One Year Warranty
Having a guaranteed one-year warranty means a worry-free purchase. Others have found their customer service exemplary too.
What We Don't Like
Price
Now we’re talking about gas-powered pole saws; the price has jumped again. This Maxtra model is three times the price of the Black + Decker.
Product Specs
| Reach | Up to 16 feet |
| Pole Type | Rotatable Extender pole |
| Blade Size | 10 inches |
| Weight | 22 pounds |
| Suitable Uses | Medium size branches and heavier cutting tasks |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Warranty | 1 year |
5. Hosko Hand Pruning Saw
Best Manual Pole Saw
This Hosko is a manual pole saw, so only consider buying one like this if you are mobile and have a relatively good level of fitness. Because it is manual, it isn’t going to suit everyone.
The main advantage of this manual pole saw is that it never runs out of juice unless you do. So you can take this anywhere. This model has 22.8-inch pole, so that you can reach the topmost branches. It even has single-sided barb design for efficient tree-trimming.
The saw is 12 inches long and has three-sided sharpened edge. The pole is a telescoping variety, so adjusts to your height needs.
What We Like
Simple to Use
What could be easier? There are no tricky techniques to master. Just start sawing straight from the box.
No Maintenance
Other than keeping the blades sharp, this saw requires zero maintenance to keep it in working condition.
Detachable Saw
The saw detaches so you can use it as a hand-tool. The threads are universal and fit any standard extension pole.
Won’t Malfunction
It has no moving parts, so there is nothing to malfunction. It means that it will keep working for years to come.
What We Don't Like
Requires Strength
Unless you are physically able, this saw is not going to be an option. It requires upper body strength to use it effectively.
Slower Work Rate
You should accept that if you are sawing manually, the rate of progress will decrease. So, a manual saw might not be the best choice if you have a lot of branches to prune.
Product Specs
| Reach | 12 feet |
| Pole Type | Telescoping pole |
| Blade Size | 12 inches |
| Weight | 4 pounds |
| Suitable Uses | Small to medium-size branches and general garden pruning |
| Cost | $ |
| Warranty | 100% returns policy |
6. Maxtra Gas Pole Saw
Best Pole Saw for Thick Wood
This Maxtra gas powered pole saw has a 10-inch saw blade and is capable of cutting through branches of 7 to 9 inches thick. It has an extender pole that reaches a maximum length of 11.4 feet. That means it could reach as high as 15 feet.
What makes this pole saw better at chopping through thick tree limbs is the powerful 42.7 cc engine, which produces a maximum speed of 7,500 RPM.
What We Like
No Cord
Gas power means that it can go anywhere. You don’t need to worry about a power source or batteries that need charging. And best of all, this saw will keep running long after a battery pole saw has died.
Extra Power
If you have a stubborn branch that you are struggling to cut, this powerful pole saw will make light work of it. With an engine that creates 7,500 RPM, it will rip through the densest wood types.
Faster Work Rate
Gas pole saws are the most efficient when it comes to work rate. They keep going and only stop when they need a fill-up. You don’t need to charge it or worry about an extension cable.
What We Don't Like
Weight
The engine is so powerful on this pole saw that it adds extra weight. This saw weighs almost 18 pounds, so it isn’t going to be the best saw for everyone.
Price
Unless you were looking for a saw that could handle the thickest branches, you probably would look for something less expensive. For general garden pruning, this saw is way too powerful.
Product Specs
| Reach | 11.4 feet maximum |
| Pole Type | Telescoping pole |
| Blade Size | 10 inches |
| Weight | 18 pounds |
| Suitable Uses | 6 to 9-inch branches and heavy-duty work |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
7. Proyama 5-in-1 Multi-Functional Gas Trimming Tool Set
Best Pole Saw for Commercial Use
This multi-purpose gas pole saw set is the ideal tool for professionals. It comes with a hedge trimmer attachment, a pole saw, a string trimmer, and a brush trimmer. It even comes with gloves, a face shield,a hard hat, and ear defenders for added protection.
This saw has a 26 cc engine and an extender pole that reaches 11.4 feet. The cutting blade is a substantial 12 inches, so it should handle whatever commercial-grade work you throw at it.
What We Like
5-in-1 Kit
This is your one-stop-shop kit for all the outdoor professional needs. If you need to cut or prune, this has an attachment that fits.
Comes With PPE
If you were starting out as a commercial gardener or groundskeeper, this kit comes with all the PPE equipment you need to stay safe. It even has a face shield and ear defenders.
Price
When you consider that the price of this pole saw is comparable to others in its class, and yet, with this product, you get all those added extras. That makes the price a bargain.
What We Don't Like
Weight
With the pole saw attachment, this thing weighs close to 18 pounds. That’s a lot of weight to carry around all day. Only the fittest would be able to use this saw for hour after hour.
Confusing Instructions
While this isn’t a deal-breaker for experienced commercial gardeners, the instructions aren’t translated very well into English, so it can be confusing.
Product Specs
| Reach | 11.4 feet maximum |
| Pole Type | Telescoping pole |
| Blade Size | 12 inches |
| Weight | 18 pounds |
| Suitable Uses | 6 to 9-inch branches and heavy-duty work |
| Cost | $$$ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
| Product | Best | Reach | Pole Type | Blade Size | Weight | Suitable Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenworks 20672 Pole Saw | Battery | 8 ft | Three-piece adjustment | 8″ | 15.3 lbs | Medium size branches & general garden use |
| Sun Joe SWJ800E Pole Saw | Value for Money | 8.7 ft | Telescoping | 8″ | 7 lbs | Medium size branches & general garden use |
| Black + Decker Max Pole Saw | Electric | 10 ft | Telescoping | 8″ | 9 lbs | Medium size branches & general garden use |
| Maxtra Pole Saw | Gas | 16 ft | Rotatable Extender pole | 10″ | 22 lbs | Medium size branches & heavier cutting tasks |
| Hosko Pole Saw | Manual | 22.8 ft | Telescoping pole | 12″ | 4 lbs | Small to medium-size branches & general garden pruning |
| Maxtra Gas Pole Saw | Thick Wood | 11.4 ft | Telescoping pole | 10″ | 18 lbs | 6 to 9-inch branches & heavy-duty work |
| Proyama 5-in-1 Gas Trimming Tool | Commercial Use | 11.4 ft | Telescoping pole | 12″ | 18 lbs | 6 to 9-inch branches & heavy-duty work |
What Are Pole Saws Used For?
Pole saws cut branches that are too high to reach from the ground. The alternative is to climb a ladder, but that presents its own set of challenges. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), over 300 Americans lose their lives each year falling from a ladder (1).
Sometimes the ground may not be firm enough to set up a ladder, or it is uneven. It’s possible that, if you suffer from mobility issues, you can’t physically do the climb to reach the top branches of the tree.
This is where the pole saw comes in. It enables you to safely reach higher limbs of the tree without risking you falling and injuring yourself.
Types of Pole Saws
There are four types of pole saws:
These are probably the most common varieties of pole saw and are readily found in garages and storerooms across the world. They are generally more affordable than other forms of powered pole saws, and they emit zero emissions.
These types of pole saws are among the easiest to use: unwrap, plug it in, and start cutting.
Pros
- Convenient.
- Easy to use.
- Affordable.
- Relatively safe.
- Less polluting.
Cons
- Limited reach.
- Diminished power.
- Better for lighter pruning.
Battery
Battery pole saws give you the convenience of going anywhere without needing a socket. There’s no power cord to restrict you, which means you can access the remotest parts of your garden.
The only downside is charging the batteries. For this reason, you should purchase a spare when you buy the pole saw.
Typically, newer model pole saws use lithium-ion batteries, which are more efficient and charge faster.
Pros
- No power cord.
- Longer reach.
- Greater access to remote spots.
- Less damaging to the environment.
Cons
- Batteries have a limited life.
- Need to charge frequently.
- More expensive.
Gas
Gas pole saws are the most robust of the types, with higher cutting power and a longer reach. They are the go-anywhere pole saw that most professionals use when working outdoors.
The size and torque of these saws enable you to take on the thickest branches. However, you do need a certain amount of body strength to use a gas pole saw, because they are heavy.
Pros
- Powerful.
- Tackle thicker foliage.
- Go-anywhere.
Cons
- Heavy.
- Expensive.
- Need to buy fuel.
Manual
The manual pole saw is the easiest to master. You need upper strength to operate a manual pole saw, and you may be restricted to light pruning rather than thicker tree limbs.
There are obvious downsides with a manual pole saw; it can be tiring to use, hard work, and slower compared to powered models.
Pros
- Cheaper to buy.
- No skill required.
- No power or battery source.
- Go-anywhere.
- Environmentally friendly.
Cons
- Requires strength.
- Tiring to use.
- Slower work rate.
- Suitable for smaller pruning.
What Should I Look for in a Pole Saw?
When shopping for a new pole saw, there are some things you need to keep in mind:
Reach
Reach is a crucial thing to think about. Most pole saws have a telescoping pole that allows you to increase the range of the tool for low and high branches. Beware, though, because the lengths claimed by the manufacturers include the average height of the user.
So, in other words, unless you are the exact height that they are basing the reach on, you probably need to look at how far the pole extends for an accurate figure.
Power Source
Given the three types of power sources (excluding manual), each has advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a handy chart:
| Power Type | Suitable Use | Suitable User |
| Electric | Lighter pruning closer to the power source. General gardening use. | Gardeners and novice users. General public. |
| Battery | Light use and general pruning. | General public, or someone with a larger plot. |
| Gas | Heavy cutting and larger tree limbs. | Professional tree surgeons and experienced users. |
Physical Restrictions
When shopping for a pole saw, ask yourself how fit or mobile you are. Gas pole saws are twice the weight of electric varieties, weighing in at around 18 pounds. That may not sound like a lot, but consider the time spent holding it, especially as the weight is balanced on the saw end.
So if you think holding an 18-pound saw would be too much for you, consider the electric route. Electric pole saws typically weigh around 8 or 9 pounds, so they are a lot lighter. Unfortunately, they are less powerful, so don’t expect your new electric pole saw to be capable of felling the tallest tree in the forest.
A manual pole saw should only be considered if you are fit, healthy, and have upper body strength. Chopping through tree limbs is hard enough with a powered saw, let alone a manual one. It is slow and demanding work.
What Will You Be Pruning?
What you prune makes a difference to the type of pole saw you buy. For larger projects, opt for the gas type. This is the king of pole saws and can tackle almost any task. Don’t attempt to save money and buy an underpowered electric saw, because it won’t cope with the workload.
For lighter projects, you should aim for a battery, or electric pole saw. These types of saws are ideal for general high-reach garden pruning and cutting back smaller tree limbs.
For the lightest jobs, consider a manual pole saw. These saws are the cheapest to buy and require the most strength and physical application. For this reason, if you have restricted mobility, look elsewhere for your pole saw.
Maintenance
Like any power tool, your pole saw will need some TLC now and again. This is especially true of gas-powered varieties. They require cleaning, oiling, and the occasional stripping down to troubleshoot any problems.
If you are not inclined to spend your time doing this, buy an electric pole saw. They require less maintenance.
Warranty
Warranties are a statement of quality from the manufacturer. If they offer a meager warranty, ask yourself how confident are they that it is a reliable product?
If the warranty is long, you can rest easy knowing that the maker is happy to put their guarantee on the product because they have the confidence it will last the distance.
For the customer, a warranty means hassle-free cutting in the knowledge that if something malfunctions, you can get it fixed.
Top Tip: Before you commit to buying your pole saw, to get an honest view of how well it performs, go online and look at the reviews. There are thousands of customers who post their likes and dislikes with regularity. The beauty is that you get to see what they really think before you buy.
Frequency of Use
If your pole saw is to cut back minor foliage once a year, then consider saving money and buying an electric or manual variety. These should be sufficient to cater to your infrequent sawing needs.
However, if you have a large garden and you consistently battle to keep on top of the growth, you will need a pole saw designed with heavy usage in mind. For this, think of the gas variety.
Price
Price may be way down this list of considerations, but in truth, it is one of the most important. Without a budget, you can’t target your search.
Those looking to spend the least should opt for a manual pole saw. They are simple to use and rarely fail. If your budget stretches to a powered pole saw, go electric, unless you have specific needs. These saws should be enough to tackle general pruning.
For the top of the range models, you will need a gas pole saw. They are more expensive, but they also deliver more power.
Think Safety
Remember that no matter what you are doing, there is an element of danger. You are lifting a chainsaw above your head and chopping dense and heavy branches. To avoid accidents, accept that you will need some personal protection equipment:
- Goggles for protection from splinters and sawdust.
- Gloves to protect your hand from the blades of the saw and make the saw easier to grip.
- Hard hat to protect against falling debris and branches.
- Proper clothing so you protect your arms and legs.
- Sensible shoes, because sandals won’t protect your toes from falling objects.
FAQs
Can I Use a Pole Saw to Trim Hedges?
Yes, you can, but you shouldn’t unless the hedge is high. The best tool for trimming your hedge is a hedge trimmer. The two devices are similar, except a hedge trimmer has fewer teeth, set wider apart, which makes them better suited to cutting softer foliage over more extensive surface sweeps.
You can also get an extension pole for your hedge trimmer. If you want to save money, you can use the pole saw, but you should expect a less neat finish.
Are Battery Powered Pole Saws Any Good?
Yes, they are for lighter duties like cutting thinner twigs and branches. Also, remember to buy a spare battery because you will be waiting 4 to 6 hours between charges.
Plus, nothing sinks your heart faster than your battery dying halfway through a job, and you have to suspend all work until the battery charges.
Where battery-powered pole saws excel is in their distance range. You don’t need to worry about a power cord.
How Thick Can a Pole Saw Cut?
The accepted maximum that a pole saw can cut is between 6 and 7 inches. That means the head of the pole saw will be roughly 10 inches long. If you are attempting to cut through thicker branches, you should be doing it with a chainsaw.
How Do I Use a Pole Saw?
1. Prepare the Ground
Clear an area around the tree you want to prune and cordon it off. Check for uneven ground and surface roots that might trip you should you need to make a quick exit in an emergency. Stop anyone entering this area and remove rubble or debris that makes the surface tricky to navigate.
2. Prepare Yourself
Now is the time to put on safety goggles, gloves, and a hard hat to protect your head. You may want to try ear defenders if you have a gas-powered saw, as they can be a little noisy.
3. Plan Your Cuts
You should study the branches and make a note of where you intend to prune. If you are removing a longer branch, remember to create a series of cuts that reduce the size of the limb. Always try and cut horizontally.
4. Prepare the Saw
Extend the pole to the required height, making sure that you lock it into position. The last thing you want is for the saw to retract if the pole works loose. Now position the blade against the branch where you want to make the first cut.
Get used to how the saw feels and the weight. Grip it with both hands for added stability.
5. Position Your Body
You should stand with one foot forward to take the weight and to keep you balanced. One hand should hold the pole at chest height, while the other holds the base. Stand at an angle to the branch you are cutting so that you aren’t standing directly below.
6. Begin Sawing
Hold the saw blade perpendicular to the branch and start by cutting a groove. This helps later when you increase the rate of sawing strokes. The blade of the saw will want to skip along the branch until it bites, so be ready to react when it does.
As the saw blade starts to eat through the wood, apply steady pressure while increasing the to and fro motion of the blade.
7. Increase Your Speed
Once the blade of the saw is safely into the groove, increase your speed as you work through the wood. Eventually, you will cut through the branch, and it will fall. As you reach the end, be aware of falling objects and step away, keeping your saw at a safe distance. Then all you need to do is repeat this process until you complete the task.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Pole Saw?
You are looking at between $20 and $100 per day, depending on the type of saw you want. Also, expect the renting firm to increase prices at the weekend and in the summer when the demand increases.
Let’s Cut to the Chase
Pole saws are one of the most useful tools in the fight to keep foliage and trees under control. But they are specialist tools, and as such, you need to evaluate your need for a pole saw over the type you choose.
For light work, go manual. For light to medium size jobs, go electric or cordless, and for heavy-duty cutting, gas pole saws are the only type that can cope.
