Best Pole Saws of 2020

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.

Given the three types of power sources (excluding manual), each has advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a handy chart:

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.