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The Best Pole Saws We've Tested 2023: Top rate & In-depth Reviews

SfCutter Team Member
  Jun 8, 2023 1:20 AM

To maintain their health and appearance, trees require periodic pruning to remove broken branches and thin down thick limbs. A pole saw is one of the most effective tools for this type of undertaking.

To determine which pole saws work the best, we field-tested a number of the market's finest selections. Continue reading to view our results and discover the most important factors to consider when picking the best pole saws and trimming tools for your landscaping requirements.


Reviews

1. Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw

With 40 volts of power, the Greenworks cordless pole saw delivers superior cutting performance in a portable battery-powered saw. It weighs only 9.3 pounds and is particularly simple to handle due to the use of reduced vibration technology. The cordless pole saw has a battery and a charger, and it can be started instantaneously with a simple push-button control, unlike gas pole saws need the use of pull cords.

The long pole length of the pole saw makes it ideal for achieving access to high-up branches. Its telescopic bar stretches to a nearly 9-foot operating height, and its 8-inch cutting bar allows users to chop through branches up to 6 inches in diameter that are out of reach. This pole saw is available as a standalone instrument or as part of a multi-tool set that includes an electric hedge trimmer attachment. Both attachments are powered by the same 40-volt powerhead and battery, conserving space in the garage.

This saw's mix of portability, portability, and reach impressed us. The 40-volt battery provides sufficient power to sever even dry, brittle dead branches. In addition, the bar is set at a little angle to the handle, which makes it safer and simpler to chop branches in a downward direction when stepping back from the line of fall.

Pros

  • Good strength and endurance

  • Angled bar for improved leverage

  • Lightweight yet robust

  • Plenty of scope

Cons

  • Limited to branches with lower diameters

  • Small bar oil reservoir

  • The battery adheres to the casing.

2. WORX WG309, 8 Amp 10-inch Corded Pole Saw & Chainsaw

The WORX corded electric pole saw is a cost-effective 2-in-1 power tool that can be used as a pole saw when the extension pole is attached and as a standard chainsaw when the extension pole is detached. The telescopic pole is eight feet in length, providing the pole saw an operating range of up to ten feet when completely extended. This pole saw weighs about 10 pounds and is designed to be easy to grasp and move.

Automatic chain maintenance ensures that the chain section of the corded pole saw is constantly functioning at full efficiency, resulting in quicker, more controlled cuts. The pole saw's 10-inch cutting bar allows it to chop branches and tree trunks up to 8 inches in diameter. It also comes with a blade cover to safeguard the saw blade while it is not in use.

This test of this saw was a singular experience. Because a whole chainsaw is joined to the extension pole through a mechanical adapter, the tool is top-heavy. However, being a corded electric saw, it is quite powerful and has a 10-inch bar. Attaching and detaching the saw from the pole takes approximately one minute. The finest quality is its adaptability.

Pros

  • Electric chainsaw or pole chainsaw that is versatile

  • Strong motor

  • Long cutting bar

Cons

  • Heavy emphasis on the upper portions of the structure

  • Unsuitable for prolonged usage

  • The attachment mechanism is quite cumbersome.

3. EGO Power+ 10-Inch 56-Volt Multi Head Pole Saw

The EGO Power+ 56-volt tool collection consists of a number of cordless electric lawnmowers, blowers, and other yard care equipment, all of which are powered by the same 56-volt arc lithium rechargeable battery. These cordless instruments have power comparable to that of gasoline. 

This pole chainsaw is part of EGO's multi-attachment powerhead line, which consists of seven more replaceable attachments: a bristle brush, a rubber broom, a cultivator, a hedge trimmer, and a pole extender. It may be purchased as the attachment alone or with the powerhead.

The saw has enough cutting power, a 10-inch cutting bar, and the capacity to cut through an 8-inch branch. The assembled length of the tool is about 7.5 feet, which may be increased by adding the 31-inch pole extender (sold separately). If this is the only EGO tool possessed, it will be expensive owing to the battery cost, but adding it to an existing EGO range brings the price in line with comparable cordless pole chainsaws.

We really enjoyed this tool. It balances more like a gas-powered saw, has comparable cutting power, and is lighter than most gas pole saws because to the placement of the large battery in the rear. The reach is less than most other pole saws without an extension pole, yet it may be sufficient for some.

Pros

  • Extended battery life

  • Excellent strength

  • Powerhead is compatible with seven accessories.

Cons

  • The heaviest battery-powered chainsaw we evaluated

  • The test group with the shortest reach (extra extension pole sold separately)

  • Pricey

4. Sun Joe SWJ800E 8-Inch 6.5-Amp Telescoping Electric

If the pole saw will be used for more than an hour, the Sun Joe corded electric pole saw, which weighs about 7 pounds, is an excellent alternative. With this corded electric tool, which may operate as long as there is an active electrical connection, users won't need to wait for a battery to recharge or make a trip to the gas station. 

However, mobility is constrained by the length of the extension cable, so it is advisable to get a cord that can reach any trees or bushes in the yard.

This pole saw includes a telescopic pole that can extend beyond 8 feet, giving the operator a maximum operating height of around 10.7 feet. The 8-inch cutting bar can cut through branches up to 6 inches thick, and the pole saw automatically lubricates the saw blade to maintain it in good condition.

We appreciated the convenience of plug-and-play, which eliminated the need to mix fuel or charge a battery. This saw is light and well-balanced, with sufficient power to chop through branches of small to medium thickness. It is a handy and economical option for occasional usage.

Pros

  • Plug-and-play simplicity

  • Superior grade Oregon bar and chain

  • Suitable for occasional prolonged usage

Cons

  • Use only on tiny branches

  • The fixed straight bar does not cut downward immediately.

  • Small bar-oil reservoir

5. WORX WG349 20V Power Share 8" Pole Saw

This cordless pole saw is suitable for small to medium-sized yards. It is capable of trimming branches up to 6.5 inches in diameter and has a telescopic pole that extends to a maximum height of 13 feet.

This saw weighs 8 pounds and has an automated chain tensioner and chain lubrication system. Plus, it's budget-friendly. However, one of the finest characteristics of this tool is its three-position head, which allows the user to choose between 0 degrees, 15 degrees, and 30 degrees in order to trim difficult-to-reach branches.

This was the lightest cordless pole saw we tested, and it was only a pound heavier than the overall lightest. The 20-volt battery provides a surprising amount of power, sufficient for cutting every branch we attempted. And it has a very long reach. For infrequent usage on one or two branches, this tool makes a great deal of sense.

Pros

  • Lightweight yet robust

  • Facilitative to collaborate with

  • Long range

  • Small dimensions for storing

Cons

  • Comparatively brief duration

  • Small bar-oil reservoir

  • Clamps let the telescopic pole to move out of its locked position.

6. MAXTRA Gas Pole Saw, 42.7CC 2-Cycle Powerful Pruner

This pole saw's 10-inch cutting bar may be used to prune or trim branches with a diameter of up to 8 inches. Even more striking is the telescoping pole that can be changed from 8 feet to over 11 feet, providing the user with a maximum operating height of over 13 feet.

However, this pole saw's rapid cutting speed is owing to its strong gas engine. The power generated by the 42.7-cc 2-cycle engine enables users to do heavy-duty activities, such as felling small trees and clearing huge branches. It weights a substantial 21 pounds.

The first thing we noticed about this saw is that it is significantly heavier than electric and cordless ones. The weight is held at the bottom of the saw as opposed to the cutting head, resulting in a very different balance. The provided harness is essential for minimizing user fatigue. The large fuel tank provides hours of runtime, so this saw is ideal for demanding tasks and extended use.

Pros

  • Good range

  • Strong 2-cycle motor

  • Contains a harness to decrease operator fatigue

Cons

  • Weighing more than twice as much as electric

  • Loud engine noise

  • Ungainly pole construction method


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Buying Guide

Reduce Bar Length

The cutting bar of a pole saw defines the largest branch diameter that can be cut. Bar lengths range between 6 and 12 inches, with 8 inches being the most prevalent. Gas-powered pole saws have the longest cutting bars (often between 10 and 12 inches), which is one reason why they are better suited for heavier work.

Standard practice dictates that the cutting bar should be at least 2 inches longer than the branch's diameter. For instance, an 8-inch bar is required to cut a 6-inch-diameter branch.

Standing Height

The "working height" of a pole saw is frequently listed on the box, however it does not show the actual length of the pole; it refers to the pole length plus the arm length. Manufacturers normally estimate 2 to 3 feet for arm length, so if a pole saw boasts a 10-foot operating height, it would measure between 7 and 8 feet from tip to tip.

Most pole saws have a maximum operating height of 10 to 12 feet; at larger heights, the equipment becomes difficult to wield properly, particularly in windy situations. Numerous variants incorporate poles with telescopic length adjustability. A telescopic pole makes it easy to rapidly transition from trimming a hedge at ground level to removing a tree branch 6 feet in the air.

Runtime

Both corded and cordless pole saws require fuel, which will run out over time. When the fuel tank of a gas-powered pole saw runs dry, it must be replenished. The average runtime per tank is between two and four hours. However, it does not take long to replenish the gas tank if there is extra gas accessible nearby.

Batteries generally provide 30 to 60 minutes of runtime for cordless pole saws, depending on the power output and kind of battery. Once the battery is depleted, it takes around one hour to recharge. It is prudent to keep a spare battery so that one is always available for usage.

Weight

It is essential to remember that these tools are not supported by anything other than the operator; therefore, the entire weight of the tool must be held, balanced, and controlled, even when a telescoping pole is at its full length. If the user cannot accomplish this, then the tool is too hefty.

The increasing power of gas-powered pole saw engines is accompanied by an increase in pole saw weight. Due to the weight of the motors, their average weight is between 20 and 25 pounds. Cordless pole saws are lighter than gas-powered pole saws, but still weigh between 15 and 20 pounds.

The most lightweight pole saw choice is a corded electric type. Electric pole saws often weigh less than 15 pounds since they lack a battery and the equipment required to install and transmit battery power to a motor.

Safety

When utilizing a strong cutting equipment like a pole saw, safety must be one of the primary concerns. Take the time to read the handbook to understand how to stick to the manufacturer's instructions. Also, bear in mind that while the pole saw may seem comfortable when used at ground level on a hedge, it becomes more difficult to grip, handle, and control once the pole is extended.

Look for pole saws with ergonomic handles and telescopic poles for improved control. If the present height is unmanageable, a telescoping pole can be retracted to assist the operator in regaining control. Saw guards are also useful while the pole saw is not in use to protect the user and the saw blade.

Additional Attributes

Manufacturers are continually attempting to make pole saws more ergonomic and user-friendly. There are anti-vibration features and non-slip handles on some saws, and many pole saws have a self-oiling chain. If it is not self-lubricating, the owner's handbook will describe how to manually lubricate the chain.

Some pole saws include detachable cutting heads that may be used as portable chainsaws. After falling a branch for firewood, this might be beneficial if you wish to chop it into smaller pieces.


FAQs

Can a pole saw be used as a chainsaw?

A pole saw is designed to cut difficult-to-reach branches so that trees, hedges, and other vegetation may be trimmed. The saw can successfully cut through wood, but it is too small to totally replace a chainsaw. A chainsaw has the power and size to cut through a tree's trunk, but a pole saw is more suitable for tree pruning.

How large a limb can a pole saw cut?

Depending on the size of the saw and its power capacity, pole saws can be used to chop branches measuring between 2 and 9 inches in diameter.  Keep in mind that the best electric pole saw will usually have a lower power output than the best gas pole saw, so if the instrument will be used frequently for cutting really thick branches, a gas pole saw is preferable.

Can a pole saw become wet?

Even though most pole saws have some water resistance, it is not advisable to get the pole saw wet since water can harm the electric components of the tool and cause rusting and corrosion. However, it should be emphasized that there is no damage in using a pole saw to cut through damp wood; only ensure that the saw is well cleaned after use to prevent rusting.

On a ladder, is it safe to use a pole saw?

The usage of even the greatest pole saws on a ladder is unsafe. The saw is located at the end of a long, telescopic pole that can reach up to 12 feet distant without a ladder. Even with a cordless pole saw, it is very difficult for a person to maintain balance while using this power instrument on a ladder securely.


Conclusion

Our research on the best pole saws is meant to be both practical and entertaining; we hope you agree. We recognize that our evaluation is only an illustrative sample of the market's top products.

However, our goal is only to provide you with a general summary of each product. From here, it is up to you to do your own research to choose which course of action is best for you.

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