Best Pole Saws

A pole saw, often called a pruning saw, handles branches way up high, so no need to climb on a ladder. It slices through danger, making it a clever tool for many. This nifty gadget quickly cleans up dead branches, offering ease, speed, and safety all at once.

These tools aren’t generally made for heavy-duty tasks such as felling trees. However, some are a combination of a chainsaw and pole saw. We have rounded up the best pole saws on the market, as well as a buying guide to help you choose the right model for your needs.

Best Pole Saws

1. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX (LPP120)

Key Features

• 8-inch guiding bar.
• A 20V lithium-Ion battery powers it.
• It can cut up to 100 branches of 1 ½ inch thickness per charge.
• 375 RPM motor for adequate power.
• The manufacturer offers a 2-years warranty.

The first entry into this list is the BLACK+DECKER LPP120. It’s our favorite based on the fact that it’s cordless, powerful, and easy to use. It comes with a pole that reaches up to 14 feet and an 8-inch guiding bar.

Why we like it

• The 8-inch bar can cut branches that are 6 inches thick.
• It is cordless. This gives you enough flexibility to prune the branches at different angles.
• The pole length is adjustable, with allowing you to reach up to 14 feet.
• It has an in-line power-head that enhances excellent visibility and maneuverability as you cut the branches.
• Quite light.
• It’s easy to assemble and disassemble, making it easy to transport to the site.

What we don’t like

• You have to oil the saw manually.

Our Verdict

This is a great pole saw, especially for DIYers. You no longer need a ladder to cut the branches. This saw allows you to reach 14 feet from the ground. It’s powerful enough to cut through huge branches. Also, it comes in a light built that’s easy to handle.

2. Remington RM25PS Maverick Pole Saw

Key Features

• 25cc 2-stroke engine.
• 7-foot pole.
• It features automatic oiling for continuous lubrication.
• It can be converted to an edger or hedge trimmer by attaching the necessary appliances.
• It also features Remington’s trademarked quick start technology.

When looking for a powerful model, consider this. A 25cc engine powers the 8-inch bar and chain to deliver maximum power to cut down the branches. Even the most robust types of wood don’t stand a chance.

Why we like it

• It reaches a maximum height of 12 feet.
• The 25cc engine and 8-inch bar enable it to cut through even the hardest types of wood.
• You can use it as an edger, blower, or even a hedge trimmer.
• Auto oiling system that keeps the chain lubricated at all times.

What we don’t like

• The engine tends to shut off while idling or even when you’re working. It may be hard to start it again.

Our Verdict

Gas-powered tools are known for being powerful, and this Remington doesn’t disappoint. You also don’t need a ladder, for it reaches up to 12 feet high. It comes in a light design that allows you to use it for hours.

3. Sun Joe SWJ802E Pole Saw

Key Features

• 9-inch Oregon bar.
• 6.5 amp motor.
• Automatic chain oiling.
• 8.7 feet pole.
• The head can be adjusted to different angles.
• 2-year warranty.
• It’s approved by CSA.

This is one of the most affordable pole saws in the market today. Better yet, the manufacturers didn’t compromise the quality. It features an adjustable head, 15 feet reach, among other great features as outlined below.

Why we like it

• The 9-inch bar can cut through branches that are 7.5 inches thick.
• This saw can reach up to 15 feet.
• Its lightweight design makes it easy to handle.
• The adjustable head allows the user to cut at different angles when necessary.
• It’s also easy to start.

What we don’t like

• It leaks oil occasionally.

Our Verdict

This is the best value for your money you’ll ever get. It may not have very advanced features, but its power, ease of use, and maintenance matches that of highly-priced chainsaws.

4. Greenworks PSPH40B2108 Pole Saw

Key Features

• 8 inch bar and chain.
• 20-inch dual action blade.
• It’s sold alongside a 2AH battery and a charger.
• Greenworks 40V Lithium-Ion battery platform.

This is the perfect combination of power and versatility. It’s a 2-in-1 garden maintenance tool that works both as a pole saw and a hedge trimmer.

Why we like it

• It can easily be converted to a hedge trimmer.
• The automatic oiling system keeps the chain lubricated at all times.
• It features the tool-less chain tension adjustment.
• It uses a common battery platform with other Greenworks tools.
• It has a clear oil tank that allows the user to monitor the oil levels.

What we don’t like

• It is quite heavy.
• It leaks oil.

Our Verdict

We recommend this for a gardener who needs both a saw and a trimmer. It has an 8-inch blade, powered by a 40V battery. This is enough torque to cut through even the toughest branches with ease. The 20-inch duo blade is also efficient and resilient.

5. Greenworks 20672 Pole Saw

Key Features

• It features the G-Max Li-ion battery system.
• 8-inch bar.
• Automatic oiling system.
• 8 feet long pole.
• Weight – 8.36lbs.
• Greenworks offers a 4-year warranty.

This is considered as one of the best electric varieties. It’s also lighter than most of the models we’ve discussed before.

Why we like it

• It has an easy to use chain tension adjustment system.
• The battery lasts long and delivers enough power to cut through the toughest branches.
• Shares the battery with other Greenworks devices.
• It’s lighter, allowing you to work for long without experiencing fatigue.

What we don’t like

• The pole is shorter than most models.
• The motor bracket is prone to breaking, and there’s no replacement for this part so far.

Our Verdict

For moderate cutting jobs, such as cutting soft branches, this does a great job. It has enough pole height to allow you to cut the most crucial branches. It’s light, powerful, and safe to use.

6. Remington RM2599 Maverick Pole Saw

Key Features

• 25cc 2-stroke engine.
• 8-inch bar and chain.
• It can be used as a blower and as a hedge trimmer.
• Automatic oiling system.
• 7-foot pole.
• Weight – 17.5 lbs.

When choosing, you may need to consider the power source. There are gas-powered, electric, or cordless (battery-powered). The Remington RM2599 is gas-powered, hence more powerful and more freedom.

Why we like it

• It’s very easy to use.
• It has a reach of up to 10 feet.
• It’s a multipurpose device that can be easily converted to a blower, edger or trimmer.
• It’s also easy to assemble.

What we don’t like

• The engine tends to die on full throttle.
• There are cases where the chain sprocket malfunctions. This makes it hard for the chain to stay on the sprocket.

Our Verdict

The Remington Maverick is a powerful, multipurpose garden maintenance tool you’d wish to have. It costs less compared to other equally powerful models, but it’s worth your time and money.

7. MILWAUKEE 2825-21PS Pole Saw

Key Features

• Designed to meet general maintenance professionals.
• It gives you enough power to cut hardwood branches and reaches full throttle in less than one second.
• It delivers up to 150 cuts per charge.
• It is made up of two components; powerhead and pole attachment.

This is the ultimate tool for garden maintenance. It can be used as an edger, a trimmer, and as a pole saw. It also has enough power to cut through sturdy branches and thick branches. It’s flexible, easy to use, and quite affordable.

Why we like it

• It can cut hardwood branches.
• Can reach full throttle in less than one second.
• It delivers up to 150 cuts per charge.
• It is easy to maintain.

What we don’t like

• The battery doesn’t last that long, especially when cutting hardwood branches.

Our Verdict

We recommend this for garden maintenance professionals. It features the smart lock that allows you to attach any attachments for the specific task. It’s also powerful, versatile, and relatively affordable compared to other garden maintenance tools.

8. Makita EY401MP 10” Pole Saw

Key Features

• It has translucent bar oil tank with automatic chain oiling.
• It is also made up of steel drive for less vibration.
• It’s easy to attach to the powerhead for smooth operation.
• It is uniquely designed for use with Makita couple shaft powerhead.

You could never go wrong with Makita products. They manufacture reliable, durable, and affordable products such as the Makita EY401MP10. This, together with the battery head, are all you need for pruning and trimming activities.

Why we like it

• Effectively for the pruning of branches since it has a reversible sprocket nose bar.
• It has less vibration.
• It can be easily operated as it attaches to the powerhead quickly.

What we don’t like

• It’s not a multipurpose device. It can’t be used as an edger or a trimmer.

Our Verdict

This is powerful enough to cut through the branches, and it comes in a light design that protects the user from fatigue. Better yet, it has a coupling shaft that can be attached to other Makita saws.

9. WORX WG309 8 Amp 10″ 2-in-1 Pole Saw

Key Features

• It has an auto-tension chain.
• 8 amp motor.
• 8-foot detachable pole.
• 10-inch bar and chain.
• Weight- 13lbs.
• Automatic oiling system.

This is perfect for those looking for a combo since it works both as a chainsaw and a pole saw. It is powerful, light, and also easy to assemble.

Why we like it

• It has a light, compact design that makes it easy to use.
• The automatic oiling system helps keep the chain lubricated at all times.
• It’s powerful enough to cut through 5 inches wide branches.
• The auto-tensioning system helps maintain the ideal chain tension for each task.
• It works both as a pole saw and as a chainsaw.

What we don’t like

• The case doesn’t give the user a clear view as you cut.
• It lacks a chain break and takes about five seconds for the chain to stop.

Our Verdict

We recommend this for small yard owners since it has enough power to cut through small and medium branches. It allows you to reach difficult branches. It also has an auto-tensioning system as well as an auto-oiling system. There are few at this price range that has these features.

10. Greenworks PRO 80V 10” Pole Saw

Key Features

• It features a 10-inch bar.
• It has a 2AH battery.
• Automatic chain for continuous lubrication.
• Brushless motor that offers more torque, less noise and less vibration.

The power source makes all the difference. The cordless Greenworks Pro saves you the hassle of gas saws emissions. It also saves you from the inconveniences caused by electricity cords. Better yet, while other cordless products offer a maximum of 40V, this one provides a whooping 80V battery charge.

Why we like it

• It is cordless, giving you more freedom to move around in the yard.
• It has a brushless motor. Brushless motors are a sensation in the saw industry for being durable and more efficient.
• It has a reach of up to 8 feet high.
• It vibrates less, reducing the chances of fatigue for the user.
• It’s relatively light, compact, and easy to handle.
• It has a rapid charger that minimizes the time spent when charging.

What we don’t like

• It is quite substantial.
• The motor also tends to overheat.

Our Verdict

This is, by far, the most powerful cordless model there is. Delivering 80V to the 10-inch bar makes trimming and other tree maintenance activities look easy. Such amount of power was reserved for gas-powered saws, but now you can prune your trees while keeping the environment clean.

Pole Saw Buying Guide

Pole saws come with different features for different tasks. Below are some factors you need to consider when looking for one.

The Type of Trees

It’s very important to pick one for the kind of trees you have. Trees come with different characteristics such as those with large trunks or smaller branches, while some are too high to reach.

There are manual pole saws that are good with higher trees, gas-powered models for heavy-duty services, and electric ones that are quiet, convenient, and easier to use.

Budget

They range in prices, and if you are shopping for a safe one and affordable, then the best option would be the electric varieties. These are perfect for gardening and getting rid of overhanging branches without any strains. Electric pole saws are easier to maintain and are more environmentally friendly.

Reach

It goes without saying; you need to get a pole saw with the longest reach. This, however, should be determined by the length of the trees in your garden. Also, you need to consider the weight in relation to the saw. When the saw is heavy, a long pole will make it unstable and risky for the user. It will also take a toll on your shoulders as you try to maintain stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Long Can the Pole Saw Stretch?

They can extend 6’ to 10’ depending on the manufacturer’s design. It’s important to check how long the pole is, and combine that with your height to see how far you will reach.

Can a Pole Saw Use Oil?

Definitely. They come in different shapes and sizes for their use. The oil is used to lubricate the cutting system so as to improve its functionality. It has a reservoir that needs to be filled with oil for the startup, and you should leave some air space for the valve.

For any you intend to buy, there are guidelines on how to use them, and we recommend that you follow instructions as illustrated.

Final Thoughts

As mentioned earlier, pole saws are designed to have enough power to prune branches. Our top pick is one that has a considerable reach, is affordable, and easy to maintain. We believe that the BLACK+DECKER (LPP120) meets these criteria. Unless you need a combo or a multipurpose machine, we think that this one will do. It has a reach of up to 14 feet. The 8-inch bar and 20V battery enable it to cut 100 branches per charge.