A pole saw, also called a pruning saw, is used to cut prune the branches of a tree. You cannot risk climbing trees to prune the branches; instead, get one of these. They adjust easily and let you cut down the dead branches easier and faster. It’s more convenient, more efficient, and safer to use.
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.
Top Pole Chainsaws
Best Overall
Key Features
Rating: 4.4/5
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.
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.
Premium Pick
Key Features
Rating: 4.4/5
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.
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.
Budget Pick
Key Features
Rating: 4.5/5
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.
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.
Key Features
Rating: 4.5/5
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.
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.
Key Features
Rating: 4.6/5
This is considered as one of the best electric varieties. It’s also lighter than most of the models we’ve discussed before.
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.
Key Features
Rating: 4.1/5
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.
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.
Key Features
Rating: 4.6/5
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.
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.
Key Features
Rating: 4.7/5
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.
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.
Key Features
Rating: 4.4/5
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.
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.
Key Features
Rating: 4.3/5
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.
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.
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.