The Best Pole Saw for Dealing With Out-of-reach Branches

When it comes to precise cutting branches and foliage in far reach, nothing beats having the best pole saw. With a quality pole saw you won’t have to take out the stepladder and wield the chainsaw or bow saw at dangerous heights to do your gardening jobs.

This handy tool turns to trim and pruning into all but a piece of cake. And even if you are new to it, it won’t take much time to realize how useful it can be.

Are pole saws any good?

A high-performance and lightweight pole saw can do wonders for your garden. As the name suggests, it is a chainsaw connected to a pole that allows a higher reach when pruning, trimming, or cutting.

Thanks to its design, gardeners or landscapers can chop down very high branches with little to no effort while still having both feet on the ground.

It eliminates the hassle of having to climb up and down a ladder and moving the ladder base to different locations, thus making it safer and more effort-saving.

Manual pole saws or handheld chainsaw also come in many types to meet different needs – from light-duty trimming to heavy-duty works.

All in all, regardless of what you plan to do, you can always find a lightweight pole saw that fits the bill.

And the best thing is, as compared to a regular chainsaw, a pole saw is much easier to use. While a chainsaw has its own edges when cutting trees on the ground, a pole saw is an ideal choice for higher-up tree branches.

It just needs a bit more practice than a hand pruner, but you won’t need to be a trained arborist to be able to operate it for your property maintenance.

In-depth reviews of the top 10 best pole saws in the market

Greenworks PSPH40B210 Cordless Pole Saw – This cordless pole saw is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it a great choice for homeowners looking to maintain their trees with a cordless pole chainsaws.

Sun Joe SWJ800E – With its powerful motor and compact design, these electric-powered pole saws is ideal for trimming small to medium-sized branches. It’s one of the best option if you are looking for electric models.

WORX WG309 Electric Pole Chain Saw – This versatile electric pole saw can be easily transformed from a pole saw to a regular chainsaw, providing added convenience and flexibility.

BLACK+DECKER LPP120B – This cordless pole saw is perfect for quick and easy pruning tasks around the yard.

Fiskars 394631-10​​01 – With its innovative design and advanced cutting technology, this pole saw delivers a clean and efficient cut every time.

CRAFTSMAN V20 Pole Saw – This reliable and durable pole saw is equipped with a powerful battery that provides long-lasting performance and consistent results.

Ryobi ONE+ 8 in. 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Pole Saw – Featuring an extendable pole and ergonomic grip, this cordless pole saw is both comfortable and efficient.

WEN 4019 Telescoping Pole Saw – This pole saw is the perfect tool for trim and cut branches and hard-to-reach areas of your trees, thanks to its telescoping pole design and powerful motor.

DEWALT DCPS620M1 Pole Saw – With its high-performance motor and ergonomic design, this pole saw delivers exceptional cutting power and precision, making it a top choice for professional landscapers and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Husqvarna 128PS 28-cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Pole Saw – This gas-powered pole saw packs a punch with its powerful engine and advanced cutting features, making it a top choice in gas pole saws for professional arborists and forestry workers who need to tackle tough jobs on a regular basis.

#1. Greenworks PSPH40B210 Cordless Pole Saw – Best versatile package

Most other pole saws model comes and goes, but Greenworks PSPH40B210 cordless pole saws will always remain to be the first pick for the best pole saw and power tools in 2023.

It deserves to be the best-rated pole saw and the cordless pole saws as the machine offers the most versatility when it comes to garden trimming.

Besides the 6-foot standard pole (which can be extended to more than 10 feet), it also comes with a hedge trimmer attachment.

So, whether it is frequent lightweight maintenance or a periodical heavy-duty landscaping job, rest assured that Greenworks PSPH40B210 will be able to lend you a helping hand.

Furthermore, Greenworks PSPH40B210 offers both with and without battery options. In case you need an update from your previous Greenworks, the “without battery” package would be a real deal to save the budget.

And as it runs on battery, there would be no extension cord included. So, needless to say, Greenworks PSPH40B210 will provide you with more portability when moving around with the machine.

Another feature proving its all-inclusive package is the flexible pivot that can be adjusted from 8 different angles. This gives you more control when dealing with tree branches growing in tricky diagonal directions. 

However, the battery of Greenworks PSPH40B210 is reported to be quite hard to remove and reattach. It also loses its prime power gradually when being used over the long run.

One tip for maintaining the Greenworks battery life is to try to charge it fully and exhaust it after every use. Besides, storing the battery in cool and dry places is also a helpful way to extend its life.

#2. Sun Joe SWJ800E – Best manual pole saw for cutting thick branches

Sun Joe SWJ800E has been rated as one of the best cordless poles saw options for quite a while. With the powerful 6.5 amp motor, those thick branches casting too much shade won’t be much of a challenge.

The automatic oil lubrication is also a praiseworthy addition. The self-lubricating system makes it easy to cut more branches with less effort.

And when the pole extends up to 15 feet height, even those thick canopies up high will be taken down with no difficulty.

As a manual pole saw, Sun Joe SWJ800E does not require any technical knowledge or experience from its user. Therefore, this pole saw can be a great introduction for anyone new to the job.

Designed with the newbie-friendly concept in mind, Sun Joe SWJ800E is easy to operate. There won’t be too many vibrations or shocks while holding it.

One note when using the Sun Joe SWJ800E is that try not to exhaust it too many times in a day when there’s too much heat in the motor. Doing so may shut it down pretty quickly.

#3. WORX WG309 Electric Pole Chain Saw – Best electric pole saws for sturdy handling

It would be an absolute blunder to miss out on WORX WG309 as the best electric pole saw for sturdy handling. WORX WG309 is packed with a rotatable handle and 40 chain links, which facilitates easy pruning and trimming.

And when it comes to the sturdiness, not only the ergonomic handling but also the overall smart design of the machine are worth mentioning.

The auto-tension system in WORX WG309 electric pole saw creates consistency during its performance. The grip also provides enough friction to reinforce this consistency, so it’s hard to lose your hold even on very wet days.

The extension pole on the best corded electric pole saws is easy to attach and detach. And you won’t need to tighten the pole saw by yourself. Simply press the knob, and the electric pole saw will take care of the task on its own.

This electric pole saw can be a helpful buddy that you can work with for a really long time before running into any performance problems.

However, one downside of this machine is oil leakage. This electric pole saw needs proper and regular maintenance to keep this issue at bay.

#4. BLACK+DECKER LPP120B – Best long-lasting and interchangeable battery

BLACK+DECKER LPP120B is a good example of quality and durability. Quite comparable to the Greenworks PSPH40B210, this pole saw is also packed with a 20-volt lithium-ion battery. However, the battery on BLACK+DECKER LPP120B is known to be more durable and pretty much interchangeable.

To be more specific, it won’t be a tough task to cut about 100 ½ – 1-inch maximum branch diameter with just one single charge. Besides, this saw comes with a distinct design allowing it to make the best use of its battery.

However, it’s worth your notice that the battery is not covered in the warranty policy of the BLACK+DECKER LPP120B corded electric pole saw.

Many pole chainsaw reviews from real-life customers have shown that the BLACK+DECKER LPP120B‘s body is easy to control. The 10-inch long cutting bar length of the corded electric pole saw offers a decent length for most small and medium-scale jobs.

One pity on the corded electric pole machine is that it does not come with an automatic oiler. It is up to you to oil the chain and the cutting bar, which can sometimes leave quite a mess behind.

The long and the short BLACK+DECKER LPP120B is thus a better option for people with prior experience in chainsaw maintenance.

#5. Fiskars 394631-10​​01 – Best lightweight foot extendable pole saw

Our next pick for the best pole pruner is Fiskars 394631-1001 – a simple tool for many different operations. A surprising fact: this pole pruner only weighs 4.39 pounds.

Despite its humble weight, Fiskars 394631-1001 has an extendable tree trimming system that can reach up to 16 feet. You can thus still use it to deal with high branches without having any torture on your back and arms.

With a lightweight design, Fiskars 394631-1001 is an excellent choice for pruning and tree trimming those small and bushy branches that keep bursting in growth after one or two months.

But bear in mind that the 15-inch Wood Zig saw blade can only help you with thicker ones, not some heavy-duty jobs.

Fiskars 394631-1001 is built with the so-called “power lever technology”, which allows more cutting power with easier transfer.

Along with the lightweight design, the unique oval-shaped pole can help reduce the flex during extension, giving you more control over the cut direction.

This pole saw is 100% manual, with no gas, electricity, or battery involved. Still, sometimes you may have to put up with the minor inconvenience of the extension lock. It also requires proper cleaning after every use.

#6. CRAFTSMAN V20 Pole Saw – Best battery-powered pole saw

The CRAFTSMAN V20 Pole Saw is a powerful and efficient tool that is perfect for those who require an extended reach when pruning trees or performing yard work. The high capacity 4.0 Ah battery pack allows for extended runtime, ensuring that you can get more work done in less time.

One of the main advantages of the CRAFTSMAN V20 Pole Saw is its extended reach. With the extension pole, you can reach up to 14 feet high, which is perfect for tackling taller trees without having to use a ladder. The angled head and blade also provide cutting precision, ensuring that you can make accurate cuts at all times.

The soft grip on the pole extension provides maximum maneuverability, which is another advantage of this product.

The soft grip allows you to hold the pole comfortably, and the ergonomic design ensures that you can use it for extended periods without experiencing any discomfort. 

However, there are some drawbacks to the CRAFTSMAN V20 Pole Saw that users should be aware of.

Firstly, the battery life may not be sufficient for larger jobs, especially if you are using the extension pole. Secondly, the blade may not be as durable as some users would like, so replacement parts may be needed sooner than expected.

#7. Ryobi ONE+ 8 in. 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Pole Saw – Best cordless

Next up is the best seller from Ryobi ONE+, a pole saw of choice by many homeowners.

One great feature this Ryobi Pole Saw has is the fact it can be extended to 6.5 or 9.5 ft. It also features an 8-inch cutting bar with a chain that can trim branches up to 6 in. dia. Even if you have a problem with tight spaces, you can trim the branches without any hassle.

The pole saw features a chain and an automatic bar, so you can always monitor your oil levels. Another excellent feature is that the battery can be recharged in 30 minutes. Also, when purchasing it, you will get the 18-Volt compact Lithium-ion battery and a charger.

This pole saw is really shooting for the stars.

Not just the pole length, the blade is also a selling point that makes Ryobi ONE+ a real deal for anyone looking for far reach extension. It has an 8-inch blade, which gives you the performance you expect when tackling a wide area of branches/ bushes.

Additionally, the Ryobi 18-Volt Lithium-ion Pole Saw comes with a 3-year warranty, so you can be sure it will be up to any challenge.

However, be careful when trying to trim different types of trees; some types can be a bit of a problem for this pole saw. Oak can stop the motor sometimes, but it does very well on pine.

#8. WEN 4019 Telescoping Pole Saw – Best for brush clearing

WEN 4019 Telescoping Pole Chainsaw is one of the budget pole saws sold with features of great value. The Oregon chain runs up to 36 feet per second, giving it the ability to clear brushes smoothly.

When it comes to brush clearing, a common concern is engine fatigue. However, this pole saw weights only 6.7 pounds, which means it is lightweight enough to limit fatigue during operation.

The safety feature on WEN 4019 Telescoping Pole Chainsaw is worth noticing. The design allows for easy pole adjustment and emission-free operation.

Pruning around the house won’t come with any risk while using this saw, and there should not be any skeptical feelings about its safety quality.

WEN 4019 telescoping pole has a shoulder strap and an ambidextrous safety switch to clear away your concerns about accidents when doing the work. It is also equipped with a scabbard to protect the blade and chain between jobs.

While this pole chainsaw telescoping pole overall is a well-balanced and easy-to-set-up tool, it will need proper positioning to get the job done. Plus, it may get quite tricky to hold the blade and cut the path at the same time.

#9. DEWALT DCPS620M1 Pole Saw – Best for tree pruning

DEWALT DCPS620M1 Pole Saw is one of the best tree pruner deals on the market these days. And if you are already on the 20-V platform with not too much demanding a job, this pole saw should be the choice.

The brushless motor on DEWALT DCPS620M1 can do up to 96 cuts/charge on medium pine woods. In other words, this saw is a choice for almost all decent pruning tasks on a regular basis.

DEWALT DCPS620M1 has a battery that is quite comparable to other battery-powered pole saws in this top list. Use it to cut several limbs and small branches, and the battery is still far away from the exhaustion point.

Speaking of its features, DEWALT DCPS620M1 is another option for cordless chain saws, giving it a competitive quality in portability. It won’t be much of a tough task to carry it around and multitask with it.

This pole saw also offers an impressive warrant policy for up to 3 years. Now, DEWALT is a reliable brand with positive exposure throughout the market. Therefore, you can totally have faith in its products.

A disadvantage of DEWALT DCPS620M1 is that even though the pole is extendable, it still has a limited reach. It is more suitable for pruning trees under 10 feet.

#10. Husqvarna 128PS 28-cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Pole Saw -Best versatile gas pole saws

If you’re on the lookout for a versatile and sturdy pole saw, the Husqvarna 128PS 28-cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Pole Saw is definitely worth your attention. This gas powered pole saw machine is designed to deliver exceptional performance and durability, making it an excellent choice for both occasional and professional use.

One of the main advantages of this gas powered pole saw is its powerful 28cc 2-cycle engine. This engine is capable of generating the necessary force to tackle even the most challenging cutting tasks.

The SmartStart system of the gas powered pole saws is another great feature, which makes this tool easy to use. It allows for quick starts with minimal effort, ensuring that you can begin your work with minimal downtime.

The intuitive controls of this gas powered pole saw are another standout feature, making it easy to use, even for first-time users.

Additionally, the auto return stop switch on the gas powered pole saws is a handy safety feature that ensures you can always shut down the gas powered pole saw saw with ease.

The 8” guide bar length and 6” cut diameter of the Husqvarna 128PS are also great for making precise and quick cuts. The 12 ft. cutting reach (with a 2.5 ft. extension bar) is another great feature, giving you unparalleled flexibility to work on even the tallest of trees.

Despite its many advantages, there are a few potential disadvantages to consider with this gas pole. Some users highlight the fact that the gas-powered pole saw can be noisy during operation, which may disturb nearby neighbors.

These gas pole saws is also significantly heavier than other gas pole saws on the market, which can make it challenging to maneuver for some users.

Buying guide for pole saws

When deciding to get a pole saw, there are some important features you need to take into account. This buying guide is to help you choose one that suits your needs.

1. Weight

Your own strength can somehow compromise the weight of the machine.

However, the pole saw should also be lightweight enough for easy handling and operation because no one will ever want to deal with the hassle of waving it too much or dropping it to the ground.

2. Safety features

Even the most well-trained professionals may end up with some accidents when using heavy-duty tools.

Good grip, durable materials, emergency stop, automated safety system, and robust body should be the features to focus on when considering the quality of a pole saw.

Also, not all pole saws come with the same extension method.

Make sure you read the instructions from the manufacturer well enough and operate the machine with extra care to free you from any possible accident or injury.

3. Design

Design plays a vital role as it can decide the ease of use and the durability of the machine.

While we all want it to have a certain degree of compact design, the machine still needs to be well-functioning enough to deal with the stubborn branches up high.

4. Power

A pole saw can be manual, gas, electric pole saws, or battery pole saws. Either of them can be the go-to choice depending on your workload and work frequency.

Gas-powered pole saws or electric pole saws are stronger but less portable if they are not cordless.

If you have to move around a lot while trimming and pruning, it is advisable that you go for the battery pole saws offering more flexibility.

5. Pole and bar length

As a rule of thumb, the longer the pole is, the higher you can reach to cut the trees. Also, a longer bar will make it easier to cut thicker branches.

Notice the height and thickness of the tallest branches you usually need to deal with so that you can choose a suitable pole saw for your work.

6. Automatic oiler

The cutting end of a pole saw is quite similar to the chainsaw. It thus needs lubrication on a regular basis for best performance. If there is an automatic oiler, the maintenance will be much simpler and does not require much effort.

7. Price

The budget is also a concern. Thankfully, when it comes to pole saws, the price range is wide, and you have countless options.

However, it should never be one of your excuses for buying a cheap yet rubbish tool that can’t really get any job done. You’d better always start with the quality you expect first, then align it to the budget range, never vice versa.

Tips for using the pole saw

– Always wear the proper gear: Helmet, goggles, ear muffs, respirator, and clothes for sawing works (work gloves, boots, pants, and leg chaps)

– Use it for what it is for: Red the manual and make sure you use your pole saw for the proper purpose. For example, some pole saws are not designed to cut thick trunks that are more than 5 inches.

– Check your working condition: A pole saw should not be operated when it’s rainy, wet, windy, or in the dark. You should also check the wood quality to see if there is any damaged area posing a danger to your operation.

– Always keep the pole saw upward: While holding the pole saw, it’s advisable to make it as vertical as possible. This angle will reduce the pressure on your holding hands and allow the blade to cut faster.

FAQs

Are pole saws dangerous?

Like any power tool, there are potential risks associated with using a pole saw. It is important to follow proper safety guidelines, wear protective gear, and ensure the saw is in good condition before use.

Are pole saws safer than chainsaws?

Pole saws are generally considered safer than chainsaws as they are designed to be used at a distance from the user’s body and are typically used for lighter pruning tasks.

Can I use a pole saw to trim hedges?

While pole saws are typically used for pruning taller trees or branches, some models come with attachments that allow for hedge trimming as well.

How far does a pole saw extend?

The pole’s length decides how far the tool can extend. Most pole saws average around 6 feet. Extendable poles can reach up to 10 feet or more.

We have the Silky HAYAUCHI Manual Pole Saw even offers 21 feet of pole length.

How thick can a pole saw cut?

The answer depends on the bar’s length of the pole saw. Most of them can manage 4-inch-or-less trunks.

But some heavy-duty tools like the MAXTRA​​ 2-Cycle Gas-powered Pole Saw can cut up to 7-inch branches.

How long can a pole saw be?

Most chainsaws have a length of 5 – 10 inches. The most popular option, the Greenworks PSPH​​40B210, has a sawing length of 8 inches or about 20 centimeters.

What is a good brand for a pole saw?

Some popular brands for pole saws include Corona, Fiskars, Jameson, Stihl, and Notch.

How much does a Stihl pole saw cost?

The cost of a Stihl pole saw varies depending on the model and features, but prices typically range from $200 to $600.

What is the best Stihl pole saw?

Stihl is a brand with various product lines for pole saws. The best Stihl, according to research and customer review, is the PP 800 Telescopic Pole Saw.

What is the longest pole saw you can buy?

From these pole pruner reviews, the longest pole saw is the Silky HAYAUCHI Manual Pole Saw. If you are brand-conscious, the Remington RM1035P Pole Saw is also a good choice.

What kind of oil does a pole saw take?

Most pole saws require a 2-cycle engine oil that is mixed with gasoline, typically at a ratio of 50:1 or 40:1 depending on the manufacturer’s specifications.

Time to choose the one from the best pole saws above!

If you have a lot of trees, hedges, and branches on your property that are out of reach from the traditional garden pruning tools, a pole saw will be a great help. And we just walked through the 10 best poles saw options for your buying consideration.

If we have to go home with one of the best pole saws mentioned, our recommended choice is the Greenworks PSPH40B210 Cordless Pole Saw, as it offers the best value for money.

It has the flexibility you need for both basic and advanced cutting works. The pivot, cutting blade, and chainsaw help you fully harness your gardening job.

And the best thing is, the learning curve is not steep at all. You will soon feel the beat and get on well with the machine. 

Thank you for reading through the detailed review on all 10 poles saw products, and we hope it’s now easier for you to settle down with your buying decision.