Trees need occasional pruning to thin out dense limbs and remove broken branches, leaving the tree healthy and looking its best. The recommended way to do this is using the best pole saw, which is basically a chainsaw that is attached to a long pole to help you reach up to cut the branches.
While using pole saws, you remain on the ground when pruning making it a safer option. In addition, they are known to make work a lot easier, especially when looking to keep your trees at bay. Although some models are designed for trimming leaves, they can as well be an excellent tool for cutting in hard-to-reach areas.
However, with the different types and sizes of pole saws available in the market today, it can be difficult to find one that perfectly matches your need. For this reason, we have a guide that includes the five best pole saw reviews, their pros, and cons, as well as a few factors you need to consider when buying a pole saw.
5 Best Pole Saws
1. Sun Joe Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw- Best Overall
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The Sun Joe Pole Chain Saw is an amazing option, especially if you're looking for a pole saw that can trim overgrown trees in the yard. It features a robust 6.5-amp motor that powers the chain that is fitted on an 8” Oregon bar. The motor can drive the chain at a no-load speed of up to 6,000 rpm.
This electric pole saw features a telescopic pole that is a great one if you're looking for a height that meets your needs. The height is extendable by 8.7 feet to give a reach of 15 feet. The automatic oiling ability is another great feature because it keeps the bar and chain lubricated at all times without having to press a button to lubricate.
You're only needed to push a button to start the saw, and it's great if you're looking to avoid the hassle of starting a gas pole saw. Furthermore, it comes with a safety switch that helps prevent accidents during starting. Finally, this device can trim limbs up to 7.5 inches thick.
Pros
2. WORX WG309 8 Amp Electric Pole Saw- Best Electric Pole saw
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The WORX WG309 8 Amp Electric Pole Saw is a 2 in 1 tool great for branch munching. It features an 8-foot extension pole that helps you reach the high branches and is a great choice if climbing ladders is not your thing. This pile can extend to a total overhead reach of 10 feet, and when you're on the ground, it is easy to remove the pole to use it like a chainsaw.
It has a powerful 8 amp motor and weighing at only 10 lbs. As a result, it is highly maneuverable and lessening the burden on the hands while raising it. The auto tensioning feature is another great feature that prevents over-tightening, ensuring the chain runs smoothly, and less stress is exerted on the motor.
Moreover, it has an auto chain lubrication or simply the automatic oiler that will always ensure the chain is operating for faster and controlled cuts. This tool is quite durable and gives a reliable performance with more raw power compared to other pole saws in the same class.
Pros
3. GreenWorks 40V Cordless Pole Saw- Best Cordless Pole Saw
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If you're in search of the best cordless pole saw, then you might be impressed by this GreenWorks 40V Cordless Pole Saw. It is powered by a 40 Volts G-MAX Lithium-Ion battery that can last long on a single charge. It also helps to reduce the overall weight of the saw, weighing at only 8.36lbs, therefore, reducing the burden of carrying the pole saw.
The battery produces the power used to drive the chainsawing system and the 8-inch bar. Its bar size is sufficient to cut most small-sized branches without drawing too much power from the battery. Additionally, it comes with an easy-to-adjust tension system to quickly loosen or tighten the chain to ensure optimal chain life.
Its automatic oiler helps to lubricate the bar and chain to reduce friction. This pole saw also has an aluminum shaft that comes in three pieces that enable one to reach an extended pole reach of 8 feet, which is impressive. The cushioned overmold grip also ensures a comfortable grip while carrying the saw.
Pros
4. TrimmerPlus PS720 Pole Saw with Bar and Chain- Best Gas Pole Saw
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The TrimmerPlus PS720 Pole Saw is another great multipurpose garden tool that can easily convert to other tools by connecting the attachments. The versatility of this tool is unmatched, making it a great option for people looking for a pole saw that they could use for other things as well.
It comes with an auto oiler that constantly supplies oil to the chain to eliminate the friction forces that heats up the moving parts for the prolonged life of the pole saw. In addition, the 2-inch height pole can be extended and mounted on the other end of the 8-inch bar and chain.
This adds to seven feet to the total height making the saw capable of reaching a height of 12 feet depending on the height of the user. It is a great feature for tall users because reaching the high branches won't be an issue, and there won't be a need to use ladders or climbers to trim your trees.
Pros
5. DocaPole 6-24 Foot Pole Pruning Saw- Best Manual Pole Saw
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If you're mobile or have a relatively good fitness level, then this manual DocaPole 5-12 Foot Pole Pruning Saw is the best option. However, since it is manual, it might not be the best for everyone. It features a 24-foot pole that helps you reach even the topmost branches. Moreover, there is an option of buying a 30-foot pole.
The pole saw is bidirectional, which means that it cuts off both forward and backward strokes. It has a blade 13 inches long with a 3X tooth design for fast cutting. It is also one of the telescoping variety which means it adjusts to match your needs. In addition, this saw boasts 2X the strength of an original DocaPole and is specifically designed for pruning.
Moreover, it is quite sturdy and lightweight and comes with a comfortable grip and locking screw to ensure the saw is secured to the extension pole. It also has thumb lever clasps that offer the ability to tighten the pole sections.
Pros
Factors to Consider When Purchasing the Best Pole Saw
1. Types of Pole Saws
It is important to note the difference between the main types of saws to find the best one for you. There are four main types of saws that include;
a). Electric Pole Saw
They are corded, and they run on electricity. Generally, they are quite powerful, weigh less, and produce less noise. However, the presence of the cord may be limiting. So, if you're planning on getting an electric pole sole, ensure the cord is long enough to match your needs.
b). Battery Powered or Cordless Pole Saws
These come with no cord but instead are battery-powered pole saws that can be charged and used even when the power runs out. If you're looking for convenience to move around, then this might be the best option.
c). Gas Powered Pole Saw
Gas-powered pole saws are similar to electric pole saws, but they use gas as the powering fuel. They have the best performance for large gardens with a lot of trees that require pruning. A gas pole saw tends to last longer compared to a battery-powered pole saw.
d). Manual Pole Saw
These are the old-fashioned type of saws that gardeners use to tackle high-growing branches. They are quite affordable but may not be the best when it comes to pruning large trunks and branches.
2. Length of the Pole
You want to ensure that the pole saw comes with the right length to match your needs. There are two terms you might come across, including the working height and actual length. The working height can refer to the length of the telescoping pole plus the length of the arm or the length of the telescoping pole plus the length of your height and arm.
3. Cutting Bar Length
The length of the cutting bar shows the thickness that the tool can cut. Most pole saws have a bar length of between six and 10 inches. However, it is recommended the cutting bar should be at least two times the diameter of the branch to help prevent kickback.
4. Pole Material
The material of the pole contributes to the overall weight and durability. The lighter the material, the lighter the best. Aluminum is the best material used in pole saws because it is both lightweight and quite strong to hold the saw. Moreover, the best pole saws should have a handle that should be made from comfortable materials to provide a great grip.
5. Maintenance
The blade needs to be sharpened and tensioned properly for efficient and proper utilization of the pole saw. Some will come with automatic tension, while others have a tensioner that is conveniently located. Some also have an automatic oiler that will only require you to oil the tank, and then it will self lubricate.
6. Ease of Use
You don't want to use a pole saw that is not easy to assemble and might require some technical knowledge to use it. It should be simple to put up the pieces together and should not require any special tool for assembly and disassembly.
7. Attachment
When it comes to getting any gardener tool, versatility is an important thing to consider because it enables you to use a single tool to perform a wide range of tasks. For example, some pole saws can easily turn into a blower, hedge trimmer, edge, etc. It is also crucial to consider the power output of the saw so that these attachments don't end up overwhelming it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Pole Saws
1. What is the best pole saw on the market?
The best pole saw is the Sun Joe Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw. It features a robust 6.5-amp motor that powers the chain that is fitted on an 8” Oregon bar. The motor can drive the chain at a no-load speed of up to 6,000 rpm. It also has a telescopic pole, and the height is extendable by 8.7 feet to give a reach of 15 feet. The automatic oiling ability helps keep the bar and chain lubricated.
2. How long should a pole saw chain last?
A pole chainsaw chain can last for over five years for people who use it frequently. However, for those who use it occasionally, for example, once in two months, this chain could last for decades.
3. Is a pole saw worth it?
Pole saws will make pruning jobs a whole lot easier and are great if you're looking to cut branches that are between two and eight inches in diameter. However, it is crucial to understand that pole saws may not be necessary for some situations, including pruning thin twigs, foliage, or vines.
