What is the Best Pole Saw of 2024?

A pole saw can help you prune branches from trees in your garden.

It helps improve the health and growth of your trees. And keeps your garden clean and tidy in the process.

But with so many options to choose from, how do you find the best pole saw for your needs?

Should you go for the most expensive one? Should you go for a trusted brand? Or should you just pick one and hope for the best?

Don’t worry. We’ve done the work for you and listed the best pole saws so you can pick one.

And we’ve also put together a detailed buying guide so you know what to look for when choosing a good pole saw.

Product Rating Price
Remington RM2599 Maverick 25cc Gas Pole Saw 1
Sun Joe SWJ800E 6.5 Amp Corded Pole Saw 2
Greenworks 20672 40V Cordless Pole Saw 3
Fiskars Chain Drive Manual Pole Saw 4

What is a pole saw?

A pole saw is a pole with a saw attached to the end. The saw can be a manual saw or it can be a chainsaw.

The manual saw has a pruning saw attached to the end and needs manual operation to cut the branch.

If the saw is a chainsaw it uses an engine driven by a gas or electric power source.

You can use the pole saw to perform small trimming work on your tree branches. Many such pole saws have a telescopic pole that can extend a long way.

So you can prune your tree limbs standing on the ground instead of using a wobbly ladder.

Who should buy a pole saw?

I think everyone who has a garden with trees should buy a pole saw.

The pole saw has a long reach which helps you prune branches with ease. You don’t need to worry about climbing on a ladder with a pruning saw or a chainsaw.

You don’t need to spend money hiring a professional when all you need is to prune a few branches.

Invest in a good pole saw and you’ll be able to prune the trees comfortably. The type of pole saw you need for your garden depends on your requirements.

You can choose from a manual pole saw, gas pole saw, corded pole saw, and cordless pole saw.

The buying guide below should help make that decision simple for you.

What are the different types of pole saw you can choose from?

Pole saws can come in several variants based on your budget and the purpose of using them. They can be categorized as manual, gas, and electric.

Manual pole saw

A manual pole saw is a simple device with a pole and a pruner attached to the end of it.

To cut the branches you need to place the pole saw on the branch and move it forward and backward by hand similar to a regular pruning saw.

This pole saw is very cheap. It is also the most lightweight of all because there is not much equipment involved. And it’s easy to maintain because it does not have moving parts.

But a manual polesaw can only be used for simple pruning jobs because you’ll end up tired the more you use it.

Gas pole saw

A gas pole saw uses a gas motor to drive the chainsaw. This makes it the most portable and powerful of all the chainsaw categories.

It can run for a long period of time with a gas refill. So it’s used by professionals who cut a lot of branches the entire day. Because of the power and size it has, it can cut all types of branches from small to large.

The drawback is that the gas pole saw is the heaviest in the category of pole saws. It also creates a lot of noise and smell when using it.

The maintenance of gas chainsaws is also on the higher end because you need to take care of the chainsaw as well as the engine. And they tend to be the most expensive.

Electric pole saw

The electric pole saw is pretty lightweight when compared to the gas pole saw. It can be cordless or corded.

It’s not suitable for big cutting jobs but it can work pretty well for small and medium cutting tasks.

It creates a lot less noise than a gas pole saw. It also has low maintenance because the only thing that needs it is the chainsaw.

The electric pole chain saw is also a lot cheaper than the gas one.

The corded pole saw needs to be plugged into a power socket. This limits it’s range to the extension cord used. But makes it lightweight.

The cordless pole saw is battery powered which makes it very portable. Though this does increase the weight of the pole saw due to the battery.

The cordless pole saw can also be a bit more expensive compared to the corded one.

Check out our buying guide for the best electric pole saw if you’re looking for a corded electric pole saw option.

How to choose the best pole saw?

Certain factors can make it easy to choose the best pole saws from a huge selection.

Weight and weight distribution

The weight of the pole saw is very important when you are going to use it for extended periods of time. You don’t want a heavy pole saw that makes you tired after a few minutes of using it.

Electric pole saws have a lightweight design when compared to a gas pole saw. But a corded electric pole saw is lighter than a cordless one. Because the cordless one has a battery attached to it that increases the weight. A corded one might weigh less than 10 pounds while a cordless one weights around 10 to 15 pounds.

Some electric pole saws have the motor attached to the saw. This makes the saw detachable and it can be used as a regular chainsaw. The drawback is that the weight distribution is uneven with most of the weight on the cutting end. This will tire you quickly if you are spending a lot of time cutting.

Pole saws that don’t have a detachable saw have the motor on the lower end of the pole. This makes the weight distribution on the pole chainsaw a lot more even.

So if you’re going to be using the electric pole saw for a long period of time then choose one with a motor on the lower end. Otherwise, you’re fine choosing one with a detachable saw.

Power

The other choice you need to make is the type of power your pole saw will use. You can have a gas-powered, corded, battery-powered, or manual pole saw.

A gas-powered pole saw comes with an engine that runs on a tank of gas. This makes it portable as you can use it for a long time before the tank needs a refuel.

Most gas powered pole saws are more powerful than an electric one. So if you’re looking for something heavy-duty pick a gas pole saw.

A corded electric pole saw has an electric cord attached so you need to connect it to a power source before using it.

This means you always need to have a power source nearby and will need to invest in a good extension cord. It will help you when you move around the yard for about 100 feet.

Make sure the extension cord is compatible with the power supply available in your garden.

If you need to move around a huge space cutting up branches then you’ll need a cordless electric pole saw. Such a saw comes with a rechargeable battery attached to it that makes it more portable.

The battery is either NiCad or Lithium-Ion. Pick a Lithium-Ion battery because it gives better performance and has good battery life.

The drawback of a cordless electric pole saw is that it can last you about an hour before you need to charge it back again.

Or you’ll need to keep a battery handy as a replacement which can be an expensive option. The battery also makes the cordless electric pole saw heavier than a corded one. And, of course, makes it more expensive as well.

Another option to choose from is a manual pole saw. You need to place the saw on a branch and move it to and fro for the cutting.

Pole

The pole that attaches to the saw is crucial to give it stability. You don’t want a wobbly pole as you’re trying to cut tree limbs. That will make the experience horrible.

So make sure the pole is sturdy, compatible and fits well with the saw. The material used should be quality aluminum, steel or fiberglass.

Saw and chain

The most important part of the electric pole chain saw is the saw. You want one that works well with the chain attached to it. A loose chain will not give you the best cutting power.

Try to get a pole saw that has an easy to use tensioning system that will ensure you can keep the saw and chain tightened enough to work as best as possible.

Cutting capacity

Cutting capacity measures the thickness of the branch that the electric pole saw can cut.

This is easy to know from the length of the saw. The longer the saw, the thicker branches it can cut. Usually, the saw length varies from 6 to 12 inches.

Before you buy a pole saw just have a look at the branches in your yard that you’ll end up cutting. The pole saw choice is based on the average thickness of the branches. Do note that if the branch is about 6 inches thick you’ll need a saw that is 8 inches or more to cut it.

Choosing a saw length that is best for your needs will help you lower the cost and maintenance of your saw.

Pole reach

You wouldn’t need a pole saw if you did not have to cut those hard to reach branches.

That is why the pole reach is an important factor while choosing a good electric pole saw. Do note that the pole reach includes your arms reach. So a pole saw that has a 12 feet pole reach is less than 12 feet in length and includes the arms reach.

Pole saws have a pole reach from 10 to 15 feet and you can choose the one that you think would be needed based on the height of the branches you want to cut.

If you don’t mind it get an adjustable one with as much pole reach as possible. It will help you cut branches that are of varying length because the pole reach is adjustable.

You won’t have a problem storing the pole saw because it’s extendable and you can increase/decrease the length as you want.

Detachable head

Having a detachable head designed in your electric pole saw model can be useful because you can use it as a regular chainsaw if needed.

However, the weight distribution becomes a bit uneven because the motor is attached to the saw end.

If you find yourself cutting thin logs and shrubs often then you should consider opting for a detachable head built-in.

Noise

Gas pole saws create more noise than their electrical counterparts due to the powerful engines they possess.

So look for pole saws that create as little noise as possible if you don’t want to disturb your neighbors while cutting.

Maintenance

A gas powered pole saw needs more maintenance than an electric one due to its complicated motor.

So be prepared to either learn about maintaining your pole saw or hiring a professional who can help you with it.

If you want to avoid this as much as possible stick with an electric or manual pole saw.

Their operation is quite simple compared to a gas pole saw which helps you avoid frequent maintenance.

Usage

Choose a pole saw model based on how much you’re going to use it. If you need it often, pick a gas pole saw.

Most professionals use a gas pole saw because of their good durability and power.

If you’re a casual user who just wants to prune trees a few times every year, it’s best to stick with an electric or manual pole saw.

This will help you save some money and effort required to maintain an additional piece of equipment.

Safety features

A pole saw can be as dangerous as a chainsaw if you’re not careful with it. And there’s a lot of accidents taking place with such equipment.

It’s best to buy a pole saw that comes with plenty of safety features. This could be an automated safety system or an emergency stop.

It could even be simple things like a good, comfortable grip and handle so you don’t lose control of the pole saw.

Always make sure the components of the pole saw are tight and secured to one another. You don’t want a wobbly chainsaw that can dismantle at work and risk injury to yourself.

Warranty

It’s always good to have a warranty on your pole saw in case it stops working. A long warranty also shows the confidence of the manufacturer in the quality of their products.

Most pole saws will come with a warranty and you should make sure that it does have one.

Some dealers might also give you an additional year based on the deal or if you buy something more from them.

Price

The price of a pole saw can vary a lot based on the factors we have seen. But you need to decide on how much you can spend.

If you’re working in a small yard and just want to trim a few branches then you just need a budget pole saw that does not break the bank.

There is no need to opt for a professional-quality pole saw that can cost a lot of money.

What are the benefits of using a pole saw?

Helps prune trees in the garden

If you’ve trees in your garden, you know how important it is to keep them pruned every year.

A good pole saw can help you reach the hard-to-reach branches of your trees. This helps you prune all branches as needed and keep the tree in good shape.

Protects you from getting hurt

You could try using a chainsaw on a ladder to prune the branches on trees. However, that’s a bad idea.

You risk getting injured not just from falling off but from cutting yourself on the chainsaw as well.

A pole saw helps you do the pruning without risking yourself on a ladder. You can also be aware of where the branches fall and avoid them with ease.

Makes pruning trees an easy chore

If you’ve many trees in your garden, you know how tedious the pruning can become. You might need to spend an entire day taking care of your trees.

Doing so with a chainsaw or a pruning saw and a ladder can be hard work. It taxes your body and you may need days to recover from the involuntary workout.

A pole saw helps you prune branches standing on the ground. They’re quite comfortable to hold and use if you’ve purchased a good quality one.

You can extend the length to your desired position and prune away those branches with ease.

You can save some money

You might have used a professional to prune trees in your garden. And that can get quite expensive.

You’ll still need professionals to prune very tall trees. Or branches reaching into risky areas like power lines.

But for your regular pruning of trees in the garden, all you need is a pole saw. It’ll help you get the pruning done fast and without burning a hole in your pocket.

How do you use a pole saw for pruning trees?

  • Make sure the area below the branch you intend to cut is free from people and things.
  • Extend the pole saw to the desired length overhead so you can reach the branch without overextending yourself.
  • Make sure you have a firm grip on the pole saw and standing on firm ground. Raise the pole vertically so you can balance it.
  • Then move the pole at an angle to the branch you want to cut.
  • Make sure you’re not standing below the branch but at a safe distance and the saw is at an angle.
  • Start the switch on the saw and make a jump cut below the branch that you need to cut. This will help the branch to fall predictably.
  • Then place the saw on the top of the branch and allow it to rest its weight on the branch.
  • Start the saw and make a small wedge in the branch so it will not slip as you cut.
  • Then start cutting the branch with a light steady pressure allowing the saw to do the cutting.
  • Stay in control and don’t raise your arms over your head.
  • When you’re done with the cutting, stop the chainsaw and clear the work area of all the wood.

What safety precautions should you take when using a pole saw?

  • There are a few things to keep in mind when using a pole saw.
  • While using the saw be careful and avoid cutting near electrical wires or roofs.
  • Cut the branches at a slow pace and only cut one branch at a time.
  • Be careful that you don’t stand under the branch you’re cutting as it can fall on you.
  • Don’t try to cut a branch thicker than 8 inches with a pole saw. Get some professional help for thicker ones.
  • While using the pole saw watch out for the kickback that can happen when the head of the saw touches the branch.
  • Make sure you’re wearing safety gear before using the pole saw. This means use heavy-duty clothes, boots, eye and ear protection, gloves, and a hard hat.
  • Before and during the use of the pole saw, keep checking the oil level every few minutes. Proper lubrication will help extend the life of your saw.
  • Make sure there are no people or pets near the working area.
  • Hold the chainsaw with a firm grip so it does not slip out and stand in a stable position while cutting.
  • While cutting the branch, don’t force the saw into it. Just place the saw on the branch and let its weight and force do the cutting.

How do you maintain a pole saw?

  • It’s important to maintain your pole saw so it can last you for a long time.
  • Before and after using the pole saw make sure to check the screws, nuts, and bolts for damage or wear and tear. If there is some damage then you’ll need to replace them.
  • Make sure the cutter is sharp before using the saw. Or you need to sharpen the chain.
  • Adjust the chain tension of the chainsaw before using it. And after using it loosen the chain so it lasts longer.
  • Before using the pole saw, make sure the saw is oiled up. And also make sure the oil tank is full.
  • After using the pole saw, clean it up using a damp cloth. And keep the pole saw in a dry ventilated place.
  • Keep the pole saw locked away to protect it from damage and unwanted attention from children.

Pole Saw Reviews

Remington RM2599 Maverick 25cc Gas Pole Saw

No products found.

The Remington RM2599 Maverick is a gas pole saw that is easy to use.

The 25cc 2-cycle engine gives decent power for your regular tree pruning tasks. Though it’s not the most powerful among pole saws.

It has an 8-inch bar and chain with a 7-foot extension pole sufficient for average-sized trees.

It comes with an auto oiler so the chain remains lubricated to give the best performance and durability. Though it tends to leak oil in storage.

The price of this pole saw is reasonable for the quality and power that you get. Though you need to manually adjust the chain tension.

Pros Cons
  • Inexpensive
  • Automatic Oiler
  • Two-year warranty
  • QuickStart technology
  • Several attachments available
  • Average power
  • Leaks oil in storage
  • No easy chain tensioning system


Sun Joe SWJ800E 6.5 Amp Corded Pole Saw

Sale
Sun Joe SWJ800E 6.5 Amp Corded Pole Saw
  • [IDEAL]: For cutting overhanging limbs and thin logs
  • [TELESCOPING POLE]: Extends to 8.7 ft to provide a total of 15 ft of overhead reach
  • [POWERFUL]: 6.5-Amp motor cuts branches up to 7.5 inches thick

Last update on 2024-03-29 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Sun Joe SWJ800E is a great pole saw that you can use for pruning trees in your garden.

The 6.5 Amp motor is powerful enough to cut branches up to 7.5 inches thick.

The pole can extend up to 8.7 feet that should be sufficient to reach most branches of trees in your garden.

It comes with an 8-inch cutting bar and chain that makes it suitable for trimming branches up to 7.5 inches thick.

The automatic lubrication of the bar and chain means longer durability and efficient cutting.

This pole saw is good for cutting thin to medium branches but it’s not suitable for very thick branches.

Pros Cons
  • Useful to cut small to medium branches
  • Extendable pole up to 15 feet
  • Automatic lubrication
  • Two-year warranty
  • Low cost
  • Not that great to cut large branches


Greenworks 20672 40V Cordless Pole Saw

Sale
Greenworks 20672 40V Cordless Pole Saw
  • 40V POLESAW – this polesaw allows you to keep your trees trimmed and healthy, enhancing your curb appeal
  • 8” BAR AND CHAIN – for easy trimming of branches
  • EASY ADJUST TRIMMING – for quick and easy tightening of the chain

Last update on 2024-03-29 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Greenworks 20672 cordless pole saw is great for easy pruning of branches in your garden.

The 40V Lithium-Ion battery provides sufficient power to give 50 cuts on a 4×4 wood.

The 8-inch bar and chain can help you cut branches up to 7 inches thick without problems.

It comes with an easy adjustment chain tensioning system for tightening the chain to optimal levels.

The automatic oiler helps to keep the bar and chain well lubricated. This gives good performance and durability. Though it does tend to leak when in storage.

The aluminum shaft is strong, durable and can be extended up to 8 feet in length.

Pros Cons
  • Fast charging
  • Well balanced
  • Lightweight
  • Automatic oiling system
  • Limited four-year warranty
  • Oil may leak when stored


Fiskars Chain Drive Manual Pole Saw

Sale
Fiskars Chain Drive Manual Pole Saw
  • IDEAL BRANCH TRIMMER: Tree pruner and pole saw that extends from 7 to 16 feet with a lightweight aluminum pole to help minimize fatigue; Ideal for cutting high branches or making low cuts without bending or kneeling
  • MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Low-friction coating helps the blade glide through wood and prevents gumming up with sap or debris; Chain-drive gearing mechanism provides maximum cutting power; Secure double locking system ensures extended pole stays put
  • LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Fully hardened, precision-ground steel pruning blade stays sharp through heavy use and provides excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars tree pruning shears are built to last

Last update on 2024-03-29 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Fiskars Chain Drive pole saw can extend up to 16 feet which is sufficient to prune most trees in the garden.

The chain drive design helps you get 3x more cutting power than other pruners in the same category.

The precision-ground steel pruner helps you cut thin branches up to 11/4 inches thick. And the 15 inch WoodZig saw helps cut larger branches.

The pole is made from fiberglass and aluminum making it lightweight and durable.

You get a full lifetime warranty with this pole saw.

This pole saw is great in use but tends to get a bit wobbly when fully extended.

Pros Cons
  • Extends up to 16 feet
  • Chain Drive design generates 3X power
  • Has bypass pruner and WoodZig saw
  • Sturdy and durable shaft
  • Full lifetime warranty
  • Clumsy to use when fully extended


Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use a pole saw on a ladder?

No. It’s not advisable to use a pole saw on a ladder. There is a big risk of injury if you fall or get cut by the chainsaw. Use a pole saw standing firmly on the ground with a good balance.

What safety gear should you wear when using a pole saw?

When using a pole saw, you should wear safety gear including safety gloves, safety glasses, safety helmet, ear protection, heavy-duty clothes, and boots.

What is the best pole saw on the market?

The Remington RM2599 Maverick is the best pole saw for sale on the market to use for pruning regular trees in the garden.

What are pole saws used for?

Pole saws are using for pruning tree branches in your garden. You can consider them like a chainsaw on a pole that helps to reach tall branches.

Does ego make a pole saw?

Yes. Ego does make a pole saw.

How far does a Stihl pole saw extend?

The Stihl pole saw can extend up to 12.7 feet in length.

How high can a pole saw reach?

A pole saw can reach as high as 15 feet in length.

Do I need a pole saw?

Yes. You need a tree pole saw if you have a garden with plenty of trees that need pruning.

Are pole saws safe?

Yes. Pole saws come with safety features like stability, ergonomic grip, safety stop that make them safe to use.

How thick can a pole saw cut?

A pole saw can cut branches that are 6 to 10 inches thick.

Can you trim hedges with a pole saw?

Yes, you can trim hedges with a pole saw. Though it’s not the best tool for the job. You’ll get much better performance with the use of a hedge trimmer.

How do you clean a pole saw?

You can clean a pole saw with a damp cloth. To clean the blades, you can use a citrus cleaner or oil.

Who makes the best pole saw?

Many companies like Remington, Husqvarna, Black and Decker, Sun Joe, Stihl make some of the best pole saws.

What kind of oil does a pole saw use?

A pole saw can use a general bar and chain oil for lubrication. Some manufacturers permit the use of motor oil.

How do you store a pole saw?

After use, store the pole saw in a clean, dry place. Hang it or lock it up so it’s away from the reach of children and pets. The chain oil may seep so store in an appropriate location.

Conclusion

There’s a ton of options to choose from when it comes to a pole saw.

That’s exactly what our guide should help you with. Look at the important buying factors and you should have an easy decision to choose from.

Based on your needs, you can choose a gas, corded, cordless, or manual pole saw.

The Remington RM2599 Maverick is a good choice for a gas pole saw. The Sun Joe SWJ800E 6.5 Amp is a good corded pole saw.

The Greenworks 20672 40V is a good cordless pole saw. And the Fiskars Chain Drive is a good manual pole saw.