What is the Best Manual Pole Saw of 2024?
If you have plenty of trees in your garden, you’ll need to maintain them. Pruning the branches is part of such maintenance.
Regular pruning will help protect the trees from pests and diseases. And encourage it to grow in the right direction.
The best tool you can use for pruning branches of tall trees is a pole saw. And if you have a few trees, a manual pole saw is all you need.
Let’s take a look at the best manual pole saw you can choose for pruning the trees in your garden.
What is a manual pole saw?
A manual pole saw has a saw attached to one end of a long pole. This helps you to trim tree branches without the need for a ladder.
Since it’s a manual system, there is no chainsaw involved like those found in an electric or gas model.
Why should you buy a manual pole saw?
If you have a small garden with a few trees, a manual pole trimmer is all you need to trim the branches.
If you have a large garden with a lot of trees, you need to choose an electric or gas pole saw. This could be based on the area you want to cover and the budget you have for the tool.
If you’re looking for other pole saw options including gas and electric, please check out reviews at gardeningmentor.com/best-pole-saw/
How to choose the best manual pole saw?
You can make a good buying choice if you know what characteristics to look for in a manual pole trimmer.
Weight
You’re going to use the pole saw in an extended position for a long period. That’s why it’s good to have a hand pole saw that is lightweight.
The good thing about manual pole saws is that they’re lightweight because they don’t carry a chainsaw or battery. The weight may range between 2 to 6 lbs which is good enough.
You should consider the weight distribution of the manual pole trimmer as well. You want it to be well balanced when it’s in the extended position. This will help you carry it for a long period without fatigue.
Pruner
Some manual pole saws come with a bypass pruner attached to the cutting head. This will help you prune small branches like those with fruit. And it’ll help you bring the fruit down without damage.
If you have a garden with many fruit trees, it’s the best choice to go for such a pole hand saw.
Pole
The pole is an important factor of your hand pole saw because it gives stability and control while trimming.
Some manual pole saws come with an oval-shaped pole that does not wobble. It’s good to choose a pole that’s made of strong, lightweight, and durable material like aluminum, steel, or fiberglass.
Saw
The saw is the crucial part of your hand pole saw that will do the trimming. You want it to be of the right length for pruning tough branches.
Make sure it’s made of good material that is durable, lightweight, and strong. Some saws come with a coating that protects them from rust, resin, and helps reduce friction while cutting.
In most manual pole saws, the saw can be detached in case you need to replace it or store the manual pole trimmer.
Cutting capacity
The cutting capacity is based on the length of the saw and determines how thick tree limbs it can cut. The longer the saw, the thicker the branches you’ll be able to trim.
Make sure to check the average thickness of the branches in your garden. Then you can pick a hand pole saw with the right saw length.
Pole Reach
The pole reach determines how long the manual pole trimmer can reach when it’s extended. The pole reach that is mentioned includes the reach of your arms.
So a pole hand saw having a pole reach of 10 feet includes your arm’s length as well.
Instead of the pole reach, the pole length could be mentioned as well. This is the actual length of the pole when it’s fully extended.
Durability
The longer the hand pole saw lasts the better. That’s why you should pick one with the highest quality and durability.
This may cost you a bit more but it’s worth the price. If you’re going to use the pruner a few times per year, then a budget one would be sufficient.
Warranty
A warranty helps to get a replacement or repair in case something goes wrong with your manual pole pruners.
That’s why it’s best to get the maximum possible warranty you can even if you have confidence in the quality of the pole saw.
Price
You can get manual pole pruners for a variety of different prices. This depends on the brand, features, and quality of the pole saw.
We recommend to always go for the best quality manual pole pruners even if the price is a bit higher. It’s worth the high-quality, durable, and reliable tool that you get.
But if you’re on a strict budget or want to use the manual tree pruner for a few trimming sessions, you can choose a budget one.
How to use a manual pole saw for tree trimming?
- Make sure the manual pole saw can be extended to reach the height of the branch you want to cut.
- Keep a firm grip on the cordless pole saw and ensure you’re feet are in a stable position. Raise the pole saw so it’s vertical and you can balance it.
- For thin branches, you can place the blade on top of the branch and pull the blade back.
- If the branches are thick, place the saw beneath the branch and pull it back to make a jump cut. This helps control where the branch will fall.
- Then place the saw blade on top of the branch and pull it back to cut the branch.
- When cutting the branch, let the saw do the cutting and don’t apply too much pressure.
- Always keep the saw in your control and don’t raise your arms above your head.
- When you’re done with the cutting, bring the saw down and place the protective cover on the blade. Then clear the work area of all the fallen branches.
What safety precautions are needed when using a manual pole saw?
- There are some precautions you need to take when using the manual pole pruners.
- It’s best to do your pruning work in the day when the visibility is good. You don’t want to work in bad weather when it’s stormy or raining outside.
- Make sure the bypass pruner and the saw blade are sharp, well-oiled, and in good working condition before starting to trim.
- Don’t try to use the manual pole saw near roofs or electrical wires where there’s a risk of cutting them.
- Always cut the branches one at a time at a slow pace. You don’t want to be standing under the branch as you’re cutting it because it may fall on you.
- Know the thickness of the branch you’re trying to cut. If it’s too thick, the manual pole pruners will not help. Don’t risk injury and contact a professional who can help trim such branches.
- Wear protective gear while pruning trees in your garden. Wear safety gloves, eye protection, and a helmet that can protect you from debris.
- Before you start the trimming, make sure there are no pets, children, or people near the work area.
- Hold the pole saw with a firm grip and stand in a stable position while trimming the branches.
- You don’t want to force the pole saw to cut the branches. Place it on the branch and let the weight and sharpness of the saw do the cutting.
How do you maintain a manual pole saw?
- Maintaining your pole hand saw will ensure it gives you a good cutting performance and lasts a long time.
- Before using the pole saw, make sure the parts are tight and there are no loose nuts, bolts, and screws. Check that no parts are missing from the pole saw.
- Make sure to sharpen the blade before using the pole saw. A sharp blade will make the cuts efficient and extend the life of the blade.
- When you’re done using the manual tree pruner, clean the saw and pole with a clean, damp cloth. Cover the blade with the protective cover if you have one. That will prevent it from causing any accidental damage.
- Store the pole saw in a dry, ventilated place far from the reach of children or pets.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of a manual pole saw?
Benefits
Lightweight
The manual tree pruner does not have any kind of motor for power. It’s a simple tool that uses manual force to work.
This makes it lightweight and easy to use without fatigue.
Inexpensive
This pole saw is inexpensive compared to electric or gas variants because there’s no motor or engine involved. And no battery or power outlet required for the power.
Quiet
The manual pole pruner has no motor which makes it very quiet to use.
Low maintenance
The manual tree pruner has very few moving parts, unlike a gas or electric pole saw. This makes it a low maintenance tool.
Portable
There’s no power cord or battery you need to recharge when using the pole saw which makes it very portable.
Drawbacks
Manual use
The problem with such a pole saw is the manual operation. This means you will get tired of working with this on a large number of trees.
Time-consuming
The manual labor when using this pole trimmer means you need to spend a lot of time and energy when trimming tree branches.
Manual Pole Saw Reviews
Fiskars Chain Drive Extendable Pole Saw & Pruner
- 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 2024-04-23 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Fiskars Chain Drive comes with an extendable pole saw and pruner that can easily cut high branches.
The pole can be extended up to 16 feet in length. The chain-drive design will help you cut with ease because it can generate 3 times more cutting power.
The steel pruner can be used to cut branches up to 1¼ inches thick. And the WoodZig pruning saw can be used to cut larger branches.
The pole shaft is made from fiberglass and aluminum which makes it durable and sturdy. The oval-shaped nature of the shaft means it creates less flex and makes for stable cutting.
The pole saw comes with a double locking system that ensures it won’t collapse when extended. The string mechanism that’s used for the bypass pruner might be a little clumsy to use when fully extended.
The Fiskars Chain Drive pole saw comes with a full lifetime warranty which is great to have.
This pole saw weighs about 5.95 lbs which makes it lightweight enough to carry around the garden for a long period.
You can get a lot more details about this tool in our Fiskars Chain Drive Extendable Review.
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DocaPole 6-24 Foot Pole Pruning Saw
- 2X Strength Tree Saw with Pole For Branches Less than 2" in Diameter: This telescoping tree pruner pole saw is designed for pruning and is our best high-reach dual-use pruning saw on the market
- Thumb Lever Clasps to Maintain Reach: Extend to needed length for branch, then tighten screws with screwdriver to prevent pole slippage. Screws can also be used to adjust thumb lever tension
- High Reach Tree Pruning Tools: Plenty of trimming reach so you never need a ladder again. For best results and to reduce flex, always extend and use the thicker lower pole segments first.
Last update on 2024-04-23 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The DocaPole is an excellent pole saw for the 24-foot height it can reach. It’s the highest reaching one available today.
It’s a 2-in-1 tool that you can use as a pole pruner as well as a hand-held saw for pruning.
The saw has a razor-sharp 13-inch bidirectional cut with 3X tooth design. The handle is sturdy, lightweight, and easy to grip as made from rubber.
The pole is made with aluminum. This makes it lightweight but durable. The weight of this is just 5.7 pounds.
The pole saw is rust-resistant with the chrome-plated finish. The pole does get wobbly if you extend it to full length.
You can find more details about this tool in our DocaPole review.
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Milliard 6-16 Foot Extendable Tree Pruner/Pole Saw
- Extra Long Extension – pole extends to a towering 16 feet high, so you can effectively reach all those branches that used to be too high up to take care of.
- Smooth Cutting – the pruning head can snip branches up to 1.25” thick. The 14” long saw blade is made from 1.2mm thick high-carbon SK5 steel and sharpened on 3 sides for the smoothest of cuts.
- Comfortable Use – pole is made from high grade fiberglass making it lightweight and easy to handle, but still strong and durable to last you through years of use. The foam at the handle provides a soft surface to grip the pole with.
Last update on 2024-04-23 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Milliard pole saw can be extended to reach 16 feet and trim branches of tall trees. The pole is made from fiberglass that makes it durable and lightweight.
The pruning head of this pole saw can trim branches that are up to 1.25 inches thick. The saw blade is made from high-carbon SK5 steel which makes it durable. It is 14 inches long and sharpened on 3 sides to give you clean cuts.
The blade comes with a non-stick coating that prevents debris and sap from sticking to it. This makes pruning easier as well as reduces maintenance of the blade.
The pole saw comes with a Double Tackle Compound Pulley System that will help you trim thick branches with good efficiency. The pole saw can get wobbly when it’s fully extended.
The Milliard pole saw weighs 5.5 lbs which makes it lightweight to prune branches for a long period.
If you want to find more information about this manual pole saw, you can read the Milliard Extendable Review.
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Corona TP 6870 MAX RazorTOOTH DualCOMPOUND Action 14-ft. Tree Pruner
- Ideal pruner for heavy-duty orchard pruning
- 14-foot compound action tree pruner with steel blade
- Comfortable 24-inch foam grip
Last update on 2024-04-23 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Corona TP 6870 is a great pole pruner for trimming branches in your garden.
The reach is 14 feet so you should not have problems reaching high branches.
The pruner has a compound action system so you can prune thick branches with ease. You can get up to 3x cutting power than a regular pruning saw.
The blade is made with durable high-carbon steel. This makes the blade cut with less friction, stay sharp, and last longer.
The foam grip makes it comfortable to hold without fatigue as you trim the tree branches.
It’s great to have the limited lifetime warranty with this tree pole pruner in case something goes wrong and you need a replacement.
The plastic lock-clutch is available to lock the extended pole in place. However, sometimes this comes loose during the pruning.
There are a lot more features you can find about this pole pruner in our Corona TP 6870 review.
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Gilmour 20-18 16-Inch Curved Blade Commercial Grade Pole Saw
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The Gilmour 20-18 is a commercial-grade pole saw that comes with a 16-inch pruning saw blade.
The saw head is made from a durable aluminum cast that makes it last longer and stays sharper.
The 16-inch blade is curved for cleaner cuts with its non-stick operation. There’s a hook available to pull down the cut branches.
The pole is made from fiberglass which makes it durable. It can be extended up to 18-feet.
One drawback is that holes need to be drilled in the pole to attach the saw. The manual pole pruner weighs 9.15 pounds which is heavy compared to other models.
You can find out more information about this manual pole saw in our Gilmour review.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best manual pole saw?
We think the Fiskars Chain Drive is the best manual pole saw based on the overall performance, durability, and price.
What is the longest manual pole saw?
The Silky Hayauchi is the longest manual pole saw that has an overhead reach of 25 feet. You can get more details in our Silky Hayauchi review.
What is the best professional manual pole saw?
The Gilmour 20-18 16-inch is the best professional manual pole saw. The curved blade gives a great cutting performance with a non-stick surface.
What is the best premium manual pole saw?
The Hooyman 16-foot extendable tree saw is the best premium manual pole saw you can buy. It’s lightweight, very compact, and built with high-quality materials like SK5 steel and I-Beam aluminum.
Conclusion
We recommend the Fiskars Chain Drive Extendable Pole Saw as the best rated manual pole saw you can get.
This pole saw can be extended up to 16 feet which is enough for pruning tall branches in your garden. The Chain Drive design of the saw helps you prune the branches with 3X power of a regular pole hand saw.
The tool comes with a bypass pruner for trimming small branches and a WoodZig saw for the thicker ones. And it’s great to have the full lifetime warranty that comes with these Fiskars tools.
Fact Checked, Written, and Published by Kevin Rodrigues
Kevin is the founder of Gardening Mentor, a website that aims to teach people to grow their own food in a limited space. As a self-taught gardener, Kevin has spent several years growing plants and creating gardening content on the website. He is certified in Home Horticulture and Organic Gardening from Oregon State University. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Gardening from Mumbai University.
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