best pole saw

If there’s one universal rule of landscaping, it’s this: Never operate a chainsaw when standing on a ladder.

For trimming trees and other hard-to-reach foliage, you want to use a pole saw, a specialized tool that allows you to make precise cuts while standing safely on the ground. However, not all pole saws are the same, so you’ll need to consider fuel type, total reach, safety features, and more to ensure you buy the right one for your specific needs.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start because we’re here to help. Your complete buyer’s guide to the best pole saws for 2021, including our top recommendations, starts right now!

The Top 5 Pole Saws

We’ve rounded up five options you’ll want to consider, including gas, electric, and battery-powered models.

Black+Decker MAX Pole Saw (Best Overall)

 

Our favorite pole saw for all-around use is the Black+Decker MAX. It packs a powerful punch into a lightweight, easy-to-operate package.

This battery-powered saw weighs 10 pounds, so you don’t need much strength to use it. Plus, it’s eight-feet long with a total working reach of 14 feet. The easy disassembly adds to its overall portability.

The 20 Volt Lithium-Ion battery has a lifespan up to five times longer than NiCd batteries, and a Max Smart Battery Charger is included. Although specifics vary based on wood type, speed, and other factors, you can make anywhere from about 20 to 40 cuts on a fully-charged battery. Recharging the battery takes from two to six hours.

Pros:

• Battery-powered
• Weighs 10 pounds
• Working reach of 14 feet
• Eight-inch cutting bar (cuts wood with a 6-inch diameter)

Cons:

• The battery doesn’t last as long as gas or electric power
• The battery can take several hours to charge

Worx WG309 Corded Electric Pole Saw (Best 2-in-1)

 

One of our favorite corded, electric pole saws is the WG309 from Worx. It’s compact, easy to use, and requires minimal maintenance.

The eight-amp motor with 28 feet-per-second chain speed delivers enough power to cut through even large branches while remaining small enough to keep the saw’s weight at a manageable 10 pounds. It also features a 10-foot telescoping bar that rotates 180 degrees, allowing you to move the saw without twisting your wrist.

Although it stays securely in place when attached, the bar can also be removed easily, so you can use the chainsaw normally. Cut down tall branches using the pole saw, and then chop them up with the chainsaw.

Because it’s electric, it’s cheap and simple to operate. Plus, it’s quiet and environmentally-friendly.

Pros:

• 10-foot extension cord rotates 180 degrees
• Weighs only 10 pounds
• Rod is removable to allow separate chainsaw use

Cons:

• Oil not included (but necessary for operation)

Sun Joe SWJ800E Electric Pole Chain Saw (Smoothest Cut)

 

Sun Joe is a popular name in outdoor tools, and the SWJ800E is one of their most versatile pole saws. With a 6.5-amp motor, it cuts through branches as thick as 7.5 inches.

The telescoping pole extends eight feet. When combined with the length of the saw, you get a total cutting range of 15 feet (including your total height). Extending and retracting the pole requires just a quick twist of the locking collar.

One of its most noteworthy features is its automatic chain lubrication. An eight-inch bar and chain have an auto-oiler to stay lubricated, helping the engine run safely and efficiently. Oil is stored in a two-ounce reservoir.

Pros:

• Lightweight seven pounds
• Total reach of 8.7 feet
• Electric saw with cord lock
• Chain stays lubricated automatically

Cons:

• Trigger lock isn’t intuitively designed
• Customer service can be difficult to reach

Greenworks GMAX 8.5’ Cordless Pole Saw (Best Battery-Powered)

 

If you need to trim trees in an area beyond the reach of an extension cord, or if you simply want the freedom of a cordless saw, the GMAX from Greenworks is our favorite battery-powered option. Its two-amp motor is powered by a 40-volt Lithium-ion battery (the charger is included).

The three-piece aluminum shaft is strong but also light, weighing just eight pounds. It extends eight feet for a total reach of about 11 feet, including your arm and the saw. Controlling the saw in action is easy with the pole’s comfortable over-molded grip.

It starts and stops instantly with the electric start trigger. Additionally, it has a simple, efficient design. You can easily open it up and replace any worn or damaged parts if necessary. However, major repairs on your part shouldn’t be required, as the saw has a four-year warranty. The battery itself has a two-year warranty.

Pros:

• Cordless saw allows for maximum flexibility
• The three-piece aluminum shaft extends to eight feet
• Includes a four-year warranty against defects
• Two-amp motor

Cons:

• Chain tension adjustment screw is difficult to reach

Poulan Pro PR28PS (Best Gas Powered)

 

If you’re looking for the strongest pole saw, suitable for thick branches and even commercial work, you’ll want a gas-powered engine. Poulan Pro’s PR28PS is one of our favorite gas-powered pole saws because it’s reliable, starts without issue, and includes six attachments.

The 28cc, two-stroke engine powers an eight-inch bar, which delivers enough power to cut through limbs with a six-inch diameter. It has a 12-foot working reach.

Aside from trimming, included attachments help you edge, prune, till, blow, and brushcut. It’s a great all-in-one option for household use and is even suitable for professional landscaping. Switching between attachments requires no tools. Simply click the new attachment into place.

Finally, it’s easy to operate and maintain. Its Effortless Pull Starting (EPS) system uses a spring-assist pull cord along with an efficient purge bulb.

Pros:

• Two-stroke gas-powered engine
• Twelve-foot working range
• Cuts branches up to six inches thick
• Quick, reliable starting

Cons:

• Consumes gas fairly rapidly
• Tilting the saw can cut off access to fuel

2021 Guide to Pole Saws

Whether you’re an experienced tree trimmer or are looking to buy your first one, the tips below will help you find the best pole saw for your specific needs.

Pole Saw Types

There are three different categories, each with specific benefits as well as some potential drawbacks:

• Electric
• Cordless
• Gas

Electric

An electric pole saw plugs into a standard household outlet, so you’ll need access to outdoor electric sockets plus an extension cord. They’re great for general purpose trimming in residential yards.

Electric saws are typically lighter than the other types, making them a good choice for anyone without great upper arm strength.

Additionally, they’re easy to maintain. You never need to add fuel or oil, which means you don’t have to stop work until the job is done. Another benefit of electric power is that the saw emits no harmful exhaust. Plus, they’re quiet when running.

On the downside, they’re not as powerful as gas saws. Also, dealing with a long extension cord can be a hassle. While electric saws are an easy and affordable way to trim trees at home, they’re typically not quite strong enough for heavy-duty, commercial use.

Cordless

Cordless drills are powered by a rechargeable battery, typically either a 20 or 40 Volt Lithium-Ion or Ni-Cad battery. They’re the most portable option, and they’re also usually very lightweight and great if you want maximum maneuverability.

Battery life varies by brand, but you’ll generally need two batteries to complete medium to large-sized jobs. Additionally, they’re the least powerful type of saw (although they’re still effective for most residential home use).

Gas

Gas-powered saws are the most powerful option, with two-cycle engines and a wide range of capabilities. They’re the most common type used by professional landscapers and for commercial purposes.

On the downside, they’re a bit more complicated to run than the other two. They need more maintenance, including the correct amount of oil, to ensure they perform properly. Also, they’re much louder than the other two options, which does limit their use in residential areas.

Features of Pole Saws

Regardless of the type of saw you choose, you’ll still have a few features to consider:

Working Length

The most common source of confusion is determining the actual length of the pole. Watch for the term “working length.” It refers to the length of the pole PLUS an extra two or three feet to account for the length of your arm and upper body.

Pole saws range in working length from about ten to 14 feet or a real length of about eight to 12 feet. It’s difficult to find anything beyond 14 feet, as anything longer generally isn’t considered safe. Regardless of length, most poles have a telescopic design, so you can adjust them as needed.

Weight

A pole saw might feel light and comfortable when you first pick it up, but it can start to feel heavy even after short periods of use because you’re holding it up over your head. If you want the lightest options, go with electric. They range between eight to 14 pounds.

Gas-powered pole saws are the heaviest option. Something powerful for big jobs and commercial work can weigh 20 pounds or more. Battery-powered saws tend to weigh less than gas but more than electric.

Detachable Pole

Many pole saws give you the option to detach the pole, so you can use the chainsaw separately. You can cut larger, longer branches off trees and then use the chainsaw to reduce them down further for disposal or firewood.

Maneuverability

The saw should be easy to maneuver when you’re holding it up in the air. Look for a collar that twists, so you can adjust the angle of the blade with a twist of your wrist instead of moving your arms.

Along those same lines, make sure the grip is comfortable and ergonomic. Most pole saws have a rubberized handle around a trigger.

Bar and Chain Length

The chain bar determines the thickness of wood that the saw will cut. Typically, they average between eight and 10 inches. The diameter should be at least two inches greater than the tree limb you intend to saw. Measure a few limbs around your property if possible, so you can ensure your saw will be able to trim them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are quick answers to common questions many people have about these tall tools:

What Is a Pole Saw?

Essentially, it’s a chainsaw attached to a telescoping pole. It allows you to trim tree branches and other towering foliage without climbing up a ladder.

How Does a Pole Saw Work?

The pole saw has a grip on one end with a trigger. You simply pull the trigger to start the blade. In many ways, it operates similar to a weed trimmer, only balanced in a way that allows you to hold it vertically.

How Far Does a Pole Saw Reach?

Most pole saws allow you to trim trees between 10 and 14 feet in the air. They’re telescoping, so you can adjust the height as necessary.

What Is Working Length?

Sometimes also called “working height,” the “working length” is a measurement of the total reach of the saw. However, it’s more than the pole’s length. The working length is the length of the pole plus an extra two or three feet to account for the length of the user’s arms and upper body.

What Are the Different Types?

Pole saws are divided into three different categories based on fuel type. The options are gas, electric, and battery-powered.

Gas-powered pole saws are the most powerful, but they’re loud and emit exhaust. The electric type requires access to an outlet, which does limit portability, but they’re also lightweight and maintenance-free. Finally, the battery saws give you the most portability, but they’re also not as powerful as the other two types.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a general-purpose option that’s easy-to-use and portable, we recommend the Black+Decker MAX Pole Saw. It’s well-suited for maintaining the trees found in the average backyard.

However, it’s not the most powerful option on our list. If you want something with a more powerful engine that still remains lightweight and relatively maintenance-free, the Worx WG309 Corded Electric Pole Saw delivers faster cuts and the ability to remove the chainsaw for groundwork. Finally, if you want the strongest possible saw, go with the Poulan Pro PR28PS, which is strong enough for commercial work.

A pole saw is the safest and most efficient way to trim tall foliage. Use our guide above to find the best option for your needs, and enjoy how easy it is to improve the look of your yard!

Have you ever tried to prune tree branches with a pair of manual loppers? If so, you know how back-breaking the job can be – not to mention dangerous if you’re standing on a ladder while you work. Fortunately, a good pole saw takes the chore out of tree pruning.

You might be surprised by how inexpensive (or expensive) pole saws can be while still maintaining a high-quality standard. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best pole saws – both expensive and inexpensive – on the market today.

Always make sure to follow proper safety procedures and protocols when using any pole saw or chainsaw. Safety glasses are a must, as chainsaws tend to send wood debris flying when you use them, and hearing protection is a great idea, too. As long as you do your research and practice adequate safety measures, the saws on this list will serve you well.

Sun Joe 8-Inch Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw

This 8-inch pole saw from Sun Joe is one of the most popular models you can buy, and with good reason – it’s inexpensive, functional, and a decent-quality product. This is the lightest automatic pole saw on our list at 7.7 pounds, making it great for individuals who have trouble lifting weight over their heads. It’s also one of the longest with a maximum length of 8.7 feet.

This pole saw comes with a telescoping rod, meaning you can adjust it down to as little as 5.6 feet for low-hanging branches. This pole saw has an eight-inch bar and can handle branches up to 7.5-inches wide.

The things that stand out most about this pole saw are its price and the Sun Joe customer guarantee. This is the cheapest automatic pole saw on our list, and as a Sun Joe product, it comes with a full two-year warranty from the date of purchase.

That being said, this pole saw has some issues, too. While Sun Joe is, on the whole, a reliable power tool brand, this is a budget product, and you should expect to see the issues that you get with any budget product, such as longevity issues and materials that tend to wear out faster.

Additionally, while the Sun Joe customer promise sounds good in theory, it can be hit-or-miss in practice. On one day, you might be able to claim your product’s warranty, but the next day, you might not even be able to get through to customer service at all.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Up to 8.7 feet long
• Comes with a full two-year warranty

Cons:

• Can be tough to call the warranty office, which can make the two-year warranty moot
• May wear out faster than more expensive options

Greenworks 8.5′ 40V Cordless Pole Saw With Battery

Greenworks sells a high-quality line of power and landscaping tools with interchangeable batteries, and their 40V pole saw is an excellent addition to this collection. If you want, you can purchase the tool alone if you already have some Greenworks batteries ready at home.

Keep a special eye out for sales on this product, as you can sometimes snag the tool and battery together for nearly the same price as the bare tool.

While battery-powered tools like pole saws are incredibly convenient, they have one big downside: power tool batteries are heavy! Even though this pole saw only weighs 8.4 pounds without the battery, it weighs almost double that with a battery attached.

The battery that comes with this model is a 2Ah battery, which should give you about 65 cuts on a single charge. While this isn’t particularly impressive, you can get this number higher if you have stronger Greenworks batteries at home already.

This pole saw also has an eight-inch bar, and the tool can extend up to eight feet long for high-up branches and collapse down to six feet for low branches. Unlike the Sun Joe above, this pole saw comes with a three-year warranty.

You may end up using this warranty because the pole saw does have an internal flaw in the motor bracket that is prone to failure. The only solution to this is to send the saw into Greenworks to get it fixed. Aside from that flaw, however, the saw is a decent, if expensive, option.

Pros:

• Compatible with all Greenworks batteries
• Available with a battery or as a bare tool
• No cords to deal with
• Three-year warranty

Cons:

• Prone to motor bracket failure
• Heavy with the battery attached

Worx 10-Inch Electric Pole Saw & Chainsaw

This pole saw from Worx is slightly different from the other entries in this list for several reasons. Firstly, it has a ten-inch bar, which can handle slightly wider branches than the other eight-inch models we’ve seen so far. Secondly, the chainsaw portion of this saw detaches from the pole, meaning it can be used either as a standalone chainsaw or a pole saw.

While the version we’re looking at in this guide is the corded version, this saw also comes as a battery-powered unit. If you’re interested in the battery-powered version, keep in mind that that will add more weight to this already ten-pound saw.

Overall, this pole saw functions like a dream and is quite reliable. The only sticking points with it have to do with design, not function. Because this is designed to work both as a standalone chainsaw and a pole saw, it can be hard to see the saw’s blade when it’s on the bar’s end – the chain saw’s housing can hide things from view. Also, the saw is understandably topheavy when mounted on the eight-foot pole.

What’s best about this unit is that you can attach and detach the saw from the pole without any tools. Because of this, you can go from cutting high, out-of-reach branches to chopping those branches into fireplace-sized pieces in no time at all.

Pros:

• The ten-inch bar can handle larger branches
• Can detach from the pole to be used as a handheld chainsaw
• Reliable, sturdy, and inexpensive for what you’re getting

Cons:

• The saw’s housing can block your view when mounted on the pole
• Top-heavy

Earthwise 8-Inch Convertible 2-In-1 Electric Pole Saw

This electric pole saw from Earthwise is just like the Worx we looked at above: it can convert into a standalone chainsaw when you’re finished using it as a pole saw. However, instead of having a ten-inch bar like the Worx, this model has an eight-inch bar. This pole saw does come in a ten-inch version if you prefer, though.

While the eight-inch version can’t cut branches as big as the ten-inch can, it’s lighter, more comfortable to maneuver, and has a lower profile – it doesn’t have the same visibility issue that the Worx pole saw does. This saw also comes standard with an eight-foot pole that can collapse or extend.

Despite being a bit smaller than the Worx above, this eight-inch combo saw is appealing because of its ease of use. The standalone chainsaw is incredibly lightweight and maneuverable because of its size, so it’s great for those who have a hard time with heavy chain saws and pole saws.

Do keep in mind that this pole saw is a bit less durable than the Worx above, and the plastic housing is prone to chipping and, in extreme cases, cracking. The eight-inch combo saw can also be hard to come by, and it’s a bit pricey. In comparison, the ten-inch combo saw from Earthwise is significantly cheaper. Make sure to keep an eye on these numbers, though, as prices can always change.

Finally, you can also purchase this pole saw as a four-in-one set that comes with an additional hedge trimmer attachment.

Pros:

• The 2-in-1 unit can work as a standalone chainsaw or pole saw
• Available as a 4-in-1 unit with a hedge trimmer attachment added
• Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Available with an eight-inch bar or a ten-inch bar

Cons:

• Plastic housing can be brittle
• The eight-inch 2-in-1 pole saw is expensive and hard to come by

BLACK+DECKER MAX 8-Inch Pole Saw

This pole saw from BLACK+DECKER is interesting because of the sheer number of ways you can purchase it. You can buy this pole saw as the bare tool if you want or purchase it as a kit. The kit can come with an extra battery and charger, safety glasses, a leaf collection bin, or several other miscellaneous items.

The best way to purchase this saw is to buy the basic pole saw kit. This kit comes with the saw itself, a battery, a charger, a wrench, and an oil bottle. Note that this pole saw is the only automatic saw in this list that doesn’t oil itself.

All in all, this saw is pretty reliable, and it’s a high-quality product. It comes in at an attractive price for a battery-powered pole saw, especially with the battery included. It’s also a fair bit lighter than the other battery-powered Greenworks pole saw we looked at. The extension bars that come with this pole saw can be removed or collapsed to make it shorter. With the extension, this pole saw is eight feet long.

This pole saw is a great option as long as you don’t mind oiling the saw yourself. Some users may prefer it this way, as self-oiling chain saws can sometimes let out too much or too little oil. It can be challenging to tell when they need an oil refill, also.

Pros:

• Reliable pole saw
• Lighter than other battery-powered saws
• Available in several different kits and configurations
• Well-priced for a tool with battery included

Cons:

• Not self-oiling (some people may prefer this)
• Tends to stop working when the battery is low

Fiskars Chain Drive 16-Foot Extendable Pole Saw

This pole saw from Fiskars is the only manual pole saw we’ll look at on this list, but it’s worth some consideration because of its fool-proof function and affordable price. Because this pole saw is so lightweight and maneuverable, it can extend nearly twice as far as the others on this list – a maximum of 16 feet.

This pole saw can cut branches just like the automatic pole saws, but the way you do so is different. You’ll have to supply the sawing action with this saw, and whether you can cut the branch successfully or not depends on your strength, the extension length of the pole, and the sharpness of the saw versus the hardness of the wood.

A manual pole saw like this one has both benefits and drawbacks. One of the most significant benefits of the saw is the lifetime warranty that it comes with. If any part of the saw malfunctions, you can get it replaced quickly and easily, not to mention as many times as you need to. Another benefit is its extended length – no automatic pole saw can reach as high as this one.

The main drawback of this pole saw is the size limitation on the branches it can cut. It’s not designed to lop thick branches off trees; instead, it’s designed to prune growth from manicured or young trees. As such, this pole may not be for everyone – it’s mainly for those who “manicure” their trees rather than lopping off whole branches. You can cut off large branches if you need to, but it’s an intensive, tiring process.

Pros:

• Great for trimming small, high-up branches
• Inexpensive
• Extremely lightweight
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Cannot cut thick branches easily
• Not as sturdy as automatic pole saws

Our Top Choices

Out of all the options on this list, our favorite is the Worx 10-Inch Electric Pole Saw & Chainsaw. Not only is this saw affordably priced, but it’s a two-in-one unit that can act as both a chainsaw and a pole saw, and it has a bigger bar than most of its competitors on this list, too.

Not only that, but this Worx pole saw is reliable and sturdy. It tends to be a bit topheavy, as you might expect, but the saw comes with a shoulder strap to help mitigate this weight.

If you’re looking for a lighter saw, the Earthwise 2-In-1 8-Inch Convertible Pole Saw is a great choice, too. It’s more expensive than the Worx even though you’re getting a smaller size, but it’s much lighter and easier to maneuver. When detached, the chain saw portion is usable by just about anyone.