There is no doubt that pole saws can be one of the most versatile pruning tools for use around the yard for clearance work. These tools offer more power and efficiency than a pruning saw, and better overhead reach than a chainsaw.
However, finding and selecting the best pole saw for the circumstances in your own backyard can be challenging.
Do you need maximum pole reach or maximum engine power? Or will it be more practical to opt for a Pole saw / Chainsaw combo allowing you to buck small logs into firewood?
I’ve got all of these issues covered in this shortlist of the best pole saws available, so let’s get started and find what you’re looking for.
Best Pole Saws At A Glance
If you are short on time, you can scan through my top picks below and follow the product link straight to the product review section.
Best Gas Pole Saw
Stihl HT 56 C-E Gas Pole Saw
Excellent easy start engine, just a half-pull. Premium quality saw ultra-sharp chain and tonnes of power from the 27.2cc engine.
Best Electric Pole Saw
Greenworks Pro 80V Pole Saw
This 80V battery-Operated saw has a 2.0Ah battery included. Perfect for use in residential areas, clean and quiet just 87dB.
Best Combi Pole Saw
WORX Electric Corded 2-In-1 Pole Saw
If your looking for a low-cost pole saw that offers versatility, Worx Corded Electric mini combi chainsaw is a fantastic option.
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How to Choose the Best Pole Saw
With a large selection of pole saws on the market choosing the right variation for your needs can be complicated. We will focus on the main features and uses of pole saws allowing you to narrow down your search to power tools that are fit for purpose. We need to consider:
- Will you use it in residential areas and need a quieter saw?
- Is Gas or Battery-Power required for Mobility?
- Saw functions and Combi Saw Features
- Chainsaw Bar Cutting Length
- Maximum Pole Length
What Do You Use a Pole Saw For?
A pole saw is a mini chainsaw fixed to the end of an extendable pole allowing the operator to make cuts to tree limbs above head height. The pole section can allow the user to reach up to 12ft or more for overhead branch clearance.
Due to the nature of the blade running overhead, working with a pole saw can present some risks if the user fails to follow the correct operating procedure.
Can I Use a Pole Saw Like a Chainsaw?
Pole Saws are not as versatile as chainsaws, in that they are designed primarily for overhead cuts. The chainsaw bar is often shorter, and the motor or engine is lighter, meaning they are suitable for light work such as limb cutting.
There are several combi-saws on the market that allow the chainsaw body of the saw to be detached and operated as a mini chainsaw to perform more conventional cuts for bucking small logs and firewood.
Can You Cut Small Trees with a Pole Saw?
Yes, it is possible to cut small trees with a pole saw, however, it would be best to use a combi saw with a detachable mini chainsaw head.
Attempting to use a pole saw whilst attached to the extended pole section does not offer the best pivot leverage required to cut effectively on a horizontal plane.
Pole Saw Power
For a pole saw to generate enough torque to turn the chain, the engine or motor requires a high-power input, whether that’s via gasoline or electricity. As technology improves, we are seeing more and more chainsaws and pole saws switching across to an electric power source.
Both gasoline engines and electric motors have their pros and cons, so let’s spend a moment looking into each of them.
Gasoline Powered Pole Saws
Traditionally Gas-powered saws have been favored by professional arborists for their power output and maneuverability.
If you like the smell of revving engines and oil, then you may be drawn to this type of saw for lots of visceral reasons. But they do generate significantly more noise, emissions, and vibration when compared to electric saws.
Gas pole saw engines are typically 2-cycle engines fuelled by a gas and 2-stroke oil mix at a ratio of 50:1. Mixing the fuel and oil can be messy, as well as refilling the chainsaw when the fuel tank runs dry. However, you can work in any location with a gas saw without the need for electrical input. Just a can of top-up fuel to keep you working for hours.
Generally, weighing in about 12-15 lbs gas-powered saws can be physically demanding and require more maintenance than an electric saw. Filters, spark plus, and carburetor tuning will all need to be part of your maintenance routine.
Some people still feel gas is the best pole saw money can buy, and in some situations, I would agree. But for home use, I don’t see it that way anymore, with so many great electric-powered saw options to choose from.
Cordless Pole Saw
A battery-powered saw is a cleaner, quieter alternative gas-powered saw that creates less vibration making use a little less fatiguing.
A downside is you can lose some of the torque compared to gas power. But I feel for domestic home use the trade-off is negligible. What you get in return is a quitter, cleaner tool that won’t upset your neighbors.
Battery-powered pole saws use a lithium-ion battery that clips into the pole saw’s body. They do add weight but generally by comparison they are still lighter than gasoline models.
Battery power is rated in volts (V). Each lithium-powered battery will have a level of output that will directly translate into the power of the saw. Batteries tend to range between 20V and 80V with the higher voltage providing more power output which should show in the performance of the saw.
Cordless Saws also give you the convenience of not being tethered to the mains electrical supply, so as long as you have the battery power to last you can enjoy a good level of maneuverability.
Battery-powered saws will typically weigh in between 10-15lbs, making for a far less taxing day’s work.
Lithium Battery Run Time (Ah)
The saw run time will be directly affected by the power consumption of the pole saw, and the battery cell storage capacity. The storage capacity is measured in Amp Hours (Ah). So, a battery may be 2.0Ah meaning it stores to Amp Hours of power. But how long will it last in practice?
If a saw consumes 4 Amps of power per hour, and the battery is 2.0Amp Hours you should get 30 minutes of run time from that machine and battery.
In short, the higher the Ah rating of the battery the longer it will last. It is also possible to buy multiple battery cells for your pole saw allowing you to switch them as they run down and keep working.
Electric Pole Saw Corded
A corded pole saw is powered through mains electricity using a power cord. This means you are limited to where you can work and the level of maneuverability within your working area.
Being tethered to a wall is not the most appealing way to rock and roll. But they do have some advantages.
Infinite Power: They never run out of gas or battery power, and they churn out a higher power output than a cordless battery-powered saw.
Low Purchase Price: Corded electric pole saws are the cheapest product to buy, there is no engine cost or battery cost to bump up the manufacturing costs.
Lightest Pole Saw: With just a motor for power they don’t carry the burden of heavy metal engines or lithium cell batteries, making them the lightest pole saw money can buy.
Pole Saw Features & Considerations
With so many Pole Saws on the market offering different features, it can be bewildering to decide what type is best for your circumstances. No doubt you have a bunch of questions…
- How long should the pole be?
- What is the cutting bar and how long do I need?
- What are the benefits of gas, battery-powered or corded saws?
- What is a Combo-Chainsaw?
So, let’s answer some of these questions and guide you through making a great decision on which type of saw is right for you:
Working Height Vs Actual Pole Length
Most manufacturers will make a claim about the length of the pole, but you need to be sure you understand what it is there are claiming. There are two different reference points: working height or pole length.
Working height: Refers to the height of the pole from the tip of the chainsaw blade to either the handle of the saw or even the vertical height of the person holding it. So, in other words, the height of the blade from the ground.
Pole Length: should refer to exactly that. The length of the pole between the chainsaw body of the chainsaw in your hands.
Most Pole Saw poles are between 6ft and 12ft in length, anything longer than that and you really need to check the small print!
Cutting Bar Length
The cutting bar length is a measurement of the section of the chainsaw blade that is good for cutting through a branch, whilst leaving enough overlap to prevent any blade kickback.
The length of a saw bar is measured from the tip or nose of the blade to the base of the body of the chainsaw. So, it is the workable length of the bar that you can use to cut limbs.
How Big of a Limb Can I Cut with a Pole Saw?
As a rule of thumb always aim for 20% overall between cutting bar length and actual chainsaw blade length.
For example, if the chainsaw bar length is 10 inches in actual recommended cutting length the chainsaw bar would be 8 inches, leaving 2 inches of blade clearance.
Some manufacturers may claim a 9-inch cutting length by only allowing a 1-inch overlap. This is not best practice and can be misleading, resulting in kickback and opening you to risks during the operation of the saw.
Pole Saw Weight
Pole saw weight is often one of the most overlooked details in the buyer’s mind. Most saws range between 7-15lb in weight, with some gas-powered models reaching 20+ lbs. This can become taxing over a working day and lead to fatigue. Fatigue can lead to accidents…
When I work, I want to be comfortable, work efficiently and of course, go home to my family in one piece at the end of the day. Make sure you buy a tool that fits well within your capabilities over the duration of your working sessions. For me, all other things being equal, the lighter the tool the better.
Removable Chainsaw Head
Buying a pole saw with a removable head can be very helpful, especially for DIY enthusiasts or infrequent users. If you’re a professional then you will no doubt already have a chainsaw or two, for bucking logs and felling trees.
But for the average consumer who uses a pole saw from time to time, it really nice to have the ability to detach the pole and use a small lightweight hand chainsaw on the odd occasion when you may need one.
These smaller saws are great for cutting firewood, bucking logs, and cutting small to medium-sized trees that you may have around the perimeter of your yard.
If this sounds like you, keep your eye open for a 2-in-1 saw with a detachable head. Often the head can be removed and connected with the handle body, simply by removing the pole length and retaining all other operational features of the saw.
Automatic Vs Manual Oiler
The oiler is a small reservoir of oil built into the chainsaw head to draw oil onto the blade. This oiling mechanism can be a manual mechanism where the user actuates a priming push button. Or in the majority of cases with modern pole saws, there is an automatic oiler to take care of the job for you.
You just need to make sure you check the oil level and keep the oil reservoir topped up.
Some people prefer a manual oiler giving them a better level of control over how often and how much oil is released onto the blade. Personally, I like to keep my focus on getting the job done safely and leave the oiling to the automatic oilers.
Best Pole Saw Reviews
Whether I’m working in my own backyard or working around the lack clearing storm fall, I have had a whole bunch of chains saws and pole saws in my hands.
My selection criteria for this review of the best pole saw, were based on build quality and how robust these machines were, features on offer, practical use in getting the job done comfortably and safely, and finally overall value for money.
Stihl HT 56 C-E 27.2 Cc Gas Pole Saw
Best Gas Pole Saw
- Power: Gas 2-Cycle
- Engine: 27.2cc
- Pole Max Length: 9.2 ft
- Cutting Bar: 10-inch
- Bar Oiler: Automatic
- Weight: 14.5lb
- Features: Ergo-Start, Strap
Pros
- Ergo-Start Engine requires just a half-pull of the start cord
- Premium-grade build quality, as you would expect from Stihl
- Exceptionally sharp chain and ready to go out of the box
Cons
- Detachable pole can be split for storage, but it is not telescopic
With the Stihl Ergo-Start pull cord this engine is exceptionally easy to start, it only needs a half pull and the cord and the engine purring beautifully. It really is responsive and easy saw to get started.
If you are looking for a real top-quality saw, then the Stihl HT 56 C-E is a great option from a company that knows a thing or two about chainsaws. This gas-powered saw produces 91dB of noise pressure from its 27.2cc engine, which for a gas machine with 1.1kw of power, is reasonable.
You get Stihls 2-Mix-Engine technology which claims to reduce fuel consumption by 20%, but It was near impossible to prove this out in the trials. However, there were noticeably fewer exhaust fumes from this gas chainsaw compared to the others I used. The manufacturer claims a 70% reduction in emissions, which I can believe.
The chain is extremely sharp straight out of the box and the 10-bar is good for cutting limbs and branches up to 8 inches in diameter. There is an automatic chain oiler and a fuel level window, as well as a simple safety switch and throttle on the handle grip.
The 9.2 ft pole is a fixed-length. On the one hand, this may be seen as a negative…but trust me it is actually a positive. Adjustable poles can have a tendency to wear over time and the tensioner can become loose. Who wants that whilst a chainsaw is above your head? Fixed poles are a great safety feature.
There are levels to this game…and if you are happy to pay for the best, you won’t be disappointed by the Stihl HT 56 C-E Pole Saw.
Check Stihl HT 56 C-E latest price at Ace Hardware
Greenworks Pro 80V 10-Inch Cordless Pole Saw
Best Electric Pole Saw
- Power: 80V Battery 2Ah
- Motor: Brushless
- Pole Max Length: 9.1 ft
- Cutting Bar: 10-inch
- Bar Oiler: Automatic
- Weight: 12.8lbs with Battery
- Features: Shoulder Strap
Pros
- A powerful 80V battery-operated pole saw
- Perfect if you have a cleaner quieter saw for residential areas
- 4-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Cons
- Detachable pole for storage, but it is not telescopic
The Greenworks Pro 80V Pole Saw is part of the company’s premium range of products designed for domestic and light commercial use. It lacks the torque of the Stihl HT 56, but you get a battery-powered pole saw which is quieter at just 87dB. Cleaner with no fumes or gas. Making it better suited to those who need a more discrete tool for regular use in residential areas.
This pole saw is shipped with a 2Ah battery and charger included, and in my trials, I completely depleted the battery and then recharged it fully in 60 minutes. Additional 80V lithium batteries are available from Greenworks if you wish to get a second unit for extended run-time.
The 2 Ah battery lasted me a morning, which I guess what somewhere in the region of 75 cuts or a total run time of 50 minutes. I charged the battery again whilst I had a break for lunch and then cleared the area of debris.
I read one customer review concerned that they could not get a replacement chain without buying the chain/bar kit from Greenworks. This isn’t the case, it’s fitted with a 1/4” LP Pitch, .050” Gauge, and 58 Drive Links, which can be replaced using any other branded chain such as Oregon’s 91PX058E.
I was impressed with this saw, much more than I expected. Check Greenworks Pro 80v price here.
WORX Electric Corded 2-In-1 Pole Saw
Best Combi Pole Saw
- Motor: 8 Amp
- Pole Max Length: 8 ft
- Cutting Bar: 10-inch
- Bar Oiler: Automatic
- Weight: 10lbs
- Features: Combi-Chainsaw
Pros
- 2-in-1 Chain Saw Pole Saw Combo
- Excellent value for money when you consider this tool’s versatility
- More robust build quality than most other saws at this price
Cons
- The 8-foot pole is shorter than the competition
The Worx WG309 Electric Pole Saw is the best cheap saw combo tool I have tested. The technical specification is very similar to the Remington below.
First off let’s confirm the Worx Pole Saw is a corded power saw with a detachable saw head and handle body, allowing for a quick-clip transformation into a chain saw. The ergonomics of this saw felt good in my hands, my personal preference… but it’s important to feel in total control for me when wielding a rotating chain.
The pole length of the Worx pole was 8 ft compared to Remington’s 10’ pole. However, I would say overall the Worx tool felt like it had a really good quality build to it and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending it for home use.
Weighing in at 10 lbs and sporting a nice 10-inch cutting bar complete with a hard plastic blade protector it’s a nice piece of kit.
Check the latest price of the Worx Electric Pole Saw here at Amazon.
- Power: Corded Electric
- Motor: 8 Amp
- Pole Max Length: 10 ft
- Cutting Bar: 10-inch
- Bar Oiler: Automatic
- Weight: 12.5lbs
- Features: Combi-Chainsaw
Pros
- Very comfortable ergonomic design
- A great 2-in-1 Chain Saw, Pole Saw Combo
- Excellent value for money and great for home use
Cons
- The chain tensioner could be better
The Remington Ranger II Electric Pole Saw RM1035P is a really nice piece of kit. It gives you a 2-in-1 pole saw and chain saw combo, allowing you to detach the blade head and body from the pole with a quick-release button. Then clip them together in a matter of a few seconds to transform the tool into a small handheld chain saw, perfect for bucking logs and cutting small sections of firewood.
This saw has a 10 ft telescopic pole allowing for a working height of up to 15 ft for most people. The pole adjustment lever is fast and easy to use on the go. Making it a practical and efficient tool.
At 12.5lb this is not the lightest corded tool, but that stands to the quality of the tool casing and materials. It’s robust and very good for this type of DIY product.
The 10-inch cutting bar will easily handle branches up to 8 inches in diameter without kickback. On the chainsaw head, there is a rotation dial to adjust the chain tension in seconds and an automatic oilier reservoir. It also has a branch hook for clearing thin branches.
I really like the body and handle of this saw fitted out with a soft grip handle configuration allowing vertical or horizontal cutting angles when in chain saw mode.
It comes with a hard case blade cover for safe storage and is powered by through main cord with an 8-Amp electric motor and a 2 Year Warranty.
If you’re looking for a pole saw and mini chainsaw combo then this is the best option I have tested. Okay, it’s no competition for the like of the Stihl HT 56 C-E, but it’s not trying to be. It’s offering something different…convenience, and versatility at a very affordable price.
Check the Remington Ranger II latest price on Amazon.com
- Pole Max Length: 10 ft
- Cutting Bar: 8-inch
- Bar Oiler: Automatic
- Weight: 13.5lbs with Battery
- Features: 6.0Ah Battery Included
Pros
- High-quality build and stylish
- Incredible 6.0 Ah battery offer up to 4 hours run time
- 10 ft pole with adjustable length twist collar
Cons
- Twist collar prone to getting lost over time
- Heavier than some other models
This is another great battery-powered pole saw full of power. The Oregon PS250 Cordless saw has 40 volts of power. The lithium battery shipped with this machine is 6.0 Ah and provides a huge 4 hours of continual use. Giving total freedom of movement without compromising on endurance with up to 325 cuts on a single charge.
This pole is built with the motor on the shaft which lends itself to a really nice balance when you’re working. With the battery fitting, it weighs 13.5lb. When you couple this with the ergonomic handle and shoulder strap it’s a well-balanced tool to operate.
The pole comes in an attractive black finish and where you adjust the length using an easy-to-use twist collar. I would however comment that this type of adjuster can wear over time, and that’s why some models supply with a fixed pole length.
I really struggled to pick between the Oregon Saw and the Greenworks Pro tool, but the Greenworks Pro 80V Saw gets the nod based on the 10-inch cutting bar and fixed pole. But if you’re looking for endurance then the Oregon 6.0 Ah battery will be very appealing.
Check the Oregon Pole Saw’s latest price on Amazon.
- Power: Corded Electric
- Motor: 8 Amp
- Pole Max Length: 8 ft 7 inch
- Cutting Bar: 8-inch
- Bar Oiler: Automatic
- Weight: 8.4lbs
- Features: Combi-Chainsaw
Pros
- A great option if you’re on a tight budget
- Lightweight pole saw weighing just 8.4 lbs
- 2-in-1 mini chainsaw combo
Cons
- Lacks the build quality of a premium pole saw
The next corded saw I am recommending is the Sun Joe SWJ806E Corded Electric Pole Saw. This is a great choice for those of you who are looking for low-priced products. You tend to get what you pay for in life and it’s no different with power tools.
You will have to make compromises in a few departments with the Sun Joe; the pole length is 8.6 ft, the cutting bar is 8 inches, and the power is 8.0 amps. The overall build quality is not quite up to the standard of the top-rated saws on my list, but you still get the 2-in-1 chain saw combo, which is great value for money.
But… It’s clean and quiet and you get a lightweight saw weighing in at just 8.4 lb, then 5.5lb for the chainsaw setup. You will be limited by the power cord length. So be prepared to invest in a suitable extension cord so you can get the best use out of your saw.
If you need a saw for infrequent use, to clear and keep your yard in good shape, and to cut firewood at the end of each season, then the Sun Joe SWJ806E is worth your consideration. Okay, it’s not going to last a lifetime of intense use. But it does a good job of cutting and provides great versatility as a combi mini chainsaw too.
Check the Sun Joe SWJ806E latest price here.
- Power: Corded Electric
- Motor: 6.5 Amp
- Pole Max Length: 8.8 ft
- Cutting Bar: 8-inch
- Bar Oiler: Automatic
- Weight: 7.9lb
Pros
- A good basic pole saw
- Dual-position head
Cons
- Abysmal instructions
The Black + Decker PP610 is a good low-cost option. It won’t win any awards but definitely worth a look if cash is tight. Comes with the manual 60 ml oiler reservoir, a decent 8″ cutting bar, and a dual-position head.
You get a 2yr warranty as standard. The instructions were pretty abysmal, so if you’re not familiar with this type of tool make sure you satisfy yourself that you’re comfortable with its functions before you power up the machine. Check the latest Black+Decker Pole Saw price here at Amazon.
How to Use A Pole Saw Safely?
Using a pole saw to fell a tree is a perfectly safe job to perform, but it can present risks that need to be managed through safety procedures and best practices. My step-by-step guide is a proven actionable process for you to follow allowing you to carry out your work in a safe and enjoyable way.
Clear A Large Work Area
Be sure to review your surrounding area to check for access points. You should always block or prevent people from inadvertently moving into the workspace where they may be at risk of injury. This includes pets, making sure no dogs or livestock are at risk from falling tree limbs.
Before you handle any power tool check for your own ability to move without a trip hazard or any other form of overhead hazard. Look for exposed tree roots or unlevel ground. Plan a safe space that you can quickly move into if you need to respond to any unexpected falling branches.
Plan Your Cutting Sequence
Before you pick up your pole saw and start revving, just stop and think through the sequence of cuts you intend to make. Step back from the tree and visualize how you will work your way up the levels of the tree canopy as you remove each branch.
Start with the Lowest Branch First
To get to the top you will need to clear the lower branches to clear a path. You need to be sure you clear the foliage as you go leaving a nice open space to keep visibility to a maximum. You also need to be sure the lower branches are removed first to avoid one of the upper branches falling and bringing down lower branches unexpectedly.
Put Yourself in A Safe Place
When operating a pole saw you need to stand off to the side of the target branch that you are cutting. This ensures you get the best cutting angle and keeps you clear of any falling debris and of course the branch itself.
To allow for this setup to work, you may need to adjust the pole length. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you have a secure fix on the pole after adjusting it.
It’s also worth considering where your power cable is in relation to any falling branches. The last thing you need is an accident on the power supply, so keep it clear of danger.
Hold the Pole Saw Correctly
Lift the pole saw with both hands and raise the blade up to the position of the branch you intend to cut. Make sure you have control of the weight of the pole saw and rest the blade on the branch in the areas to be cut.
Start Cutting A Groove
When cutting branches, the aim of the first cut is to bite into the branch to create a groove with the purpose of using it as a guide to hold the cutting blade in a stead position and avoid it bouncing off the branch. No different than using a hand saw. So, start slow and steady and let the weight of the saw do the work.
Thinner tree limbs can be cut through in a single action without risk. If you could cut it with loppers you can typically go straight into a direct cut with a power saw.
Finishing the Cut
Once you have a deep enough cutting groove, you can begin to turn up the power and steadily work your way through the branch. Always make sure you are looking out for falling branches.
Stay Vigilant
You may be standing in a safe spot off to the side of the branch you are cutting, however, a falling branch can be very unpredictable. So, always be prepared to power off your saw and move to safety if needed.
Clear the Work Area
After each branch falls take your time to clear your workspace and remove the fallen pieces into a separate area to avoid clutter and risk.
If the branches are heavy, be prepared to buck the branches into logs and start the process of making the limb small enough to handle removal.
Move Up to The Next Level
Once you have cleared your workspace move up to the next layer of branches and proceed to carry out the cutting process again. Remember, be patient and follow the correct safety procedure, you cannot afford to make mistakes with this type of work.
Verdict: Best Pole Saw
Okay, so we’ve just about covered everything we need to get you guys geared up with top-notch equipment to clear unwanted overhead branches and limbs like a pro arborist. My top recommendation is the Stihl HT 56 C-E, bags of power and you know if you buy Stihl you’re investing in a high-quality piece of equipment.
Best Gas Pole Saw
Stihl HT 56 C-E Gas Pole Saw
Excellent easy start engine, just a half-pull. Premium quality pole saw ultra-sharp chain and tonnes of power from the 27.2cc engine.
Just remember our guidelines on safety and how to work your way patiently up the tree canopy and you will have a great deal of fun letting that beast of a pole saw make you a hero!
Best Electric Pole Saw
Greenworks Pro 80V Pole Saw
This 80V battery-Operated pole saw has a 2.0Ah battery included. Perfect for use in residential areas, clean and quiet just 87dB.
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