So you want to saw some high branches off your tree, but you don’t want to risk getting up on a ladder with a chainsaw in your hand. Well, that makes perfect sense. So now you are left wondering how you can reach those high branches without chancing severe injury. That’s where a pole saw comes in.
A pole chainsaw might when you first consider it seems a bit strange. After all, what are we talking about here but a “chainsaw on a stick.” Upon further consideration, though, you’ll begin to see the many benefits of the idea.
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Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you want your trees to remain healthy and look attractive, then you know that you’re going to be forced to perform pruning from time to time to remove any dead or broken branches and to thin out any dense areas. A pole chainsaw will allow you to reach up to cut away the troublesome branches all the while with your feet remaining securely on the ground. Pole chainsaws work best for cutting branches that are between 2 and 8 inches in diameter.
Which pole chainsaw to buy, however, can be challenging to determine, especially if this is your first time purchasing one. That’s why we want to help you. We looked high and low at the pole chainsaws currently available on the market, and have, after careful deliberation, found the ones that we feel are the best to help you tame your trees. Then we went the extra mile and created a buyers guide full of information that will assist you in choosing the pole chainsaw that will be the one to meet your individual needs, plus leave you feeling like you have made the best choice possible.
Greenworks 8.5′ 40V Cordless Pole Saw, 2.0
- 8'' CHAIN AND BAR : high performance for easy trimming of branches and up to 50 cuts per charge
- AUTOMATIC OILER : delivers proper chain lubrication and increased productivity
- EASY ADJUSTMENT CHAIN TENSIONING : for easy bar and chain maintenance
- 3-PIECE ALUMINUM SHAFT: can be extended to 9 FT (11 FT total reach)
- WHAT IS INCLUDED : 40V 8-Inch polesaw, operator's manual
Last update on 2024-02-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Greenworks 8.5′ 40V Cordless Pole Saw, 2.0 comes with AH battery included. It has a G-MAX 40V Li-Ion Battery System, which serves to power multiple tools, creating an entire yard system that has a 2AH Battery and charger. Also, it provides an 8-inch bar and chain to make the trimming of branches easier. It cuts high branches effortlessly, giving you a sturdy feel and excellent balance. In fact, this pole chainsaw might surprise you with its rugged endurance and excellent capability, outlasting even you before the battery will expire.
The chain tensioning system is difficult to adjust, making for fast tightening of the chain, and you have an automatic oiler that will provide oil to the bar and chain when necessary. It is simple to wipe down and clean up after use, and all you have to do is remember to charge up the battery, and it will be ready to go again the next day.
Scotts Outdoor Power Tools PS45010S 10 Inch 8 Amp Corded Electric Pole Saw
- Scotts pole pruner with a powerful 8-Amp electric motor for cutting tree branches and limbs around your yard; Fully extended pole is 9'5" long
- Tree trimmer pole saw with 10" bar and chain with 30 degree/3-adjustable cutting head angles; Includes a blade cover for protection and easy...
- Corded electric chainsaw with a pole that features an automatic oiling system with oil level window and tool-free tensioner chain adjustment
- Plug-in pruning chainsaw that requires no gas; A great alternative to gas pole saws for tree trimming
- Power pole saw with a rubber over molded handle and foam grip for your comfort
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Scotts Electric Pole Saw carries enough power within it to slice through branches up to 0.65″ thick. Its telescoping pole is 9’5″ long with a 15′ reach when fully extended, great for cutting branches that are hard to get to or simply high up. This electric pole saw is the longest available in today’s market. And the adjustable cutting head comes with a blade cover for safety and ease of storage. The chainsaw comes with a 10″ Oregon bar with five cutting angles that makes taking down even the hardest branches look easy.
You will enjoy using this saw and soon realize that it’s a fantastic alternative to gas pole saws that can make tree trimming a hassle with smoke and having to struggle to get them started. It also has a rubber molded handle and foam grip for the utmost in comfort.
CRAFTSMAN V20 Pole Saw, 14 Foot
- CRAFTSMAN CMCCSP20M1 pole saw features up to 14-foot reach** with extension pole
- Angled head and blade for cutting precision
- Soft grip on pole extension provides maximum maneuverability
- High capacity 4.0 Ah battery pack allows for extended runtime
- Bundle includes (2) V20 high capacity 4.0 Ah battery packs with charger
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This pole saw is equipped with an extremely powerful motor and a 4.0 Ah battery pack that provides extended run time. With the Craftsman V20 Pole Saw, you can tackle any task. The extension pole gives a 14′ reach, and the angled head and blade deliver precision cuts that will seem to glide right through the wood. It also gives the ultimate in maneuverability with its soft grip on pole extension.
Once you’re finished using it, you can quickly and conveniently store it with the integrated VERSATRACK hook with the VERSATRACK system, which is sold separately. The V20 battery platform is compatible with all Craftsman V20 Outdoor Equipment and Power Tools. Comes with a three-year Limited Warranty.
BLACK + DECKER 20V MAX Pole Saw, 8 Inch, Tool Only
- Extension allows for a useable length of 6 1/2 or 10 feet; overhead reach of up to 14 feet
- Part of 20 volt MAX lithium ion battery system easily swap with other lawn and power tools
- Up to 100 cuts of 1 1/2 inch pine branches per charge
- 8 inch cutting bar and chain allows for a MAXimum cutting diameter of 6 inches
- 2 year limited warranty; does not include battery or charger
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a wonderful tool, created for pruning overhead tree branches as high as 14 feet. The Black + Decker 20V MAX Pole Saw works with a 20V MAX Lithium-Ion battery, which gives it a greater lifespan and a charge that lasts 5X longer than comparable batteries. Furthermore, it has an 8″ cutting chain that makes for a maximum cutting diameter of 6″.
The batteries should charge anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on how low they were at the time you started recharging them. Plus, you can get up to 40 cuts from one battery charge, depending, of course, on how hard the wood you are cutting is. Tested on 1 1/2 inch pine branches and got up to 100 cuts per charge. It comes with a two-year limited warranty, which does not include the charger or the battery.
Take note. This is a great pole saw, but it is not made for the process of cutting through large, thick branches.
Sun Joe SWJ800E 8 Inch 6.5 – Amp Telescoping Electric Pole Chain 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
- [8-INCH]: Cutting bar and chain with automatic lubrication
- [CSA APPROVED]: 2-year warranty
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This electric-powered chain saw extends its reach making it great for use on overhanging limbs and logs. The Sun Joe Telescoping Electric Pole Chain Saw eliminates the hard work involved in trimming your overgrown trees. With a dynamic 6.5-amp motor powering it, this pole chain saw can slice through up to 7.5 inches of a tree branch. It comes with an auto-oiler that makes sure the bar and chain are completely lubricated while the saw is being used.
The telescoping pole extends to 8.7 feet to give you 15 feet of overhead reach, while the pole saw itself is pretty lightweight at slightly more than 7 lbs. Because it’s powered electrically, you can start work with the push of a button minus smoke, fumes, and starters that can be erratic. This pole chain saw makes the tiresome job of cutting high branches seem simple, and you’ll find that you are a lot less tired when you use it.
Buying Guide For Best Pole Chainsaws
Now it may be true that pole chainsaws can eliminate a lot of the hassle associated with pruning, but they’re not the answer to every pruning situation. For instance, if you just want to prune some thin twigs, foliage, or vines to keep them from getting out of hand, then you might not require a pole saw to do the task. Then again, if you are going to cut branches that are between 2 and 8 inches in diameter, it’s likely that a pole saw is exactly what’s needed.
There’s a lot of thought that has to go into buying a pole saw. You need to consider what you’ll be using the saw for, how much you are willing to spend, what type of saw you can best handle, etc. All of this thinking can make your decision a difficult one.
Below, we’ll go over the important features that a pole chainsaw should have, and try to ensure that you’ll be able to select the one that will be the best for you, plus won’t break your budget either.
Working Height
The “working height” of the saw is usually written on the package, but it doesn’t really tell you the true length of the pole. Instead, it’s actually referring to the length of the pole with your arm length added in. Manufacturers generally estimate three feet for arm length, which means that if the pole chainsaw states that it has a 10-foot working height, actually the pole saw itself, measured from tip to tip, will be 7 to 8 feet long. Normally, a pole saw will max out at 10 to 12-foot working height, due to the fact that when it goes any higher, it can be hard to safely control the chainsaw, and it can become extremely dangerous, particularly under windy conditions. There are many models that add telescoping poles that will let you adjust the length according to your needs.
Cutting Bar Length
It is the cutting bar that decides the ultimate diameter of the branches you can cut. These bar lengths can range from 6 to 12 inches, with 8 inches being the usual length. The generally accepted standard is that the cutting bar should be at least 2 inches longer than the diameter of the branch being cut.
Weight
Generally, the heaviest pole chainsaws are around 20 pounds, but keep in mind that even lighter models, around 7 to 15 pounds, can quickly begin to feel like they weigh much more when you are doing overhead work. Electric and cordless saws usually weigh less than gas-powered models.
Removable Saw
Certain pole saws have a cutting head that you are able to separate from the end of the pole to use it as a handheld chainsaw. Sometimes this feature can be great if you want to cut a tree branch into smaller parts after cutting it down.
Extra Features
The goal of manufacturers is to make pole saws longer lasting and simpler to run. That’s why certain saws come with anti-vibration mechanisms and non-slip grips, and many pole saws have a self-oiling chain.
Power Facts
The power options for pole chainsaws are electric, gas, and cordless (battery-operated). You might not be aware of this, but the type of power you choose has an effect on the price of the saw, it further defines what you can use it for.
Electric Pole Saw
If you’re a homeowner with a small yard, then an electric pole saw is a reasonably inexpensive option, costing $60 to $125, based on original quality and extras added. Due to the fact that it must be plugged into a power outlet, how far you can operate based on how long the extension cord is. Other benefits of an electric pole saw are that they are more lightweight and aren’t as noisy as gas-powered pole saws. Still, all pole saws make noise, so the noise will be reduced, but not eliminated altogether. Moreover, electric pole saws just aren’t as powerful as the gas-powered ones.
Gas-Powered Pole Saw
A gas-powered pole saw is great if you have a lot of heavy cutting to do. They have the strongest sawing abilities and supply the most power output. A word of caution, though, they can be very heavy.
Manual Pole Saw
Amazing isn’t it that nowadays, with everything being made to be as modern as possible, manual pole saws are still around. Don’t shake your head. This could prove to be just the type of saw you need. Manual pole saws are the cheapest of all pole saws. They also weight the least in comparison to all the others and provide the greatest maneuverability. Maybe considering all of this, you’ll think that contributing more of your physical strength to get the job done is worth it.
Why It Makes Sense to Buy a Pole Saw
Safety
The average everyday yard work that most folks do usually is relatively easy. This changes when the task happens to take you off the ground, like trimming tree branches. Sure, you have to do it, but there’s no denying that feeling of nervous apprehension deep inside you when you tackle the job.
A pole saw allows you to do your tree trimming with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Nothing like that feeling of safety and stability that comes with managing any task while standing on your own two feet.
Convenience
Climbing trees with the help of a ladder, carrying a chainsaw in one hand is pretty inconvenient. A pole saw eliminates that taxing problem. Not only that, but a pole saw lets you complete all of your gardening chores on your own, without having to call a professional for help.
Comfort
A chainsaw by itself can release some mighty strong vibrations, rocking your whole body if you aren’t careful. A pole saw has vibration absorbers that make this problem a whole lot better.
Plus, they’re lightweight, which means that reaching high places is easier but less tiring. Naturally, various types will have different weights, but they tend to weigh a lot less than chainsaws do.
Less Expensive
In general, pole saws are reasonably priced. In addition, they provide savings because once you own one, you don’t need to hire anyone else to do your tree trimming for you. Professional tree pruning services can be quite costly.
How to Use a Pole Saw
You need to know how to use a pole saw correctly if you expect to get the most value out of your new tool. So here are some tips to help you use your pole saw safely and effectively.
What You Need
One common mistake that pole saw users make thinks that they only have to have the pole saw in hand to begin their work. But some other items are equally important.
For instance, even if the job seems relatively minor to you, it is necessary to have personal protective equipment. Remember that safety should never be overlooked in the interest of saving time.
Beware of the Height
Pole saws come in various lengths and reach various heights. Avoid the temptation to buy the longest pole you can get. Keep in mind that achieving the maximum height possible with a pole saw is not always the best thing. The higher up a pole saw goes, the heavier it begins to feel on your arms and shoulders, and the harder to maneuver it will be.
Watch out For the Kickback
The thought of owning a powerful tool can be exciting, but there are some drawbacks as well. One of the main problems with using a gas pole saw is the chain kickback.
When the blade gets stuck inside a branch you are trying to cut, the motor feels the strain and starts to kickback.
If you aren’t expecting it, this sudden surge of power can spin the pole saw right out of your hands. Play it safe by cutting any thick branches in small increments, and be ready for potential chain kickback.
Stay Away From Power Lines
Although this advice seems obvious, you’d be surprised at how many people ignore it because they think nothing will happen to them. That’s when injuries and even deaths occur. You may find yourself tempted to trim some trees that are near or hanging over power lines. Don’t do it. It’s better to leave the project to a professional and ensure that you stay alive and healthy.
Create a Plan of Action
With the trimming of trees naturally come falling branches. Make sure that those around you know what you are going to do and stay clear. You do not need someone walking by just as a tree branch is falling to the ground. This applies especially to children and pets. Keep them away and keep them safe.
Examine the tree carefully before you start work and determine how the branches are intertwined together to make the job of cutting them more manageable.
Take Breaks From Work
When doing any heavy-duty cutting involving hard to reach branches, you are going to tire, even if you are using an electric pole saw. They may be the lightest, but if you’re going to be spending hours stretching and reaching above with your pole saw, you will need to stop at regular intervals and give yourself a chance to rest and regain your strength. Accidents happen more often when you allow yourself to become too tired.
Inspect the Ground Around Where You Will Be Working
Look over the area where you will be standing to make sure that it is not wet or slippery. If you aren’t careful, you can slip and fall with the pole saw landing on top of you.
Practice the Proper Sawing Technique
For starters, never stand right underneath the branch you are sawing. If the branch is especially long, cut it into sections rather than cutting all of it off at once.
It’s helpful to make an undercut before cutting the limb in order to keep the bark from tearing back into the trunk of the tree. When that occurs, it is prevented from coming off and furthermore may damage the chain and bar.
Stay Within Your Reach
Don’t attempt to stretch in order to reach branches that are higher up. Work only at heights that you and pole saw can comfortably reach. Otherwise, call in a professional.
FAQ
Q. What can you use to cut thick branches?
A. Loppers have a longer handle and a more powerful blade. They can sever branches as much as 2 inches thick. Just like pruning shears do, loppers come as an anvil or bypass. Since anvil loppers can harm living branches, choose a bypass lopper, and save the anvil for cutting dead branches.
Q. Can a pole saw be used while on a ladder?
A. There are some brands of pole saw that provide extensions to aid in reaching those high spots. So, while technically it’s possible to use a pole saw on a ladder, it’s not recommended. If you can’t reach a branch while standing safely on the ground and using a pole saw, then it’s time to have a professional come out.
Summary
While buying a pole chainsaw can be quite a different experience from any gardening tool like one of the Best Expandable Garden Hose you may have purchased before, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare if you follow the advice given above. As with any other tool, you need to know what you are getting into and how much you are prepared to spend.
You have to be aware of precisely what your needs are to perform the tasks you have in mind, what your physical stamina is, and keep in mind that the main benefit of owning a pole saw is that it enables you to trim branches while you remain safely standing the ground. Protecting yourself is worth spending a little extra.