BEST POLE SAW
What is a pole saw?
A pole saw is – as the name suggests – a long pole with an electric saw attached to the end. These are usually designed to allow users to cut through branches, vines, and other material high above the ground. They are controlled at the handle end and allow the user to reach far higher without the use of a ladder.
Our Pick
BUDGET PICK
HIGH-END PICK
Why do I need a pole saw?
Pole saws can be an extremely useful tool in the arsenal of yard maintenance. For anyone who has spent time using a ladder and saw can attest, this is highly time-consuming (as you need to continually move the ladder) and can be unsafe – particularly as you lean ever further with the saw. A pole saw prevents this need and can make pruning a far easier task. There are many pole saws available on the market at fairly reasonable prices. This guide will walk you through the best ones, whatever your specific needs.
METHODOLOGY
In order to create this list, we reviewed the many different pole saw options available. We wanted to make sure the list contained a broad range of options, so as to fit a variety of different needs. However, it was important to ensure that all of the different models available were of high quality. We, therefore, judged the pole saws based on the following criteria: build quality, safety, weight, user-friendly features, effectiveness, power, length, price, and brand name.
Once we had done this, we condensed our list down to a top five, containing the best budget option, the best luxury option, and our absolute favorite as the top pick. The below list, therefore, contains only quality items, divided up based on your budget and your specific needs. At the bottom of this list is a buyers’ guide – giving you a few universal things you need to consider when buying a pole saw.
Our #1 Pick
Worx WG309, 8 Amp 10-inch Corded Electric Pole Saw & Chainsaw with Auto-Tension
This gets the nod as our top pick due mostly to its combination of effectiveness and simplicity. Unlike some other pole saws on the market, this one demonstrates power without being needlessly complex. For the amateur user, the Worx Pole Saw is an excellent piece of equipment – it’s deeply intuitive and requires very little maintenance. If you want something that will work hard for you, but not necessarily require you to reciprocate, you can’t go wrong with this pole saw.
- Size: 42 x 8 x 9 inches
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Warranty: 3 years
What We Like:
- Key features on this model include the 10” chainsaw, which provides enough power to cut through even the most solid branches.
- It also has an 8-foot extension pole, which gives you enough reach without reducing control.
- A really nice touch is the auto-tension, which helps keep it functioning perfectly even after a lot of use.
PROs
- Power. The power that this generates stands up to almost all the others on the market. If it can’t cut through your branches, you may need an industrial-standard model.
- Easy to install. A really great feature is the toolless installation, which means you can use it straight out of the box (more or less).
CONs
- Heavy. Compared with some other pole saws on the market, this is relatively heavy, which means you need some strength to use it.
- Component quality. Some questioned whether all the components were of the highest quality.
Budget Pick
Scotts Outdoor Power Tools PS45010S 10-Inch 8-Amp Corded Electric Pole Saw
This may be our budget pick, but it doesn’t mean that it’s any less quality than any of the others on the list. What it does mean is that it comes in at less than $75, nearly half of others on the market. This one does all the same functions as the best ones out there – it really just lacks in a couple of precise areas. However, for most users, this is more than up to standard.
This is the best option for the brand new user: it won’t put too much of a dent in your wallet, but it’ll still be doing its job after years of use.
- Size: 85 x 4 x 5 inches
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Warranty: 3 years
What We Like:
- We like the 10 foot Oregon bar, which gives that extra bit of reach to get even the trickiest branches.
- It also has adjustable cutting heads, which is a great feature for making cutting even easier.
- If you didn’t know the price of this machine, you’d never know it was the cheapest model on this list, such is the build quality.
PROs
- Adjustable. By allowing for a range of cutting angles, you allow the user to make their life much easier, and the whole process of trimming and cutting that much smoother.
- Automatic oiling system. This is a really neat touch and ensures that the saw always functions smoothly. Without any maintenance, this saw will be at peak performance for years.
CONs
- Poor design. The design could be a little more intuitive, as it’s not always the easiest to control.
- Handle length. At the 10” extension, this is very difficult to keep hold of.
High-End Pick
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Pole Saw, 15-Foot Reach, Tool Only (DCPS620B)
If you have the cash to splash, then this DeWalt Pole Saw is the one for you. It packs a serious punch and will be able to handle anything you throw at it. It has the longest handle of any on our list and is designed to be extremely gentle and easy to control, despite the power it provides. This may be a heavy piece of equipment, but it doesn’t feel like it. All in all, this is a truly magnificent pole saw that really justifies its hefty price tag.
- Size: 9.92 x 6.18 x 45.16 inches
- Weight: 12.42 pounds
- Warranty: N/A
What We Like:
- We like the extension pole that gives you up to 15 feet of reach. This means you’re prepared for every eventuality.
- The low kickback full compliment bar and chain also makes using it really easy - there’s none of the arm shuddering that comes with hitting a knot or a particularly tough branch.
PROs
- Automatic oiling. This is a great touch, which helps keep everything running smoothly.
- Brushless motor. This helps to cut down on maintenance, while also ensuring that the motor will last.
CONs
- Warranty. Not having a warranty is especially poor given the price tag.
- Battery. It’s also not ideal that there’s no battery and charger provided with this model.
Most Flexible Pole Saw
Sun Joe SWJ803E 10 inch 8.0 Amp Electric Multi-Angle Pole Chain Saw
The best thing about this pole saw is its flexibility. It’s multi-angle by name, and multi-angle by nature. The variety of angles makes it easy to get through the bigger branches, as you can attack them from different sides. The price of this one is also impressive – this model does the work of its competitors costing more than $100. This is a great option if you’ve got serious branches to trim, but don’t want to break the bank.
- Size: 96.45 x 5.5 x 9.5 inches
- Weight: 7.9 Pounds
- Warranty: 2 years
What We Like:
- We like the way that the pole extends on this model. It can go from 5”8’ to 8”8’, giving you the ability to reach up to 14 foot overhead.
- It also has an 8-amp motor, which can cut branches up to 9.5 inches thick. To put it another way, this is small but mighty, particularly given its power to weight ratio.
PROs
- Flexible. The head of the saw adjusts from 0 to 30 degrees, giving you a multi-angle approach.
- Reach. A 15-Foot reach will ensure you can get even the highest branches.
CONs
- Inefficient. It can take some real effort to cut through all the branches, particularly compared with other models on our list.
- Not intuitive. As above, this isn’t the most intuitive or maneuverable of models.
Most Versatile Pole Saw
Sun Joe SWJ806E 8-Inch 8.0 Amp 2-in-1 Convertible Pole Chain Saw
We absolutely love the fact that this is a convertible 2-in-1 model. The ability to use it as a chainsaw means that you’re almost guaranteed to get a full set of usage from it. It does both sets of jobs extremely well as well, effectively making it a double purchase.
- Size: 76 x 5.7 x 10.3 inches
- Weight: 8.4 Pounds
- Warranty: 2 years
What We Like:
- We like that this has a powerful 8 amp motor. This means it can cut through branches up to 7.5 inches thick.
- On top of this, it has an 8-inch cutting bar, which feels robust.
- Put it another way, this may be a convertible, but it has some serious power behind it. Whether you’re using this as a chainsaw or a pole saw, you can be confident that it can handle what you’re doing.
PROs
- Reach. 15 feet of reach will ensure you’re able to access everything you need to.
- Convertible. This has a detachable chainsaw meaning it’s a 2-in-1 model.
CONs
- Leaks. This has been known to leak, which is not ideal.
- Value. Other models on our list may provide better value for money than what’s offered here.
Pole Saw Buyer’s Guide
What pole saw features are important?
Aside from consulting the models above, the key detail to look for is an automatic oiling system without leakage. This is not standard on all models but will make life significantly easier if you’re able to buy a model with this component. The automatic oiling system will keep your saw working better for longer, and the leakage prevention will ensure you’re not left with a mess (or worse, drips while you’re using it). This feature may seem like a small detail but it will make a lot of difference for the ease of use, maintenance, and longevity of your saw.
What to look for in a pole saw blade
Whatever model you’re buying, you should look at the blades. It’s important to buy a model with adjustable cutting angles. This will make it far easier to cut into a wide variety of branches and will save you a lot of work when it comes to having to maneuver yourself into the right position. Adjustable cutting blades are also a good sign that the manufacturers have thought about the user first and foremost, and therefore usually indicate a good build quality. Adjustable cutting blades are also a useful safety feature that will help keep you from overextending as you are using the saw.
What size pole saw should I buy?
It can be difficult to estimate the right size of saw to buy. The temptation is always to buy as long a saw as possible since this will cover you against a multitude of situations. However, the longer a pole saw, the more difficult it is to control (and the more expensive it usually is). Generally, you should operate on the assumption that you’ll need up to 15 feet of overhead reach. Any more than this, and you may need to start looking at industrial models – or hire a professional crew in to help.
If you’ve decided that a pole saw is a piece of yard equipment you need, it can be difficult to determine what exactly is the right model for you. To the layman, many of the options on the market look very similar. However, the difference between them is important, as it can be the difference between one that is easy and safe to use, and one that ends up being a waste of money.