The Best Pole Saws Tested in 2023. Worx pruner saw

WORX 20V Cordless Chainsaw: Product Review

An excellent light duty chainsaw with plenty of power. Best for small properties and smaller diameter branches.

I received the WORX 20V Cordless Chainsaw as part of a 2-in-1 package with an extension pole that converts it into a pole chainsaw, although the chainsaw and the extension pole can each be purchased individually. This review is only for the chainsaw; I reviewed the combo chainsaw/extension pole separately.

VIDEO

In the video, I show the features of the WORX 20V Cordless Chainsaw, and demonstrate how to add the bar and chain oil. I also show the chainsaw in use on some mesquite trees. Check it out for a thorough description and to see how the chainsaw performed.

PACKAGING:

The WORX chainsaw arrived in a trapezoidal cardboard box with plenty of graphics on the outside of it showing exactly what was inside. Included in the box were the cordless chainsaw, a 20V (2.0Ah) battery, a battery charger, an extension pole (reviewed separately), and instruction manuals for both the saw and the battery charger.

Bar and chain oil is not included; you’ll need to purchase that separately. Not sure what that is or why you need it for a cordless chainsaw? Check out our tutorial.

Despite the fact it was not double housed in another cardboard box, the saw came through with no dents or scratches. Even the original shipping box was unscathed.

The well-packaged saw came through without a scratch

Excellent FIT AND FINISH

The fit and finish on the chainsaw are excellent. The surfaces are smooth to the touch and without mold marks or misalignments. I’ve reviewed other WORX products and have come to expect this type of quality. They don’t disappoint.

ERGONOMIC Design

The chainsaw has handles and guards that are not only functional but also comfortable to hold and that serve to minimize hand and arm fatigue. The battery compartment is neatly tucked under the rear handle, keeping the battery out of the way so it doesn’t get hung up on wood while cutting.

All the parts are seamlessly integrated into the saw

Well-Placed Oil Filler

The oil fill cap is on top of the saw which makes it super easy to fill with bar and chain oil (see my video on bar and chain oil for details about what it is and why you need it). I’ve reviewed countless other cordless chainsaws and many of them have oil fill caps on the side of the saw body, making them much more difficult to fill. I often end up spilling oil down the side of the saw. Not so with the WORX design.

Don’t forget to fill the bar and chain oil reservoir before you start cutting

AUTO-TENSION BAR AND CHAIN TIGHTENING MECHANISM

The saw is equipped with a nifty single knob to adjust the tightness of the bar and chain cover. This knob also acts as the cutting chain tensioning mechanism. Instead of having a cover locking ring and a bar tensioning ring (which are present on some of the other cordless saws I’ve tested), the WORX chainsaw has both incorporated into one knob.

When I first read about this feature in the instruction manual, I thought it meant that the saw would automatically tighten a loose chain without any intervention. This is not the case. You have to physically turn the tensioning dial when the chain becomes loose (for example, when the chain stretches over time or the bar loosens up). Once I was clear on this, it made total sense.

It sure is nice not have to fiddle with two dials/rings like some of the other chainsaws on the market.

The Auto-Tension knob is hand operated to adjust chain tension. It is not fully automatic.

AUTOMATIC OILER

The saw is outfitted with an automatic bar and chain oiler, as are all modern battery-powered chainsaws. However, it’s critical to test that the oiler is working properly, especially with a new saw right out of the box. If the oiler isn’t working, you’ll ruin the bar and chain due to the tremendous friction between the bar and chain without lubrication.

One way to test the oiler is to lay a piece of paper on the ground, hold the saw about a foot above the paper and run it at full throttle. You should see oil spatter on the paper, which indicates that the automatic oiler is doing its job. This assumes that you’ve put bar and chain oil in the reservoir before you start the saw. Don’t forget this first step! You can see a demonstration of this in the video above.

To test that the automatic oiler is working, use a piece of paper to catch any spatter and run the chainsaw at full throttle

POWER SHARE BATTERY SYSTEM

WORX produces dozens of outdoor power tools that rely on their 20 Volt Lithium-Ion batteries, making them interchangeable between all of their 20V tools as part of the WORX Power Share system.

So, if you own another 20V WORX tool, that battery will work with this chainsaw (and you now have a spare battery). Or you can buy a WORX tool (including the chainsaw) without a battery and share the battery you already own.

For more information on Lithium-Ion batteries see our article covering FAQs about Li-Ion batteries.

Starting Up The Saw

The first order of business is to fully charge the battery before use. It arrives partially charged so this step will only take a couple of hours. A completely drained battery will take longer – up to 5 hours to fully charge.

To use the chainsaw, insert the fully charged battery into the base of the saw under the rear handle. This is as easy as aligning the battery slide rails with the saw’s rails. With a swift push the battery bottoms out and you’ll hear an audible click as the safety latch engages (ensuring that the battery won’t fall out of the saw).

The 20 Volt Li-Ion battery inserted into the battery compartment under the saw handle

BUILT IN SAFETY (“LOCK-OUT BUTTON”)

The chainsaw has a “lock-out button” on the rear handle that you must press before you can engage the ON/OFF lever. This is a great safety feature and prevents a lot of accidents.

The lock-out button helps prevents accidents

Best Pole Saws 2023

LET’S GET CUTTING

The WORX 20V chainsaw has plastic bumper spikes at the front of the saw that act as a leverage point (for faster cutting speed) and help keep the saw lined up with the branch. The manual suggests that these bumper spikes should be in contact with the branch as a cut is being made.

With my first cuts, I didn’t use the bumper spikes. I’ve had a lot of experience with chainsaws as the result of owning a tree care company for ten years and I feel comfortable holding the bar against the branch without the bumper spikes making contact (however, I don’t suggest you do this). I wanted to see how the saw cut in this position first.

I picked some branches that were about 3-inches in diameter. As the WORX operator’s manual suggests, bring the saw up to full power before attempting to cut. This will prevent the saw from bouncing around and making a rough cut.

With each cut, I laid the saw on top of the branch and let the weight of the saw do most of the work (so as not to overtax the electric motor). The saw repeatedly made nice, clean cuts through the branches like a hot knife through butter.

With my next cuts, I used the bumper spikes. Keep in mind that they’re plastic, not the metal found on larger chainsaws, so they don’t dig into the wood very much. Still, they did make a difference. Using the spikes, the chainsaw cut through the branches more quickly and the cuts were just as clean as those made without the bumper spikes. The WORX chainsaw had plenty of power and did not bog down at all.

My final cuts were on a dead stump. The WORX 20V chainsaw powered through the 5 ½ inch diameter stump with no hesitation. There was no lack of power, no motor strain and the cuts were as clean as those made on the 3-inch branches.

A 5 ½ inch deadwood stump was no match for the saw

Plenty of Power

My main concern about the WORX 20V chainsaw was that the single 20V li-ion battery wouldn’t provide enough power to easily cut through branches. I needn’t have worried. This saw has plenty of power to slice through wood of all kinds up to roughly 6 inches in diameter. Given the small (10-inch) bar, I wouldn’t recommend cutting anything larger.

NO CHAIN BRAKE

There is a “handguard” on the saw. While this a nice feature, it does little to protect the operator from kickback (a very dangerous condition where the saw blade whips back toward the operator).

Kickback is usually caused by operator error and is a serious problem for your upper body. Chainsaw cuts are no day at the beach! I heard a statistic once that the average number of stitches from a chainsaw kickback to the body is 13. Even with low kickback chain and bars, it still happens. I’d like to see a real chain brake on this saw instead of just a handguard.

All that said, do yourself a favor and read the WORX operators manual before using the chainsaw. It has some excellent recommendations on how to reduce the chances of kickback.

The saw only comes with a handguard and not a chain break

Excellent OPERATOR’S MANUAL (with one exception)

Overall, the operator’s manual is excellent, except the Trimming a Tree (Pruning) section (more below). The manual is packed with a plethora of safety instructions, but the things I appreciate most are the instructions about felling a tree, notching undercuts, felling back cuts, limbing a tree, and bucking a log. Not only does the manual provide you with a bunch of great safety messages, but it also gives you a heads up on how to properly perform a variety of tree cutting procedures. Don’t toss this publication. Keep it in a handy place; it’s a good reference guide.

The one section I don’t agree with is the part that references how to prune a limb from a tree. It shows a diagram and explanation of a four cut process, which includes a third cut halfway through the limb from the underside of the stub and a final cut from the top of the stub to meet the partial cut completed in step three. The instructions also recommend cutting the stub as close to the tree as possible.

Both of these procedures are not recommended from an arboriculture standpoint. The acceptable process for pruning a limb is a three cut technique in which the second undercut mentioned in the manual is not done. Instead, the third cut is done from above and severs the limb in one cut.

Cutting the stub too close to the trunk can cut through the branch bark collar, compromising the tree’s ability to heal the cut and leaving it vulnerable to pests and diseases. The branch bark collar is the ridged area where the branch meets the trunk and can extend an inch or more from the trunk on larger branches. Be sure that your pruning cuts are just outside the branch bark collar.

WARRANTY

WORX offers a 3-year limited warranty on defects in materials and workmanship, but only if you register your tool within 30 days of purchase. If you don’t register within this time frame or don’t register it at all then the warranty only covers your tool for 2 years. You are required to pay the shipping back to WORX for a defective tool or battery. Batteries are only warrantied for 12 months, regardless of whether or not you register them.

RECOMMENDATION

There are a lot of things to like about the WORX 20V cordless chainsaw. It has plenty of power, even with only a single 20 Volt Lithium-Ion battery. It makes fast clean cuts, has a nice ergonomic design, is comfortable to use, and has excellent fit and finish. Given its light weight (roughly 6.8 lbs) and petite stature, virtually anyone would be able to use this chainsaw.

Because it’s a small chainsaw, with only a 10-inch bar, it’s best used as a light-duty saw for small properties and smaller diameter branches. If you’re looking for a full-size cordless chainsaw, this would not be the right choice for you.

Although it has plenty of safety features and an excellent manual describing how to use it, it’s missing a chain brake to prevent kickback. That, to me, is an important feature, especially for a chainsaw that’s clearly targeted at homeowners (who may not have much experience using a chainsaw and therefore are more prone to accidental kickback).

WHERE TO BUY

The WORX 20V Cordless Chainsaw can be purchased on Amazon or at the WORX website.

Prune the trees on your property safely and efficiently with the pole saw that best suits your needs.

By Glenda Taylor and Timothy Dale and Mark Wolfe | Updated May 19, 2023 12:54 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

In order to stay healthy and look their best, trees need occasional pruning to remove broken branches and to thin out dense limbs. One of the best ways to tackle this sort of project is with a pole saw. While it’s basically a chainsaw attached to a long pole, a pole saw holds the blade securely, letting you reach up to cut branches while remaining safely on the ground.

Although pole saws can make pruning a whole lot easier, they’re not right for every situation. If you only need to prune thin twigs, vines, or foliage, you may not need one. However, if you need to cut tree branches between 2 and 8 inches in diameter, a pole saw could be just the ticket.

To find out which pole saws perform the best, we field-tested some of the best options on the market. Keep reading to see our results and to learn about the main considerations when selecting a trimming tool for your landscaping needs.

• BEST OVERALL:Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Worx 8-Amp 10-Inch Corded Pole Saw Chainsaw
• BEST BATTERY:Ego Power 10-Inch 56-Volt Multi Head Pole Saw
• BEST CORDED ELECTRIC:Sun Joe 8-Inch 6.5-Amp Telescoping Electric
• BEST LIGHT-DUTY:Worx 20V Power Share 8-Inch Pole Saw
• BEST HEAVY-DUTY:Maxtra Gas Pole Saw 2-Cycle Tree Trimmer
• BEST GAS COMBO:Proyama Powerful 5-in-1 Multi Functional Pole Saw

How We Chose the Best Pole Saws

We used the pole saws in this guide to trim up encroaching branches from a backyard’s natural area. The area included a mix of green hardwoods and evergreens, as well as hardened dead branches. We did our best to push each tool to its operable limits in terms of working height, difficulty of reach or angle, and branch diameter.

We based our considerations and Комментарии и мнения владельцев on the tools’ physical measurements, as well as the ways they performed and felt. We assumed that most readers would not require an expensive pro-quality tool for daily use but would still be interested in high-quality equipment capable of occasional long work days. Therefore, we based our top picks on a combination of functionality, durability, and price point.

Our Top Picks

We tested the following products extensively based on the available types of pole saws available. Each pole saw was selected based on its reputation for quality in a range of areas, such as cutting- bar length, working height, runtime, weight, and overall capability. Use our reviews to help choose the best pole saw to maintain the trees, hedges, and other foliage in your yard.

Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw

With 40 volts of power, the Greenworks cordless pole saw offers top-notch cutting ability in a convenient battery-operated saw. It’s lightweight at just 9.3 pounds and particularly easy to handle, thanks to the inclusion of reduced vibration technology. The cordless pole saw comes with a battery and a charger, and it can be started instantly with the simple push-button control instead of having to deal with the pull cords on gas pole saws.

The pole saw is great for reaching those high-up branches thanks to the tool’s generous pole length. Its telescoping bar extends for a nearly 9-foot working height and it has an 8-inch cutting bar enabling users to cut through out-of-reach branches up to about 6 inches in diameter. This pole saw is available as a stand-alone tool or as a multi-tool kit with a power hedge-trimmer attachment. The same 40-volt powerhead and battery run both attachments, saving space in the garage.

We liked the combination of convenience, weight, and reach that this saw offered. The 40-volt battery delivers plenty of power to cut through even dry, hardened dead branches. Plus the bar is mounted at a slight angle to the handle, making it safer and easier to cut branches in a downward direction when standing back away from the line of fall.

Product Specs

• Good power and runtime for ample amounts of cutting tasks
• Angled bar for better leverage while cutting wood and branches
• Lightweight but strong construction will not cause strain on the user
• Plenty of reach for high branches and maneuverability
• Limited to smaller branch diameters; may not be suitable for heavy-duty cutting
• Small bar oil reservoir may not be ideal for some users’ preferences
• Battery sticks in the housing

Get the Greenworks pole saw at Amazon.

Worx 8-Amp 10-inch Corded Pole Saw Chainsaw

The Worx corded electric pole chain saw is an affordable 2-in-1 power tool that can be used as both a pole saw when the extension pole is attached and as a regular chainsaw without the extension pole. The telescoping pole is 8 feet in length, giving the pole saw up to 10 feet of working range when it is fully extended. Weighing in at just 10 pounds, this pole saw is made so that it’s easy to hold and maneuver.

The corded pole saw features built-in automatic chain lubrication to ensure that the chain portion of the saw is always operating at peak efficiency, making for quicker, more controlled cuts. With a 10-inch cutting bar, the pole saw can be used on branches or tree trunks that are up to 8 inches in diameter. It also includes a blade protection cover to keep the saw blade safe when it’s not in use.

Testing this electric pole chain saw was a unique experience. Because a whole chainsaw is attached by means of a mechanical adapter to the top of the extension pole, the tool is top-heavy. However, being a corded electric saw, it offers lots of power and a long 10-inch bar. The saw is easy to attach to and detach from the pole in about a minute. The best attribute is its versatility.

Product Specs

• Versatile electric chainsaw or pole chainsaw for a variety of cutting tasks
• Powerful motor can take on longer tasks with ease
• 10-inch cutting bar length provides ample reach and cutting power
• Top-heavy design may not be comfortable for some users
• Not comfortable for extended use or long runtimes
• Attachment system is somewhat clunky

Bet the Worx saw chainsaw at Amazon.

Ego Power 10-Inch 56V Multi Head Pole Saw

The Ego Power 56-volt tool collection includes a variety of mowers, blowers, and other cordless electric yard maintenance tools, all powered by the same 56-volt arc rechargeable lithium-ion battery. These tools boast gas-like power in a clean, cordless package. This pole chainsaw is part of Ego’s multi-attachment powerhead series, which includes seven other interchangeable attachments: a bristle brush, a rubber broom, a cultivator, a hedge trimmer, a string trimmer, and a pole extension. It is available as the attachment only or sold with the powerhead.

The saw offers ample cutting power and a generous 10-inch cutting bar length and is capable of cutting through an 8-inch limb. The assembled tool length is about 7.5 feet, which may be extended by adding the optional 31-inch pole extension (sold separately). If this is the only Ego tool owned, it will be costly due to the price of the lithium-ion battery, but adding it to an existing Ego lineup brings the cost in line with other cordless pole chainsaws.

We liked this tool a lot. The heavy battery at the back end makes it balance more like a gas- powered saw, with cutting power to match, and the overall weight was lighter than most gas pole saws. Without an extension pole, the reach is shorter than most other pole saws, but it could be adequate for some.

Product Specs

• Long lithium-ion battery runtime provides enough power for multiple tasks
• Excellent power per charge; provides 56 volts of power
• Powerhead works with 7 other attachments for a variety of tasks
• Heaviest battery-powered pole saw we tested
• Shortest reach of the group we tested (extra extension pole sold separately)

Get the Ego Power pole saw at Amazon.

Sun Joe 8-Inch 6.5-Amp Telescoping Electric Saw

Weighing just 7 pounds, the lightweight Sun Joe corded electric pole saw is a great option if the pole saw needs to be used for more than an hour at a time. Users won’t need to wait for a battery to recharge or have to make a trip to the gas station with this corded electric tool that can run as long as there is an active electrical connection. However, movement is limited by the length of the extension cord, so it’s a good idea to invest in a cord that can reach any trees or hedges in the yard.

This pole saw has a telescoping pole that can extend more than 8 feet, giving the user about 10.7 feet of maximum working height. It can cut through branches up to 6 inches thick with the 8-inch cutting bar length, and the pole saw automatically lubricates itself to help keep the saw blade in good working order.

We liked the ease of plug-and-play without having to worry about mixing fuel or charging a battery. This saw feels lightweight, yet it offers enough power to cut through branches of small to medium thickness and is well-balanced. It’s a practical and budget-friendly choice for occasional use.

Product Specs

• Plug-and-play convenience for quick and easy use
• High-quality OrEgon-brand bar and chain for long-term use and durability
• Comfortable for occasional extended use during DIY projects
• Only for use on smaller branches
• Fixed straight bar does not cut directly downward
• Small bar-oil reservoir; may not meet some users’ needs

Get the Sun Joe electric saw at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or Target.

Worx 20V Power Share 8-Inch Pole Saw

This cordless pole saw is ideal for those with small to midsize yards that dont need the heavy-duty power of gas pole saws. Powerful enough to trim branches up to 6.5 inches in diameter, it boasts a telescoping pole that gives users a maximum working height of 13 feet.

This battery-powered pole saw also has an automatic chain tensioner and a chain lube system, and it weighs 8 pounds. Plus, it’s budget-friendly. However, one of the best features of this tool is the three-position head that gives the user the option between 0 degrees, 15 degrees, or 30 degrees to help trim hard-to-reach branches.

This was the lightest-weight non-corded pole saw we tested, and it was only a pound heavier than the lightest overall. The 20-volt battery delivers a surprising amount of power, good for cutting all of the branches we tried. And it offers a really tall reach. For occasional use on a branch or two, this tool makes a lot of sense.

Product Specs

• Lightweight but powerfull; suitable for light- to heavy-duty use
• Comfortable to work with; will nto cause strain on the user
• Long reach for maneuvering in hard-to-reach places
• Compact size for ease of storage
• Relatively short runtime compared to similar pole saws available
• Small bar-oil reservoir; may not be suitable for some users’ preferences
• Clamps allow the telescoping pole to slip from the locked position

Get the Worx pole saw at Amazon, Target, or Tractor Supply Co.

Maxtra Gas Pole Saw 2-Cycle Tree Trimmer

This pole saw has a 10-inch cutting bar that can be used for pruning or trimming branches up to 8 inches in diameter. Even more impressive is the telescoping pole that can be adjusted from 8 feet to more than 11 feet, giving the user a maximum working height of about 13 feet.

However, the quick pace at which this pole saw cuts is due to the powerful gas engine. The power produced by the 42.7-cc 2-cycle engine allows users to handle heavy-duty tasks, like cutting down small trees or removing large branches. It weighs in at a hefty 21 pounds.

The first thing we noticed about this saw was how much heavier it is than the electric and cordless models. The weight is held at the bottom of the saw instead of at the cutting head, so it balances much differently. The included harness is necessary to reduce user fatigue. The huge fuel tank will offer hours of runtime, so for tough jobs and extended use, this saw would be a good choice.

Product Specs

• 10-inch cutting bar provides good reach for easy maneuvering around the yard or garden
• Powerful 2-cycle motor can take on thicker branches and wood
• Includes a harness to reduce operator fatigue
• than twice as heavy as electric; may not be suitable for some users
• Loud engine noise may cause some noise pollution
• Awkward pole assembly system; may be tricky for first-timers

Get the Maxtra tree trimmer at Amazon.

Proyama Powerful 5-in-1 Multi-Functional Pole Saw

Powerful yet lightweight, this Proyama gas-powered pole saw weighs just 13 pounds, despite the 42.7cc 2-cycle motor. The pole saw is easy to lift, hold, and maneuver, and it has a telescoping pole that can be adjusted from 8 feet to just over 11 feet, giving the user a maximum working height of about 13 feet. This pole saw can be used on branches up to 10 inches in diameter due to its long 12-inch cutting bar.

Included with the gas-powered pole saw are several additional trimming tools that can be attached in place of the pole saw. These extra attachments include a hedge trimmer, a brush cutter, and a string trimmer. The pole saw also includes ear protection, a face shield, safety gloves, and a pole saw bar scabbard to help keep the pole saw blade safe when not in use.

We appreciated the robust cutting power and reach this tool offered. The ample- size bar and powerful motor is capable of cutting through dangerously large branches. User beware, though; take down those big branches in smaller sections. We found the big gas engine to be excessively heavy for continuous use; thankfully, though, a harness is included.

Product Specs

• Very powerful engine can take on heavy-duty tasks
• Long cutting bar provides ample reach in gardens and yards
• Large fuel tank for all-day use or heavy-duty tasks
• Very heavy compared to similar options available
• Loud engine noise may cause some noise pollution
• Awkward pin and tension screw pole assembly system

Get the Proyama trimming tool at Amazon.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Pole Saw

Like all power tools, pole saws are designed to suit various needs; some are geared toward the do-it-yourselfer, while others are better suited for professionals. Consider the following factors when shopping.

Types of Pole Saws

Pole saw power options include corded electric, battery-operated, and gas-powered. Not only does the type of power affect the cost of the saw, but it also factors into its intended use. Get to know these three types of pole saws better to find the right one for your landscaping needs.

Corded Electric

For users with small yards, corded electric pole saws are an affordable option. Since it connects to a power outlet, however, users are restricted in how far they can trim by the length of an extension cord. Electric pole saws are quieter than gas-powered pole saws, but don’t expect silent operation—all pole saws make noise.

Electric pole saws aren’t as powerful as gas-powered models; the power they produce is measured in amperes (amps) and most range from 6 to 10 amps, which is powerful enough to cut branches from 2 to 5 inches in diameter.

Battery-Operated

Cordless pole saws are powered by rechargeable batteries. They’re a good choice for medium-size to large yards if users don’t want to be restricted by the length of an extension cord. These pole saws are ideal for branches 3 to 8 inches in diameter and are quieter than their gas-powered counterparts.

Cordless pole saws’ power capability is measured in volts, which relates to battery size, and ranges from 40 to 80 volts. The higher the volts, the more powerful the saw. Battery-operated pole saws are typically more expensive than their corded counterparts.

Gas-Powered

If there are a lot of trees to trim and the user doesn’t mind the noise, a gas-powered pole saw is a good option. Gas pole saws are measured by engine size in cubic centimeters (cc) and range from 20 to 40cc. The larger the engine, the more powerful the saw.

Professionals often use commercial-grade gas-powered pole saws because they can operate for hours and cut through branches up to 8 inches in diameter (branches larger than 12 inches in diameter are usually cut with heavy-duty chainsaws).

With the increased power of a gas pole saw comes a higher price and more maintenance requirements. Unlike electric tools, gas-powered saws require oil changes and fuel tank refills.

Cutting Bar Length

On a pole saw, the cutting bar determines the maximum branch diameter that can be cut. Bar lengths run from 6 to 12 inches, with 8 inches being the most common. Gas-powered pole saws feature the longest cutting bars (usually between 10 and 12 inches), which is one of the reasons they’re better equipped for tougher jobs.

The standard rule of thumb is that the cutting bar should be a minimum of 2 inches longer than the diameter of the branch. For example, an 8-inch bar is needed to cut a branch 6 inches in diameter.

Working Height

A pole saw’s “working height” often appears on the packaging but doesn’t indicate the actual length of the pole—it refers to the length of the pole plus an arm length. Manufacturers typically estimate 2 to 3 feet for arm length, so if the pole saw claims to have a 10-foot working height, the pole saw will be 7 to 8 feet long from tip to tip.

Most pole saws max out at a 10-foot to 12-foot working height; at greater heights, the tool can become difficult to control safely, especially in windy conditions. Many models include telescoping poles that allow length adjustment. A telescoping pole makes it easier to quickly switch between trimming the hedge at ground level and cutting a tree branch 6 feet overhead.

Runtime

Both cordless and gas pole saws rely on fuel that will gradually run out as the tool runs. Gas pole saws eventually need to have the gas tank refilled when they run out. Typical runtime per tank ranges from 2 to 4 hours. However, when there is spare gas available nearby, refilling the gas tank doesn’t take long.

Cordless pole saws operate on batteries that typically have a runtime between 30 to 60 minutes depending on the power output and the specific battery. Once the battery runs out, it takes about an hour to recharge. It’s a good idea to have a spare battery so that one can always be ready to use.

Top 5 Best Manual Pole Saws for Tree Pruning Reviews in 2023

Weight

It’s important to remember that these tools aren’t supported by anything except the user, so the entire weight of the tool needs to be properly held, balanced, and controlled even when a telescoping pole is at its full length. If that isn’t possible for the specific user, then the tool is too heavy.

Gas pole saws have powerful engines, but the increased power also adds weight. Due to the heavy motors, they typically weigh between 20 to 25 pounds. Cordless pole saws weigh less than gas pole saws, but they can still weigh about 15 to 20 pounds.

The lightest option for a pole saw is a corded electric model. They don’t need a battery or the technology to equip and transfer battery power to a motor, so electric pole saws are usually less than 15 pounds.

Safety

Safety needs to be one of the first concerns when it comes to operating a powerful cutting tool like a pole saw. Take some time to look through the manual to know how to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for use. Also, keep in mind that while the pole saw may feel comfortable when it’s being used at ground level on a hedge, once the pole is extended the pole saw gets more difficult to hold, maneuver, and control.

Look for pole saws that are equipped with easy-to-grip handles and telescoping poles for better control over the saw. If the current height is too difficult to manage, a telescoping pole can be shortened to help the user regain control. Saw guards are also helpful to protect the user and the saw blade when the pole saw isn’t being used.

Additional Features

Manufacturers are constantly striving to make pole saws more comfortable and easier to operate. On some saws, there are anti-vibration features and nonslip grips, and many pole saws come with a self-oiling chain. If it’s not self-oiling, the user will have to oil the chain by hand, which will be detailed in the owner’s manual.

Some pole saws feature a cutting head that can be detached from the end of the pole for use as a handheld chainsaw. This can be helpful if the desire is to cut a branch into smaller pieces after felling it for firewood.

FAQs

Pole saws are dangerous tools that should be used only by those who are confident about how to operate the tool and who have taken proper safety precautions, like wearing personal protective equipment. To learn more about how this tool can be used, take a look at these answers to commonly asked questions below.

Q. Can you use a pole saw as a chainsaw?

A pole saw is intended to cut difficult-to-reach branches in order to trim trees, hedges, and other foliage. While the saw does effectively cut through wood, it’s not large enough to fully replace a chainsaw. A chainsaw has the power and size to be able to cut through the trunk of a tree, while a pole saw is best used for tree trimming.

Q. Can you trim hedges with a pole saw?

These versatile tools can be used in place of a hedge trimmer to maintain hedges, vines, and brambles, if necessary.

Q. How big a limb can I cut with a pole saw?

Depending on the size of the saw and the power potential of the tool, pole saws can be used to cut branches from 2 to 9 inches in size. Just keep in mind that the best electric pole saw will likely have less power output than the best gas pole saw, so if the tool will be used regularly for very thick branches, then a gas pole saw would be better.

Q. Can a pole saw get wet?

While most pole saws have some resistance to water, it isn’t a good idea to get the pole saw wet because the water can damage the electric components of the tool or cause rusting and corrosion on the saw. However, it should be noted that there is no harm in using a pole saw to cut through wet wood—just make sure to properly clean the saw after use so that moisture doesn’t cling to the metal and cause rusting.

Q. Is it safe to use a pole saw on a ladder?

Even the best pole saws aren’t safe to use on a ladder. The saw is situated at the end of a long, telescoping pole that may be able to reach up to 12 feet away without the need for a ladder. Electric pole saws also have power cords that can cause users to trip, but even with a cordless pole saw it’s too difficult for the user to safely keep themselves balanced while operating this power tool on a ladder.

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Worx WG309 Electric Pole Saw Review

If you’re looking for a high-quality pole saw that is able to cope with most of the things you put in front of it, then this model might be of interest to you. Its 8 amp motor offers plenty of power to allow smooth operation and efficiency. When it comes to the useful features, the auto oiling and tensioning systems are a great addition.

This model is suitable both for beginners and experienced users. It’s quite easy to set up and fine-tune. In fact, you won’t need any additional tools in order to adjust this machine to its optimal levels of performance. It’s also lightweight meaning you don’t have to worry about fatigue and exhaustion too much.

Specifications:

• Motor – 8 amps
• Weight – 10 pounds
• Extension pole – 8 feet
• Rotatable working handle
• Auto-tensioning system
• Automatic oil pump

The Features

The design

The design is pretty conventional and standard, but it does have some good features. For example, the hand grip on the pole is soft, ergonomic, and designed to alleviate the weight issues as much as possible. In other words, it’s great for people who are worried about getting tired in a short period. Furthermore, the auto-tensioning system allows you to fine-tune the chain and thus prolong its lifespan. On the other hand, as far as we are concerned, the knob is quite bulky and can cause some issues along the way. For example, it can turn in a particular direction if it hits a solid surface in the right spot. Now, it’s a highly unlikely scenario, but it is possible.

The pole seems fine, but it isn’t particularly impressive. It features a detaching mechanism which is easy to use and get the hang of. However, the overall integrity and strength of the pole aren’t the greatest, by any means. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to break in half, but we have seen much sturdier poles in some other models.

The biggest advantage of this design is the fact that you can use the chainsaw on ground level as well. In simpler words, once you’re done cutting the branches, you can detach the saw and use it to process fallen limbs.

Safety

One can freely say this is a pretty safe machine to use, as long as you use it within its limits. Also, make sure you take all precautionary measures before utilizing the machine. If you aren’t sure about something, feel free to read the user manual instead of figuring things out yourself – it’s always a much safer option.