Trees need occasional trimming in order to remain looking healthy and happy. Sure, you can risk life and limb climbing a long extension ladder and wielding a chainsaw, but aside from opening your wallet and calling in the professionals, the best way to tackle tree trimming is with a pole saw.
With a pole saw, your feet can stay firmly planted on the ground while you trim limbs of all sizes up to 20 feet in the air. However, with so many different pole saws out there, which one should you choose?
Don’t worry, we’ve made it easy for you. Not only did we put endless models to the test to determine the best of the best, but we’ve put together a handy guide to answer some common pole saw questions as well. Happy trimming!
- Easy to maneuver
- Extremely quiet
- Almost no vibration
- Very affordable
- Powerful yet quiet
- Self-lubricating design
- Excellent build quality
- Very durable
- Extra-long battery life
Best Pole Saw Reviews
PROS:
- Very affordable
- Powerful yet quiet
- Easy to use
- Self-lubricating design
- Lightweight
- Two-year warranty
CONS:
- Extension pole could be longer
- Not the most durable
If you’re searching for a great all-around electric pole saw, the Sun Joe SWJ800E may be for you. While it isn’t the most durable pole saw on the market, it’s a terrific trimming tool designed to make short work of a variety of pruning tasks with no trouble at all.
Despite measuring only eight inches, its cutting bar feels substantial. This is largely due to Its 6.5-amp electric motor, which provides more than enough power to handle all but the thickest of branches.
Plus, it has a self-lubrication system, so there’s no need to worry about rust or getting out the oil can to do the job yourself.
Like many electric pole saws, the Sun Joe SWJ800E is also quite quiet. However, it does tend to vibrate a bit, which is something to keep in mind, especially if you have a lot of limbs in need of trimming.
The telescoping pole extends up to nine feet. Although it doesn’t reach as long as some other pole saws out there, it still provides a range of 14 feet or more, which is nothing to scoff at.
PROS:
- Excellent quality
- Great blade
- Pulley system works well
- Extra-long extension pole
CONS:
- Not gas or electric
- Saw blade could bite better
It may not be one of the most popular pole saw on the market, or the easiest to use for that matter, but the Millard 6-16 Foot Extendable Pole Saw is simplicity and reliability personified.
Hate sharpening blades? Tired of filling up gas cans or dealing with batteries or cords? Longing for simpler times? If so, this Millard may be what you’re after.
Unlike some of the smaller blades found on many electric pole saws, the Millard Extendable Pole Saw features a 14-inch blade made of high-carbon steel.
In addition to its length, the blade is sharpened on three sides instead of two, allowing it to cut through branches like a hot knife through butter. This is a big plus, especially if you have several limbs to trim.
Combined with its above-average blade, the Millard’s unique pulley system is designed to help you cut through thick branches with minimal effort. Plus, the pole extends up to 16 feet, which is almost twice as long as the Sun Joe.
PROS:
- Three-in-one garden tool system
- Easy to use and switch head attachments
- Lightweight cordless design
- The battery holds its charge well
- Good value
CONS:
- Extension pole could be longer
- A leaf blower is a little underpowered
Looking for a pole saw, hedge trimmer, and leaf blower? Sun Joe has you covered. The brand’s GTS4001c Garden Tool System contains all three of these head attachments for ultimate three-in-one versatility.
With this Sun Joe, you can pop on the pole saw head attachment to saw through limbs up to five inches in diameter, use the trimmer head to trim shrubs and hedges, and replace it with the leaf blower attachment to clean up your mess. Can yardwork get any easier?
For many homeowners and GTS4001C owners, the answer is a resounding no. However, there are a few drawbacks that go along with packing so much versatility into one convenient package.
For instance, the pole only extends a little over five feet, which can make trimming high branches a difficult task. While the trimmer attachment works great, the leaf blower is a little underpowered.
All that being said, it’s hard not to be impressed with this unique garden tool system. If you love the convenience and appreciate smart design, the Sun Joe GTS4001C may be the pole saw for you.
PROS:
- Extremely well-built
- Super tough and durable
- Extra-sharp blade with teeth that bite
- Extra-long 21-foot extension pole
CONS:
- A little pricey
- Powered by muscle
If you have tall trees and need a pole saw that extends longer than 8, 12, or 15 feet, say hello to the Barnel 21’ Telescoping Pole Saw. As its name suggests, its pole extends up to 21 feet, allowing you to trim branches a staggering 25 feet up in the air.
Beyond the impressive length of its pole, this Barnel is extremely well-made and perfect for professionals as well. Its thoughtful design and solid construction equal effortless cutting and durability that is tough to beat.
It isn’t cheap, but if you’re willing to pay more for an excellent saw designed to last year after year, it would be wise not to overlook this Barnel. As is often the case, you get what you pay for.
PROS:
- Easy to maneuver
- Extremely quiet
- Almost no vibration
- Lightweight design
CONS:
- Somewhat short reach
- A battery could last longer
Greenworks is known for making affordable, convenient gardening tools for today’s busy homeowners, and this cordless pole saw is no exception.
The Greenworks 8.5’ 40V Cordless Pole Saw is powered by a rechargeable 40-volt lithium-ion battery, so there’s no cord to deal with at all. It’s also considerably lighter than gas models, so if you hate cords and appreciate nimbleness, chances are it won’t disappoint.
Best of all, it’s extremely quiet and has almost zero vibration, both of which only add to its ease of use. The pole also extends up to eight feet, providing a max reach of about 12-13 feet.
While this is a bit shorter than the reach provided by some pole saws, it’s more than adequate for trimming smaller trees.
The battery of this Greenworks allows up to 50 cuts give or take, which is plenty of juice to trim that pesky tree hanging over the side of your house. The battery is also compatible with several other Greenworks garden power tools.
As far as cons are concerned, there are a couple. For one, the pole only extends up to eight feet, which is on the shorter side and not ideal for tall trees. The battery also drains a little quicker than we would like. Nonetheless, when you add it all up, there’s a lot to like about this Greenworks Pole Saw.
PROS:
- Excellent build quality
- Very durable
- Extra-long battery life
- Battery charges quickly
- Automatic lubricating feature
- Looks as good as it works
CONS:
- More expensive than many other cordless saws
- A little hefty
Many cordless pole saws are made for light-duty use, but the Oregon Cordless PS250-E6 Pole Saw is a different animal. While it’s not as rugged and burly as some gas-powered pole saws, it’s more than capable of tackling medium-sized branches.
It’s also easy to handle, and once its lithium-ion battery is fully charged, it will provide you with enough power to cut through up to a whopping 500 branches up to three inches thick. In other words, it can handle just about anything your yard can dish out.
The telescoping pole is made of fiberglass and extends up to 10 feet, providing a maximum reach of 15 feet or so depending on your height.
Despite its power, the motor is also surprisingly vibration-free, which allows you to trim high branches with minimal fatigue.
That being said, at 13 pounds, the Oregon PS250-E6 is a little on the heavy side. However, the weight is well-distributed, so this is really a non-issue for most users.
6. Remington RM1035P Ranger II 8-Amp Electric 2-in-1 Pole Saw & Chainsaw – Best Pole Saw for Tough Jobs
PROS:
- 2-in-1 pole saw and chainsaw
- Sturdy construction
- Good pole length
- Solid power for easy cutting
CONS:
- A bit heavy
- Tough to handle for long trimming sessions
It isn’t gas-powered, but the Remington Ranger II has a powerful 8-amp motor that allows it to chew through limbs of all sizes, even those measuring up to 10 inches in diameter. Of course, its large 10-inch bar is also a huge help.
The pole of the Ranger II extends up to 10 feet, allowing you to trim branches up to 15 feet off of the ground. Meanwhile, on the ground, or higher up in the air depending on your level of risk aversion, you can convert it from a pole saw into a chainsaw to cut lower branches or even small logs.
Unfortunately, all of its power and versatility comes at a price. In this case, it’s weight.
While it’s built like a tank, the Ranger II is one of the heaviest pole saws on the market. However, if you can overlook its heft for its sheer cutting abilities, the Remington Ranger II may be worth checking out.
PROS:
- Durable and well-made
- Strong motor
- Long extension pole
- Minimal vibration
- A motor can be detached and used for other Remington power tools
CONS:
- A little noisy
- Produces a bit of heat
If you’re a power-hungry trimmer, the Remington RM25PS Maverick may be a perfect solution. It’s a powerful 25cc two-cycle engine and cordless design is great for heavily wooded properties in need of frequent pruning.
Unlike many cordless and plug-in electric pole saws, this Remington also has a long 15-foot pole, allowing you to reach limbs up to 20 feet in the air. Meanwhile, its eight-inch cutting bar can chew through branches an impressive six inches thick.
At 17.5 pounds, the Remington RM25PS Maverick isn’t the lightest pole saw around. Its two-cycle engine also requires an oil and gas mixture, which can be a bit of a hassle. However, this is the price you have to pay for such power.
Like other quality saws, it also features an automatic chain lubrication system, so there’s no need for regular chain oiling. This is a plus.
Another plus is its use of QuickStart technology, which allows it to start right up with a single pull of the cord.
PROS:
- Well-made
- Terrific cutting blade
- Able to cut thick branches and logs
- Pruning attachment included
CONS:
- A little top-heavy
- Large jobs require some stamina
The Jameson FG-6PKG-7 FG-Series Manual Pole Saw is built with large limbs in mind. In addition to a 1.75-inch double-pulley Big Mouth Pruner, which happens to have an industry-leading cutting capacity, it features a massive saw blade to effortlessly cut through branches of all sizes.
In fact, its Barracuda Tri-Cut pole saw blade measures 16 inches in length. This is twice the length of most blades on this list. On top of that, the blade features impulse-hardened teeth, making it extremely tough and great at slicing through the densest hardwoods. Unfortunately, it’s also quite heavy.
The Jameson FG-6PKG-7 FG-Series Manual Pole Saw also comes with two six-foot poles that easily clasp together to form a 12-foot fiberglass pole that is both strong and lightweight for perfect control. However, its superior blade really steals the show.
Best Pole Saw Buyer’s Guide
While each of the pole saws above is great in their own way, it helps to know a little more about pole saws in order to choose the best one for you.
Types of Pole Saws
Weight, size, price, and range are just a few of the considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a good pole saw. However, there’s something else to consider – the power source.
Pole saws are either powered by humans or by one of three engine types: gasoline, electric, or battery. Let’s have a look at all three to find the right power source for your property and trimming needs.
Gas-Powered Pole Saws
Gas-powered pole saws are heavier, louder, and usually a little bigger than electric models. They generally cost more too. However, they’re super portable and able to easily trim large branches electric pole saws wouldn’t even attempt to cut. This makes them an ideal option for landscape companies tasked with regularly trimming back trees.
Plug-In Electric Pole Saws
Plug-in electric pole saws typically aren’t as powerful as gas-powered saws, but they are more powerful than battery-powered models and an ideal option for the pruning requirements of most yards. While plug-in electric pole saws are lightweight and there’s no need to worry about dead batteries, their range is limited to the length of their cords. The good news is extension cords can always be used for extra range.
Cordless Electric Pole Saws
Cordless electric pole saws are a convenient option for properties with only a handful of trees in need of pruning. With cordless pole saws, there are no fumes or cords to deal with, just batteries. On the downside, cordless electric pole saws are less powerful than gas or even plug-in models. They’re a little heavier as well. However, their mobility and virtually maintenance-free designs are a huge plus for many.
Manual Pole Saws
Manual pole saws are less popular than they once were, but some homeowners still prefer them over electric and gas-powered options. Rather than being powered by a motor, they operate via pulley systems that require slightly more work on the part of the user. Nonetheless, they are lightweight, ultra-portable, and require almost no maintenance at all.
What to Consider When Choosing a Pole Saw
There are plenty of things to consider and look for when choosing a pole saw. That being said, some are more important than others, so here are some of the top things to keep in mind to select the best pole saw for you:
Bar Length
The cutting bar of a pole saw should be a minimum of eight inches in length in order to cut through a variety of branch sizes. However, if a pole saw is gas-powered, it is not uncommon to see cutting bars 10 inches in length in order to tackle even larger branches.
Pole Length
The extension poles of pole saws come in a variety of lengths, but you should avoid any pole saws with poles shorter than six or seven feet. When it comes to pole saws, longer is always better.
Weight
You will be holding your pole saw for a little while when trimming branches around your home or property, so the weight of the pole saw is another consideration. The lighter it is, the less your arms will tire and the more you’ll be able to get done.
Cutting Power
The ability of a pole saw to cut is an obvious factor to consider. After all, a pole saw can be lightweight, easy to use, and have a ton of safety and convenience features, but it might as well be an oversized paperweight if it doesn’t cut well. Gas-powered pole saws typically have the most cutting power, but there are plenty of plug-in electric and even some battery-powered models that can cleanly cut a variety of branch sizes.
Finding the Best Pole Saw for You
As you can see, there are quite a few things to consider when choosing a pole saw, but there are some key questions you should also ask yourself in order to pick the best one for you, such as:
Is there a power supply nearby?
Having close access to power will determine whether or not a plug-in electric pole saw will work for you. If you have trees within close proximity to an electrical outlet or an extension cord you don’t mind lugging around, then a corded electric pole saw will work just fine. If not, you may be better off going with a gas-powered, battery-powered, or manual model.
How high do I need to reach?
Most pole saws extend up to 12 feet or so in length. However, you must add your height to the length of the pole saw in order to determine how far it will actually reach when in your hands.
Unfortunately, some pole saw manufacturers can be a little misleading with their reach figures as they sometimes factor in customer height by adding another five feet or so onto the extension length of their poles. Needless to say, always look at the maximum extension when choosing a pole saw and not its reach.
How frequently will I use the saw?
If you think your pole saw will get used regularly, you may be best going with a durable and slightly more expensive gas model. On the other hand, if you only plan on occasionally using your pole saw around your house when needed, a plug-in electric or cordless battery-powered pole saw may be the way to go. With one of these models, there is no oil and gas to mix and virtually no maintenance required.
How large are the branches that need to be trimmed?
If you have large limbs in need of routine trimming, then a gas-powered pole saw is likely your best option. These types of pole saws are more powerful than electric models, and they also have longer cutting bars. For lighter trimming and pruning with smaller limbs, you may be better off with an electric pole saw as they have smaller bars that are better suited for trimming small branches in tight spots.
Bottom Line
That’s all there is to it! You’ve read our reviews of the best pole saws and our helpful buying guide to help you narrow down your options. Now, it’s time to decide. Each of these pole saws is great in their own way, so which one will you be taking home?
This may seem like a complicated decision, but it doesn’t have to be. Think about what matters to you most. Do you want a lightweight pole saw you can use for hours on end? Are you more concerned with power and performance? What about portability and ease of use? Your answers to these questions will help you decide.
Still having trouble? If so, you can’t go wrong with our top pick.
Our Best Choice
There’s a lot to like about all of the top-notch pole saws on this list, but the Sun Joe SWJ800E is our best choice for homeowners. Its lightweight and easy-to-use electric design simply make tree trimming fun, and anything that makes pruning actually enjoyable definitely deserves two thumbs up!
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