For people with large yards and many trees, landscaping is not easy, particularly if you are dealing with tall trees in need of pruning. Thankfully, you can purchase the best pole saw with our reviews based on actual customer usage.
Our process of ranking the cutters comes straight from customers who have used them to chop down overgrown tree branches. Buying a best selling pole saw will make the process of reaching high limbs and getting rid of them quite simple.
It is important to not skimp on the craftmanship and quality of your next tree branch trimmer. You can get a good price on a quality saw without getting ripped off with a tool that is either not reliable or too expensive.
However, if you are not familiar with how a pole tree pruner works, it can be very confusing to determine which one to purchase. Let’s examine the four types of pole saws, as well look at safety guidelines to follow.
What are the best pole saws by category?
By using customer based reviews, our guide will show you what to look for and why certain types are best for your needs.
Electric: Remington Branch Wizard Pro Electric Pole Saw
Priced at less than $100 and backed by a 2 year limited warranty, the Branch Wizard scores 4.5 stars out of 5 based on 242 reviews.
- The pole is lightweight, user friendly, and versatile.
It is perfect for trimming smaller branches, but it also features a secure 10-foot pole that makes trimming high limbs and branches easy. In addition, the pole can be detached leaving a hand-held chain saw.
Reviewers tend to focus on what a good value the Branch Wizard is with comments frequently including “excellent pole saw, particularly when you consider the low price, as well as “easy to start and use, relatively lightweight, plenty powerful, and great saw in a little package.”
Battery/ Cordless: GreenWorks G-MAX Cordless
Priced right around $200 and backed by a 2 year warranty for the battery/ charger and a 4 year warranty for the pole, the G-Max scores 4.7 stars out of 5 based on 46 reviews.
- It includes a High Performance G-Max 40V Lithium-ion battery that maintains its power from start to finish, regardless of how much life is left on the battery.
- It contains an automatic oiler to keep appropriate oil levels in the bar and chain ensuring durability. It extends to any length between 5 and 8 feet and is ideal for trimming lower branches.
Reviewers tend to have nothing but good things to say including “easy to use, only weights about 10 lbs., more powerful than I imagined, chews through limbs fairly rapidly, and fantastic battery life with quick recharge.”
Gas: Remington Maverick (RM2599) 2-Stroke Gas Powered Pole Saw
Priced for around $180 and backed by a commitment to excellence, the Remington Maverick has scored 4.5 star out of 5 based on 52 consumer reviews.
Intended primarily for professional landscapers, this is a powerful pole saw that can easily be used on the highest branches of the densest trees.
It includes an 8 inch bar that really helps prevent kickback, making it one of the safer models on the market. Reviewers wrote “I’m happy with the performance. Excellent reach, starts immediately, cuts fast, and easy to adjust, and there is barely any vibration.”
Manual: Fiskars 9301 14 Foot Power-Lever Tree Pruner
Priced around $69 and backed by a limited lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, the Fiskars 9301 has scored 4.6 stars out of 5 based on 222 reviews.
- Weighing less than 5.5 pounds and featuring a user friendly design, it can be extended to any length 14 feet.
- The pole includes a wing nut locking system to make certain the extensions are always held firmly in place.
- The blade can be adjusted to different angles providing significant versatility.
- It can cut everything from thin vines to thick bark without causing any damage to the tree.
Reviews leave glowing comments including “The best pole saw on the market. Sturdy, durable, comfortable to hold, extra sharp blade for clean cuts every time, and impressive safety features. It is fantastic.”
Let’s look at the four types of pole saws!
1. Electric or 115v Pole Saws
Electric pole saws are commonly used, especially on smaller landscaping jobs, because of the convenience they offer. You simply plug it into an electrical outlet and it is ready to go. Due to not having the extra weight of a battery, they are lightweight and are ideal for individuals of a smaller stature. They typically include a 6” to 10” blade, which is ideal for small trimming jobs around the house.
However, it is important to remember that they must be within 100 feet of an electrical outlet to work, greatly decreasing where it can be used.
2. Cordless or Battery Operated Pole Saws
Powered by a rechargeable battery, cordless pole saws usually last for about an hour. While they are extremely convenient and can be used anywhere, they are also the least powerful.
They work best for simple jobs that can be completed quickly. However, if you opt for a Lithium-ion battery, it will last longer and perform better. You may want to purchase several rechargeable batteries if you plan to use this pole saw for larger jobs. They are easy to operate, weigh slightly more than the electric model, and are relatively quiet.
3. Gas Powered Pole Saws
Gas powered pole saws are the most powerful and are equipped with much more heavier-duty chains and bars than electric pole saws. As long as you have enough gas, they can be used for hours at a time every day. They are designed with shafts up to 9′ making the process of trimming tall trees much easier.
They tend to be much louder and heavier than other options. As a result of their powerfulness, as well as their cost and need for routine maintenance, they are typically only used by professional landscapers.
4. Manual Pole Saws
Manual pole saws are not usually as available as the other options. They tend to be very lightweight and are easy to use. They are best used for pruning thinner branches that are higher up in a tree. They are available in much longer lengths than powered pole saws. In fact, it is not unusual for a professional landscaper to have one as long as 21 feet.
Safety and Usage
Operating any tool used to cut can be safe, and quite easy, when you have a clear understanding of how to use it. It is imperative that you use proper safety techniques and are wearing protective clothing every time you use your pole saw.
This includes full coverage glasses or goggles, a pair of safety gloves, and closed toe boots or shoes. For added safety, opt for long sleeves, pants, a hard hat, and a dust mask.
It is important to check the area around the tree to make certain there is nothing that could cause you to fall.
When you are operating the saw, never put your hands near the blades for any reason and never overreach to cut a branch.
All cutting should be done at a 45 degree angle to make the saw easier to hold, as well as to increase your distance from falling branches. Cut across the top of the branch slowly. Make certain you are holding the handle tightly when you are about halfway through the branch because pole pruners have the tendency to begin to drop with the branch.
Which Pole Saw Style is the Best?
The answer is it depends! Find one that you are comfotable with based on how much you are going to be using it. Whether you choose gas, corded, electric or manual, the best advice I can give you is to not go cheap on one. With tools, you get what you pay for.
Use our reviews as a helpful guideline on what to look for when making a pole saw purchase.
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Mike Nikko is a blogger with over 15 years of experience. I will bring you the best product reviews and other useful life experiences, tips to increase height, tips to improve health… If you have any questions, feel free to ask Mike Nikko!