Best Pole Saws — Buyer’s Guide, Review, and Comparison

Delivering safe high-level pruning, chopping, and trimming without the need for a ladder — the best pole saws are the perfect outdoor tool for the DIYer, weekend gardener, and landscaping pro. Featuring a mini-chainsaw mounted on an extendable rod, they provide the ultimate combination of brawn and convenience. What’s more, available as gasoline-driven, corded, and battery-operated — there’s a machine for every project and level of experience.

Pole Chain Saw Product Comparison Table

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
WORX WG309
  • Power: 8.0 amps
  • Max Length: 8 feet
  • Format: Corded
  • Bar: 10 inches

Features

  • Auto-chain lubrication.
  • Weighs just 10 pounds.
  • Includes blade protection cover.

Our Rating: 4.3

Check Price at AmazonWORX WG309 Review WORX WG309 Review
Remington RM2599 Maverick
  • Power: 25 cc
  • Max Length: 7 feet
  • Format: Gasoline
  • Bar: 8 inches

Features

  • Low kickback.
  • Quickstart technology.
  • Engine and chain oil.

Our Rating: 4.1

Remington RM2599 Maverick Review Remington RM2599 Maverick Review
Greenworks 20672
  • Power: 40 volts
  • Max Length: 8 feet
  • Format: Cordless
  • Bar: 8 inches

Features

  • Lightweight aluminum shaft.
  • Automatic oiler.
  • Includes battery and charger.

Our Rating: 4.4

Check Price at AmazonGreenworks 20672 Review Greenworks 20672 Review
BLACK+DECKER LPP120
  • Power: 20 volts
  • Max Length: 10 feet
  • Format: Cordless
  • Bar: 8 inches

Features

  • Light fiberglass pole.
  • 100 cuts from a single charge.
  • Easy disassembly for storage.

Our Rating: 4.4

Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Black & DeckerBLACK+DECKER LPP120 Review BLACK+DECKER LPP120 Review
Sun Joe SWJ803E
  • Power: 8.0 amps
  • Max Length: 8.8 feet
  • Format: Electric corded
  • Bar: 10 inches

Features

  • Angled head from 0-30 degrees.
  • Auto-oiling.
  • Cuts branches up to 9.5 inches thick..

Our Rating: 4.4

Check Price at AmazonSun Joe SWJ803E Review Sun Joe SWJ803E Review
Troy-Bilt TB25PS
  • Power: 25 cc
  • Max Length: 7 feet
  • Format: Gasoline
  • Bar: 8 inches

Features

  • Easy-prime start-up.
  • 10-ounce fuel tank.
  • Cuts branches up to four inches thick.

Our Rating: 4.4

Check Price at Tractor SupplyTroy-Bilt TB25PS Review Troy-Bilt TB25PS Review
Poulan Pro PR28PS
  • Power: 28 cc
  • Max Length: 12 feet
  • Format: Gasoline
  • Bar: 8 inches

Features

  • Includes strap and trimmer attachments.
  • Complete with two-year warranty.
  • Grunty — 7000 Nm (Newton-meters) of torque.

Our Rating: 4.4

Check Price at Tractor SupplyPoulan Pro PR28PS Review Poulan Pro PR28PS Review

Best Pole Saws Buying Guide

Trimming and pruning high branches and twigs isn’t straightforward — thankfully, pole saws remove the hassle and danger of dealing with awkward trees, shrubs, and bushes.

Wielding a chainsaw is dangerous enough. However, combine this with overstretching while precariously perched on the top of a ladder, and you’re gambling with your life — or at least your limbs. Pole saws allow you to tackle the upper branches of trees — while keeping your feet safely on the ground.

As the name suggests, these immensely versatile tools feature a lightweight, telescoping pole with a powerful mini-chainsaw at its tip. It’s the saw that ventures up into the branches — not you! Available in grunty gasoline, reliable corded, and portable cordless models — there’s a machine for the hardcore landscaper, serious gardener, and occasional bush trimmer. 

Sure, their restricted-size saws aren’t going to chop down any mighty oaks — for that, you’ll need a full-size chainsaw — but, for crown thinning and high branch lopping, nothing is as powerful, convenient, or safe as a pole saw.

When choosing your machine, consider:

  • Gasoline, electric, or battery-driven.
  • Power.
  • Length of the pole.
  • Chain length.
  • Auto-oiling.
  • Weight.

Before You Buy: Which Type of Pole Saw to Choose?


Before you opt to purchase a particular chainsaw, you must decide which type suits your needs the most. There are three types you can choose from — gas-powered, corded, and battery-driven.

Gas-powered


These chainsaws are the best choice for people who are looking for power — delivering the greatest amount of brawn in the whole pole saw category. The majority of professional users prefer gas-powered units due to their superb performance and torque.

However, this type isn’t the best for small or occasional pruning projects — as the machines are significantly heavier, louder, and more costly than the others. Furthermore, they can be awkward to start up with their priming and pull-start demands.

Corded Electric


Electric units are ideal for homeowners, casual gardeners, and occasional users. They don’t require as much maintenance as gas-powered units and are straightforward to operate. Furthermore, they’re not as heavy as gas or battery machines and are often the most affordable.

On the other hand, there are also some downsides. The biggest one is that you always have to think about the power source, have an extension cord nearby, and avoid tripping over or slicing through the cable.

Battery-Powered


When it comes to convenience, your safest bet is a battery-powered unit. Cords and wires aren’t going to give you any trouble, and most importantly, you won’t have to think much about maintenance — apart from oiling.

You can take a cordless saw anywhere, and it will perform well. When it comes to the downsides, the biggest one is the lack of power — offering the least amount of brawn in the pole saw category. Furthermore, once the battery is depleted, you can expect quite a bit of downtime while it’s recharging.

How To Choose the Best Pole Saws


No two users, nor their projects, are the same. It’s therefore crucial that you have a pole saw that meets your demands and those of your jobs.

Here are a few factors to consider when looking for your perfect machine:

The Polesaw Format


As discussed above, you need to decide between the gas, electric, or battery-powered models. If you’re looking for raw power, go with gas-powered. In case you need convenience, choose battery-powered. Electric pole saws are somewhere in the middle between these two types, and they usually offer the best ratio between features, price, and ease of use.

Power


Generally speaking, gas-powered machines are the most powerful pole saws, followed by corded electric, and then cordless. The thicker and denser the wood you plan on cutting, the more grunt you need.

Gas models are measured either in cc (cubic capacity) or horsepower, corded machines in amps, and battery-driven in volts.

Pole chain saw tree cutting

Pole Length


Pay special attention to the length of the pole, ensure it’s long enough for you to reach the places you’re planning to cut. Also, pay attention to the mechanism that’s used for the pole adjusting — avoid cheap clips and aim for retractable shafts.

Additionally, bear in mind that the longer your shaft, the harder your mighty head is to control. The further the chainsaw is from the pivot (i.e. you), the greater the effort — leading to the increased risk of arm and grip fatigue. That’s simple physics.

Pole chain use

Bar Length


The length of the bar determines the diameter of the pole saw cut — in real terms, the maximum thickness of a branch the tool can cut with one pass. So, always ensure your chosen machine has the capacity to tackle your tree size.

Most commonly, bars range from around six to ten inches. The reason they don’t come with larger bars is practicality — there’s simply no way a normal human has the strength to wield a hefty 18-inch chainsaw on the end of a long stick.

Budget


The prices vary between types — typically, gas is the most expensive, followed by cordless, and then corded. Furthermore, models made by well-respected brands cost significantly more than the less well-known manufacturers. 

However, there’s a trade-off between price and format. There’s little point saving money by purchasing a corded pole saw — only to discover it lacks the grunt to address your hardcore projects. Buy the tool for the job.

Auto-Oiling


The best pole saws boast auto-oiling — a system that ensures the bar and chain are constantly lubricated. This prevents snagging, corrosion, and overheating — and reduces the likelihood of kickback.

Admittedly, some extreme budget-focused units require manual oiling, but it’s a false economy — saving you money, but costing you a ridiculous amount of downtime. You will literally have to stop cutting every minute or so to re-lubricate your equipment. As Kimberly ‘Sweet Brown’ Wilkins so rightly said, ain’t nobody got time for that.

Your Strength


Something that most people choose to ignore. You need the physical brawn to hold your tool, often having to maneuver it above your head. The heftier your pole saw, the quicker fatigue will set in.

In most circumstances, gasoline pole saws are the heaviest — as you’re wielding a fuel tank and a two-stroke engine. Then come the battery-driven machines, with their heavy lithium-ion cells. And unsurprisingly, electric corded units are the lightest.

Our Top-Rated Pole Saws


Identifying the ultimate pole saw for your projects is difficult — but, I’ve done all the hard work for you!

Whether you’re a serious gardener, weekend lopper prosumer, or trade landscaper — there’s a pole saw below suitable for your job requirements and level of pole saw experience:

WORX WG309


Worx WG309
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Lightweight, boasting straightforward operation, and delivering impressive brawn — the WORX WG309 could be the best corded pole saw currently on the market.

It features a grunty eight-amp motor — delivering more than enough power to cut through branches, bushes, and timber in your backyard. What’s more, the unit boasts an automatic oil pump, meaning there is no reason to worry about maintenance. 

This pole saw incorporates an auto-tensioning system — designed to prolong the life of the machine’s chain. Its lengthy eight-foot pole can be detached without the use of additional tools, while the bar is a generous 10 inches with a low-kickback tip. 

Weighing in at just 10 pounds, it’s unlikely to cause any fatigue or exhaustion during intense use. The oil tank capacity is 120ml, which is more or less a standard nowadays.

What separates this model from most of the others is the lack of noise. Now, it isn’t a silent machine by any means, but it’s significantly quieter than its competitors.

Remington RM2599 Maverick


Remington RM2599 Maverick Pole Chain
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Featuring Remington’s trademarked QuickStart technology — offering immediate, trouble-free activation in all temperatures — the RM2599 could be the easiest-to-operate gasoline pole saw available.

Gas-powered machines are the way to go if you’re looking for immense power and high efficiency. This model features a 25cc motor which has plenty of brawn to tackle demanding projects. 

The eight-inch bar features a low-kickback tip and allows you to cut through branches with ease. The pole is seven feet long, meaning you can reach up to 12 feet. Furthermore, its automatic oiler is designed to apply oil constantly and keep the chain properly lubricated at all times.

One of the best things about this unit is the fact that the motor can be used with other attachments, turning into a blower, edger, trimmer, and more — although additional purchases are necessary. 

Greenworks 20672


Greenworks 20672 Gmax
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

With a generous length, lightweight construction, and impressively powered lithium-ion cells — in my opinion, the 20672 from GreenWorks is the ultimate cordless pole saw.

It boasts a three-piece aluminum pole that can be extended up to eight feet. If you include your own height, you should be able to reach branches approximately 13 to 14 feet high. 

The things that make this particular model worth checking out are the decreased noise and lack of weight. While not a silent machine, the level of noise is surprisingly low considering it’s a battery-powered unit. Also, it weighs only about eight pounds — making it unlikely to induce fatigue.

A tool-less chain tensioning mechanism means you don’t need to worry about using additional or proprietary tools for performance adjustment. What’s more, this machine incorporates an automatic oiling system. And knocking out impressive grunt from its 40-volt battery — it can attack dense timbers and hardwoods.

BLACK+DECKER LPP120


BLACK DECKER LPP120
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Offering ease of operation combined with an affordable price point — in my eyes, the 10-foot reach LPP120 from DIY maestros Black+Decker is perhaps the ultimate machine for pole saw novices.

This 20-volt pruning saw can cut up to 100 one-inch branches on a single charge with its eight-inch chain bar. Admittedly, it might struggle with wide-diameter wood, but for general pruning, lopping, and trimming applications — it’s ideal.

The Li-ion battery has a reassuringly reliable lifespan — able to retain its charge up to five times longer than similar batteries. The weight of this unit is 6.3 pounds — one of the lightest I have covered in my reviews — significantly reducing fatigue. This is thanks to its fiberglass pole construction.

This machine arrives with everything the beginner needs. Not only does the pole saw package include a battery and charger — but it also comes with a blade guard to permit safe storage. And, as the unit can break down into three pieces when not in use, it’s convenient for users lacking garage or workshop space.

Sun Joe SWJ803E
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Offering a user-adjustable head — unusual in the pole saw market — the SWJ803E from Sun Joe is ideal for gardeners and landscapers tackling difficult and stubborn high-level branches.

Movable through thirty degrees, it permits you to adjust the head to meet the wood — without you having to maneuver yourself into awkward positions to address the timber. Furthermore, with a generous 8.8-foot extending pole, it offers a reach of up to 15 feet.

Driven by 8.0 amps of pure corded brawn and featuring a mighty 10-inch bar, this pole saw can tackle thick and wide branches and tree arms. And, boasting a reliable auto-oiling system, it ensures you can crack on with your project without lubrication downtime.

At 7.9 pounds, it’s surprisingly lightweight for a complex and large-headed machine, ideal for keeping fatigue to a minimum. What’s more, arriving complete with hex key, manual, and protective chain sheath — it allows you to commence your trimming jobs immediately after unboxing.

Troy-Bilt TB25PS


Troy-Bilt TB25PS
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Delivering impressive grunt, effortless start-up, and a generous fuel tank — in my opinion, the TB25PS from Troy-Built is the best-performing gas-powered pole saw.

Capable of slicing through branches up to four inches in diameter with its eight-inch low-kickback head, this pole saw excels for both serious gardeners and trade landscapers. And, with its seven-foot extending pole, offers sufficient reach for most arboreal projects.

At the heart of the TB25PS is a two-cycle 25cc gas motor — fed by a substantial ten-ounce fuel tank. What’s more, boasting a trademarked Prime, Flip and Go system, it permits effortless start-up — even for newbies to the gas chainsaw world.

Admittedly, weighing in at 14 pounds, it’s heavy — although not surprising considering the powerful motor. That said, its efficient auto-oiling tech prevents unnecessary downtime. And, as a bonus, the saw can be transformed into a cutter, edger, and lawn trimmer — if you purchase additional attachments.

Poulan Pro PR28PS


Poulan Pro PR28PS
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Arriving with a massive 12-foot bar (including its three-foot extension), the PR28PS from Poulan Pro offers unmatched high-level cutting — ideal if your outdoor projects involve addressing more mature trees.

Gasoline-powered, it incorporates a beefy 28cc motor that drives its eight-inch bar head. And knocking out 7000 Nm (Newton-meters) of torque, it slices effortlessly through dense wood.

Focusing on ease of operation and control — challenging with its 14.2-pound weight and lengthy shaft — this machine incorporates a large, substantially-padded handle, and a shoulder strap. Both features reduce fatigue and permit improved maneuverability.

A genuine pro-grade pole saw, the PR28PS arrives with a two-year warranty. And, with its Pro-Link system, it allows you to utilize the included attachment to transform the machine into a trimmer — while separately purchased accessories can turn the pole saw into an edger, hedge-cutter, and brush cutter.

Best Pole Chainsaw Conclusion


Whether you opt for gas-powered, corded, or battery-driven — the best pole saw machines deliver unrivaled convenience for the home gardener and pro landscaper.

Removing the danger of working with ladders, cherry pickers, makeshift platforms, and climbing harnesses — pole saws permit high-level cutting and pruning with your feet safely on the ground.

From the grunty gas-driven Troy-Bilt TB25PS to the reliable corded WORX WG309, and the novice-friendly cordless BLACK+DECKER LPP120 to the multi-angle Sun Joe SWJ803E — there’s a unit for every job, format preference, and user experience.

So, say goodbye to dangerous lopping and reach new heights in your gardening endeavors with one of the best pole saws.

Pole Saw FAQs


Q: What Is a Pole Saw?

These machines feature a mini chainsaw head mounted at the end of an extending pole — permitting you to address high branches, arms, and twigs without having to climb a ladder.

Q: How Long Can a Pole Saw Reach?

Depending on the model, pole chainsaws include a shaft that can extend to around 7-10 feet. When combined with your physical height and arm reach, they allow for cutting to heights of 16 feet or above.

Q: What Thickness of Branch Can I Cut With a Pole Saw?

With chainsaw heads between 8-10 inches in length, a typical pole saw can tackle a four-to-six-inch branch with a single pass. However, this capability also depends on the power output of the machine.

Q: What Is Best — Cordless, Electric, or Gas-Powered Pole Saws?

This depends on your preferences and the demands of your projects:

  • Gas units are the most powerful, but are heavy and relatively complicated to operate. 
  • Corded machines are the cheapest and offer steady output, but shackle you to power outlets and extension cords. 
  • Battery-driven pole saws provide portability and maneuverability — but rapidly deplete their lithium cells, meaning recharging is required.
Q: Can I Use a Pole Saw in Wet Weather?

You can — but it’s seriously not advisable.

Remember, you’re wielding a mighty chainsaw on the end of what is, effectively, a long stick. Wet, damp, and slippery conditions present a major hazard and increase the risk of accidents.

Furthermore, using an electric pole saw in wet weather raises the likelihood of electrocution.

Other Chain Saw Categories

Gas powered
Corded electric
Battery powered
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