Best Pole Saw Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Our Rating: 4.0 |
Check Price at AmazonRemington RM1025SPS Ranger Review Remington RM1025SPS Ranger Review | |
|
Our Rating: 4.3 |
Check Price at AmazonWORX WG309 Review WORX WG309 Review | |
|
Our Rating: 4.1 |
Check Price at Amazon Remington RM2599 Maverick Review Remington RM2599 Maverick Review | |
|
Our Rating: 4.4 |
Check Price at AmazonGreenWorks 20672 Review GreenWorks 20672 Review | |
|
Our Rating: 4.4 |
Check Price at AmazonBLACK+DECKER LPP120 Review BLACK+DECKER LPP120 Review |
Things to consider before buying a Pole Saw
Good for
These machines are easy to use, relatively affordable, and most importantly – efficient. As long as you use the full potential of your new tool, your investment will be worthy.
Not recommended for
Homeowners can benefit from these machines while the professionals usually avoid them. On the other hand, some models can be used for professional purposes, but they are much more expensive and complex in comparison to the conventional ones.
Top-Rated Pole Saws by Type
The Tool Nerds team’s verdict was close, but the GreenWorks 20672 comes out on top for its quiet functionality and impressive lightweight design.
Remington RM1025SPS Ranger – Electric
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The biggest advantage of this particular model is its versatility. While it is a pole saw, it can also be used as a mini version of a regular one. In simpler words, you can detach the unit at any moment and use it at ground level. The chain bar is 10 inches long, and it features a low-kickback tip. The overall weight of this unit is about 12 pounds meaning you won’t have any issues with fatigue and exhaustion. The weight of the unit is very important because it has a massive effect on the overall efficiency.
The pole can extend up to 10 feet. It’s made of aluminum meaning it’s sturdy yet quite lightweight. Also, as we said, you can detach the pole by using a simple flip&lock mechanism which is built into the shaft. There is also an anti-rotation system involved in the design which prevents the pole from rotating during use. This is both a safety precaution and a premium feature. While it sounds pretty irrelevant, you can rest assured that it makes a huge difference.
When it comes to drawbacks, there aren’t many. Some people complained about the weight, but as far as we are concerned 11 or 12 pounds aren’t too complicated to handle, especially when you lean the unit against a branch. The price could be a bit more affordable, but it’s not a game-changer by any means.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
WORX WG309 – Electric
Our Rating: 4.3
As far as the design goes, the pole is 8 feet long and can be detached without the use of additional tools. The detach system works on a pretty simple principle meaning you won’t have to hassle with it. The bar is 10 inches long and features a low-kickback tip. The machine weighs only 10 pounds, and it doesn’t 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. It may sound like an irrelevant feature, but many people initially look for low-noise machines. If you’re among the users that like low-noise tools, take a moment and consider checking this one out.
Another advantage of this model is its price. While some others tend to have a pretty hefty price, this one comes at an affordable one. In fact, even if you’re on a tight budget, this unit has one of the best quality-to-price ratios on our list. As far as disadvantages go, the biggest one is the lack of power. While it does feature an 8-amp motor, we would have liked to see a more powerful one. However, this one works fine as long as you use the machine within its limits.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
This model features a 25cc motor which has plenty of power to tackle demanding projects. The 8-inch bar features a low-kickback tip and allows you to cut through branches with ease. The pole is 7 feet long meaning you can reach up to 12 feet. When it comes to lubrication, the 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 which turn this chainsaw into a blower, edger, trimmer, and etcetera. Check out the user manual and look for the compatibility page. If you have a yard with hard-to-reach branches, this particular model is one of the best options. The safety features are more or less standard and expected. However, you can rest assured that this is an absolutely safe model for use, as long as you follow a set of standard precautionary measures.
Remington is a well-known manufacturer of power tools, and they didn’t disappoint with this one either. The price could be a bit lower, but it’s still a worthy investment for people who know what they are looking for. The only disadvantage as far as we are concerned is the required maintenance schedule. If you’re not used to frequent maintenance, then this model might not be the best solution. Other than that, it’s a great piece of equipment, and it will fulfill most of your requirements and expectations.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
GreenWorks 20672 – Cordless
Our Rating: 4.4
As far as the design goes, it includes a 3-piece aluminum pole which can be extended up to 8 feet. If you include your own height, you should be able to reach branches that are 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 one can’t say it’s a silent machine, the level of noise is surprisingly low considering it’s a battery-powered unit. Also, it weighs only about 8 or 9 pounds which is more than acceptable.
The chain tensioning mechanism is tool-less meaning you don’t need to worry about using additional or proprietary tools for chain tensioning. On top of that, the pole is extendable on three levels instead of being a one-size shaft. This means that you don’t have to use all 8 feet of it. Instead, you can fine-tune the length to your own preferences.
The oiling system is automatic. Even though it’s a pretty regular feature, it’s still worth mentioning. There are some models on the market that don’t feature an automatic oiler whatsoever. Needless to say, it’s a very important element, especially when battery-powered units are in question. The battery and a charger are included in the package as well. When it comes to the price, it’s an acceptable one. It might be a bit higher than usual, but it’s due to their G-Max battery program. In the end, it all comes down to your requirements. As far as we are concerned, it is a worthy investment.
BLACK+DECKER LPP120 – Cordless
- Functionality
- Price
The design is okay, but we have seen better ones. It’s not necessarily a bad design, but they could have implemented a couple of features more to make it better. Also, if you’re a green person, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the fact that this model releases zero emissions thus reducing your carbon footprint and the overall impact on the environment. The Li-Ion battery has a good lifespan and can be charged numerous times before it starts underperforming. In fact, some sources claim that it’s able to retain its charge up to five times longer than similar batteries.
The weight of this unit is 6.3 pounds. In other words, it’s one of the lightest we have covered in our reviews. While lack of weight can be considered as an advantage, it’s not always the case. In this case, even though it significantly reduces fatigue, the light weight also affects the efficiency and power output. It’s a more complex matter, but in simple words – lightweight isn’t always a beneficial feature.
The biggest drawback of this model is its price. Many people complain about it being overpriced, and we must agree. Now, it isn’t a particularly expensive machine by any means, but some models on the market offer very similar features and capabilities for less money. It’s up to you to decide whether or not it’s worth investing in this unit.
- Functionality
- Price
Quick Product Comparison
| POWER | POLE LENGTH | WEIGHT | PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Remington RM1025SPS Ranger | 8 amps motor | 8 feet | 10 pounds | $ | Check Price |
|
WORX WG309 | 8 amps motor | 8 feet | 10 pounds | $ | Check Price |
Remington RM2599 Maverick | 25cc 2-cycle motor | 7 feet | 13.9 pounds | $$ | Check Price |
|
GreenWorks 20672 | G-MAX 40V Li-Ion battery | 8 feet | 8.3 pounds | $$ | Check Price |
|
BLACK+DECKER LPP120 | 20V Max battery | 6.5 or 10 feet | 6.3 pounds | $$ | Check Price |
Before You Buy: Which Type of Pole Saw to Choose?
Gas-powered
These chainsaws are the best choice for people who are looking for power and trustworthiness. In other words, the gas-powered pole saws have the least limitations when it comes to cutting, pruning, trimming, and etcetera.
Most professionals prefer gas-powered units due to their superb performance in comparison to other types. However, this type isn’t the best one for small pruning projects as it is significantly heavier and louder than the others. Gasoline units are usually recommended for professional purposes or for people who have a large yard.
Battery-powered
When it comes to convenience, your safest bet are the battery-powered units. Cords and wires aren’t going to give you any trouble, and most importantly, you won’t have to think much about maintenance as well. You can bring a cordless saw anywhere, and it will perform well. When it comes to the downsides, the biggest one is the lack of power. On top of that, once the battery gets empty, you can expect quite a bit of downtime while it’s recharging.
Corded
Electric units are the most preferred type of homeowners and occasional users. They don’t require as much maintenance as gas-powered ones and are easier to get the hang of. Furthermore, it’s not as heavy as other types and is usually a bit cheaper.
On the other hand, there are also some downsides you should be aware of. The biggest one is the fact that you always have to think about the power source and more often than not have an extension cord nearby. Therefore, if you’re often away from home and are planning on using a corded chainsaw in the woods, please revise your decisions.
Best Pole Saw – Buyer’s Guide
Choose the type
We have already covered the benefits and downsides of every type. Once you figure out which type of pole saws suits your needs the most, it will be much easier to find the right model. Therefore, if you’re looking for raw power, go with gas-powered ones. In case you need convenience, choose battery-powered ones. 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.
The height you want to reach
Pay special attention to the length of the pole. Make sure it’s long enough for you to reach the places you were planning to cut. Ordering a model with a short pole is probably the worst thing that could happen to you. Also, pay attention to the mechanism that is used for the pole adjusting. In other words, avoid cheap clips and aim for retractable shafts.
Think about your budget
The prices vary from type to type, and it’s sometimes quite difficult to make a proper decision. However, if you’re on a limited budget, there are some things you need to think about. First of all, you should be aware that the models made by well-respected brands cost significantly more than the no-name ones. However, there is a good reason behind this – trust. One can buy an unbranded power tool, but as soon as it starts having issues you won’t be able to do much about it. Lesser-known brands usually don’t offer great warranty conditions, and more often than not, they ignore customer’s feedback. On the other hand, if you opt for a respected brand, you can rest assured that they will listen to your criticism and will try to solve the issues in record time.
Your previous experience
While most of these units are quite easy to use, there are some models that require some knowledge and skills. If you’re an absolute beginner, make sure you’re buying an easy-to-use machine with the least auxiliary features. That doesn’t mean you should buy the cheapest one, however. Instead, it means you should choose the model according to your expertise.
On the other hand, learning how to use a pole chainsaw properly isn’t as hard as one might expect. The most important thing you should think about is your own safety.
Your strength
This is the step that most people choose to ignore. A lot of users don’t care too much about the weight of their tools, especially when the difference is two or three pounds. However, you can rest assured that those two pounds have a massive impact on your level of fatigue and exhaustion, especially when pole saws are in question. Therefore, always make sure that you are able to handle, hold, and control your new power tool without any major issues.
The conclusion
As you can tell, most of the models we have covered are pretty similar to each other, excluding the power source. One of the things you need to do is figure out which type suits your needs the most. If you’re an occasional user, we would recommend getting a corded or battery-powered model. In case you are looking for something that can cope with more demanding tasks, gas-powered units are your safest bet.
As far as the price goes, it can vary depending on the brand, type, and quality of a chainsaw. If you are on a strict budget, make sure that you don’t purchase the first and cheapest model you stumble upon. While it may seem like a good decision at the time, you can rest assured that cheap units usually cause more harm than good, especially in the long run. On the other hand, buying the most expensive one isn’t a great solution either. The key is in finding the one that suits your personal requirements the most. If pole saws aren’t your cup of tea, make sure you check our other reviews out, and you might find something of interest.
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