The Best Electric Pole Saw

What is a Pole Saw For?

If you hadn’t worked it out by now, a pole saw is for pruning trees and large bushes. By attaching the chainsaw to a pole, the user is able to reach places that are usually only accessible by ladder.

Ladders are one of the biggest causes of accidents across a considerable number of industries. Eliminating the need to climb a ladder over and over with heavy equipment not only saves time, but it also removes the user from potential harm.

Quick Guide

We are going to review each of our recommendations in detail below. We are also going to give you a great buyers guide, so you have the knowledge and the tools to make informed decisions if you decide you want to do your own research before buying one.

If you do not want to spend time reading all that, this is the quick guide. Each of the seven recommendations we list here are excellent tools, you can’t really go wrong with any of them.

Sun Joe SWJ800E 8-Inch 6.5-Amp Electric Pole Chain Saw

A great innovator when it comes to outdoor tools Sun Joe’s offering to the battery pole saw world is their SWJ800E. Weighing in at just 7 pounds and sporting an adjustable telescoping pole that extends up to 8.7 feet, this gives you the ability to tackle hard to reach branches up to 15 feet away.

The 6.5 amp motor allows you to cut branches up to 7.5 inches thick with ease. This saw also has a great auto-lubricating bar, fueled by a well designed 2.7 fluid ounce oil tank.

Sporting a highly-visible neon green paint job, this saw looks great too. It has a reliable one-button powering-up system and has a built-in safety switch aimed at stopping accidental sawing. To top it all of this pole saw is backed by Sun Joe’s no question asked two-year warranty and is CSA approved.

You can buy this tool, knowing it is a tool that is going to last.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easy to assemble
• Easy to use
• Lots of material on safe use
• Quick and straightforward retraction and extension
• Rigid pole
• Awesome cord lock safety features
• Sharp chain

Cons

• Trigger lock takes some getting used to

Scotts Outdoor Tools 10-Inch 8-Amp Corded Electric Pole Saw

Our second suggestion comes from Scotts Tools. This is a corded unit that allows it to use a powerful 8-amp motor to provide high levels of cutting power. Tackle tree branches and limbs with ease from up to 15 feet away, it measures nearly 10 feet when fully extended.

The 10″ Oregon chain bar is where this unit really comes into its own, it cuts through branches fast and with ease and has a 30-degree adjustable cutting head allowing for a range of different cutting angles.

The blade also comes with a free blade cover, which prolongs the life of your blade and allows for easy storage. There are several benefits when it comes to using a corded electric plug-in system.

You do not need to think about charging batteries or changing the fuel of your unit. You also do not need to provide oil. This makes it one of the most eco-friendly options on our list as there is no pollution and little noise produced by this model.

The handle is exceptionally comfortable, using a rubber over-molded handle with a built-in foam grip, you can use this pole saw for prolonged periods of work quite comfortably.

If you want a powered pole saw that does not create an oily gassy mess and does not require you to charge batteries, this is probably the best option for you.

Pros

• 8 Amp corded motor provides excellent power with no drop-out
• The 10″ Oregon bar cuts really well
• 30-degree adjustable cutting angle
• No need for gas or batteries
• No pollution
• Ergonomic foam and rubber molded handle

Cons

• Electrical cord restricts movement
• Safety button can be temperamental

Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw

If you have read any of our other equipment review articles, you probably know that we are big fans of Greenworks and their products. Although it is one of the more expensive tools on our list, you do really get what you pay for.

A massive benefit to buying Greenworks tools is their interchangeable battery system too. Once you have one or two of their amazing G-MAX 40V Lithium-ion batteries, you can use these batteries on 20 of Greenworks tools.

This drastically reduces the cost by allowing you to buy bare units, which makes their tools much more competitively priced. This means you can buy better-performing tools for the same price as lower-priced options.

These batteries also come with a fast charger allowing for rapid charging, and this means you spend less time waiting for batteries and more time working.

With a 10″ bar and a high performance 1/4″ chain, you get a brilliant cutting ability. Because the energy comes from their amazing brush-less motor system, you get more torque a quieter operation and a much longer lifespan than competitors who do not use a brushless system.

Weighing in at just 8.3 pounds this battery-powered pole saw is very ergonomic, with an automatic oiler that applies oil to the bar and chain when it is needed, using this saw is extremely easy for all experience levels.

The pole length is 8 feet, giving the average users 15 feet of cutting range. An easy to adjust chain tensioner allows for quick adjustments on the job.

It is easy to handle, is well balanced, and starts and stops instantly. Easy to strip and extremely economical on chainsaw oil, this is something built to last for years to come.

As it is so easy to assemble, disassemble, use and to wipe down and maintain, this may be the best all-rounder on our list.

This is a zero gas, zero-emission, and zero maintenance powerhouse.

Pros

• Amazing cutting ability
• Uses Greenworks world-class battery system
• Zero gas, zero pollution, zero maintenance
• Lightweight

Cons

• Poor instructions
• Chain replacements can be hard to find

Sun Joe SWJ803E-CMO 10 inch 8.0 Amp Pole Chain Saw

Another product on the list from Sun Joe, the SWJ303E, is a more powerful alternative to the SWJ800E we reviewed earlier. With a larger 10″ Oregon cutting bar and a multi-head angle that adjusts up to 30 degrees, this is a saw that does its job slightly better than the SWJ800E.

The 8.0 amp motor is powered by a cord which allows for a more consistent application.

If you are wondering why you would buy the SWJ800E over this, it comes down to ergonomics. This is a more substantial unit, you get more power, but it is also harder to use. If the weight doesn’t put you off, this is the better option of the two.

Another reason to buy this model is the excellent color options that it comes in. You get several options to choose from here. The first is a woodland camo. The second is the usual neon green offering. The third is neon pink, and the fourth is a striking red.

Just because you are cutting down trees doesn’t mean you can’t do it in style!

Pros

• Very powerful
• Easy to assemble
• Easy to use
• Lots of material on safe use
• Quick and simple retraction and extension
• Rigid pole
• Awesome cord lock safety features
• Sharp chain

Cons

• A bit on the heavy side
• Cord restricts movement slightly

WORX WG309 8 Amp 10″ Electric Pole Saw

Another brand that often appears in our reviews is WORX. With a reputation for building reliable and durable tools, WORX is leading the way when it comes to innovation for its users.

The WG309 is no different. Available in both a 10″ and an 8″ offering, these pole saws have a long extension pole that requires no tools for installation. The powerful 8 amp corded motor offers solid power, and the rotating working handle gives it great ergonomics during use.

The main selling point for this unit, however, is the patented auto-tension chain system. Paired with a great auto-lubrication design with an oil level indicator, you never have to adjust this pole saw on the job. It stays tight and oiled up for the duration of your work.

It also means that the chain life on this unit is absolutely phenomenal. When comparing pole saws that are similarly priced and spec, this could be a deciding factor as you will have to spend less over the life of the saw replacing the chain.

There is a reason this is amazons best selling pole saw, and we endorse that.

Pros

• Amazing chain life
• Powerful 8 amp motor
• Patented auto-tensioner
• Auto-oiler with level monitor

Cons

• Could do with more safety features

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Pole Saw

Another massive brand throwing its hat in the ring, Black+Decker have a reputation for creating some of the best tools going. This a battery-powered pole saw capable of making over 100 cuts per charge. The 8″ cutting bar has surprising ability, matching many competitors in the 10″ range.

Powered by Black+Deckers 20v Max lithium batteries, you get a fantastic battery life that has an incredible lifespan. On average, their batteries give you 5x the average charge compared to competitors.

Due to the battery energy source, smaller chain, and lightweight design, this is probably the most maneuverable pole saw on our review list. It is incredibly simple to use, with a range of 14 feet.

It is also one of the only pole saws that fully disassemble, which makes it the most portable option on the review list as well.

If you are willing to spend a little bit extra and need a pole saw that scores highly in usability and portability, Black and Decker have you covered here.

Pros

• Black + Decker quality
• Performs better than all 8″ competitors
• Extremely easy to use and maneuver
• Very portable
• Excellent battery life

Cons

• Slightly expensive
• Long battery charge time

Craftsman V20 Pole Saw

Finally, we have the Crafstman V20, which is perhaps the best performing pole saw on the list. Unfortunately, it also boasts the highest price tag worth it?
Definitely.

Powered by a high capacity 4.0ah battery pack, you have the longest battery life of any of the pole saws we have reviewed. The battery on this unit usually lasts longer then you do. The battery powers a 20v motor, which translates into industry-leading cutting power. The batteries also run the other Craftsman tools, which is a great positive too.

The V20 extends your reach to 14 feet and uses an innovative angled head, which gives incredible control and comfort of use. The soft-grip handle is comfortable and shock-absorbing, and there is an added branch hook to aid you in removing stubborn branches.

Craftsman know their saw is one of the best on the market, they back the V20 with the longest warranty of anything on this list, a whopping three-year warranty shows they believe in their products.

And looking at the V20, you can see why it just oozes good “Craftsmanship.” Not only does it feel extremely well built, it actually is. This is a tool built to be the best.

If you can afford it and want the best you can buy, I have no problem suggesting the V20 as the best on our list.

Pros

• High capacity battery
• Up to 14 foot reach with the extension pole
• Angled head and blade
• Soft ergonomic grip
• Unique branch hook
• Includes battery and charger
• Replacement parts easy to find
• Three-year warranty

Cons

• Expensive (Worth it)

Why Pole Saws?

As we evolve technologically, advancements in the tools we use appear every day. Most of the time, these advancements tackle two problems, efficiency, and safety.

When you are dealing with work that could be dangerous, you need the best tool for the job. Everybody wants to go home intact at the end of the workday. You also want to be able to do your job as easily and quickly as possible without compromising safety.

The logging and tree surgeon industry has always been a dangerous industry. Using high powered chainsaws to fell mighty trees is always going to have its risks. Luckily for those involved, there is a massive push for improvements for the tools and technology used when doing these high-risk jobs.

One of these innovations is the battery-powered pole saw. When dealing with high and dense tree areas and branches, often you can find yourself in positions that may not be optimal for your safety and efficiency. After all, chainsaws and ladders do not mix. In these situations, you need tools that reduce that risk, and they need to be ergonomic and light in order to prevent injuries.

What Is A Battery-Powered Pole Saw?

At some point in the not so distant past, a particularly bright individual must have been struggling to cut some branches that were out of arms reach. He was probably climbing up and down a ladder or was attached by harness up in a tree somewhere.

There must be a better way to do this; he must have been thinking. When suddenly, a light bulb appeared above his head as it often does when someone realizes there is an easier way to do something. At that moment, he gave birth to the first iteration of the pole saw. This guy probably did not know it at the time, but thousands of professionals are thankful to him every day.

A battery-powered polesaw, is essentially what it sounds like. A powered chainsaw on a pole. You might call it a long reach chainsaw. They are usually powered by a small gas engine, a battery pack, or by electrical cord. There are also some non-powered options, but we’re not including them here because they are for light DIY-use.

As the world turns more Eco-friendly, battery-operated tools are becoming king. Thanks to the push towards being environmentally conscious, battery innovation has come on in leaps and bounds.

Battery life and capacity has seen massive improvements. So much so, that our reviews here are going to contain only battery-operated pole saws. We believe that these saws can deal with 99% of all tasks in the same way that gas-powered pole saws can. They are more cost-effective and less polluting too.

Buyers Guide To The Best Electric Pole Saw

As you can see, there are lots of great options you could choose when it comes to the best electric pole saws. There are also a lot of lousy options on the market too. If you still want to make your own choice on which one is best for you, these are the factors you need to consider. They are the factors we used to choose our top recommendations.

Safety Features

Although not number one on everybody’s list, the safety of a unit is one of the things we think is absolutely crucial. In fact, it may be the most essential feature of any power-tool, which could cause the user serious harm. As most long-serving professionals will tell you, it doesn’t matter if you have years of experience or weeks, accidents will happen.

And when it comes to chainsaws and pole saws, accidents are usually on the more severe side of things. They are perhaps the most dangerous things used by non-industry professionals on a regular basis.

It doesn’t take much to give a tool a more safety positive design. Things like emergency stop systems and easy to cut off power can make it much less likely to cause serious injuries.

If you are new to the world of pole saws, we suggest going for a unit that has more safety features. That means picking units that do have emergency stop systems. You should aim for safety systems that are fully automated, and this takes a lot of the risk away from the user as the unit cuts out automatically.

Look for things like ergonomic grips and go as lightweight as you can. This lowers the chance that you do something dangerous as a result of getting tired or losing your grip. Losing your grip can be catastrophic as it only takes one lapse in concentration, and a severe accident can happen.

Making sure you go for units with strong ergonomics is especially important when buying a pole with a long reach. As the longer the pole, the harder to handle the unit usually is.

Corded vs Battery

Ever since the invention of battery-powered tools, the debate between cordless and battery has been raging. Both sides have some solid arguments behind them.

Battery

There is a huge range of reasons to pick battery over corded. With the invention of the Lithium-Ion battery, the divide between the performance of corded and battery-powered tools is closing. Lithium-ion batteries hold a lot of energy and do not diminish over time when not in use. Battery-powered devices are incredibly maneuverable.

Another benefit of using battery energy is the fact that you can use the same battery across a range of tools. This can allow you to buy “bare units,” which reduce the cost of tools drastically.

Removing the cord also gives you great portability, you do not need a static plug-point, and you do not need to worry about cord length or trailing leads. You can work in tight spaces freely, and you can set up your tools in a much quicker time frame.

They are also easier to store, as the entire unit takes up significantly less space than their corded brothers.

Obviously, the biggest problem with battery-powered tools is loss of performance. Even with a great lithium-ion battery, you are going to run out of battery eventually. This usually means you need to purchase and keep additional batteries in order to stop “tools down” time while the batteries charge. It is also extremely easy to forget to charge your batteries after each use or even lose a battery. This can lead to huge downtime.

With an added battery comes added weight. Even though lithium-ion batteries are the lightest they have ever been, they are still heavier than corded tools.

Corded

Obviously, corded electric pole saws have one major benefit over battery-powered, and that is battery life itself. A corded version is continuously supplied with electricity from the mains, and this means that they never need to be charged. They also do not lose performance over time like battery tools do, due to the draining of the batteries.

They also usually have a higher torque and power range than battery-powered options. But that divide is lessening, and with the invention of the brushless motor system and lithium-ion batteries, the divide is closing when it comes to output.

Corded electric pole saws have some significant disadvantages too. One of the main problems of using corded power tools is the fact that you need to have somewhere to plug them in. You rely on supplying your own power or count on others supplying it for you to do your job.

The electrical cord on a corded version is also one of its main negative points. An electrical cord trailing behind you restricts your movement, not only is this annoying to work around, but it is also a safety hazard.

Most people who have used corded tools will tell you they have tripped over their own cords numerous times. The cable is also a weak point on the tool, too, which means that if they are not looked after or stored properly, the wire can become damaged. This can lead to the cord not working or worse, and electrical hazard.

Power

The power of electric pole chainsaws can be judged in two ways, cutting power and power of the motor, very similar but still distinctively different, let me explain.

Cutting power

The cutting power of your tool is, put simply, its ability to cut through branches. Some pole saws have the better ability when it comes to cutting through thick branches. Deciding what you are going to use the polesaw for will help you decide how capable you need it to be when it comes to cutting power.

Motor power

The power of your motor is how much actual power is being supplied to the motorized part of your polesaw. Although motor power usually has a direct correlation on cutting power, sometimes a unit can cut better than its competitors while using less actual power. This can be down to better-designed chains and blades or better technology transferring the energy from the motor to the blade.

Reach of Electric Pole Saws

Manufacturers often use slightly underhanded methods to sell their products. This is particularly rife in the polesaw industry.

Reach is extremely important when it comes to choosing a pole saw. After all, reaching high up branches is probably the main reason you are purchasing it in the first place.

Just remember that the reach advertised by manufacturers is usually based on an “average” male user. This could be someone smaller or larger than you, so bear this in mind if you need a particular reach when it comes to making your choice.

Combo Pole Saw

Many of the options on our list are actually known as a combo pole saw. This means that it can be used as both a pole saw and a chainsaw. This provides a lot of value if you are going to need both a pole saw and a chainsaw for your work. Combo pole saws are usually slightly more expensive than tools that only function as a pole saw.

If you do not need a unit that functions as both, you can save some money by going for a pole saw that cannot be used as a chainsaw as well. They are usually more straightforward to use and easy to maintain as well.

Energy Source

Depending on where you are and how you are powering your tools, will influence your choice on a power source.

If you do not always have access to mains electricity, you will obviously be better off buying a battery-powered option.

If you do not want to deal with trailing leads while you work, you may also choose to buy a battery-operated unit for this reason as well. Getting rid of the cord can increase maneuverability and lower the risk of trips and falls, but we will go into this in a minute.

Weight Of Unit

Using a pole saw can be hard work for anyone. It requires a lot of work above you, which can tire even the most physically fit user.

With that in mind, make sure you choose a unit that you are going to be able to handle without putting yourself at risk of strain or injury. The weight, size, and maneuverability of a unit are incredibly important here.

Do not pick a unit that is going to be too heavy for you, and this could end up in an accident if you lose grip on your saw.

What Are You Cutting?

What you are cutting will be very instrumental in what saw you are going to choose. If you are going to be cutting large thick branches, you are going to need a more powerful saw.

Make sure you properly evaluate the tasks you will be undertaking before choosing your saw. Nobody wants to spend a good chunk of money on a purchase, only to find out it is practically useless as it isn’t powerful enough for the job. You don’t want to find out that you should have maybe considered gas-powered pole saws instead.

Upkeep

Most electric-powered pole saws are relatively easy to maintain. Some are better then others though, if you aren’t comfortable doing the maintenance work yourself, we would advise choosing one with things like an automatic oiler for the bar and chain and auto-tensioner. Although they may cost a little bit more, they will make sure your investment lasts a lot longer without the need for maintenance.

Warranty

Usually, when a manufacturer believes in their product, they will back it up with a good warranty. These are complex pieces of kit, and you are going to want to make sure that if anything goes wrong, that is not your fault, you are covered by a warranty.

How Often Will The Machine Be Used?

Whenever you are deciding which tool is best for you, a massive factor in how much you are willing to spend will be the amount that you are going to use the tool.

If you will be using the tool day in day out, we always suggest spending a little bit more and getting the best you can afford. Being able to pay a little bit more means you will get the features that will make day to day use much more comfortable. Things like better ergonomics and lighter weight units will reduce the stress on your body from daily use.

If you are only planning to use the tool occasionally in the garden, then you can look at more budget-friendly options. We try to cover a range of prices on our reviews. Even though some of the units we review are cheaper, we only recommend ones that give you excellent bang for your buck.

FAQ

Q: How should I maintain my electric pole saws?

A: There are a few simple steps you can take to make sure your pole saw is kept in perfect condition and has a long and healthy life.

Firstly make sure the chain oil tank is filled with the correct oil before each use.

Secondly, always make sure you do a quick examination before each use, check for loose screws nuts or bolts, and make sure your tool is in good general condition.

Next, you need to check the pole for any damage and cracks. Also, make sure the blade cutters are sharp and check the chain tension properly.

Lastly, we suggest wiping down your pole saw after every use. A little bit of time after using the saw can prolong the lifespan of your tool massively.

Q: How should I store my pole saw?

A: Make sure you store your pole saw in a dry well-ventilated place between each use. Be aware that most pole saws may leak a small amount of chain oil after each use, so store accordingly. Lastly, we suggest keeping your pole saw in a secure location, these tools are often targeted by thieves.

Q: Do you have any tips when it comes to pole saw safety?

A: As you know, telescoping pole saws can be extremely dangerous. Most of the time, that danger does not come from the saw blade. Here are some common hazards and how to avoid them.

Power Lines

Overhead electrical lines are lethal, you should never, ever mess with them. One branch falling onto a power line can create a direct link to you and will result in you turning into a puddle. Make sure you make arrangements with the city’s utilities companies if you need to work by a power line, they will advise you on the best plan of action.

Remain grounded

A lot of DIY users forget that they bought a pole saw to avoid using a chainsaw on a ladder. If you cannot reach the area you want to reach, do not use a step ladder with your pole saw.

Keep fall area clear

Make sure you mark out where the fall area is, even if you use a simple method like tape or cones. This means people do not stray into the fall area whilst you are not paying attention. A little bit of effort upfront could potentially save lives here. Nobody wants to hurt someone as a result of their work.

Wear proper safety equipment

As when using a chainsaw, you should consider proper safety gear like a safety hat, gloves ear protection etc.

Conclusion

So there we go. You have made it through our reviews and recommendations of the best electric pole saws available. We know how hard it can be to make a decision when it comes to complicated tools like these. Hopefully, after reading our article, the decision has been made for you. If not, I hope after reading our buyer’s guide, that you now have the knowledge and tools to make an educated decision on what pole saw is best for you.

The most important thing when it comes to choosing equipment like this is to evaluate your exact needs. Once you know what you need the tool for, how often you are going to be using it, and your budget, the decision becomes a lot easier.

We take the time to review these tools because we want you to be able to buy the safest and highest performing tools on the market. You can rest assured that if you pick any of the tools we recommend, you will be getting a great tool that performs better then hundreds of others on the market.

Thanks for reading!

Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API