Sometimes, you've got to prune. When you're working on your property and you need to cut down shrubs and tree branches, you have to have the right tools. While shears and other implements often work well at low heights, it's a real pain in the neck to have to bring out a ladder and shear away branches and limbs on the trees on your property. This is where the best pole saw of 2018 comes in handy.
These devices add a lot of convenience to the gardening and pruning process and are ideal for taking care of overhanging limbs. With that said, in this guide, we're going to provide you with some reviews of pole saws so that you can easily find the best model of pole saw to fit your needs.
Buying Guide
What's the Point of a Pole Saw?
Pole saws are effectively chainsaws on poles that you can use to cut down branches and limbs that aren't quite in reach. They are very handy appliances that can save you a lot of effort in your yard, and it's easy to wonder how you ever got along in your yard without one.
Some pole saws are designed to be used as a chainsaw as well. A detachable pole saw can be separated from the pole and used to manage shrubs, logs, and other wooden objects that might be lying around your property.
Pole saws can even add a lot of safety to your daily routine. Typically, when you want to cut high limbs, you have to climb a ladder, which might sound convenient. Despite this seeming convenience, according to a report on ladder safety done by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in a year, more than 90,000 people are admitted to the emergency room as a result of a ladder accident.
Now consider this: if you're on a ladder attempting to saw off a branch, you're adding a lot of instability to the ladder with your sawing motion. This is what makes a pole saw so useful; a good pole saw lets you cut down those branches from the safety of the ground.
Just remember to keep the area clear and to wear a hardhat while working and you'll be amazed at how effective one of these devices can be.
When to Use Shears Instead?
A standard pole saw can't do everything. If you're doing a bit of landscaping and you come across dense foliage and branches at ground level, then you can use shears or a standard chainsaw to clear the path. That being said, detachable pole saws can provide extra options in this situation; simply detach the chainsaw end and cut away the low-lying material.
What You Should Look For
When you're looking into a pole saw, it's important that you consider the needs of the job and the property that you'll be working on. When considering these, there are a few features that you should look for:
- Kickback – While this type of power tool presents a major safety advantage over climbing up a ladder and doing the cutting, pole saws can experience kick-back just like any other chainsaw. Kickback occurs when the chain jams inside of the wood that you're cutting, and the motor causes the whole device to kick backward.As you might expect, this isn't the safest circumstance, so it's a good idea to seek out a product that has reduced kick-back.
- Maximum Range – It's always a good idea to err on the side of a higher maximum range. The very purpose of this type of power tool requires that it provide the most reach as possible so that you can handle branches and limbs at higher levels of the tree that you're working on. The maximum working height of most pole saws on the market today is 12 to 15 feet or so.
- Manageable Weight – As with any tool that you're using in your yard, you want to be able to use your pole saw without experiencing too much fatigue. Fortunately, with most models, you should be able to work for hours without too much muscle strain. Electric pole saws tend to hover around 10 pounds or so, which makes them pretty easy to use on high branches. Gas-powered chainsaws are usually heavier, due to their large motor.
Safety Mechanisms
The primary safety mechanism that's available on most pole saws is the safety switch. This feature is usually located somewhere around the trigger and you'll usually have to activate the switch first before you can trigger the device on. This feature is designed to cause the product to turn off should you suddenly lose control of the pole saw.
Types of Pole Saw
There are three chief types of pole saw: electric, gas-powered, and lithium-ion. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at each type:
- Electric – Electric pole saws are wired power tools that have an easy-to-operate functionality and also can have a good amount of power. These tend to be lightweight options for most people, and they also have a tendency to be relatively quiet. The main drawback of these is that you are constantly tethered to a power cord with an electric pole saw. This means that you'll always have to be within at least 100 feet of an outlet.
- Gas-Powered – If you need power, then a gas model of pole saw is your best bet. These can clear through thicker limbs with relative ease because of the horsepower of a gas motor. Also, these are inherently cordless because you're drawing your power from the amount of gas in the tank. These will last for years, but they also have a tendency to be very loud. Additionally, these are also heavier than the other types and they can cost a bit more money.
- Lithium-Ion – For a good combination of the gas-powered and the electric, you can try a lithium-ion device. These shine because they are cordless, create relatively minimal noise, and are very lightweight. If you're wondering about the downsides, then the chief issue with these types is the fact that they really don't have the power of the other types. Additionally, you're at the mercy of your battery pack when working, so be sure to keep it charged.
Related Article:
Sun Joe Pole Saw Review
Does the Pole Saw Length Make a Difference?
It certainly does. While most property owners only need about an eight-foot-long pole saws to help manage the more annoying limbs on their trees, there are many trees that have higher limbs. Since it is recommended that you have a firm footing when you're cutting, you should always try to get a pole saw that's at least eight feet in length.
Optimally, this length will provide about ten feet of overall reach so that you can cut the branch and limbs that you seek. It's also important to understand that you'll be cutting downwards in most situations, so you'll need some clearance above the tree when you're going to cut, so longer poles can be very useful.
The best part about a pole saw is that it's fairly variable. If a branch or limb is a little closer, you can always change your angle in order to cut lower.
Cutting Bar Length
The cutting bar of your powered pole saw is the bar that the chain travels around when the device is powered on. The standard size on most pole saws is about eight inches, though you'll also be able to find six, ten, and 12-inch varieties.
As you might expect, longer cutting bars will allow you to more effortlessly cut thicker tree branches and limbs.
It's a good idea to err on the side of a larger cutting bar length; this will allow you to manage very thick limbs, but always try for an inch or two thicker than your widest average tree limb, so that you won't run into any issues during your work.
Are Pole Saws Noisy?
There's no way to really sugarcoat this: as power tools, pole saws have a tendency to be a bit on the noisier side. Having stated that, some pole saws are quieter than others. For example, gas pole saws, which are typically the most powerful, also have a tendency to be a lot louder than other types. There's no real way to avoid this, so if you plan on doing yard work with a gas-powered model, then it's better to do it at a time when you won't wake the neighbors.
Corded electric pole saws, on the other hand, are a lot less noisy than gas-powered models, but will probably have a lower power output. That being said, these can be very quiet, which makes them adept at doing work at earlier times.
Electric pole saws that are cordless are also quieter than gas pole saws, but they have a lower power output than corded varieties.
Do I Need to Use a Ladder?
As you might expect, chain saws and ladders don't mix too well, which is why for most applications, you won't need an additional ladder when you have a pole saw. It's important to understand that the advertised length of the pole saw takes into account the length of your arms, so if the product says ten feet, then it will be at least a foot shorter than that.
If you find that you're constantly trying to cut branches that are over 25 feet high, then ladders still aren't an option; just about every manufacturer recommends that you have as stable footing as possible when using a pole saw.
This means that you shouldn't be on a ladder or in the tree itself when you're trying to make trims and cuts. When you're using your saw, you should have a firm two-foot stance.
That being said, if you really need a longer reach in order to get to higher branches, then you can consider a more professional model of pole chainsaw. These types of power tools can have a reach as long as 25 feet, which will help you manage even the highest branches on your property.
Best Pole Saw of 2018 Review
The following are the best pole saws in the market in 2018.
The first product in our pole saw review is the TrimmerPlus PS720. This particular product comes from Troy-Bilt and is actually a device that doesn't come with a motor; you'll have to attach it to a gas-powered unit for use.
Despite this foible, this Troy-Bilt is actually compatible with trimmers from a wide variety of brands, including Remington, Ryobi, or Craftsman. This design actually adds a bit of versatility to the trimmer that you use; you can use the trimmer to manage the ground-level foliage and then attach the PS720 to manage your tree limbs.
The pole on this device has a seven-foot reach, which means that it should easily reach heights over 10 feet when in practical use. One of the more useful features of this device is the fact that it can be extended via two height options from Troy-Bilt. While this does require an additional purchase, this allows for users with higher canopies to get work done without the need for a ladder.
The cutting bar on this product is eight inches in length, and while this isn't the largest, it certainly is big enough to handle most mid-sized branches and tree limbs. The head assembly automatically oils itself, which removes one aspect of upkeep.
PROS
- It attaches to several types of trimmers.
- It self-lubricates the chains.
- The product can easily reach heights of over 10 feet and can also be extended further.
- It only weighs about 3.4 pounds (sans trimmer).
CONS
- It doesn't work without a trimmer.
- It's primarily comprised of plastic.
- The chain can detach.
Oftentimes considered some of the best pole saw products, the Ranger line by Remington features some very versatile devices. The RM1025P is a sturdy device that has a tendency to last for years. In fact, this particular pole saw has become the product of choice for many lawn specialists. One of its key features is its two-in-one detachable pole that allows you to quickly convert the pole saw into a chainsaw.
This feature is perfect for converting the limbs that you just cut down into firewood. This Remington Ranger pole saw doesn't even require tools to quickly convert to and from chainsaw mode, which means that you can get your yard work done more quickly.
In everyday use, this Remington pole saw has a lot of useful features. Since keeping control of the saw is crucial, it's advantageous that both the pole and the chainsaw itself are easy to grip. The pole accomplishes this by having a nonslip surface and the saw itself has a built in grip for easy control. Also, to ensure control and safety, the 10-inch bar and chain assembly are designed to have minimal kickback.
The RM1025P is also our pick for the best electric pole saw for power. Though it's no gas-powered tool, its eight amp motor definitely has some kick to it.
PROS
- This is a very durable product.
- Its detachable features add a lot of versatility to the product.
- It has many aluminum components, which means that it's lightweight and doesn't feel flimsy.
- It has a design that reduces kickback.
CONS
- You can't adjust the positioning of the actual chainsaw attachment so that it hits limbs at an angle.
- The auto-oiling mechanism on the chain isn't the most reliable.
Our second Remington pole saw also serves as our pick for the best gas pole saw for the money. Gas-powered pole saws have a tendency to be a bit expensive, but this chainsaw, despite having a good amount of features, is fairly budget-friendly. As part of the Maverick line, the RM2599 has a lot of power; in fact, the engine on this device is a two-cycle, 25cc monster that delivers consistent power.
The engine also utilizes Remington's QuickStart technology; pulls are easy, and you'll need less of them to get the device started. Like the Ranger product that we covered, this Maverick tool also has a low kick-back design that provides a good amount of safety for the operator.
The cutting bar on this product is eight inches, which should cut through most mid-sized branches with relative ease, especially considering the gas motor. There's also a degree of versatility because the pole can be customized for the job. Do you need a shorter length? You can simply remove a section of the pole and work that way.
The Maverick RM2599 is considered one of the best gas pole saw products on the market for good reason; it accepts multi-purpose attachments, it has a maximum extension of 12 feet and has an easy-to-use design. Once you take a look at the features, it's easy to see why we consider this to be one of the best pole saws gas on the market.
PROS
- This device has a powerful and consistent motor.
- It doesn't tend to have chain issues.
- The pole can be customized to the job.
- It comes with a two-year warranty.
CONS
- It's somewhat heavy; the Maverick RM2599 weighs more than thirteen pounds without gas.
- It's a bit on the loud side.
- If you want to access the hedge trimmer, blower, or other optional features, you'll have to purchase attachments for the engine.
This Black & Decker pole saw is our best pole pruner because it has a simple operation that makes it perfect for doing quick work cutting loose twigs and errant branches. It's also the first product in the guide that is lithium-ion-powered; this means that it's lightweight and cordless so that you can trim around the entire house without worrying about being tethered. In fact, the entire power tool only weighs about 6.3 pounds.
When it comes to the lithium-ion battery, the pole saw takes about three hours to charge. Black & Decker states that you will be able to get about 100 cuts per charge with this product, which means that on a full battery, you can expect about an hour of life per pack. This is fairly convenient, especially considering that most trimming jobs are short enough that you should be able to get multiple sessions out of a charged battery.
While it's not what anyone would call a professional model, it does have a good level of range; you can get a maximum length of about 10 feet. This should be long enough to take care of the more annoying branches and limbs that always seem to crop up.
Assembly is simple and the device is very easy to use. All in all, the Black & Decker LPP120 provides a great experience for anyone that needs to do some light yard work.
PROS
- This is a very lightweight product.
- It's completely cordless and can trim for an hour without a problem.
- It only takes three hours to charge.
- For a lithium-ion model, it has a good amount of power.
CONS
- For a non-gas-powered tool, this pole saw is a bit loud.
- It can stick when doing a lot of continuous cuts.
- There's no feature that reduces kickback.
Our final product comes from the Sun Joe line of devices. It has a great design and a relatively inexpensive price; in fact, as a result of its budget-friendly pricing, we've judged it to be the best pole saw under 100 dollars in this guide.
This product has a feature that many pole saws incorporate for easier cutting; its chainsaw head can pivot. This allows you to adjust the angle of the head so that you can more easily start out above the branch and cut downwards, which provides more control. Overall, this model of pole saw allows you to have a maximum overhead reach of 14 feet.
The cutting bar is also larger, which means that you'll be able to cut through larger branches and logs that are up to nine and a half inches in thickness. The bar also self-lubricates during its usage via an auto-oiler; this adds a bit of convenience and safety during use.
Also, with your safety in mind, the Sun Joe SWJ803E has a safety switch that'll prevent the tool from accidentally starting.
PROS
- This chainsaw is lightweight; making it easy to use.
- It can cut through thick branches with ease.
- The telescoping end gives it a 14-foot reach.
- Assembly of this product is simple.
CONS
- It is a little unstable when the pole if fully extended.
- The chain and plastic cover can loosen over time.
- Further Considerations When Choosing a Pole Saw
Conclusion
As you might suspect by now, a good pole saw can provide a lot of value to the work that you do around the house. All of the products that we've reviewed in this guide will serve you and your property well, so take another look at our reviews and decide which one would work best for your property. Each of these products has its own unique features, but if we were to pick an overall winner, the best pole sawof 2018 in this review would probably be the best corded pole saw, the Remington RM1025P ranger.
Its chainsaw can be detached, it's a workhorse when it comes to small jobs, and it has a 10-inch cutting bar, which will allow it to manage most tree limbs with ease. While it does have a couple of limitations, it still comes out ahead of the others because it is a very well-rounded product that just about anyone can use.