Wondering why an ex-cop like me is writing guides on home improvement tools like best Pole Saws?

Well, ever since I retired from the Texas precinct, I suddenly found I have a lot of time on my hands.

So I took to patching up our old house. From fixing the stairs to angle grinding the aluminum sheets; the house needed a lot of work.

And that is especially true when it came to the yard!

The branches jutting out of the trees in the garden were a menace when it came to garden maintenance. Every time the wind swayed, they would hit the sides of the roof and cause significant damage over time.

But it’s quite dangerous to saw on a ladder, and the daredevil in my old bones had cooled off a long time ago. So, I made use of Pole Saws to make branch cutting more convenient than ever before.

Over the months I tried a lot of saws, and today I bring you a guide on four of my best pole saw reviews.

4 Best Pole Saws

1. Sun Joe SWJ807E 10″ 8-Amp Electric Convertible Pole/Chain Saw

Snow Joe + Sun Joe have been one of the most popular home improvement brands for years now. From outdoor power equipments like trimmers and tillers to lawn mowers, their expansive lineup aims to simplify the user’s yard routine and make it as convenient as possible.

Each of their products are made with the highest quality materials, along with having affordability in mind, and the SWJ807E 10″ 8-Amp Electric Convertible Pole/Chain Saw is no stranger to this fact.

This pole saw is ideal for both domestic and professional use.

Standout Features

Extremely lightweight build and design that makes maneuvering the saw while cutting very easy.
Electric engine powered by a sturdy 8-amp motor has one of the more reliable startups than most of the pole saws of its class.
The 10-inch bar and chain has an auto-oiler that keeps the entire mechanism conveniently lubricated during use.
My Experience
We all know how amazing an electric based power tool can be, and the SWJ807E is indeed one of the best when it comes to convenience and ease of use.

Because of its fantastic lightweight design, I was able to stand safely on the ground and effortlessly gain 15-feet of overhead cutting reach by just adjusting the telescopic pole. This definitely reduced the unwanted risk and difficulty that comes out of trimming trees with the use of a ladder.

The electric motor of the engine makes the SWJ807E very easy to start. Unlike the gas based models where you have to yank on a chain constantly, this saw starts up with just the press of a button.

And as it’s a very eco-friendly tool, it doesn’t produce any harmful emissions when in use. And can be used in indoor spaces such as storage sheds and garages as well.

But there were some issues I did face with this model. The handle would often come unattached when I reached for some very high limbs.

Though the height was higher and angle steeper than what the manual recommends, I still felt that it could have had a better attachment. At times excessive vibrations would cause it to come loose as well.

Pros & Cons

Lightweight build for better mobility and portability.
Easy and quick startup with just the use of a button.
Electric engine creates no emissions.
Reliable 8-amp motor cuts up to 9.5-inches thick branches effortlessly.
Saw attachment at higher and steeper angles is unreliable.
Not as powerful as gas based pole saws.
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2. Maxtra Gas Pole Saw 42.7CC

The Maxtra Gas Pole Chainsaw is all about power, and it’s also the one that my son uses back at his place, as his yard is strewn with oak that have thicker branches. So a standard pole chainsaw that lacks the required amount of power is not something that he will go for.

The Maxtra has the most powerful engine out of all the chainsaws on my list, and as it’s gas based, it guarantees performance and reliability on every use.

Standout Features

The Maxtra has a 42.7cc, 1100W two-stroke engine which is as steady as it’s powerful; its higher rotation speed makes quick work of the thickest branches.
A cordless gas pole offers unique versatility, and the saw can be used for either cutting branches or chopping wood or even pruning hedges.
Built-in air filters improve pole saw durability and makes it long lasting.

My Experience

The Maxtra is equipped with a state of the art 42.7cc, 1100W two-stroke engine that makes any wood cutting job feel like a breeze. But it’s this very power that makes the saw unfit for gardening enthusiasts who are new to the field of yard maintenance.

Its cutting force and weight is something that can be too much to handle for the amateur.

What’s quite unique about this pole saw are the air filters that are integrated into the design. These filters protect the engine and come with a 2-position choke that allows both hot and cold starts, which is somewhat unique for a gas saw of its class.

The centrifugal clutch makes it quite easy for my son to start the engine every time, and he doesn’t have to yank on a chain as he did with his previous gas saw. The anti-slip handle also improves his grip, and the superior control allows him to enjoy the trimming process every time.

But like all other gas-based power tools, the Maxtra needs regular maintenance, from cleaning out the choker to checking the oil levels, periodic upkeep is a must. And as it uses oil to function, it creates emissions which are not suitable for prolonged inhalation.

Pros & Cons

Extremely powerful gas based engine that makes any trimming job look easy.
Air filters protect the engine and makes it long lasting.
Centrifugal clutch makes it very easy to start the engine.
Superior comfort grip for better trimming control.
Gas based model needs regular maintenance.
Causes emissions when in use.
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3. Greenworks 8.5′ 40V Cordless Pole Saw

The least powerful pole saw out of all the ones I have listed today, but doesn’t lack in any trimming capabilities by any means. The Greenworks 8.5’ is indeed one of the best when it comes to orienting a newcomer to the field of garden maintenance.

Cordless pole saws are the most eco-friendly power tools in the market, as they run on Lithium-Ion and Ni-Cad batteries. This is what makes this saw so very silent during use. So, if you live in a very noise sensitive neighborhood, then the Greenworks is your best bet.

Standout Features

G-MAX 40V Li-Ion Battery System includes a 2Ah Battery that allows for multiple yard maintenance capabilities.
The chain adjusting system is very easy to use and allows for versatile branch cutting. The chain can be tightened or loosened anytime during the trimming process.
Cordless battery engine that doesn’t create any sound when in use.

My Experience

What makes the Greenworks so very unique in my eyes is how its ease of use and amazingly lightweight features makes it suitable for users of all ages and backgrounds. But, that being said, I would not recommend this for professional use; even though it has the required amount of power to go through the thicker branches, it takes up a lot of time doing it.

This trimmer’s strengths lie in pruning smaller yards whose trees don’t bear a robust set of branches. And its wood cutting functions are perhaps one of the most seamless I have ever seen.

The Greenworks hardly makes any vibrations when it cuts, and the whole process is so noiseless that one might scarcely think that a sawing is in progress.

And along with the easy chain adjusting feature, I can switch sawing stances whenever I like, shortening or elongating the pole mid usage.

But one complaint I do have about this trimmer is that it comes with a Li-Ion Battery System that lasts only 2 hours. Though it is better than the Ni-Cad variety and supports more durable while carrying more charge, extensively working with it might be an issue. So, the Greenworks only allowed me to work for a short time before needing a recharge.

Pros & Cons

Noiseless wood cutting functions.
Hardly makes any vibrations, allowing for a seamless job experience.
Extremely lightweight and portable.
Very easy to use and can be operated by anyone.
Not fit for professional use.
Li-Ion Battery System hardly lasts 2 hours.
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4. Corona RazorTOOTH RS 7265D Folding Pruning Saw, 10 Inch Curved Blade

Founded way back in the early 1920s, the Corona group of garden tool manufacturers have been a go-to for many gardening professionals and homeowners for years now. They are quite renowned for their home improvement products which boast the best in technology and modern ingenuity.

Their RazorTOOTH Folding Pruning Saw is the latest addition to their line-up. It’s mainly used for those thicker branches which are at arms reach and needs a manual tool to get the job done.

Standout Features

It has a 10-inch blade which comes with a 3-sided razor teeth, making it ideal for branches which are 5 to 6 inches thick.
Cohandles grip is ergonomically designed for a more comfortable grip so that you can work longer.
The curved folding blade has an easy latch feature which prevents injury when the saw is not in use.

My Experience

Employing the use of an engine based automatic power tool is a bit too much when it comes to pruning the thicker hedges and orchids in my yard. So I prefer using a more reliable hand tool as I prune my hedges every week.

The Corona RazorTOOTH is absolutely fantastic for this job. The 10-inch blade and the 3-sided razor teeth that it comes with, goes through my Photinia Red Robins in a matter of minutes. And to top it all of, the grip is designed in such a way that it effectively balances out the overall curved design of the blade.

Safety is another essential aspect of the Corona lawn tool moto. This is precisely why the replaceable, impulse hardened blade has an ‘easy to latch’ feature. So, for safety reasons, I always detach the blade every time the saw is not in use.

The build design of the saw is very lightweight and portable, and incredibly easy to store. But it’s important to make sure that you store it in dry indoor spaces, as the blade is quite prone to water and moisture damage.

Though its composition contains traces of higher carbon and is impulse hardened for durability, the blade is weak against moisture laden atmospheres.

Pros & Cons

Perfect for hedge trimming and cutting the lower branches of a tree.
Impulse hardened curved blade is resistant towards physical damage.
Comfortable grip for extensive use.
Easy latch feature improves user safety.
Manual hand tool is not as powerful as the automated variant.
Prone to moisture damage.
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Choosing the right Pole Saw: A Buyer’s Guide

Just like a lot of the modern day power tools, Pole Saws too come in different shapes, sizes and build varieties, where each model caters to a specific user need and preference. So, it’s always important to look out for those tools that best suit your needs.

Here are some of the most vital pointers (most which I learned the hard way) to keep in mind before going in for the pole saw purchase.

1. The Working Height

Like so many others, when I started out as an amateur in the garden maintenance scene, I thought of a saw’s ‘working height’ to be the actual length of the tool. But my son later corrected me and showed me that it was not the case.

The ‘working weight’ is actually the measurement of the length of the pole plus the user’s arm length.

Majority of the manufacturing companies estimate two or three feet for arm length. So if the packaging of the pole saw mentions that the stool has a 10-foot working height, then the pole is no more than 7 to 8 feet long.

The standard poles max out at about 10 or 12-foot working height, so the saw you pick should have a pole length that suits the foliage of your yard.

I should also mention here, that if the pole length is too long, then the saw can be quite challenging to manage, especially under windy conditions.

2. The Cutting Bar Length

The cutting bar length for any pole saw is the measurement that determines the maximum diameter of the branches that you can cut. Bar lengths can run from 6-inches to 12-inches, but 8 being the most standard.

And it’s important to follow the thumb rule, that the cutting of the pole saw you buy should be a minimum of two inches longer than the diameter of the branch that you want to cut.

3. The Pole Saw Weight

The heavier varieties of the pole saws, which are usually gas based come at around 20 pounds. The lighter electric and cordless models can be as light as 7 to 15 pounds, depending on their build and nature of use. But the lighter saws are not as powerful as, the heavier ones.

4. Removable Saw Head

Many pole saw designs in today’s market prefer to have a cutting head that is easily detachable. This allows amazing user versatility, as the head can be removed anytime during the cutting process and used as a handheld chainsaw.

5. Some Special Features

As technology advances, gardening tool manufacturers have shown a keen desire to provide their customers with products that boast the best features. So a lot of modern day pole saws come with anti-vibration features and non-slip grips, even a self-oiling chain on some models. Ease of use and user convenience has become the primary motto in recent trends.

6. Types of Pole Saws

It’s also essential to familiarize oneself with the type of pole saws that are out there in the market. Primarily there are three to pick from, cordless, electric and gas powered.

A. Cordless Pole Saws

The Cordless variant of the pole saws are powered by rechargeable batteries that last around an average of 2 hours. So, if your yard doesn’t need all that trimming work or come with trees with thick branches, then a cordless might just be the wiser choice for you.

But make sure to get one that has a Lithium-Ion instead of a Ni-Cad battery. Lithium-Ion performs better, has a longer life, and works the same as the battery loses its charge

Maintaining cordless saws are at a minimum as well. The only thing to look out for is sharpening the chain; otherwise, it’s one of the more convenient pole saws out there.

B. Electric Pole Saws

What makes the electric pole saws so very popular, is how easily you can use them and power them up. And just like the cordless saws, these electric models require next to nothing maintenance, but you can work with them longer than the cordless, and they also boast more power and cycle speed.

The electric poles are also lighter than the cordless models, as you are plugging it into an extension cord when in use, you don’t have the extra weight of a battery.

But on the downside, to use the electric saws, you will need to be within a 100 feet radius of an electrical source, as most extension cords won’t go beyond that limit.

C. Gas-Powered Pole Saws

The most powerful genre of pole saws, the gas-powered pole saws represent the pinnacle of performance when it comes to trimming out the thickest branches and hedges. These models are equipped with a heavier build and has thicker bars and chains than their electric and cordless counterparts.

The gas saws also have shafts which have a standard length in 9-inches, so you can reach trees that are much higher.

But the more powerful gas engine is heavier than the electric motor, and even if the saw is very well balanced, the power and weight might just be too difficult for an amateur to manage.

Some Tips and Tricks for Using Pole Saws

For all the first timers out there. Just like with full-sized chainsaws, pole saws too need proper precautionary methods of use for the utmost in safety and efficiency. So, here are a few things to look out for when using your pole saw.

A. Checking the Area

Make sure that while you are using your power tool on your trees or your hedges, you’re well clear of things like cables and power lines. As you may be moving around a lot, hence using the tool in a trip-free are is vital as well.

B. Be Weary of the Climate

During extremely windy and rainy days you should definitely avoid using a pole saw, as it might lead to an accident.

C. Being Aware of the Tree Condition

Charting out the specific areas of the trees, such a dead branches, loose barks, and the rotting regions can be beneficial as well as these areas might cause your pole to either work faster or slow down significantly. Strong kickbacks might be an issue as well.

D. Keeping a Good Base

Like all tough cutting jobs, it’s important to make a firm base and keep both feet planted firmly so that you’re well balanced across them. Never attempt to take a foot off of the ground when the saw is still running, as trust me when I say this, that is is one of the primary reasons for saw-related injuries.

Final Thoughts

With the different varieties of pole saws available in today’s market, I know how difficult it can get for anyone to choose the right pole saw for your needs. So, I hope that my guide was able to help you out with your decision.

Till next time!