Maintaining a nice look yard can be rewarding. Having the right tools to do this effectively and safely is important for most homeowners.
When it comes to pruning and trimming branches and limbs high up, the best pole saw can cover both bases and then some.
Traditionally, electric pole saws are the most common and affordable kind of these tools, therefore In this article we are looking for the best electric pole saw on the market today.
Other type of pole saws to consider:
These pole chainsaws employ a saw blade on the business end of a pole extension. This provides a stable and safe footing when cutting into limbs that cannot be reached due to the height off of the ground.
They can also provide access to bushes and shrubs that are normally a hassle to reach inside of.
The SWJ800E features an 8-inch chain and extends to a full length of 8.7 feet.
The entire unit weights seven pounds.
Its electric motor provides 6.5 amp of power. This is capable of generating a no-load speed of 6000 rotations per minute.
This Sun Joe product comes at a low price point, which makes it a budget-friendly option for those who are conscious of cost. The lower cost does not reflect on the product’s strength or durability though.
It takes advantage of the Oregon bar and chain design, a feature that should meet the approval of chainsaw aficionados.
The 8-inch bar may seem a bit short, but it should be capable of taking on branches that are up to 7.5 inches in diameter thanks to the amperage provided by the electric motor.
A user of average height can reach up to nearly 15-feet thanks to the 8.7-foot telescoping pole.
An automatic oiling system will keep the chain well lubricated with an oil reservoir, cutting down on maintenance.
This pole saw is CSA approved and Sun Joe offers their customers a full two-year warranty on this telescoping unit.
The Ranger II is a two-in-one product with a chainsaw that measures approximately 39.8 x 8.4 x 9.2 inches, with an additional 10-foot of length provided by the aluminum pole. The total assembly weighs 12.5 pounds.
An 8 amp electric motor provides the unit with plenty of cutting capacity.
One feature that stands out on this reasonably priced unit is its ability to convert from a pole saw to a hand-held chainsaw. This feature adds to the versatility of the this Remington product, allowing a user to further cut branches more easily once they are on the ground, potentially replacing purpose built electric chainsaws.
The 10-inch bar and chain, coupled with the amperage from the electric motor, allows a homeowner to tackle most branches on their trees up to 8 inches.
Tension on the chain can be adjusted without tools, a convenient feature that can save time when working.
The telescopic pole provides extra security with lock clamp adjustments that are easy to use. Lubricating oil can be applied from the reservoir by a push-bulb.
Remington offers a two-year limited warranty on their Ranger II electric pole saw.
This WORX product measures about 42 x 8 x 9 inches and includes a maximum pole length of 96-inches. The unit itself weighs 10 pounds.
Its electric motor supplies 8 amp of cutting power.
This pole saw’s chain speed is listed at 28-feet per second.
It employs a ten-inch bar and chain that, when coupled with its high power, is capable of cutting most limbs a person will work with.
The saw is easily detachable, which allows a user the ability to further work on branches once they are off of the tree.
An automatic chain tension design is a great feature that can extend the life of the saw itself. While the tool does not come with lubricant, any bar and chain oil can be used in the reservoir that is able to hold over four ounces of fluid.
Another design feature that adds convenience and versatility to pruning and trimming is the rotating handle on the pole. This allows a homeowner to position the chain properly as it cuts.
The manufacturer offers a 30-day money back guarantee as well as a two-year limited warranty on the WORX WG309 pole saw.
This fairly priced Black and Decker pole saw measures 68.3 x 3.8 x 6.4 inches and include a 9.5-foot extension for added reach. The product weighs eight-pounds fully assembled.
Its electric motor generates 6.5 amps of power, which is adequate for pruning and branch trimming on most trees. There is no verifiable chain speed that we can locate for the PP610.
The 10-inch bar combined with the motor power can cut thicker softwood and should handle harder woods up to seven inches without a struggle.
The blade type is an Oregon design, which combines improved cutting speeds, low kickback, and less vibration during use.
An automatic lubricating system conveniently provides continuous oil to the chain. This feature keeps the saw operating consistently and extends the life of the product.
The major feature of this unit is its lightweight. The smaller motor increases the weight to only 8 pounds, a great feature for those with limited upper-body stamina and strength. The lower weight also provides better control when cutting overhead on higher branches or pruning jobs.
Black and Decker provide a two-year warranty for their customers who have purchased this 10-inch electric pole saw.
When a powered pole saw is not required, a manual unit can perform the job adequately. The Fiskars Power-Lever measures 2.5 x 7.5 x 87.5 inches. The unit itself weighs only 5.35-pounds complete.
While it will require manual labor to cut, a lack of an electric motor comes with the benefit of fewer parts that can potentially break down or power that will add additional costs while in use.
The major advantage of this Fiskars product is its minimal weight. At just over five pounds, this pole saw should be easy to control and operate for anyone who can reach over their head.
This pole saw makes use of a 15-inch wood ZigSaw blade.
It also sports a steel pruner that is capable of tackling branches up to 1-1/8-inch in thickness without a struggle.
The fiberglass pole helps to keep the weight down and is adjustable from 7-14-feet in length. A double-locking system helps to keep the pole length in place once it has been adjusted.
Fiskars makes use of Power-Lever technology that offers double the cutting power.
They also offer a jaw-dropping lifetime warranty to customers.
Some prefer an electric chainsaw with extension pole, although it comes with more weight at the end of the pole. This limits the time the operator can hold on to it, as well as reach among dense branches.
When it comes to electric pole saws, they do offer some unique advantages over the battery and gas-powered units.
They are lighter for one thing. This can be an important feature since the operator will be working either above their head or extended away from their body. Arm and shoulder fatigue will be less of an issue. Even battery-powered saws will weigh more due to the heavy power source being connected to the saw.
The maintenance required for an electric pole saw is minimal when compared to a battery or gas-powered tool. Not only do gas products require refilling continuously, they also require more engine upkeep to keep them in proper working condition. A battery must be charged constantly and will begin to hold less power over time.
Cost is also something will favor the electric pole saws over either battery or gas-powered products. Even the best electric pole saw has simple design that allows it to be sold at a cheaper price point out of the box.
Gas powered engines cost more to buy and will be more expensive to fuel and maintain over time. Quality batteries will cost a homeowner more initially, as well as later if extras or replacements are required.
As an alternative, we feature a manual pole saw in our review. Easy to use and no restriction in terms of extension cord length – pureness and simplicity certainly have their charm.
The price of one of these products is comparable to many of the gardening and lawn tools a property owner needs. They are sold at a price point similar to that of weed whackers or similar products.
As with any power tools, the price range can vary considerably, often based on the features the particular saw provides. We find that budget tools can found priced under one-hundred dollars, while top-end pole saws can cost over two-hundred bucks.
One thing is sure, when it comes to price and power source, a corded electric pole saw is quite difficult to beat!
An electric pole saw uses a standard household outlet to draw power from. These units will require a standard extension cord to use.
The power that one of these saws provides is based on the amperage it is rated at. This is a feature to look for when shopping for one of these products. The power that a pole saw generates helps to determine its cutting capacity.
Most of the work that a typical homeowner will use a pole saw for would be considered light maintenance, such as pruning or trimming taller shrubs or trees.
The bar length is measured from the cutting saw’s body to the farthest end of the cutting chain.
Even if a pole saw has the power to cut through a branch, it needs to provide enough cutting area to cleanly pass through the wood.
In this electric pole saw review article though, we are going to stick with the most common and demanded 8 to 10-inch options.
The maximum reach of a pole chainsaw is important, as it gives the flexibility as well as the ability to reach the top branches with controlled safety. On the other hand, if the maximum overhead reach is more than necessary, it adds weight to carry all the time.
Most modern electric pole chain saw has a reach between 10 and 15 feet, with a telescopic bar. This includes the operator’s height with extended arms.
As a side note, the longest electric pole saw in the world could easily be this PVC DIY saw, for those fun loving enthusiasts.
A pole saw’s weight is an important consideration when using it for long periods of time.
The lighter an electric pole saw is, the easier it will be able to control it while cutting branches higher up.
It will also be easier to extend one’s arms above or in front of the body for longer periods of time before muscle fatigue sets in.
Most electric products will weigh ten-pounds or less, and it should be remembered that a lighter weight may be required for safe operations by someone with less stamina and upper body strength.
Many manufacturers will offer a limited or lifetime warranty on their electric pole saws. Cheaper products will usually be more limited in the coverage offered.
A company’s willingness to stand behind their products can help to promote more consumer confidence in a saw’s durability than any electric pole saw reviews can. The warranty may be the deciding factor between two very similar units.
The pole saw should provide ergonomic handles that are comfortable to hold while using the unit.
Another consideration is anti-vibration technologies that can provide comfort during extended trimming session.
Any length extensions need to provide a secure connection, and it is worth considering a two-piece pole for storage purposes.
Most homeowner pole saws are equipped with low-kickback chains, but it is always good to double check. Unless you are an experienced chainsaw operator, this feature is a good to have.
There are other features like an automatic oiler that might come handy in the long term.
We are lucky these days as manufacturers are competing hard for our attention and, of course, our credit cards. This is great news as even the best selling pole saw online, which is great quality by the way, costs less than $60.
For pole saw rentals this is not so good news as this makes their selling point quite difficult. Why would you pay $20-30 for rental when you can get a brand new electric pruner for yourself?
As we can see by the information above, there are many features that manufacturers add to their electric pole saws.
Which features are desired or even needed will depend upon the job that they will be used for. The size of the branches that will need to be trimmed is the main consideration when shopping for the best electric pole saw.
The diameter of the thickest branches will determine the amperage required from the saw as well as the length of the bar.
Here at Gardenlife Pro, we really liked the Worx WG309. It has great performance, lots of features and the detachable saw is brilliant. The WG309 is slightly more expensive that its competitors but for a reason.
As a budget option, both the BLACK+DECKER and Sun Joe models would work, with the SWJ800E being one of the most popular and best seller pole saw on the market today. You can’t really go wrong with either one.
We hope that this article has cut down on any confusion about these tools and you will find the best electric pole saw for your garden!