The Best Electric Pole Saws: 9 Reviews
Contents
- Our Top Electric Pole Saws Are:
- 1. Sun Joe SWJ807E-BLK Pole Chainsaw: Best Overall
- 2. Ryobi One+ Cordless Electric Pole Saw: Best Angled Cutting Head
- 3. Greenworks GMAX Cordless Pole Saw: Best 8-Inch Cutting Bar & Chain
- 4. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Corded Electric Pole Saw: Most Ergonomic Handle
- 5. Earthwise PS44008 Corded Electric Pole Saw: Best Adjustable Cutting Head
- 6. Black + Decker LPP120B Pole Saw: Most Lightweight Design
- 7. Worx WG309 Electric Pole Saw: Best Auto Tension System
- 8. Wen 4021 Electric Pole Saw: Easiest to Assemble
- 9. Oregon PS250 Cordless Pole Saw: Most Ergonomic Design
- Top-Rated Electric Pole Saws Buying Guide
- Gas-Powered Pole Saws
- Electric Pole Saws
- Safety First
- What To Look For In An Electric Pole Saw
- Pole Length And Material
- Corded Vs Battery-Powered
- Bar and Chain Length
- Chain Oiling System
- Safety Features
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
A pole saw is a small chainsaw on the end of a pole. It lets you trim limbs about 10 to 15 feet up while standing on the ground.
Here is our selection of the best electric pole saw options, corded and cordless, plus the safety rules that matter most.
OUR TOP PICK
The Sun Joe SWJ807E-BLK Pole Chainsaw is our overall best electric pole saw for overhead cutting. Plus it also converts into a heavy-duty chainsaw for your other cutting chores.
Our Top Electric Pole Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Sun Joe SWJ807E-BLK Pole Chainsaw | 1. Sun Joe SWJ807E-BLK Pole Chainsaw Top Pick | - 10-inch cutting bar and chain - Powered by a robust 8-amp motor - Converts to a handheld chainsaw with ease - Automatic oiler with window to gauge oil level - Ergonomic non-slip foam grip handle - Safety switch for safe operation | Check Current Price |
| 2. Ryobi One+ Cordless Electric Pole Saw | 2. Ryobi One+ Cordless Electric Pole Saw | - 8-inch bar and chain - Angled cutting head - Extends up to 9.5 feet - In-line motor design - Automatic oiling system | Check Current Price |
| 3. Greenworks GMAX Cordless Pole Saw | 3. Greenworks GMAX Cordless Pole Saw | - 8-inch cutting bar and chain - 40-volt Li-ion battery system - Eight feet pole length - Easy-adjust chain tension - Up to 65 cuts per charge | Check Current Price |
| 4. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Corded Electric Pole Saw | 4. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Corded Electric Pole Saw | - Corded electric design - Features a powerful 8-amp motor - 10-inch bar and chain - Three-position rotating cut head - Automatic oiling system | Check Current Price |
| 5. Earthwise PS44008 Corded Electric Pole Saw | 5. Earthwise PS44008 Corded Electric Pole Saw | - 8-inch bar and chain - 6.5-amp motor - 3 position cut head - Lightweight fiberglass telescoping pole - Automatic oiling | Check Current Price |
| 6. Black + Decker LPP120B Pole Saw | 6. Black + Decker LPP120B Pole Saw | - Lightweight fiberglass pole - 8-inch bar and chain - Overhead reach of up to 14 feet - Up to 100 cuts on a single charge - Interchangeable cordless battery | Check Current Price |
| 7. Worx WG309 Electric Pole Saw | 7. Worx WG309 Electric Pole Saw | - 10-inch bar and chain - 8-amp motor - 8-foot extension pole - Auto-lubrication and auto-tension - Ergonomic comfort grip | Check Current Price |
| 8. Wen 4021 Electric Pole Saw | 8. Wen 4021 Electric Pole Saw | - 8-inch guide bar and chain - Lightweight design that weighs about 8 pounds - 6.5 amp motor - Emission-free operation and tool-free chain tension - Telescoping pole and adjustable center handle | Check Current Price |
| 9. Oregon PS250 Cordless Pole Saw | 9. Oregon PS250 Cordless Pole Saw | - Mid-mount motor design - 40-volt max lithium-ion battery - 7.2- to 10.1-foot extension - Adjustable collar - Branch hook included | Check Current Price |
1. Sun Joe SWJ807E-BLK Pole Chainsaw: Best Overall
The Sun Joe SWJ807E-BLK Pole Chainsaw makes trimming high branches easier, since you can work from the ground instead of a ladder.
Specs
- 10-inch cutting bar and chain
- Powered by a robust 8-amp motor
- Converts to a handheld chainsaw with ease
- Automatic oiler with window to gauge oil level
- Ergonomic non-slip foam grip handle
- Safety switch for safe operation
Stand safely on your yard and simply adjust the telescoping pole to gain up to 8.8 feet of overhead reach for easy trimming of overhanging limbs and branches.
Later, when the logs are down and there is wood that needs to be cut, you can quickly convert it into a handheld chainsaw and cut the logs into your desired pieces.
Its 8-amp motor handles typical yard limbs.
Some owners report the saw head separating from the pole, so check that it is locked in place before each use.
Pros
- Easy to power the motor with a single push of a button
- It is easy to convert the machine from pole to handheld saw
- Pole can be extended up to 8.8 feet for overhead cutting
- Automatic oiler keeps the bar and chain lubricated
- Handles small hardwood limbs
Cons
- Possible for the chainsaw to separate from the pole accidentally
- Could be better with a more efficient chain tension system
Conclusion
The Sun Joe SWJ807E-BLK is a versatile corded pole saw that doubles as a small chainsaw.
Overall Rating – 4.6
2. Ryobi One+ Cordless Electric Pole Saw: Best Angled Cutting Head
The Ryobi One+ Cordless Electric Pole Saw is easy to use and runs on Ryobi's 18V battery platform.
Specs
- 8-inch bar and chain
- Angled cutting head
- Extends up to 9.5 feet
- In-line motor design
- Automatic oiling system
With a 6.5- to 9.5-foot extension pole, the Ryobi One+ gives you the freedom to prune or trim branches at different overhead lengths.
Its in-line motor design keeps the weight balanced and handles small to medium limbs.
The 8-inch bar and chain design are accompanied by an angled cutting head, which is a great combination for cutting in tight spaces.
Another great feature is the auto bar and chain oiling system that offers you extra convenience and the view window for tracking oil levels.
The main drawback is battery life, which limits how many branches you can cut on one charge.
Pros
- Automatic oil keeps the chain running smoothly
- Angle cutting head allows for precision pruning in tight spaces
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- Battery and charger are included in the package
- Handles limbs a few inches thick
Cons
- Battery life is not long-lasting
Conclusion
This product offers great value. Battery life is short, so a spare battery helps on bigger jobs.
Overall Rating – 4.6
3. Greenworks GMAX Cordless Pole Saw: Best 8-Inch Cutting Bar & Chain
The Greenworks GMAX is a capable battery-powered pole saw for pruning and limb trimming.
Specs
- 8-inch cutting bar and chain
- 40-volt Li-ion battery system
- Eight feet pole length
- Easy-adjust chain tension
- Up to 65 cuts per charge
It runs on the GMAX 40-volt battery, which gives good power for a cordless saw.
Its 8-inch bar and chain suit typical branch trimming.
It’s equipped with a unique chain tension system that allows you to easily tighten or loosen the chain without the need for special tools.
The pole extends to 8 feet for hard-to-reach limbs.
The chain adjustment screw is awkwardly placed, which makes tensioning fiddly.
Pros
- It starts and stops instantly and effortlessly with a push of a button
- Automatic oiler ensures bar and chain function optimally
- Telescoping pole extends easily for hard to reach places
- Runs on Li-ion battery; so, there are no fumes or emissions
- Easy to track oil level with the translucent oil tank
Cons
- Poorly positioned chain adjustment screw
- Charger and battery are sold separately
Conclusion
With this model, you get smooth, quiet operation and good maneuverability. Remember to budget for the battery and charger.
Overall Rating – 4.5
4. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Corded Electric Pole Saw: Most Ergonomic Handle
If you want to do it yourself and take care of those branches that are a little bit high to reach, the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Electric Pole Saw is what you should buy.
Specs
- Corded electric design
- Features a powerful 8-amp motor
- 10-inch bar and chain
- Three-position rotating cut head
- Automatic oiling system
This pole saw has an 8-amp motor with good cutting power for yard limbs.
It comes with a 10-inch Oregon bar and chain and a rotating cutting head for clean cuts at different angles.
Its ergonomic rubber overmolded handle is comfortable.
At its fully extended length, this corded pole saw can reach up to 9 feet 6.4 inches, allowing you easy access to the highest limbs and branches.
Pros
- 8-amp motor delivers sufficient cutting power
- Easy to customize the cutting angle with the 3-position rotating cutter head
- Never have to worry about oiling the chain and bar
- Hard to reach limbs and branches aren’t a problem with the telescoping handle
- Easy to obtain replacement bar or chain
Cons
- Cord limits your range
- Integrated safety button is a little bit hard to push
Conclusion
The Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Electric Pole Saw is a versatile unit that quickly and easily adjusts to three cutting angles.
Overall Rating – 4.5
5. Earthwise PS44008 Corded Electric Pole Saw: Best Adjustable Cutting Head
The Earthwise PS44008 Corded Electric Pole Saw is a budget pick for overhead branches and limbs.
Specs
- 8-inch bar and chain
- 6.5-amp motor
- 3 position cut head
- Lightweight fiberglass telescoping pole
- Automatic oiling
Its 6.5-amp motor handles overhanging branches in a typical yard.
It has a telescoping handle that will stretch as far as 9 feet and 3 inches, allowing you easy access to branches up to fifteen feet high.
I really appreciate the three-position rotating head, considering how easy it is to cut limbs and branches at your desired angle.
It has an ergonomic rubber molded handle accompanied by a safety switch, which allows you consistent hand placement and a quick way to switch off the trigger.
Check how chain tension is adjusted before you buy; some listings have described it as tool-free when a tool is needed.
Pros
- Comes with low kickback 8-inch bar and chain
- Allows you to cut in three different positions
- Extendable handle allows you to cut up to 15 feet high
- Safety switch helps prevent accidental starts
- Automatic oiler ensures the chain system is always lubricated
Cons
- Chain tensioning may need a tool
- A little bit heavy for a pole saw
Conclusion
This is a good quality electric pole saw for the money, considering the cutting power and versatility it offers.
Overall Rating – 4.5
6. Black + Decker LPP120B Pole Saw: Most Lightweight Design
If you are looking for a lightweight design that is extremely easy to maneuver overhead, you should look no further than the Black + Decker LPP120B Pole Saw.
Specs
- Lightweight fiberglass pole
- 8-inch bar and chain
- Overhead reach of up to 14 feet
- Up to 100 cuts on a single charge
- Interchangeable cordless battery
This nine-pound pole saw has an 8-inch low-kickback bar and chain that cuts branches up to about six inches thick.
The telescoping lock has a large grip, and the lock and unlock directions are clearly marked.
You can adjust the pole saw for any length between 6 and 9 feet, providing you with an impressive overhead reach of up to 14 feet for effective pruning and trimming.
It has a manual oiling system, and a window on the tank shows the oil level. Oil the chain regularly as you work.
Pros
- Super lightweight design that’s easy to hold overhead
- Handle adjusts easily and the extension parts lock securely into place
- Cordless maneuverability and decent battery life
- Allows for about 100 cuts before the battery runs out
- Has an ergonomic handle and trigger for superior handling and operation
Cons
- Battery and charger may be sold separately (the B suffix usually means bare tool)
- It doesn’t have an automatic oiling system
Conclusion
It does a great job for the money, which is to trim and prune limbs and branches without having to climb a ladder.
Overall Rating – 4.4
7. Worx WG309 Electric Pole Saw: Best Auto Tension System
The Worx WG309 Electric Pole Saw handles pruning, storm cleanup, and regular maintenance around your property.
Specs
- 10-inch bar and chain
- 8-amp motor
- 8-foot extension pole
- Auto-lubrication and auto-tension
- Ergonomic comfort grip
This is a versatile machine that you can use as a pole saw for overhead pruning or as a chainsaw for cutting logs on the ground.
The telescoping pole safely extends your cutting length up to 10 feet, allowing you to reach higher branches and limbs without climbing a ladder or the tree.
It has automatic chain lubrication and an automatic chain tensioning system. Proper tension helps the chain run smoothly, but no feature eliminates kickback.
It is a corded 8-amp tool, so you need an outdoor-rated extension cord, plugged into a GFCI-protected outlet.
Pros
- Long extension pole that makes overhead trimming a breeze
- Converts easily into a chainsaw for ground applications
- Automatic lubrication maintains optimum chain operation
- Has a durable chain brake for stopping the chain if kickback occurs
- Fitted with a convenient front handle for chainsaw operation
Cons
- Corded, so range is limited
- Not the safest choice for vertical overhead cuts
Conclusion
This is a versatile unit because it converts easily into a chainsaw for cutting branches on the ground.
Overall Rating – 4.4
8. Wen 4021 Electric Pole Saw: Easiest to Assemble
If you are in search of an easy to assemble pole saw that delivers great overhead cutting performance, look no further than the Wen 4021 Electric Pole Saw.
Specs
- 8-inch guide bar and chain
- Lightweight design that weighs about 8 pounds
- 6.5 amp motor
- Emission-free operation and tool-free chain tension
- Telescoping pole and adjustable center handle
This Wen pole saw has a 6.5-amp motor for overhead pruning and trimming.
Its telescoping handle extends to nine and a half feet.
It comes with a high-quality Oregon chain that is designed to produce clean cuts. The automatic oiling system keeps the chain properly lubricated to boost optimum performance.
A built-in safety switch helps prevent accidental starts.
The main complaint is the tool-free tensioner, which can wear out.
Pros
- Easy assemble and tool-free chain adjustment
- Oregon bar and chain are easy to replace
- Automatic oiler ensures the chain runs smoothly
- Built-in safety switch helps prevent accidental starts
- Adjustable center handle improves handling
- Angle adjustment switch allows for customized cutting
Cons
- It’s possible for the chain tensioner to malfunction
- Could be better with a longer telescoping handle
Conclusion
This is a great pole saw for inexperienced users and professionals alike, considering its easy assembly and decent overhead cutting performance.
Overall Rating – 4.3
9. Oregon PS250 Cordless Pole Saw: Most Ergonomic Design
The Oregon PS250 gives you the power, speed, and precision you need to prune or trim vines, limbs, and high branches.
Specs
- Mid-mount motor design
- 40-volt max lithium-ion battery
- 7.2- to 10.1-foot extension
- Adjustable collar
- Branch hook included
The Oregon PS250 has a fast chain for trimming overhead branches, limbs, and vines.
It runs on a 40-volt max lithium-ion battery, with no cord or gas emissions. The trigger sits naturally under your fingers.
You will not need any additional tools to extend the telescopic handle from 7.2 to 10.1 feet, which provides you with an extended overhead reach of up to 15 feet.
Some owners report the shaft slipping in the handle, so tighten the collar firmly.
Pros
- Included battery delivers constant no-fade power
- Starts instantly with a push of a button
- Has a superior overhead reach of up to fifteen feet
- Features low kickback cutting bar and chain
- Easy to remove limbs with the branch hook
Cons
- It’s possible for the shaft to slide out of the handle
- Battery-limited runtime
Conclusion
The Oregon PS250 has an ergonomic design with a low-kickback chain and low vibration.
Overall Rating – 4.3
Top-Rated Electric Pole Saws Buying Guide
There are two main types of powered pole saws: electric and gas.
Gas-Powered Pole Saws
It is possible that a gas-powered pole saw may be the best choice if you have serious trimming or pruning to do after a heavy storm.
They offer more power, longer bars, and unlimited runtime with fuel. They are also heavier than electric models.
They are noisy, which matters in a quiet neighborhood. Most have two-cycle engines that need a gas-oil mix.
Electric Pole Saws
Electric models are less powerful but more convenient. As most electric pole saw reviews note, you skip the two-cycle gas.
They are great for occasional trimming of limbs, branches, and vines up to about 15 feet off the ground.
Safety First
Never use a pole saw near power lines. OSHA's tree care hazard list puts overhead power lines among the deadliest dangers. For untrained people, OSHA requires at least 10 feet of clearance from energized lines for any conductive object.
Keep the saw and pole at least 10 feet away. Call your utility for limbs near lines. Fiberglass poles on consumer saws are not rated as insulated.
Never stand directly under the limb you are cutting. Wear eye protection, a hard hat, gloves, and hearing protection, and keep people well clear of the drop zone.
What To Look For In An Electric Pole Saw
Here are a few things to consider:
Pole Length And Material
A pole saw lets you reach high branches without climbing trees or ladders. Poles usually extend to about 7 to 10 feet, giving roughly 12 to 15 feet of total reach.
A telescoping pole is the most practical, since you can adjust it to each cut.
Most poles are aluminum or fiberglass. Both are light; longer poles are harder to control, so don't overextend.
Corded Vs Battery-Powered
Corded Electric Pole Saw
Most electric pole saw reviews agree corded saws offer unlimited runtime and steady power for slightly larger limbs.
They keep you tethered to an outlet, though, and the cord can tangle in brush. Use an outdoor-rated cord and a GFCI-protected outlet, and keep the cord away from the cutting area.
Cordless Electric Pole Saw
Cordless models run on rechargeable batteries, so they are portable with no cord to tangle. Budget cordless electric pole saws can have less power than corded ones.
They usually cost more, largely because of the battery.
Runtime is limited, so big jobs need a spare battery, and batteries eventually need replacing.
Bar and Chain Length
According to our electric pole saw reviews, these machinery come in a range of cutting bar and chain lengths.
The bar length you need depends on the branches you cut. Pick a bar longer than the thickest limb you plan to cut, so you can finish the cut in one pass.
For example, an 8-inch bar suits branches up to about 6 inches thick. Leave bigger limbs to a ground saw or a tree professional.
Chain Oiling System
Lubrication keeps the chain cutting well and helps the bar and chain last longer. An automatic oiler is easiest; check the oil window before each use.
There are two types of oiling systems: automatic and adjustable. Automatic oilers deliver oil to the bar and chain at a given amount and time interval.
Adjustable oilers; on the other hand, allow you to adjust the amount of oil with respect to the cutting job, and you must be consistent.
Safety Features
The bar and chain may be high up on the branches, but you are still vulnerable to injuries. To stay safe, there are some things you should know.
Kickback is a major concern. It occurs when the tip of the saw contacts a branch and lurches back at you. We found in our testing that some of them kick back more than others.To guarantee your safety, I strongly suggest you choose a model that is fitted with a low kickback bar and chain combination.
Also, make sure the trigger switch is within finger-reach. This way, you can quickly and effectively switch off the pole saw in case you experience any kickback energy in the pole.
Final Thoughts
Our overall best electric pole saw is the Sun Joe SWJ807E-BLK Pole Chainsaw. With this model, you get both a pole saw and a chainsaw. It comes with an ingeniously made telescoping pole that easily extends from 6.2 to 8.9 feet. Not to mention that it has an overhead reach of 15 feet.
But what I like most about this 2-in-1 pole saw are the safety features it comes with, including a built-in safety switch and a handguard. With this information, you are now fully equipped to engage the market. Just make sure you choose the ideal pole length and pole saw design.
