Best Gas Pole Saw: 6 Reviews

Photo by Andrewa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Do you have tall trees on your property that occasionally need trimming of the branches and limbs? If your answer is yes, then you need the best gas pole saw.

A gas pole saw puts a small chainsaw on a long pole, so you can cut limbs overhead without climbing a ladder.

This roundup covers complete gas pole saws and pole saw attachments for gas power heads, plus the safety rules that matter most.

OUR TOP PICK

Our top pick is the Ryobi Expand-It Universal Pole Saw. It is an attachment, so you need a compatible gas power head or trimmer to run it.

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The Best Gas Pole Saws Are:

Product	Details
1. Ryobi Expand-It Universal Pole Saw	1. Ryobi Expand-It Universal Pole Saw Top Pick	- 10-inch bar and chain - Comes with an extension shaft - Angled cutting head - Automatic chain lubrication - Three-year limited warranty	Check Current Price
2. Remington Maverick Gas Pole Saw	2. Remington Maverick Gas Pole Saw	- Gasoline-powered - 25cc 2-cycle engine - Automatic oiling system - 8-inch bar and chain - 7-foot extension pole	Check Current Price
3. Maxtra 15-Foot Reach Gas Pole Saw	3. Maxtra 15-Foot Reach Gas Pole Saw	- Powered by a 42.7cc 2-cycle engine - Adjustable pole from 8.2 to 14 feet - 10-inch bar and chain - Quick-release connector - Shoulder strap and carry bag included	Check Current Price
4. TrimmerPlus PS720 Gas Pole Saw	4. TrimmerPlus PS720 Gas Pole Saw	- 8-inch bar and chain - Connects to attachment-capable trimmers - Two height adjustment options - Easy chain adjustment system - Features an anti-kickback lever	Check Current Price
5. Poulan Pro PR28PS Gas Pole Saw	5. Poulan Pro PR28PS Gas Pole Saw	- Powered by a 28cc 2-cycle engine - 8-inch bar and chain - Auto return stop switch - Features an air purge	Check Current Price
6. Sunseeker Articulating Pole Saw	6. Sunseeker Articulating Pole Saw	- 10-inch bar and chain - Compatible with Sunseeker, Troy Bilt, Craftsman, Toro, and Ryobi power heads - Automatic chain lubrication - Six-inch cutting capacity - Features an anti-kickback lever	Check Current Price

1. Ryobi Expand-It Universal Pole Saw : Top Rated Gas Pole Saw

The Ryobi Expand-It is a pole saw attachment rated for branches up to about 6 inches thick.

Specs

• 10-inch bar and chain
• Comes with an extension shaft
• Angled cutting head
• Automatic chain lubrication
• Three-year limited warranty

This pole saw attachment has a universal brand fit, which means it is compatible with most gasoline power heads, including Ryobi and Troy Bilt.

It has a 10-inch bar with a narrow-kerf chain.

This model comes with an extension shaft that increases your overhead reach to 12 feet, allowing you to trim hard to reach branches without climbing a ladder.

Another incredible feature the Ryobi Expand-It comes with is the automatic oiler, which keeps the bar and chain constantly lubricated for smooth operation.

But the thing is, this pole saw, leaks too much oil when placed horizontally on the ground.

Pros

• Will fit most power heads starting Ryobi
• Easy to connect to the power head
• Automatic lubrication maintains smooth operation
• Anti-slip hand bar improves handling and stability

Cons

• Leaks oil when placed on the ground
• Requires you to have a compatible power head

Conclusion

You don’t need to spend much to have a powerful pole saw, if you already have the Ryobi S430 Gas Trimmer. Just buy the Ryobi Expand-It Universal Pole Saw attachment.

Overall Rating: 4.6

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2. Remington Maverick Gas Pole Saw : Best 2-Cycle Engine

Power through your yard and garden cutting tasks effortlessly with the Remington RM25PS Maverick Gas Pole Saw.

Specs

• Gasoline-powered
• 25cc 2-cycle engine
• Automatic oiling system
• 8-inch bar and chain
• 7-foot extension pole

This saw uses a 25cc 2-cycle engine, which is light and runs at any angle.

It has an 8-inch bar and chain and an automatic oiler that keeps the chain lubricated.

Another amazing feature this saw offers is the 7-foot extension pole that provides you with an overhead reach of up to 12 feet.

Some owners report trouble keeping a steady idle, and the chain needs regular sharpening.

Pros

• Complete unit, no separate power head needed
• Two-cycle engine can work effectively in any position
• Automatic oiler keeps the chain running optimally
• Offers a considerably high overhead reach

Cons

• Engine may fail to maintain idle
• Chain may require sharpening every so often

Conclusion

This is the best complete gas pole saw here if you do not own a power head. Keep a chain file handy.

Overall Rating: 4.4

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3. Maxtra 15-Foot Reach Gas Pole Saw : Best EPA Certified Engine

The Maxtra 15-Foot Reach Gas Pole Saw has the biggest engine in this guide.

Specs

• Powered by a 42.7cc 2-cycle engine
• Adjustable pole from 8.2 to 14 feet
• 10-inch bar and chain
• Quick-release connector
• Shoulder strap and carry bag included

It runs on a 42.7cc 2-cycle engine with a 10-inch bar and chain.

The pole adjusts from about 8.2 feet, and the seller rates its overhead reach at up to 15 feet. A quick-release connector lets you separate the pole for transport.

The main complaint is the manual, which has little assembly guidance.

Pros

• Most powerful engine in this guide
• Longest reach here
• Shoulder strap and carry bag included

Cons

• User manual doesn’t come with assembly instructions
• Cutoff switch is poorly positioned next to the trigger
• Heavier than the 25cc and 28cc saws

Conclusion

A good pick for thicker limbs and high branches, if you can handle the extra weight.

Overall Rating: 4.3

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4. TrimmerPlus PS720 Gas Pole Saw : Best Gas Pole Saw Attachment with a Reliable Warranty

The TrimmerPlus PS720 is a pole saw attachment for attachment-capable gas trimmers.

Specs

• 8-inch bar and chain
• Connects to attachment-capable trimmers
• Two height adjustment options
• Easy chain adjustment system
• Features an anti-kickback lever

The pole saw connects to all capable attachment power heads that are compatible with TrimmerPlus attachments.

It has an 8-inch bar and chain.

This model comes in two parts, which, when assembled together give you a 7-foot pole saw and an impressive overhead reach of up to 12 feet.

An automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated.

But you should know that this is a pole saw attachment. So, you must have a trimmer to completely transform it into a fully functioning gas pole saw.

Pros

• It fits most attachment-capable trimmers, including 4-cycle Troy-Bilt models
• Automatic oiler keeps the chain running optimally
• Features an anti-kickback lever
• Chain tension adjustment screws are easily accessible

Cons

• You only get the pole saw attachment without the power head
• Possible to experience oil leakage

Conclusion

A good value if you already own a compatible gas trimmer.

Overall Rating: 4.3

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5. Poulan Pro PR28PS Gas Pole Saw : Most Versatile Power Head

The Poulan Pro PR28PS Gas Pole Saw features an ergonomically designed and balanced shoulder strap, making it comfortable for working in a variety of positions.

Specs

• Powered by a 28cc 2-cycle engine
• 8-inch bar and chain
• Auto return stop switch
• Features an air purge

This gas pole saw has a 28cc 2-cycle engine with a spring-assisted starter.

It cuts with an 8-inch bar and chain.

An air purge primer clears air from the carburetor and fuel system for easier starting.

If you would rather skip gas mixing and pull starts, see our Poulan Pro and other cordless pole saw reviews.

Pros

• Easy starting with a spring-assisted system
• Air purge primer
• Shoulder strap included

Cons

• Shorter 8-inch bar
• Mixed reports on quality control

Conclusion

A reasonably priced complete gas pole saw for light pruning.

Overall Rating: 4.1

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6. Sunseeker Articulating Pole Saw : Best Universal Attachment

The Sunseeker Articulating Pole Saw is your go-to option, if you are working with a limited budget as long as you have a compatible gas power head.

Specs

• 10-inch bar and chain
• Compatible with Sunseeker, Troy Bilt, Craftsman, Toro, and Ryobi power heads
• Automatic chain lubrication
• Six-inch cutting capacity
• Features an anti-kickback lever

It is a universal and highly versatile attachment that is compatible with a variety of power heads, including Sunseeker, Troy Bilt, Ryobi, Craftsman, and Toro.

The saw is fitted with a common and easy to maintain Oregon bar and chain system, rated for branches up to six inches thick.

An automatic oiler keeps the chain lubricated.

But the thing is, this model is sold as a pole saw attachment, you must have the gasoline power head to make it fully functioning.

Pros

• Universal and highly versatile pole saw attachment
• Oregon bar and chain combination is easy to maintain
• Automatic oiler maintains a consistent, smooth operation
• Easy to complete the attachment and power head assembly

Cons

• It’s only sold as a pole saw attachment
• Some shipments may miss user manual

Conclusion

If you have a compatible gas power head, this is an inexpensive way to add a pole saw.

Overall Rating: 4.1

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Buying Guide

Here are the main things to consider:

Bar And Chain Size

Pick a bar that is a couple of inches longer than the thickest branches you plan to cut.

The most popular bar and chain combinations that come highly recommended for tree trimming are 8-inch and 10-inch bar and chain length.

Two-Cycle or Four-Cycle Engine

Normally, the two-cycle engine has been a dominant force in the world of gas pole saws due to its high power to weight ratio and simplicity of construction.

A two-cycle engine runs at any angle, which matters on a pole saw. Many four-cycle trimmer engines can also tilt, but they weigh more.

Match engine size to the job. A 25cc engine is lighter for occasional pruning, while a larger engine handles thicker limbs but tires your arms faster.

Telescopic or Extendable Pole Saw

The primary purpose of a pole saw is to cut those hard to reach branches. So, you can either choose a pole saw that comes with extension bars or an adjustable telescopic pole.

Most gas pole saws give about 12 to 15 feet of overhead reach.

Special Features

First, make sure the saw has an automatic chain oiling system. This will ensure the chain is always lubricated for consistent and smooth operation.

Second, an easy to adjust chain tension system. It doesn’t matter whether it’s an automatic or manual tensioner, you just want to make sure that the chain is optimally tensioned.

Pole Saw Safety

Stay away from power lines. OSHA requires unqualified workers to keep themselves and any conductive object at least 10 feet from energized overhead lines, per OSHA 1910.333. Call your utility to trim near lines.

Never stand directly under the branch you are cutting, and never use a pole saw from a ladder. Wear a hard hat, eye and hearing protection, and gloves. OSHA's tree care page covers falling-object and electrical hazards.

Final Thoughts

Choose the right bar size, engine type and reach for your trees.

In our opinion, Ryobi Expand-It ticks all the boxes and is our overall best gas pole saw selection. It is a solid attachment for compatible power heads.

It comes with a 10-inch bar and chain configuration that is suitable for cutting and pruning limbs and branches of up to 6 inches in diameter.

Along with its impressive overhead reach of 12 feet, the saw’s angled cutting head allows you to trim as well as cut branches in tight places.

Sources

• 1910.333: Selection and use of work practices, OSHA
• Tree Care Industry, OSHA