Best Cordless Pole Saw Reviews In 2020- Top 10 Picks With Buying Guide
Whether you are an avid gardener or just looking for easier ways to maintain your garden, a cordless pole saw will be an excellent addition to your tool shed. These pole saws are what the name suggests; they are saws on the end of a pole that can be used for an array of tasks around your garden. It may be that you need to keep your trees cut back to limit the potential damage to your property in the event of a storm or you have a hedge that you want to keep neat and tidy, a this type of saw can do both easily.
There is some consideration you need to make before you purchase your cordless pole saw and these considerations are dependent on your circumstances. It may be that you need a large area of thick bush cleared, or some of the pruning that you want to do is very high up. So you may need a lighter option and cordless pole saw must be best suited for these stuffs.
Regardless of your situation, there is a purchasing option for you! We have tried, tested and reviewed the type of saw on the market to give you the best buying option possible. We have also written a handy buying guide to help you make the right choice.
Image | Product Name | Battery | Pole Length (feet) | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Greenworks 8.5' 40V Cordless pole saw | 40V | 8 | ||
Oregon Cordless PS250 8-Inch 40V Telescoping pole saw | 40V | 10.1 | ||
Ryobi One+ 8 in. 18-Volt 9.5 ft. Cordless Electric pole saw | 18V | 9.5 | ||
Sun Joe 8-inch Amp 20-Volt Cordless Telescoping Pole Chain Saw | 20V | 5 - 9.2 | ||
| WEN 40421 40V Max Lithium Ion Cordless pole saw | 40V | 7.1 - 10 | |
VonHaus 40V Max 8" Cordless pole saw | 40V | 8 - 10 | ||
Hooyman 655236 Cordless 40 Volt Lithium pole saw | 40V | 10 | ||
LiTHELi40V Cordless 10 inches Cordless pole saw | 40V | 9 | ||
Westinghouse Cordless pole saw | 20V | 8.4 | ||
SENIX A01400145 CSPX5-M 10 Inch 58V Cordless pole saw | 58V | 14 |
Quick Overview of Best 10 Cordless Pole Saws
1. Greenworks 8.5' 40V Cordless Pole Saw
If you have a small to medium garden that only requires general a small amount of pruning, bush clearing and other general maintenance tasks, the green works 8 inch is a good option for you. The bar and chain measure up at 8 inches, meaning it is small enough to get into even the most awkward of areas, but still have the power to cut through dense branches if you need it to.
If you haven’t used chainsaws before, manual tensioning can be an issue, but with the greenworks you don’t need to be concerned about this as it comes with an easy adjust switch to make sure the chain is kept tight. This feature reduces the chances of the chain getting bogged down, snagging and snapping, resulting in a cordless pole saw that will just keep cutting with minimal effort. The telescopic pole can be adjusted to reach up to 8ft, and as it is telescopic with only a small bar and chain on the end, it results in a very easy to use and manageable tool.
The electric motor gives you a saw that is very quiet, so you won’t require ear defenders when you use it. It also has a translucent oil tank so you can be sure that you are always running it with enough oil. This pole saw requires little to no maintenance; the automatic chain oiler makes sure that you will consistently get the cuts you require without having to consider whether the chain has been oiled. Just take it out of your shed, put the battery in the unit and away you go.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
2. Oregon Cordless PS250 8-Inch 40V Telescoping Pole Saw
If you have a medium sized garden that requires more upkeep or suffers from more storms resulting in trees that need to be pruned regularly the Oregon Cordless may well be the choice for you. The technology that Oregon have invested into their batteries gives you enough power to be able to use the tool all day without having to worry about recharging it, chances are you will wear out quicker than the battery.
The ergonomic design of the handle gives you a tool that is comfortable to use all day, every day. Unlike other units, you won’t feel the fatigue in the same way and your hands won’t be as tired from gripping an uncomfortable tool. Furthermore, the fact that the Oregon is battery powered means that you don’t have to spend time trying to start it with a pull cord. The start/stop button makes sure you can start the tool quickly, first time every time making sure you can get to work straight away. You can consider it as one of the best battery powered pole saw in the market.
The 8inch bar and chain gives you a saw that is easy to manoeuvre even in the tightest of spots, and you’ll be able to cut through most medium sized branches. What makes this unit stand out is the extension length of the handle; you can extend it up to 10.1 foot which is longer than other cordless pole saws with an 8inch bar. You won’t need to worry about ear protection when you use this tool; it is silent between cuts and around 4 times quieter than gas powered equivalents.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
3. Ryobi One+ 8 in. 18-Volt 9.5 ft. Cordless Electric Pole Saw
The Ryobi is a good choice for small to medium sized gardens that require a small amount of brush clearing, pruning and other maintenance. It isn’t as light as the Oregon, but it makes up for this with consistent power delivery that doesn’t fade, right up until the battery is flat.
Whilst the cutting capability may not compare to cordless pole saws that have a longer bar and chain, don’t let that deter you. The smaller and more compact nature of the tool lends itself to be easily used it tighter spaces, making sure you can make those more difficult cuts. I particularly liked the fact that the Ryobi would happily chew through branches and wood even up to 6 inches in diameter. If you find yourself forever having to remove dead wood or cut down branches that could potentially cause damage, this is a good cordless pole saw to have at your disposal.
Whilst electric motors are never going to be as powerful as the gas-powered pole saws, what you do get is a saw that is quiet. It may not sound like a huge plus, but not having to wear ear protectors is a big plus, and if you don’t own any it would be something else that you would have to consider purchasing if you bought a gas pole saw. The telescopic pole will help you reach up to the levels that you want to, but you won’t feel as though you are off balance at any point. The manner in which the Ryobi has been designed results in a unit that you can use without fear of the top end being over weighted.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
4. Sun Joe 8-inch Amp 20-Volt Cordless Telescoping Pole Chain Saw
There is little more infuriating then going to your shed to use a tool for it to be out of charge and then having to wait for the battery. Thankfully, Sun Joe have developed a system whereby you don’t have to wait for the battery. Their saw comes with a quick charge kit, so even if you have forgotten to charge it when you last used it; you won’t be waiting around all day for the tool to be ready. Even for the most forgetful people, this quick charge feature is a blessing, as it means that you won’t be caught short and you won’t be waiting around between pruning for hours for the battery to be ready.
The Sun Joe comes with a telescopic pole which gives you an overhead reach of 15 ft, the manner in which it has been designed means you won’t feel off balance, even when you hold it over head. The lightweight nature of the tool results in one that is easily moved through the trees and brush without you feeling the fatigue in your limbs.
This tool also has the capability to cut through larger branches than others we have reviewed. Boasting a maximum cutting diameter of 7.5 inches thick, you will find that it will happily complete most jobs in your garden. The telescopic pole can shrink down to as little as 5ft making it work well in low lying bush and scrub, giving you a tool that can operate in an array of conditions and environments.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
5. WEN 40421 40V Max Lithium Ion Cordless Pole Saw
The Wen is one of the few models where you have the ability to pivot the head at a 30-degree angle in either direction. This design features helps you to make precision cuts whilst being in full control of the tool and being able to see exactly what to do. The head pivot will also help you reach areas that you weren’t able to before, making sure you get the best out of your cordless pole saw.
The battery powered motor is quiet and emission free, giving you a pole saw that your neighbours won’t complain about you using early in the mornings. The silence between cuts also means you won’t need to purchase ear protectors for when you use this tool. The battery powered aspect also reduces the amount of maintenance that the saw needs, you won’t need to change oil or spark plugs and there is no risk that you won’t get it started as the push button replaces the traditional pull cord.
The pole gives you a reach from 7.1ft all the way to 10 feet in length and if you are comfortable enough to use it over head. You can reach up to 14 feet. As this tool is larger than other, we have reviewed; it has more features to help you deal with the additional weight. If you are using the tool for a long period of time, you can attach a shoulder strap to help alleviate the stress placed on your limbs.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
6. VonHaus 40V Max 8" Cordless Pole Saw
The VonHaus has been designed with sustained and long-term use in mind. The tool has been engineered to give you maximum comfort and limit strain felt on your limbs, even with extended use. The ergonomic grip design makes sure that you don’t suffer from excessive vibrations when you are using the tool and the strap that is included reduces strain and effort on your shoulders which can cause you pain.
This is one of the few 8inch bar and chain saws that has a reach as high as this, the telescopic pole starts at 8ft and reaches up to 10 ft making sure you can get to those higher branches that need pruning and trimming back. What I particularly like about this saw was the safety feature that inhibits you from starting it accidently. Not all pole saws have this, and this feature can really reduce the chances of accidents occurring. There is no pull cord start, so you can be sure that you will start it first time, every time.
The rapid charge battery will continue to run for 75 minutes of consistent cutting, whether you have a small or medium sized garden, you should be able to complete this work in that time. If you have a larger garden, don’t worry, the rapid charge system will make sure you can carry on working without needing to wait for hours for the battery to be ready. The only real draw back to this saw is that it isn’t as well counter balanced as others we have reviewed. This will be problematic if you don’t have a lot of upper body strength or you want to use the tool for a long period of time.
Things We Liked
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7. Hooyman 655236 Cordless 40 Volt Lithium Pole Saw
Whether you have a piece of land away from your home that you have to maintain or don’t have a lot of storage for tools, the hooyman may well provide you with the answer. Unlike other items, you can collapse this one down and reduce its size to no more than 48 inches and it weights under 10lbs. This gives you a tool that you can take with you, store easily and if conventional cordless pole saws are too heavy, the reduction in weight it gives you a viable option. The Hooyman is easy to assemble and disassemble; you don’t need to carry a tool box with you to put it together when you need to use it.
The ergonomic design gives you a unit that is not only light weight but can be used all day without you feeling it in your hands, arms and shoulders. You would think that with this increased portability you would lose out on vital features such as length, however this is not the case and you can easily extend the pole up to 10 feet to reach even the most difficult to get to branches. Due to its light weight nature, you may be forgiven to think that the counter balance would be off, but considering the light weight nature of the tool, the counter balance is excellent.
The 8 inch chain and bar make light work of small hard wood jobs and it will happily chew through all reasonably sized branches and logs. To make your job even easier and to limit the amount of maintenance you need to give the saw, it comes with an auto oiler and transparent panel to make sure you can always tell if you need to add more. This, coupled with the electric motor gives you a saw that requires very little effort to maintain and look after.
Things We Liked
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8. LiTHELi 40V Cordless 10 inches Cordless Pole Saw
The LiTHELi prides itself on providing users with a vibration free cut which will help in longer tasks around your garden. This reduced vibration reduces the chance of injury and damage to your hands, arms and shoulders. The reduced weight gives you a tool that is well counter balanced and even if you don’t have the best upper body strength, you won’t struggle with it. This saw has put in a lot of effort to give you possibly the most ergonomic pole saw available on the market.
The design features of the LiTHELi don’t just stop at the ergonomic incorporations, the entire unit has been designed to make your life easier and the two labour saving systems do just that. The tool free tensioner makes sure that the chain is always held at the correct tension and if it isn’t it is easy to adjust without tools. You also have a self-oiling mechanism, to keep the chain well lubricated and moving over the bar and through the wood. This limits jams and keeps the cordless pole saw performing.
The LiTHELi gives users an array of choices when it comes to height and saw angle. The telescopic pole can be extended whilst in use up to 9 feet in length; giving you the ability to do this whilst you use it makes life far easier and makes cutting more efficient. You also have the choice of adjusting the head of the saw, you can select up to 4 different positions to make sure that you get the best cut possible.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
9. Westinghouse Cordless Pole Saw
The Westinghouse provides users with a well-designed tool that will ensure that you don’t feel tired after a long day cutting, pruning and clearing scrub. Whilst it may not include a self-tensioning mechanism, you can adjust the tension of the chain quickly to make sure you continue cutting. It only takes a flat head screwdriver to increase the chain tension, which is often more reliable than some designs that involve knobs.
The ergonomic nature of the Westinghouse means that they have considered their users when they have designed their pole saw. The ergonomic grip won’t fatigue your hands and the addition of a shoulder strap makes sure you can work all day. The tool is well balanced so you won’t struggle with it when you have it fully extended and if you are strong enough you will feel comfortable cutting overhead.
The plug and play battery system means that you are good to go as soon as you plug it in and even if you have forgotten to charge it after your last use; you won’t be waiting any more than 60 minutes before you can make a start. The fact that it has an electric motor means that there is limited noise; therefore you don’t need ear protectors. There is also a reduction in maintenance as you don’t need to service the tool in the same manner as you would a gas-powered pole saw.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
10. SENIX A01400145 CSPX5-M 10 Inch 58V Cordless Pole Saw
The Senix gives you a 10 inch bar and chain that will chew through most of your garden branches without a second thought. The Senix has an extensive reach of up to 14 feet, making sure you can get to even the tallest of branches in your garden. Whilst it does have a good reach, the balance of the pole saw isn’t as good as others in its class. It is top heavy and if you don’t have good upper body strength or aren’t confident using the tool overhead, this might not be the best option for you.
Safety is a must when you are operating a tool of this nature; the fact that this includes a fail safe to stop accidental starts is a massive bonus. The two-step system reduces the chance of you starting the saw and causing yourself an injury, for inexperienced users this is an excellent feature.
The automatic oiling system also reduces the chance of you causing any damage to the tool, it will keep the chain well lubricated and cutting through your branches. The brushless motor not only reduces the noise often associated with model, it also reduces the amount of maintenance and servicing required. However, users may struggle with the top-heavy nature of this saw and the oil gasket is also prone to leaking.
Things We Liked
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How To Use a Cordless Pole Saw Safely?
If you have never used this kind of pole saw before, there are some basic things that you have to do prior to starting use.
Know The Risk Factor
Firstly, you need to be aware that you are cutting and pruning wood that you can’t reach from the ground, so there is a risk that this debris may land an injury you. To minimise this risk always be aware of what branch you are about to cut and when you do make a cut, stand on the inside of where you are cutting to reduce the risk of the branch landing on you. Before you start, make sure the area around you is clear from trip hazards; you’ll be looking at the cut you are making, so you want to make sure the ground is clear from any obstacles.
Operate Wisely
Before you start cutting off a limb with cordless pole saw, make sure you lighten the branch first by clearing it of any leaves and sticks. This reduction of weight will help you cut through the branch quicker and reduce fatigue. Make sure you use both hands when operating the saw and if you need to, use the additional shoulder strap that most come with. This makes cutting far easier and it means that you won’t be as fatigued. Cut in the place, start slowly by making a groove and work in that area, you don’t want the saw jumping all over the branch as this increases the danger. Once you have felled the branch you were working on, move it out of the way so it doesn’t become a trip hazard.
Protective Clothing
Whilst you may not want to wear a hardhat, you will certainly want some eye protection. Saw dust and bits of wood can easily fall into your eyes causing mild irritation or long-term damage. Correct PPE will not only make you feel comfortable it will also limit the chances of injury. Gloves are essential when you are using such pole saws, you don’t want to get your hand caught on any wood. With the saws we have reviewed, you won’t need to purchase ear defenders, as unlike their gas powered counter parts. The electric pole saws are incredibly quiet and often silent between cuts, meaning you won’t upset your neighbours when you start cutting early on a weekend.
Considerations to Make Before You Buy the Cordless Pole Saw
The saws we have reviewed can be broken down into two categories, 8inch bars and chains and 10-inch bars and chains. Whilst there is minimal difference in the size, it does have a big impact on what you can use the saw for, as well as what it is best suited to. One huge positive that electric pole saws have is the lack of maintenance they require in comparison to their gas-powered counterparts. You won’t need to be changing spark plugs or doing oil changes before you use it, you can just plug and go. You will need to make sure that the level of oil in some is right; this is due to the self-oiling feature that some of the reviewed products have, but aside from that, it is a case of charge the battery, plug and play!
The Type of Garden and Shrubbery You Have
If you have tightly packed bushes, hedgerows and brush that you need to clear that is above head height, the 8inch bar and chain saws will be perfect for you. As they are smaller, they are far easier to get into tight spaces and they are more manoeuvrable than the larger alternatives. Some 8-inch products even come with the ability to move the head on a pivot, making sure you can make all the cuts you need. If you have less dense trees and bushes but they have thicker branch’s and limbs then the 10inch bar and chain is a good option. Not only does it have a higher cutting capability, you are less likely to get it jammed or pinched due to the increase of the chain size.
Strength
Some products are better balanced than others, if you are a pole saw veteran and don’t mind an unbalanced unit that can chew through thicker branches then the Wen 40421 is a good purchasing option for you. It even has the ability to pivot on its head, giving you a 30 degree cutting angle either side. The wen comes with a 10inch bar and chain, so you won’t have any issues cutting through wood with a larger diameter. You can comfortably use it up to 14 feet over head, however this is only recommended if you have used them in this manner previously and have the upper body strength to do so.
If you don’t think that you have the strength to be able to deal with an unbalanced saw the Hooyman gives you an excellent option that is exceptionally light. The 8 inch bar and chain are very compact and easy to get into tight spaces. The cutting capability isn’t as high as the Wen, but you offset this with being able to use it for extended periods of time. What makes the Hooyman a really awesome addition to anyone shed is the way in which you can break it down and store it. It is one of the most compact tools available on the market and you can break it down to no more than 48 inches in length. Given its lack of weight it is easy to think that this pole saw isn’t durable, in fact that isn’t the case at all and it has been designed to have a rugged life and moved from site to site and across campgrounds. As it is well balanced and light weight, if you don’t think you have a lot of upper body strength you may well be happier using this type.
Other Important Features To Take Care
Whether you are just starting out using a cordless pole saw or have been using one for many years, you want to look for a model that has a two-step start. This will stop accidental start and reduce injuries; they are an excellent feature that should be considered before you make the purchase. If you are looking for a product to use day in day out without feeling it in your hands, arms and shoulders the LiTHELi may be a good option for you. The entire design is focused around usability and making sure that you stays comfortable regardless of how long you have used it for. The vibration free handle reduces fatigue and muscle stress with sustained use and the balance reduces the need to strain yourself when you hold it up. Not all items have heads that can pivot, if you think you are going to be making more challenging cuts or want to be able to see what and where you are cutting, having a head that can pivot can make the job far easier and quicker, this feature isn’t for everyone but some people may find that it helps.
Final Considerations
With so many buying options on the market it can be difficult to work out which product is best for you and your garden. If you have a small garden that has tightly packed bushes and branches, look for a product with a smaller bar and chain. Whereas if you need more cutting capability, a 10 inch bar and chain may make all the difference. Everyone situation is different and depending on your upper body strength and experience will dictate which purchase they make. Before you settle on a cordless pole saw, make sure you have considered all the products we have reviewed and find one that bests suits your needs and your gardens requirements.