Cordless pole saws are sometimes called cordless pole chain saws and pruners. Manufacturers design these to make it easy and painless to trim overgrown trees. Most of them are lightweight at under 10 pounds. They have a telescoping pole that is sometimes adjustable up to 15 feet, though many only go to 12 feet. Be sure to look for something with a self-lubricating feature. There are other features that some may prefer such as pushbutton starting. Some users will also want something that’s tough enough to handle tree limbs up to 7 ½ inches thick. A few of these can only handle 6 foot diameter tree limbs.
Many people today are looking for environmentally friendly tools and manufacturers are responding to that need. Powered by the EcoSharp lithium-ion battery technology, it’s possible to get zero carbon emissions for cleaner air with some pole saws. A few also advertise that they do not create acrid odors and that can make the tool more appealing to use. Gas-powered tools often created rancid odors.
Below, we go over the 5 best cordless pole saws on the market today. Our reviews are completely unbiased—we’re not trying to sell anything. Just trying to give you some helpful information.
Best Cordless Pole Saws
Husqvarna Pole Saws
This well-known brand advertises that you can reach new heights with a Husqvarna Pole Saw. They take advantage of something important to all of us in this day and age: the environment. They’re designing their saws to minimize their environmental impact. They boast fuel efficiency and low emissions.
The telescopic tube provides a function for quick cutting height adjustment. The shaft is detachable shaft for easy transport and storage. Using their Smart Start® feature, the machine is easy to start. They special design these pole saws so that all users can start them up quickly with minimum effort.
Balance Flex is another popular feature that offers a harness with ergonomic design. This results in flexible suspension to reduce stress on arms in all working positions. Husqvarna Pole Saws are available in electric and gas-powered with prices ranging from $169 to $629.
Pros
Cons
RYOBI One+ Lithium-Ion Pole Saw
This is a popular pole saw for homeowners and a best seller at most hardware stores. There are a couple of reasons for this. The Ryobi 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Pole Saw 1.3 Ah operates at 6.5 ft. or 9.5 ft. with the extension pole. There’s an 8 in. bar and chain for trimming branches. The battery features lithium-ion technology to keep it running strong; the charger is of course included and the battery can be completely recharged in only 30 minutes. The angled cutting head gives you better control. A clear-view fluid window will make monitoring oil levels pretty easy.
Pros
Cons
Kobalt 40-Volt Max Lithium Ion 8-in Cordless Electric Pole Saw V2.5
Every 40V Max tool works off the same rechargeable, interchangeable battery platform, making it easy to pop in a new one anytime you need it so that you can go ahead and get the job done without a lot of stopping and starting. Kobalt features state-of-the-art lithium-ion technology. This gives more torque and more speed with fewer recharges.
Some of the features that users love are:
- Kobalt 40-volt cordless pole saw can make up to 140 cuts of 4x2 treated lumber on a fully charged 2.5 Ah battery
- Starts with the push of a button
- 8-in bar and chain allows you to remove those high branches with confidence
- Hassle free operation due to auto oiler and easy adjust chain tensioning system
This tool can be used as a hedge trimmer by purchasing the Kobalt hedge trimmer attachment, sold separately (item # 970808).
Pros
The Stihl Pole Pruner is a great tool for those who will need to use it a lot. It features low vibration so that will provide less physical exhaustion on your arms and muscles. It runs quiet and has zero emissions, so it won’t create any unpleasant odors.
Cons
This model costs $499 and rarely goes on sale. This might put it out of the price range of the average homeowner. It does offer quite a bit for that price though.
Dewalt 8 inch 20-Volt MAX Pole Saw
The DEWALT DCPS620B is in a good mid-price range, though Dewalt does offer more expensive versions for bigger jobs. This particular pole saw has a 15 foot max reach, which is outstanding. It can perform 96 cuts on one charge. It has an angled head for safe, easy cutting, plus a tree hook for removing trimmed branches. Most users appreciate the rubber hand grip because it provides less strain on hands and arms. It’s compatible with 10 inch bar and chain and features a heavy-duty cast aluminum gear case. Another good feature is the auto oiling bar and chain and 8-inch low kickback full-complement bar and chain.
Pros
Cons
Stihl 36 Volt Li-Ion Cordless Pole Saw 12in. Bar HTA 85 12
This brand likes to call their pole saw a “pole pruner.” Though this term might be confusing to some, the tool performs the same tasks as any other pole saw. The telescoping shaft extends from 8.2ft. to 12ft. which is about average in this page range of $499.
Pros
The Stihl Pole Pruner is a great tool for those who will need to use it a lot. It features low vibration so that will provide less physical exhaustion on your arms and muscles. It runs quiet and has zero emissions, so it won’t create any unpleasant odors.
Cons
Priced at around $500, this pole saw may be a bit too expensive for some. It does say that it’s a “commercial grade” tool, but only has a 12 foot reach.
A retaining latch prevents the unit from unintentional starts when the battery is inserted. STIHL pole pruners are good for high, tough trimming jobs. They have a12ft. shaft and 12in. bar that provides the power and precision to take care of branches that are inaccessible or hard-to-trim using other pole trimmers. The weight is well-balanced, making this tool much less strain on arms and hands. STIHL pole pruners are easy to operate, carry and maintain. Though they’re used more by homeowners, they do have the capacity to handle professional jobs.
Batteries and chargers are sold separately. The run time varies based on battery type, charge level, operating conditions and such. One great feature than many owners love is the fact that the batteries are interchangeable with other compatible STIHL lithium-ion products.
One of the most popular features of the STIHL® 36 Volt Li-Ion Cordless Pole Saw is its low vibration. It’s also much quieter than other models and has zero-exhaust emission. The brushless, commercial-grade, high-torque electric motor can run for hours of trouble-free usage.Buyer’s Guide for Pole Saws
The manufacturers of the best cordless pole saw are waking up to the fact that users want and demand better features. They want low emission pole saws that are good for the environment. They are also looking for well-balanced tools that put less strain on your arms and muscles. The self-lubricating tool can be handy to have. Many now have a safety switch that can help prevent accidents. A convenient start button is also helpful.
Factors to Consider
Battery life is a big deciding factor when it comes to cordless pole saws. You’ll want something that can get the job done, without constantly having to recharge. Durability is another huge deal with most homeowners. When surveyed, most said they would pay a little more to get a tool that’s durable and will last. Those days of flimsy tools that wear out quickly are over, especially for the savvy homeowner. The Power of the saw is also important
Since the job of tree trimming is often long and grueling, many consumers listed weight as a factor. A lightweight but durable pole saw will get the job done but not wear you out. Below are the Top Five Factors to consider before making a purchase:
Battery Life
Just like with all our gadgets these days, battery life is a big deal for a cordless pole saw. Though the standard is 20V lithium ion batteries, there a few pole saws that offer 40V lithium ion batteries. You’ll pay more but get the charge you need to complete a job without recharging. Not only will a 40V battery give you longer battery life, but it will also provide more power.
Pole Saw Attachments
A few brands offer a pole saw that can be converted into a hedge trimmer, edger or other cutting tool. These will cost more upfront, but can be so convenient. They’re easier to store and less expensive in the long run.
Telescoping pole
The reach of a cordless pole saw is one of the most important factors. Some pruners will only reach to 6.5 feet. These are on the low end of the price scale. But when you have to get on a ladder to reach limbs, it’s frustrating and time consuming. Plus, it can be dangerous. That’s why so many manufacturers now offer telescoping poles that can reach to 15 feet.
Warranty
Check the warranty! That fine print may say that you can only return the product under certain conditions. Hardware store clerks can often give you some great helpful information that may save you time researching the warranty details.
What’s Most Important to You?
Before making a purchase, it’s a good idea to create a list of the features that are most attractive to you, then let that guide your purchasing decision. For some users, getting that long reach is essential so they don’t have to climb up a ladder to trim. For others, the battery life is more important. Of course, the price is a deciding factor for many. If money is not an object, then a Husqvarna 536LiPT5 pole saw is a great choice. It offers 36 volts of power, an intuitive key pad, a really efficient brushless motor and an ergonomic handle. It’s priced around $500 bucks but does come with a solid guarantee.
The Bottom Line
The manufacturers of cordless pole saws are waking up to the fact that users want and demand the best features. They want low emission pole saws that are good for the environment. They are also looking for well-balanced tools that put less strain on your arms and muscles. The self-lubricating tool can be handy to have. Many now have a safety switch that can help prevent accidents.
Before making a purchase, it’s a good idea to create a list of the features that are most attractive to you, then let that guide your purchasing decision. Check the warranty! That fine print may say that you can only return the product under certain conditions.
