Best Cordless Pole Saw

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Pruning and trimming are two things you cannot ignore if you want to keep the plants in your garden in perfect shape at all times. Sometimes, getting rid of broken branches or making a limb thinner will help the plant dedicate resources to needed areas.

When you have one or two plants that need pruning, it is not a big deal. But when that number gets high, using a ladder to climb up the tree and trimming the parts individually will be cumbersome. Your first thought could be to use a chainsaw, but they are pretty heavy. Moreover, you may not need that much power, either. So, we have to consider a piece of rather sophisticated gardening equipment: a pole saw.

Pole Saws: Better than a Chainsaw?

Many people will tell you that a pole saw is a chainsaw attached to a pole. While they are partially right, the story is much bigger. Pole saws, especially cordless pole saws, bring the perfect balance of performance and portability. However, these machines are not as powerful as conventional chainsaws; they cannot cut heavy barks. Nor can you use pole saws for other heavy-duty tasks.

As you know, many types of pole saws exist, and we recommend cordless pole saws for most people.  They do a great job when you want to prune or trim plants or shrubs in your garden. These machines use a gas-based engine or a battery-based motor to power the saw. In addition, you will have options to extend the length of the saw as you please. You may also find other safety and convenience-oriented features.

As you can guess, there are hundreds of cordless pole saw models in the market, and selecting one can be a pretty daunting task. But worry not because we have done the tougher part of the job for you. Keep reading to find a well-curated list of the best cordless pole saw reviews. We have also added a quick buying guide to help you choose better.

Top 5 Cordless Pole Saw

BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20V Max Pole Saw
5/5
Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw
4.5/5
Worx WG323 20V Power Share Cordless Pole Saw
4.5/5
Greenworks Pro 80V Brushless Cordless Pole Saw
4/5
Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Pole Saw
4/5


  • Blade Length: 8 inches

  • Item Dimensions: 8.25 x 8.15 x 44.5 inches

  • Power: 20V

Are you looking for a complete pole saw kit that can help you in the garden? If so, the BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20V Max Pole Saw is an excellent option from the market. As you may know, BLACK+DECKER is one of the most popular hardware manufacturers in the United States. So, you do not have to worry about quality or after-sales services.

It is a zero-emissions electric lawn equipment, which means that by using this you do not harm the environment in any way. Furthermore, because it has a full-fledged kit, you can easily disassemble and store the system without taking too much space.

We recommend the base kit for most people, but you can combine other accessories like a bigger battery or a leaf collection bin with it. The package does not disappoint in terms of power, either.

Benefits

Compact Design

The BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20V Max Pole Saw has one of the most compact pole saw designs we have seen. Even though it can reach an overhead length of up to 14 feet, you can disassemble and store the entire unit within a small bag.

High Maneuverability

An in-line powerhead powers the pole saw. It means you can ensure better control while dealing with small plants or limbs. It is also great for going between branches when visibility is a requirement. The design provides ample grip as well.

High-Capacity Battery

As the name suggests, the unit uses a 20V Lithium-Ion battery, which can retain 5 times more charge than NiCd counterparts. If you use the machine to cut pine branches of 1 and a half inches, you can cut up to 100 on a single charge, which is excellent.

Portable Power

Despite the simple design, the BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20V Max Pole Saw packs plenty of power. For instance, you can cut branches as thick as 6 inches. The 8-inch cutting bar is powerful and can last for a long time. If you have to replace it, finding a suitable spare is no problem, either.

Ergonomic Design

We have to commend BLACK+DECKER for the overall design. Even when you have connected all accessories, it feels good to manage the system with maximum control. The manufacturer has added grips in areas where users will enjoy better safety. It works in addition to the Safety Lock switch.

Cost-Effective

Compared to the features in the package, the product itself is a great steal for most people. Ultimately, you get a versatile cordless pole saw that can last. In addition, the product comes with a standard warranty from the maker, which is a solid reassurance.

Drawbacks

Manual Oil Change

Some customers wonder if the product has an automated oil change option. Right now, it is a manual task that requires some effort. Same is the case with the tightening up of the chain. It would be nice to have a little more automation altogether.

Shaking Issues

When it is fully extended, the BLACK+DECKER LPP120 20V Max Pole Saw can be a little shaky. To avoid this situation, you can use external support to increase the overall height. But, of course, it is a necessary risk that you have to take.

Extra Features

This modern-looking pole saw comes with an innovative trigger start. With the help of the Safety Lock Switch, you can avoid accidentally starting the machine. The quick reflex of the chain and bar will come in handy if you are looking for maximum precision.

Buying Advice

Even though it could add a few convenience-oriented changes, this cordless pole saw from BLACK+DECKER is a great buy for most people. It does not compromise on performance, while providing a zero-emissions way to prune and trim your garden with ease.


  • Blade length: 8 inches
  • Item Dimensions: 107 x 7 x 7.5 inches
  • Power: 40V

Some of you may need a more powerful cordless pole saw that can cut through thicker branches and last longer on a single charge. 

The Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw suits the description and is a popular choice from the current market.

By spending almost double our first pick, you can get your hands on a motor and a battery with increased capabilities. The package as a whole is also quite impressive.

Like our first pick, it is a complete package. In addition to the saw, extensions, and battery, you get a faster charger for the same. It is also worth noting that its dimensions are easily manageable for most people.

It comes with an incredible warranty from the manufacturer, and you can avail these services in most locations in the United States.

Benefits

Powerful Motor

The Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw comes with a 40-volt motor that can go through thicker wood. It is comparable to the performance of a chainsaw in many respects. So, if you have any heavy-duty pruning or trimming needs in your garden, this motor should do the job well.

Long-Lasting Battery

The product is equipped with a 2Ah battery that can offer you an incredible running time. The maker says it can make up to 60 cuts on 4x5 Lumber on a single charge. Thanks to the included fast charger, you can refill the battery within 60 minutes, which is very convenient.

Effective Sizes

With the maximum extension, the Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw can offer an overhead length of 11 feet. If you do not want to use the extension part, you can reach up to 8 feet. The maker has used a high-quality aluminum shaft for the conversion.

Easy to Customize

Unlike our first pick, this product from Greenworks offers additional control over the machine. For example, you can adjust the tension of the chain using the provided contraption. You do not have to be a gardening or pole-saw geek to do so.

Automatic Oiler

Did you know that the Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw can oil the blade automatically? Well, you have to add the oil to the provided container, and that is it. The Continuous Lubrication mode keeps your machine safe and secure during heavy-duty tasks.

Extensive Warranty

Greenworks offers an extensive warranty for this cordless pole saw. You can get 4 years of warranty on the tool and 2 years of warranty on the battery. It simply shows the manufacturer's confidence in the product, and your investment will always stay protected.

Drawbacks

Expensive

As we said earlier, you have to shell out a considerable amount to get your hands on this product. For some people, it can be an expensive deal. On a similar note, not everyone would need the same level of control and power, either.

Extra Features

As you may have noticed, the Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw is a premium product. So, it does not surprise us to see cushioned over-mold grip and other safety features in the package. We also liked the easy-to-use start button, which is entirely electric.

Buying Advice

We understand that the Greenworks 40V Cordless Pole Saw is not for everyone. However, if you think your garden could use the extra power and battery backup, this cordless pole saw will be an excellent pick. Thanks to its warranty and other features, you can stay confident about the investment at all times.


  • Blade Length: 10 inches

  • Item Dimensions: 97.5 x 7.5 x 9.5 inches

  • Power: 20V

The Worx WG323 20V Power Share Cordless Pole Saw is a great alternative if you are looking for a pole saw with a bigger chain.

Even though it has a 20V battery, you can expect sufficient power from the package on any day. 


In addition, even though the product is on the expensive side, you get some additional features that add much convenience to everyday tasks in the garden.

Benefits

Powerful and Fast

Compared to other products, this pole saw is more powerful and precise. For example, you can use it to get exact cuts on wooden pieces with different thickness levels. It does not cause any emissions, either.

Automated

The Worx WG323 20V Power Share Cordless Pole Saw has automated many aspects like chain tension and lubrication. So, you can keep using the product without worrying about these issues.

Drawbacks

Heavy

We believe this cordless pole saw from Worx is a little bulky. You may need some time to get used to the weight and maneuverability.

Extra Features

It comes with additional features like an oil level indicator and a handguard.

Buying Advice

We recommend the Worx WG323 20V Power Share Cordless Pole Saw if you are looking for advanced pole saw features and superior build quality.


  • Blade Length: 10 inches

  • Item Dimensions: 109 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches

  • Power: 80V

There are times when you can compromise other aspects for the sake of power. In that case, you should check out the Greenworks Pro 80V Brushless Cordless Pole saw.

It is an expensive choice but delivers one of the highest levels of power. 80V power means that you can cut even the thickest bushes and wooden chunks like butter.


Benefits

High Performance

The Greenworks Pro 80V Brushless Cordless Pole Saw comes with a 10-inch bar and chain. When combined with the said battery, you can expect best-in-class performance from the product.

Rapid Charger Battery

In addition to the standard features, the product comes with a 2Ah battery with rapid charging capacity. You can use the included Rapid Charger to recharge the battery pack in a few minutes.

Drawbacks

Expensive

Extra performance means that you have to pay a considerable amount for the product. It could be a problem for many users.

Extra Features

This product does not have any noteworthy extra features.

Buying Advice

We recommend the Greenworks Pro 80V Brushless Cordless Pole Saw only if you can spend extra for state-of-the-art performance and speed.


  • Blade Length: 8 inches

  • Item Dimensions: 41 x 10.5 x 3.9 inches

  • Power: 18V

We recommend that you check out the Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Pole Saw if you want a viable alternative to the products we have mentioned above.

Even though this cordless pole saw does not have many unique options, it does a good job of cutting down wood. You can easily use the product for your everyday gardening tasks as well.

Benefits

Simple Design

Compared to other devices we have tested, the Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Pole Saw has a simple design. So, you can assemble and get started with the pole saw within a few minutes.

Sufficient Power

The 18V motor in the package uses a Lithium-Ion battery that is more compact than the average one. It means you can enjoy the best speeds while retaining good battery life.

Drawbacks

Fewer Teeth

Unlike our first and second picks, this cordless pole saw does not have many teeth. It might hinder you from getting maximum speed while dealing with some types of wood.

Extra Features

We could not find any noteworthy additional features in the package.

Buying Advice

When we consider the included features, the Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Pole Saw does not cost much. So, it is a fantastic deal if you prefer a simple design.


Cordless Pole Saw FAQ

How far can you reach with a pole saw?

Unlike chainsaws, cordless pole saws do not have a fixed length. Instead, they are attached to an extendable arm that can be shortened or lengthened. For instance, the cordless pole saws listed above can have a maximum length of up to 14 ft called the overhead length. The actual length may depend on the specific product. You have to make the selection based on the plants you have in the garden.

For instance, if you want to prune or trim limbs from large trees, your pole saw should be considerably large and have an extendable arm. On the other hand, if you keep only shrubs and short plants in the garden, you can do well without an extendable arm. Because these devices come as a package, getting extensions will not be the best option. Therefore, when you get the product, it should be the most optimal choice.

Which is better: electric or battery pole saw?

Electric and battery pole saws are two major types of pole saws you can get from the market. As it happens, both categories have their own merits and demerits.

For instance, if we take the case of electric pole saws, they are pretty powerful. You can pull a lot of power and use it to cut thick chunks of wood. The problem is that a cable will always follow you. Therefore, you should find a way to accommodate the cable. Also, there is a limit to which you can extend the wires. It means you cannot extend the pole saw beyond a point from the power socket. If you are okay with this limitation — if you have a small garden —, you are better off with an electric pole saw.

On the other hand, battery pole saws are designed for maximum portability. You can easily carry these saws around and use them as you wish. Moreover, you do not have to worry about power cables and extension boards. On the contrary, you can often have extension options up to several feet. It is not to say that battery pole saws are less powerful, though. Recently, we have seen many cordless battery pole saws that ship with high-capacity batteries and powerful motors. It means you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Both electric and battery pole saws are great from an environment friendly point of view, though. You do not have to worry about introducing any chemicals to the garden, either. Instead, you can rely on a clean energy source to keep your garden in the best condition possible. You can also check out pole saws with new features like a brushless motor to extend its performance and longevity.

Are pole saws worth it?

Pole saws are worth it, depending on how you look at these machines. For example, suppose you have a garden filled with many trees and shrubs that you want to trim. If these trees are very high, you will benefit from having a pole saw, especially a cordless pole saw. It means you can customize the looks of your plants using the powerful blades from these machines. It would be best if you choose the right pole saw for your needs.

For instance, if you have a large garden, you should get a cordless pole saw. In this case, you do not have to worry about extensions and cables. Instead, you can use the machine wherever you like. If you have a small garden where power sockets can reach, you are good with a corded pole saw as well. You should also see if a pole saw can meet the power requirements in your garden.

You may have to cut large chunks of wood in some scenarios. Unfortunately, most pole saws are not suitable for this task. In such situations, you may have to upgrade to a fully-fledged chainsaw.

Can a pole saw be used as a chainsaw?

Yes, but you should not do that.

As mentioned earlier, pole saws are made for the specific need to cut thin wood limbs. They are not made for thick chunks because a thick piece would require more power. On the other hand, one of the conventional chainsaws will have the recommended amount of power.

Therefore, even if you try to use a pole saw in the place of a chainsaw, you will have little success with the process. Most probably, you will have to wait for a few minutes to finish cutting a piece of wood. It also means burning a lot of power and affecting the longevity of the machine. Considering all these, using a pole saw as a chainsaw is not worth the effort.

After all, you are using a chainsaw to cut down the time you spend on a task. We believe you do not want to make the process lengthier by opting for a piece of less powerful equipment.

How thick of a branch can a pole saw cut?

The maximum thickness of a branch that a pole saw can cut depends on the model. Each model has a specific limit for the maximum diameter of the wooden log. You should check this number and keep your actions restricted to boost the longevity of the product.

The Bottom Line

We hope we could help you find at least one cordless pole saw suitable for your garden. We want to remind you that the proper cordless pole saw can be an expensive investment. However, you can greatly benefit from the investment over time. Therefore, make sure that you get a pole saw powerful enough to get all the tasks done.

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About THE AUTHOR

Drew - CountrySilo

Drew

Co-Founder CountrySilo

Growing up around the farmlands of the Midwest you learn at an early age getting your hands dirty is a way of life. Whether it was helping my Grandpa make cedar furniture, mowing neighborhood lawns or throwing bails of hay the do-it-yourself mentality runs strong in our family.

I am excited to help you tackle your projects and discover new ways to make your house a home!

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