Photo: Oregon
A cordless pole saw is one of those tools we probably know little about but wish we all had.
When you look at the trees in your yard and notice some long out-of-place branches, there’s a tool that can fix that mess: a cordless pole saw.
This type of pole saw enables you to reach those far-out branches for trimming of pruning. Not only is it essential for keeping your yard beautiful, but it also keeps trees healthy and attractive by eliminating old branches, which allows for new ones to emerge.
The pole saw has a small electric or battery-powered motor attached to one end of a shaft. On the other end is a handle where your hand grips and supports the saw as it cuts through twigs and small branches overheard.
Besides overhead reach, it is also electric powered, so it is fast, efficient, clean, and less noisy than other types of saws.
To learn more about these tools, including which one suits your needs and budget best, read through our top 5 cordless pole saw reviews and buying guide.
In this post:
5 Best Cordless Pole Saws – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Black & Decker LPP120 (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. Greenworks 20672 (Best Budget) |
| |
 | 3. Ryobi One+ P4360A (Best Medium-Duty) |
| |
 | 4. Greenworks PS80L210 (Most Powerful) |
| |
 | 5. Oregon 563454 (Premium Design) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Black & Decker LPP120 (Best Overall)
|
2. Greenworks 20672 (Best Budget)
|
3. Ryobi One+ P4360A (Best Medium-Duty)
|
4. Greenworks PS80L210 (Most Powerful)
|
5. Oregon 563454 (Premium Design)
|
1. Black & Decker LPP120 – Best Overall
Photo: Black & Decker
- Power: 20 volts, 1.5 ampere-hours (also available with no battery)
- Reachable height: 10 feet
- Weight: 6.3 pounds
Black & Decker LPP120 is the best battery-powered pole saw on our list because it has core features that are superior to those of other models; it is the lightest, has the longest shaft, and packs a modest battery delivering enough cutting power.
This pole saw has a 10-feet shaft, the longest of all models on our list. Although it shares this title with the Oregon 563454, Black & Decker LPP120 easily outdoes all the rest because it is also the lightest.
Weighing only 6.3 pounds and combined with the long shaft, this tool is the most convenient to use as you won’t get as tired as when you’re using heavier models with shorter shafts.
In fact, with the shaft fully extended, the saw’s maximum reach is unrivaled, at 14 feet overhead.
It is powered by a modest 20-volt, 1.5 ampere-hour battery, which promises up to 100 1.5-inch pine branch cuts per single charge. Unless you are doing some heavy-duty trimming, such a performance output is adequate for regular gardening, and yard maintenance.
Although Black & Decker LPP120 is the best battery-powered pole saw on our list, its battery is not as powerful as rival models. In fact, there are some models with as much as four times its battery output.
However, a less powerful battery does not mean it is inefficient. The pole saw will still very reliable in cutting branches.
More Detailed: Click here
Pros:
- Long shaft for maximum height
- Lightweight for easy handling
- Adequate power for reliable cutting and trimming
Cons:
- Low power output compared to rivals
2. Greenworks 20672 – Best Budget Cordless Pole Saw
Photo: Greenworks
- Power: 40 volts, 2 amperes
- Reachable height: 8 feet
- Weight: 8.36 pounds
We recommend the Greenworks 20672 for being the cheapest and most affordable on our list. But, don’t let its price throw you off. It is a feature-packed saw, which rivals even more expensive brands.
This saw runs on a powerful 40-volt, 2-ampere battery, almost twice as powerful as that of the Ryobi One+ P4360A, which is significantly more expensive. This output makes the saw powerful, fast, and efficient.
The main cutting mechanism involves an 8-inch long bar and chain, which simplifies branch trimming.
Being a mechanical tool that runs on a motor, one must wonder about maintenance issues. Well, you don’t have to worry about that because the saw has an automatic oiler system.
The automatic oiler ensures the bar and chain are constantly oiled to enhance their durability by preventing friction caused by contact with branches and moving mechanical parts.
It does weigh 8.36 pounds and although this is not the lightest pole saw in the market, it is not as heavy as other models such as the Greenworks PS80L210 and Oregon 563454.
Also, although the reachable height of 8 feet is adequate for typical tree branches, there are other models with longer shafts for even longer reach especially if the branches are higher than 8 feet.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced compared to rivals
- Powerful battery and motor system
- Optimal bar and chain for easy trimming
- Automatic oiler for bar and chain durability
- Extendable shaft for optimal reach
Cons:
- Not the lightest model
- The shaft could be longer
3. Ryobi One+ P4360A – Best Medium-Duty Cordless Pole Saw
Photo: Ryobi
- Power: 18 volts, 3 amperes
- Reachable height: 9.5 feet
- Weight: 7.4 pounds
You will love the Ryobi One+ P4360A because it is a medium-duty saw with whose core features are well-balanced.
It has a modest 18-volt, 3-ampere battery, which produces enough power for medium-duty trimming; It has one of the longest lengths; it is relatively lightweight compared to some of its rivals, and is not as expensive as some premium models.
The pole saw has a decent 8-inch chain and bar, which are suitable for medium-duty trimming. This tool will take care of your everyday gardening and yard maintenance tasks effortlessly.
This model’s extendable height of 9.5 feet rivals that of many others on our list. This length is enough to reach those distant branches that 8-feet pole saws can’t reach.
It weighs only 7.4 pounds, much lighter than some models that weigh as much as 13 pounds and cost almost twice as much. This lightweight tool allows you to work for longer because of its ability to minimize fatigue.
The Ryobi One+ P4360A may be a well-balanced cordless pole saw, but it does not come with a battery and charger so for you to enjoy its benefits, you need to buy the two components to get the tool up and running.
Many may find these extra costs inconvenient, but once the saw is fully equipped, it promises to get the job done.
Pros:
- Well-balanced advanced features
- Considerably lightweight compared to other models
- Long extendable height for maximum reach
- Lightweight for extended usage
Cons:
- Battery and charger not included; they need to be purchased separately
4. Greenworks PS80L210 – Most Powerful Cordless Power Saw
Photo: Greenworks
- Power: 80 volts, 2 ampere-hour
- Reachable height: 8 feet
- Weight: 12.8 pounds
The most powerful cordless pole saw on our list is the Greenworks PS80L210. There is no other saw on our list that even comes close to packing as much power.
It boasts of an 80-volt, 2-ampere hour battery, which promises to deliver unrivaled cutting power. To get the massive battery charged within the least time, you also get a rapid charger.
Since this motor is the most powerful, performance and maintenance become a major priority. That is why it is equipped with an automatic oiler, which constantly oils the chain and bar for continuous lubrication.
Its 10-inch cutting chain is also unrivaled. It can cut branches faster and more efficiently than 8-inch chains.
One of the major issues we noted with the Greenworks PS80L210 is that it is significantly bulky at 12.8 pounds. That is almost twice the weight of the Black & Decker LPP120 pole saw. You are bound to feel the pressure of carrying this saw, especially during extended usage.
The second issue that may discourage you from getting this saw is its steep price. It is not the most expensive, but you will still pay a premium for it compared to other high-quality rivals. However, if the price is not an issue, you will be getting a high-performance and reliable saw.
Pros:
- Very powerful battery
- Automatic oiler for constant lubrication
- A long chain and bar for fast and efficient cutting
Cons:
- Significantly heavy and is unsuitable for extended usage
- Pricey compared to rival saws
5. Oregon 563454 – Premium Cordless Pole Saw
Photo: Oregon
- Power: 40 volts, 2 amperes
- Reachable height: 10 feet
- Weight: 13.5 pounds
The saw’s 40-volt 2-ampere battery is one of the most powerful in our list. It is twice as powerful as many models we have reviewed. It promises to deliver power and efficiency for fast trimming and cutting.
You are also getting one of the longest shafts with this tool. It is 10 feet in length. You can be certain it will reach those high branches that 8-foot saws cannot. If you are tall, this tool gives you an extra edge.
Since the saw weighs 13.5 pounds with its battery loaded, you may be worried about how to carry around that weight. Worry not for it comes with a shoulder strap for weight distribution across arms and shoulders.
There are two main issues we noted with this saw. This first is that it is a bulky saw considering it weighs 13.5 pounds. When you use this saw for extended periods, you may notice its weight and maybe get fatigued from moving it around.
Another problem is its price. Oregon 563454 is the most expensive pole saw on our list. It is thrice as expensive as the Greenworks 20672. However, if the price is not an issue, your investment will score you some impressive performance and features.
More Detailed: Click here
Pros:
- Powerful battery for high performance
- Long shaft for maximum reach
- Shoulder strap for even weight distribution
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Can prove bulky with extended usage
How to Buy the Best Cordless Pole Saw
1. Power
The pole saws we reviewed are cordless and battery-powered. There are many advantages to having a battery-powered saw as opposed to traditional gas-powered ones. Battery-powered saws are quieter, greener, and easier to maintain.
Having determined the ideal power source, the next important consideration is power output. A powerful motor will probably run on a 40-volt to 80-volt, 2-ampere-hour battery. This is enough power to cut through tough branches.
Less powerful batteries will probably result in lighter tools and are best suited for lightweight usage.
Powerful pole saws can run for 1-2 hours depending on use, but their batteries may take longer to recharge.
2. Reachable Height
The reachable height of your pole saw will be one of the most important considerations you make during your purchase.
You want a pole saw that can reach high heights especially for trees that grow tall. It may prove inefficient to buy an 8-foot pole saw only to discover that you have branches that extend higher.
A pole saw whose shaft is extendable may come in handy when you have trees of different height and may need to adjust the tool’s length as opposed to having a fixed-length one.
For branches that are high up, then the longest pole saw may be the best option for you.
3. Weight
We all desire lightweight tools, especially those whose functionalities rely on the force from your hands.
Our review contains models as light as 6.3 pounds, which still deliver decent power and efficiency.
But aiming for a lightweight pole saw is not always the ideal choice. You may have a 6-pound pole saw, which runs for only a few minutes at a time, so the process of recharging regularly between trimming sessions may prove very tiresome.
You may also have a heavier pole saw, which runs and cuts more efficiently, so you can be done with your job without feeling the pressure of a heavy tool.
4. Battery
Some of the most powerful pole saws we reviewed have batteries with outputs as high as 80 volts. Such a battery is ideal for heavy-duty cutting.
We did note that pole saw models which have high-output batteries tend to be considerably pricier than models with smaller batteries. But you don’t have to spend a fortune on big batteries. Even smaller batteries are powerful and efficient.
It’s worth noting that big batteries may take longer to recharge than smaller ones.
However, there are models which come with a fast charger that can recharge batteries notably fast to allow you to get back to work while still motivated.
5. Angle of Head
The pole saw models we reviewed have fixed angle heads. This means the head is fixed and won’t turn or rotate at different angles.
Since you will be using the pole saw to cut branches that are vertically above you, the fixed-head models are ideal because the cutting chain can be placed parallel to the branches for efficient cuts.
For horizontal cuts, however, a fixed-angle of the head is not ideal because you would need to hold it at awkward and less optimal angles to cut efficiently.
Multiple-angle heads may also require more sophisticated motors or extra mechanical components, which may make bulkier or more expensive.
6. Ease of use
The ease of using your cordless pole saw is a combination of factors, many of which we have already looked at. For instance, the weight, reachable height, and chain length are such factors.
It is important for your saw to balance between features and weight. Since you will be carrying the saw’s weight in your hands, you may notice it easier to use a 6-pounds saw than you would a 13-pounds one.
Chain length is also important because it determines the size of branches you can cut, and the force you require cutting through them. Long chains will cut faster and more efficiently than short ones. Thus, you may find saws with longer chains easier to use.
How to Use a Cordless Pole Saw: Steps and Tips
Photo: Oregon
1. Positioning: For efficient operation, you need to place the saw in a vertical position using both of your hands. Before beginning to cut, take a short pause to determine if you are in full control of the tool’s weight.
Ensure that most of the cutting pressure is on the branch and not on you. This requires you to find the ideal standing position while holding the tool. You can utilize the height adjustment feature is your tool’s pole is adjustable.
2. Initial cuts: When approaching your first stroke, do it gently so that you maintain control of the tool and the process. Slow cutting also makes the stroke bite faster. When branches slope, you might find the saw slipping sideways. At this point, you can withdraw the saw slightly to regain its control. After regaining your energy, you can resume cutting.
3. Increase stroking speed: When you discover that the saw is placed perfectly on the grove, then you’re all set to continue cutting. All you require doing is increase stroking speed.
You can increase speed by cutting downwards on the pull stroke. This approach works well because gravity is on your side.
During fast stroking, you need to keep your eyes on the branch to help maximize concentration and efficiently harness your power and stability.
Just before the branch falls to the ground, make sure you’re standing on a safe spot to prevent it from hitting you and causing injury.
4. Finalizing and cleaning: When done cutting and using your pole saw, you need to clean the place by removing the branches and any other debris. This process is important to prevent you from getting injured through either tripping or falling.
Safety tip: To ensure your safety while using a pole saw, read the user guide which comes with the tool. You also need to wear the right protective gear such as a hard hat, work gloves, goggles, and a mask. Leather boots will also come in handy to protect your feet.
Conclusion
We have compiled all the information you require proceeding with your purchase of a cordless pole saw, including how to get started with using the tool.
Keep an eye on important features such as power output, battery capacity, the tool’s weight, and its reachable height. These factors are important because they determine how useful the tool will be for your needs and budget.
Our detailed review and buying guide of the 5 best cordless pole saws you can buy today has got you covered.