If you need to trim tree branches and shrubs above head height, an electric pole saw is the safest and easiest way to get the job done.
Essentially, an electric pole saw (also known as an electric pole pruner) is like a small, lightweight chainsaw with a long reach, allowing you to keep your feet firmly on the ground (ladders and chainsaws or other sharp equipment is not a good mix!) and work with precision and control.
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In this buyer’s guide to the best electric pole saws of 2024, we evaluate important features, answer questions and give you expert reviews to help you find the right tool for your garden.
Product | Our Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. BLACK+DECKER GPC1820L20-XE Pole Pruner |  |  | |
2. Greenworks 8.5' 40V Cordless Pole Saw |  | ||
3. KULLER Electric Pole 2in1 Chainsaw |  | ||
4. Bosch Cordless Telescopic Chainsaw |  | ||
5. WEN 40421 40V Max Lithium Ion Cordless Pole Saw |  |
Why Buy an Electric Pole Saw?
There are three types of pole saw or electric pole pruner on the market based on the type of fuel they use – petrol, electric and manual. Here are some good reasons to choose an electric model.
- Quiet – Electric motors are very quiet compared to petrol ones, which means you won’t require ear protection, you’ll be more comfortable while you work, and your neighbours will thank you too.
- Environmentally-friendly – These saws don’t use fossil fuels and their motors don’t produce any emissions, which makes them better for your health and the environment.
- Lightweight – These models are usually lighter in weight than petrol ones, which means you can work for longer with less risk of back or arm discomfort. Because they’re lighter, they’re easier to manoeuvre too.
- Easy operation – With an electric motor, there’s no mixing of fuels, risk of running out of fuel, or engine preparation needed. All you do is make sure your battery is charged or your power cord is connected, and switch it on with the press of a button.
- Low maintenance – Electric pole saws are very low maintenance. All you have to do is keep it clean and dry, and replace the blades when they eventually get blunt.
Are Electric Pole Saws Any Good?
Electric pole saws are more powerful than manual models and less powerful than petrol models. They offer a lot more power than many people realise, and are ideal for everyday gardening use, cutting through fairly thick branches and dense brush with no problem.
Which is Better – A Petrol or Electric Pole Saw?
There are pros and cons to both models. Generally, an electric pole saw offers everything a home gardener needs to prune trees and shrubs, and is powerful and quiet enough for regular use in new and established gardens.
For commercial landscaping jobs or clearing of large properties, a petrol pole saw may be a better option, as it offers greater range and more powerful performance.
Battery vs. Corded Electric Pole Saws
There are two types of electric pole pruner:
Corded Electric Pole Saw
This type plugs directly into an outlet on your property. This allows you to operate the saw for any length of time without running out of fuel, although you can only go as far as your cord will allow.
It also means you have to be careful not to tangle or damage the cord.
Cordless Electric Pole Saw
This is a battery-powered pole saw, allowing you to run your saw on electricity without having the range limitation or irritation of dealing with a cord.
These pole saws are a bit heavier due to the weight of the battery, and you will need to charge and recharge the battery for longer jobs.
Should I Buy a Corded or Battery-Operated Pole Chainsaw?
Corded and cordless electric pole saws offer similar power and performance, so it’s all about what works best for your garden. If your property is larger or you need to do a lot of regular work with your saw, the battery model gives you the most range.
Keep in mind that the battery will need recharging, although you can always use an additional battery for convenience. If you want a pole saw for home use in a smaller property, a corded model is a good idea.
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They are the lightest option and easiest to manoeuvre, and you can extend the range using an additional outdoor-rated extension cord.
What to Consider When Buying an Electric Pole Saw
- Power – The cutting power and performance of the saw depends on how powerful the motor is, and this will determine the thickness of the branches you can cut and how quickly your saw will get through them.
Battery powered pole saws range from about 2-7.5 amp motors and are powered by 20-40 Volt batteries. Corded models tend to have 6-8 amp motors. - Blade size – The larger the blade, the faster it will cut through a branch, so it’s always important to check blade size. The cutting blade should be about 6cm longer than the diameter of the branches it is cutting, so take a look at the type of pruning you’re going to be doing to help guide your selection.
- Reach – It’s important that your pole saw can comfortably reach the branches you want to prune so that you don’t get uncomfortable while working or have the risk of using a ladder. Keep in mind also that a longer reach means more weight to hold up.
- Weight – While electric pole saws are designed to be light, they still have a weight to them. It’s important to find one that is a comfortable weight for you to hold up in order to prevent fatigue, make manoeuvring the saw easy, and prevent injury from losing control of the saw.
- Warranty – As always, a good warranty is important for your peace of mind. It’s also a good idea to buy your saw from an established brand, as this means getting any after sales support, replacement parts and other essentials much easier.
Electric Pole Saw Reviews for 2024
1. BLACK+DECKER GPC1820L20-XE
Source: Amazon
Cordless with an 18V 2Ah lithium-ion battery for convenience and performance, this battery pole saw is a real workhorse.
It offers an impressive 130 cuts of branches of up to 3.5cm per charge, is able to handle branches of up to 20cm with its high-quality cutting blade, and weighs just 3.7kgs.
The battery can be used with any Black+Decker tools and the saw dissembles easily for compact storage.
It has non-slip grips for comfort and safety, has an extendable overhead reach of up to 4.5 meters and is ideally suited to pruning and tree surgery.
2. Greenworks 8.5' 40V Cordless Pole Saw
Source: Amazon
This battery pole saw is powered by a 40V lithium-ion rechargeable battery offering 2 amp hours. It charges in one hour and offers 50 cuts per charge, using a 20cm blade to cut through branches of up to 15cm.
It offers very good overhead reach of up to 4.5 meters and although it weighs more at 5.7kgs (with the battery), it is still light enough to manoeuvre easily and work with for extended periods of time.
The pole length is adjustable but it is not a telescoping pole, and there is no shoulder strap.
3. KULLER Electric Pole 2in1 Chainsaw
Source: Amazon
This corded electric pole saw is the most affordable one on our list and has a lot to offer! It’s telescopic pole offers very good reach up to 2.8 metres, it’s lightweight at just 3.8kgs, and has a powerful 710W motor for cutting through thicker branches with ease.
The blade length is a practical 200mm, which works well for most pruning jobs. It also comes with a shoulder strap to improve cutting control and comfort.
In addition, it comes with a high-quality hedge trimmer attachment for shaping shrubs.
4. Bosch Cordless Telescopic Chainsaw
Source: Amazon
Part of the Bosch family, this battery pole saw can work with other batteries from the Bosch universal brand. It works off a powerful 18V rechargeable battery, using a 20cm cutting blade to saw through branches of up to 15cm.
The telescoping shaft is adjustable up to a height of 260cm, and has a very useful 120-degree pivoting head, which really makes a difference in angling cuts correctly.
It’s full weight is just 3.3kgs, which makes it comfortable to use, and has been ergonomically designed to help prevent fatigue.
It has some other great features too, including an oil level indicator, tip protector, bumper spike and automatic chain lubrication. It offers around 55 cuts per battery charge of branches up to 75mm in diameter.
5. WEN 40421 40V Max Lithium Ion Cordless Pole Saw
Source: Amazon
Another battery pole saw that comes with batteries included, this option is a great budget-friendly choice for everyday use. It has a telescoping shaft that can reach up to 4 metres overhead, weighs just under 4kgs and has a brushless, emission-free motor that is durable as well as offering great performance.
It has a practical 25.5cm cutting blade, uses both 2Ah and 4Ah batteries, and will run for up to 40 minutes per charge. It can adjust the cutting angle by 30 degrees in either direction for easy manoeuvrability, and has a shoulder strap for comfort.
Our Top Pick - Best Electric Pole Saw
Source: Amazon
Our top choice for the best electric pole saw of 2024 is the BLACK+DECKER GPC1820L20-XE!
Manufactured by an industry-leading brand known for the quality and durability of their power tools and garden equipment, this pole saw has everything a gardener needs to keep trees and shrubs looking beautiful.
With a powerful motor, the ability to cut branches up to 20cm in diameter at a height of up to 4.5 metres, great safety features and 18V battery included, this option offers great value for money.
Explore our list below for more cutting and pruning tools designed to assist you in the maintenance of your plants and garden.
Prune Your Garden to Perfection with the Best Electric Pole Saw of 2024!
In order to grow and thrive, as well as look great, trees and shrubs need regular pruning. An electric pole saw offers you the convenience of pruning your trees yourself and even making your own firewood, all without having to call in the pros!
Easy to use, environmentally-friendly, quiet, and low-maintenance, electric pole saws are ideal for everyday gardening use as well as restoring wild gardens that need some taming.
With the best electric pole saw, keeping your garden in great shape is easy, comfortable, safe and affordable!
Published on April 15, 2021 by Gary Clarke
Last Updated on October 4, 2024
Am interested in purchase of 4 metre pole saw. Attracted to Wen 40421 and the Black and decker
GPC 1820L20 – XE.
Of course price is of the essence. My purpose is to prune palm trees.
How can you accommodate my requirement?
Hi Keith,
Thank you for your question. While both pole saws are great options, the Black + Decker is going to be the more costly one. However, the impressive performance, build quality and easy storage makes this extra cost worth it – if it’s in the budget.
It’s also battery-compatible with other Black + Decker 18V tools, which can make it a great option if you have these in your shed or garage. It’s also worth it to consider how often you’re planning on using your pole saw and the kind of work you need it to do.
If you’re going to be using it infrequently on trees, shrubs and hedges that have soft to medium growth, like palm trees, then the WEN is a great option – especially at the price.
If you are going to also be doing more demanding work on tougher trees and shrubs more frequently in addition to the palms, then it’s worth it to consider the Black + Decker instead.
We hope that answers your question.
Gary Clarke