Best Cordless Pole Saws
A good cordless pole saw is an essential tool for any homeowner or professional who often works on tree maintenance. With a cordless pole saw, you can easily prune, trim, or cut overhanging branches without the need for a ladder. This review will dive into the top cordless pole saws of 2023, taking into account their performance, battery life, weight, pole length, and pricing.
Why Choose a Cordless Pole Saw?
Cordless pole saws offer several advantages over their corded and gas-powered counterparts:
- Mobility & Convenience: Without cords to trip over or gas engines to maintain, cordless pole saws are easy to use anywhere in your yard.
- Quiet Operation: They produce much less noise than gas-powered models, making them more pleasant to use and less likely to disturb your neighbors.
- Eco-Friendly: Battery-powered tools don't emit harmful fumes, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Cordless Pole Saw
Battery Life & Power
The battery life of a cordless pole saw determines how long you can use the tool before needing to recharge. If you have a large yard with many trees, you'll want a model with a longer battery life. The power of the battery, measured in volts (V), also affects the saw's cutting capabilities. Look for models with high-voltage batteries for tougher cutting tasks.
Pole Length & Adjustability
The pole length determines how high you can reach with the saw. Some models have fixed-length poles, while others are adjustable. Consider the height of the trees you'll be trimming when choosing a pole length. Adjustable pole saws offer more versatility, as they can be lengthened or shortened based on the task at hand.
Weight
Since you'll be lifting and maneuvering the pole saw, weight is a crucial factor to consider. Lighter models are easier to handle and cause less fatigue, but they may not be as durable or powerful as heavier models.
Bar Length
The bar length refers to the length of the chainsaw blade. Longer bars can cut through thicker branches, but they're also heavier and more difficult to control. Choose a bar length that suits the size of the branches you'll be cutting most often.
Safety Features
Look for models with safety features such as a low-kickback bar and chain, an automatic oiler, and a safety switch to protect against accidental starts.
Our Top Picks 2023:
1. Black+Decker 20V Max Pole Saw
The Black+Decker 20V Max Pole Saw is an excellent choice for homeowners who need to handle light to medium-duty pruning tasks. It comes with a 20V lithium-ion battery that delivers enough power and runtime to handle most pruning tasks around the household.
Its 8-inch cutting bar and chain allow for a maximum cutting diameter of 6 inches, which should be enough for most residential needs. The pole can extend up to 14 feet, giving you ample reach for high branches. At 6.3 pounds, it's also very lightweight, making it easy to control and maneuver.
2. Greenworks Pro 80V 10-inch Brushless Pole Saw
The Greenworks Pro 80V 10-inch Brushless Pole Saw is a powerful machine perfect for homeowners and professionals alike. It features an 80V lithium-ion battery that offers extended runtime and power for handling larger branches and tougher tasks.
The 10-inch bar and chain, coupled with a brushless motor, deliver superior performance and durability. The pole extends up to 9 feet, and the machine weighs in at 12.8 pounds, which is a bit heavier than some other models but understandable given its power.
3. Ryobi One+ 8-inch 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Pole Saw
The Ryobi One+ 8-inch 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Pole Saw is a versatile tool designed for medium-duty tasks. It's compatible with all Ryobi One+ tools, which is a significant advantage if you already have other Ryobi tools at home.
With an 8-inch bar and chain and an automatic oiler, this pole saw ensures smooth operation and longevity. The pole extends up to 9.5 feet, providing a good reach, and the saw weighs 7.4 pounds, making it relatively easy to handle.
4. DeWalt 20V Max XR Pole Saw
The DeWalt 20V Max XR Pole Saw is a robust and reliable tool that delivers impressive performance. It's part of the DeWalt 20V Max system, so if you have other DeWalt tools, you can interchange the batteries.
This pole saw features an 8-inch bar and chain for cutting through branches efficiently. It also has a high-efficiency brushless motor that maximizes runtime and motor life. The pole can extend up to 15 feet, offering excellent reach. It weighs 8.44 pounds, which is manageable for most users.
5. EGO Power+ PSA1000 10-Inch Pole Saw
The EGO Power+ PSA1000 10-Inch Pole Saw is an excellent option for those who need more power. It's compatible with all EGO Power+ ARC Lithium batteries, making it a versatile choice if you have other EGO tools.
Its 10-inch bar and chain, along with an automatic lubrication system, allow for efficient and smooth cutting. The pole extends up to 9 feet, and the saw weighs 11.4 pounds. Despite being heavier than some options, it's still manageable thanks to its ergonomic design.
Conclusion
Choosing the best cordless pole saw depends on your specific needs and preferences. In 2023, these five models stand out due to their performance, battery life, and versatility. Whether you're a homeowner or a professional, there's a suitable option for you. The Black+Decker 20V Max is perfect for lighter tasks, while the Greenworks Pro 80V and EGO Power+ PSA1000 offer more power for tougher jobs. The Ryobi One+ and DeWalt 20V Max XR provide a balance of power, performance, and compatibility with their respective tool systems.