Top 5 Different Types of Pole Saws [Features, Advantages & Uses]

As an Amazon Associate I Earn From Qualifying Purchases.

When it comes to pruning projects, a pole saw is the ultimate tool you should go for. As most people know, a pole saw comes with a long pole that has a blade attached to the end. This will then allow you to make vertical cuts on the high branches.

There are different types of pole saws out there, and before you even thinking of purchasing the gas pole saw or the manual pole saw, you need to understand the available types.

That being said, here are the common types of pole saws;

5 Different Types of Pole Saws

A pole saw is a saw that is attached to a long pole. Even though they come in different types, every pole saw bears the same purpose. Nevertheless, their delivery differs from one to the other.

They will also come with different anatomy altogether. 

For example, a manual saw only has a pole and blade, while a gas-powered model will have a bar and chain, pole, engine, pull cord, trigger, and more. Some, like the hydraulic pole saw, are too complicated, which is why it is mostly used by professionals. 

That being said, let’s take a deeper look at different types of pole saws, shall we?

1. Manual Pole Saw

This the oldest and simplest type of pole saw available out there. Even with that, the saw is very strong and tends to be reliable compared to the other models. The anatomy of a manual pole saw only involves a long pole, with a blade hooked up at the extreme end. There are no switches or triggers.

You will need to use your own strength and effort to cut through branches and twigs. They don’t need any maintenance, and they happen to be the easiest to maintain. Plus, you don’t need to worry about any operation noise when working with these pole saws.

Jameson FG-6PKG-7 FG-Series Manual Pole Saw and Tree Pruner with Two 6-Foot Fiberglass Poles

Key Features

  • Comes with a simple pole and blade at the very end
  • The saw blade has big teeth
  • Pole length ranges between 6 and 10 feet
  • Operated manually 
  • Lightweight yet sturdy design

Check More Photos & Price On Amazon.com

Main Advantages

  • Doesn’t require electricity or gas to run
  • Can be used in the most remote situations
  • Big teeth blade offers quick cutting experiences
  • Best pick for small gardens or yards
  • Simple and easy to use

2. Electric/Corded Pole Saw

For homeowners, the electric pole saws are the most popular models. It is also known as a corded pole saw because they come with a cord that is plugged into a power outlet for it to start running. Since the power cord is usually too short, you will need to use an electric pole saw with an extension cord.

They cannot be used where there is no access to an electricity source. Which is the major drawback. But on the flipside, they can be very reliable, as long as there is no power outage.

Sun Joe SWJ802E 9 FT 6.5 Amp Electric Pole Chain Saw with Adjustable Head, Green

Key Features

  • They run on electricity
  • They can cut limbs that are 8 to 9 inches thick
  • Super-lightweight design
  • Come with a pole that is up to 10 feet tall
  • They come with cords
  • Feature an oil chamber for lubricating the blade and chain

Check More Photos & Price On Amazon.com

Main Advantages

  • They are most reliable for handling prolonged projects
  • They can cut branches that are up to 15 feet high
  • Easy to use
  • They can be adjusted easily without the need for a tool
  • Most of them come with an auto-lubrication system for keeping the blade and chain well oiled

3. Cordless Pole Saws

This is the direct opposite of the corded model. In truth, it is basically an electric pole saw, but this one runs on rechargeable batteries. The batteries will need to be juiced up before the initial use, and after using it for a while. Generally, the cordless pole saws will need to be charged for like an hour before you get back to pruning. You can use this time to take a break.

Battery-operated pole saws don’t have annoying operation noise, but they also don’t have enough power to handle heavy-duty projects.

Greenworks 40V 8' Polesaw + Pole Hedge, 2.0Ah Battery (Gen 1)

Key Features

  • Runs on rechargeable batteries
  • Lighter than gas-powered models but heavier than electric models
  • Feature an automatic blade oiling system

Check More Photos & Price On Amazon.com

Main Advantages

  • Run with less noise
  • Highly portable without the limitation of cords
  • Best suited for handling small yards or small trees

4. Gas-Powered Pole Saw

If you have a large garden or you need to handle larger trees, a gas-powered pole saw should be the way to go. Most professionals go for gas-powered pole saws. This is because they are designed to easily handle almost any project you throw at them. They come with an engine and run on gasoline. In turn, they will be very noisy during operation, but very powerful as well to easily handle heavy-duty projects.

You will need to wear earmuffs when working with a gas-powered model. Also, they do require some maintenance for them to run smoothly.

No products found.

Key Features

  • They run on gasoline
  • Heaviest of all other types of pole saws
  • Starts by pulling a cord onboard
  • You can change the speed of the blade with the switch onboard
  • Lubrication of the blade is done manually
  • They are powered by an engine, which can be loud during operation

Check More Photos & Price On No products found.

Main Advantages

  • They can cut down small to medium trees
  • Very powerful 
  • They can handle any pruning project
  • Used by professionals for heavy-duty projects or for other tree pruning services
  • It is not limited to a power cord, which offers you the freedom to move around
  • They can cut trees of up to 12 feet high

5. Hydraulic Pole Saw

This is another type of pole saw that is mostly used by professionals. You can find professionals using them when working on roadside trees, forests, or other large farms. It is fair to say that they are the next alternative to gas-powered pole saws.

These ones run on hydraulics and will be installed on compatible skid steers and tractors. Since they can also be used around live power lines, they will come with a non-conductive fiberglass pole for safety purposes. They are generally lightweight in design but are meant to tackle heavy-duty projects.

Limbinator Hydraulic Saw, Model Number LS8

Key Features

  • Lightweight but the heavy-duty design
  • They run on hydraulics
  • Can be installed on compatible skid steers and tractors 
  • They normally come with a non-conductive fiberglass pole
  • Features a pistol grip with safety trigger lock with insulated handles
  • Come with a gear motor 

Check More Photos & Price On Amazon.com

Main Advantages

  • They are meant to handle the heavy-duty projects
  • They are easily portable
  • Bar length can be 16inches or longer
  • They can cut large tree limbs
  • Specifically used by professionals for clearing forest trees, street trees, or other large trees

Safety Tips for Using a Pole Saw

Here are some of the basic safety tips you need to apply when working with a pole saw.

Gear Up

Some of the must-have safety gear includes a helmet, safety goggles, and earmuffs. The earmuffs are a must if you will be using gas-powered models.

Inspect the Area Before You Start Working

Check that there are no overhead power lines, and ensure that you are working on a clear day. The weather should not be windy or rainy.

Avoid Working in the Dark

It goes without saying that working in the dark is very risky if you are working with any power tool.

Ensure the Pole is in a Good Condition

Check that every part of the pole saw is in good condition. It should be well oiled, and the teeth should not be worn out or missing.

Avoid Cutting Directly Over You

Ensure that there is some room for the branch to fall down when you are cutting them down.

Above all, ensure that you go through the manual, and that has a firm footing whenever you are operating the pole saw. Don’t forget to take regular breaks, especially if you will be working on a prolonged project.

To learn how you use a pole saw you should watch the video.

Final words

Now that you know the different types of pole saws, ensure that you choose one that suits your project needs. Avoid going for the most popular model. Rather, purchase what will serve you accordingly. Remember that safety should always be the priority when working with the saw.

Rate this post

Leave a Comment