A pole saw is a power tool, which is mostly used to prune over-the-head tree branches and limbs. It comes in the form of a chainsaw, which is attached to a long pole.
With pole saws, they come in two different categories, gas-powered and electric models. Gas-powered pole saws are generally powered by gasoline, whereas electric models can be battery-powered or run on electricity.
One common thing about the gas pole saw and battery pole saw is that they both are cordless. So, between these two cordless pole saws, which one is perfect for you?
We will discuss the two models in this article to help you decide which one you should go for. Let’s get on with it, shall we?
Table of Contents
Gas Pole Saw
Any professional would straight out pick a gas-powered pole saw for handling their projects. But why is that so? Generally, gas pole saws can easily handle the high demanding projects like huge branches and trunks of trees.
You can also use a gas-powered pole saw in bulk projects like pruning and trimming a large number of trees. Due to its massive power output, it will save you time and effort.
Major Drawbacks of a Gas Pole Saw;
Nevertheless, the great power output of the gas-powered saw comes with a drawback. It has a high noise production that will be unpleasant and even dangerous to your ears. This is why you will need to use the gas pole saw with earmuffs.
Furthermore, they emit fumes that are unhealthy to the environment. You will also need to refill the saw frequently with gasoline. This calls you to have enough supply of gas around you if you will be working for a long time.
Battery Pole Saw
With a battery-powered pole saw, they will run on rechargeable batteries. They are the ones that everyone knows as cordless pole saws.
These types of pole saws are lightweight and quite easy to operate. You can use the battery pole saw to cut through 8-inch to 9-inch thick limbs of a tree. The results are usually very satisfying.
They don’t release harmful gas or smoke when running, which means that they are quite eco-friendly.
Major Drawbacks of a Battery Pole Saw;
Even with their cordless nature, the battery-powered pole saws have their drawbacks. First off, they don’t possess enough power to handle demanding jobs. So, they would make good picks for homeowners and DIY artists.
Besides that, they cannot handle a prolonged project, especially since most batteries run for 30 or 40 minutes. These models also tend to be more expensive than other types of pole saws.
Gas vs Battery Pole Saw: Which One Is Better?
Here are some points to help you choose the right pole saw for you;
Power/Cutting Ability
The gas-powered model happens to have an upper hand in terms of the power output. Its cutting ability is tremendous, which is why most professionals will go for a gas-powered pole saw. If you need to cut thick limbs and tree trunks, a gas-powered model should be the right choice for you.
Conversely, a battery pole saw can cut up to 9 inches of tree branches. It is no match for the gas pole saw that has a terrific cutting ability.
Purpose of Use
If you intend to cut through thick timber, we’d point you in the direction of the gas-powered pole saw. It happens to be more efficient for such projects.
But if you only need a pole saw for handling your home garden and the minor projects around your home, there’s no crime in going for the battery-powered pole saw. This model can easily handle the trimming and pruning jobs in your garden.
Durability
Too many people would immediately say that the gas-powered pole saw is more durable, but that’s not the case, really.
The durability of a power tool is based on two major things; the material used in it, and how it is put together. With the pole saws, their durability will vary from brand to brand.
A gas-powered pole saw has a massive power output, which makes it vibrate a lot. This can then damage the motor. But you can avoid that by purchasing a vibration control extension. But another way of avoiding all that is by going for a battery pole saw, which runs with minimal vibrations.
Ease of Use
As long as you know the techniques and tips of cutting tree trunks, timbers, or other parts of the tree, you can easily work around a pole saw. Nevertheless, gas pole saws will require more skills and experience to handle. The gas-powered models will time and again kickback, which will require a professional to work with them.
On the other hand, a battery-powered pole saw is very friendly to beginners. They can be used by both professionals and amateurs since they don’t require a lot of skills and experience to control and operate.
Cost-Effectiveness
Gas-powered pole saws are generally cheaper than battery pole saws. But you will be required to constantly buy fuel and pay for its maintenance. Conversely, battery-powered models are costly, but they will save you operation and maintenance costs in the long run.
FAQs
Q. Can I Use a Pole Saw on a Ladder?
Ans. Pole saws come with long poles that let you reach the overhead branches. If you still cannot reach the high branches on the tree, DO NOT use a ladder. Instead, call a professional.
Q. Can a Pole Saw cut down large trees?
Ans. Most powerful pole saws will cut tree limbs that are between 12 and 15 inches in diameter. But for the professional-grade pole saws, they can bring down large tree limbs of between 20 and 25 inches. However, they are best handled by professionals.
Final Words
Now that you are ready to purchase a cordless pole saw, which one should you go for? Both the gas and battery pole saws are durable and efficient. However, gas-powered models are best suited for professionals. But for a homeowner and DIY artist, a battery-powered model should serve you well. Some manual pole saws are capable enough to handle the project for you.