If you’ve ever used a chainsaw and wished it had more reach, then you know why people invented pole pruners. Also called pole saws, these power tools are basically a small chainsaw mounted on a long pole with a motor or engine at the other side.
Pole pruners make it easier and safer to cut tree branches that are out of reach with a regular chainsaw. You can keep your feet safely on the ground while cutting, rather than climbing up on a ladder or into a tree. They’re a must-have tool for professional arborists and landscapers who maintain large numbers of properties. Homeowners with large properties to maintain and many trees to prune may also find them a useful addition to their tool collection.
Consider the Power Source
As with other outdoor power equipment, picking a power source is one of the big decisions you’ll need to make when purchasing a new pole pruner. Do you want a battery-powered tool or a gasoline-powered tool?
Gasoline is the traditional option, but modern battery-powered tools are a solid alternative. Lithium-ion battery technology has come a long way since the first battery-powered tools hit the market. In many cases, they can deliver cutting performance just as powerful as comparable gasoline-powered tools.
Professional-grade gasoline-powered tools can be more powerful than tools with a battery motor. They are also easier to refuel, especially if you’re moving between job sites. Battery-powered tools have no engine emissions, quieter operation, and less maintenance needs. Keeping multiple batteries on hand and having a way to recharge them while on the go can fix the potential issues with refueling.
You can also find corded electric pole pruners. For these, use is limited by the presence of electrical outlets and the reach of cords. They can be a good choice for homeowners, though, who want to use the saw close to their house. Other options sold as “pole saws” or “pole pruners” are manual pole saws and pole pruners, which are hand-powered and work well for light cutting jobs.
Think About Cutting Bar Length and Cutting Heads
As with chainsaws, the general rule of thumb is that you want your cutting bar to be about 2 inches longer than the width of the widest branch you’re planning to cut. A typical pole pruner has a cutting bar length of 8 to 12 inches, though some professional gasoline-powered pole saws go up to 14 inches.
Most pole pruners have a fixed position for the cutting head. Some, though, offer adjustable angle cutting heads. That can be a big help when you’re trying to cut branches that are high up in a tree, possibly with other branches getting in the way. If you do a lot of cutting, keep an eye out for models that offer adjustable angle cutting heads.
Pay Attention to Reach and Weight
When you buy a pole saw, the specifications will include the overall length of the saw. If you purchase a pole pruner attachment for a multi-tool powerhead, then you might be able to pair that with a shaft extender for extra reach (this will depend on the exact model’s specifications).
The saw’s specifications might also include a measure for “working height,” which includes the pole pruner’s length plus the user’s expected arm reach. A lighter-weight pole saw can have a longer working height than one that’s the exact same length, but heavier.
If you’re not an arborist and have limbs that are too thick or too high off the ground to cut safely with a pole pruner, it’s time to hire a professional arborist. They have the training and equipment to safely cut hard-to-reach tree limbs.
Remember Safety Tips
As with other power tools, it’s important to be mindful of safety when you’re shopping for and using pole pruners. With pole pruners, safety is particularly important because you’re using them to cut tree limbs high off the ground. You’ll need to be careful about controlling the tool and where the branches will drop.
If possible, go to a dealer in person so you can try handling different pole pruners. You want one that’s light enough to lift and use easily and that feels balanced in your hands. That will make it easier for you to use and control the pole saw while you’re cutting.
When you’re cutting with a pole pruner, wear eye goggles, a hard hat, gloves, work boots, hearing protection, and snug-fitting clothes that won’t get snagged. When you’re cutting branches, make sure that you stay clear of power lines and any other electrical equipment in the area. Also, never stand directly under the branches you’re cutting, and keep other people clear of the work location.
Look at Your Brand Options
Here at Richardson Saw, we carry STIHL and Echo pole pruners. STIHL is a well-established, reliable brand known for crafting quality chainsaws, and their pole pruners are just as reliable. If you’re in the market for professional-grade pole pruners with outstanding features, check out the STIHL tools.
Echo also makes professional-quality pole pruners, and their homeowner pole pruner often appears on lists of the best pole pruners available. Popular Mechanics’s article “The Best Pole Saws for 2024” lists the Echo PPF-225 as the best gasoline-powered pole pruner. Echo also appears on The Spruce’s list of “The 11 Best Pole Saws of 2024.”
Richardson Saw & Lawnmower is a STIHL Platinum® Dealer and an ECHO Signature dealer. We’re experts on these brands, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help you find a pole pruner that meets your exact cutting needs. Stop by our location in Richardson, TX to see the pole saws in person and chat with a power equipment expert.
