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best-pole-saw

The UK's bestPole Saws2022 Review

Updated: April 19, 2022

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What To Look For in a Pole Saws

In this guide we’ll take a look at the best pole saws.
We’ve compared safety, ease of use, quality and cost
to give you our top recommendations.

What Are The UK's Best Pole Saws?

IMAGE RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSPRODUCT FEATURES
best-pole-saws Bosch Universal Chain Pole 18
Top Pick
Bosch Universal Chain Pole 18
  • Telescopic from 2.1 - 2.6 m
  • Self-lubricating chain
  • Powerful cutting
best-pole-saws eSkde LPCS1 Long Reach Electric Chainsaw/Pruner
eSkde LPCS1 Long Reach Electric Chainsaw/Pruner
  • Adjustable angle head
  • Automatic chain lubrication
  • Long extension
best-pole-saws Makita MM4 Telescopic Pole Chainsaw
Makita MM4 Telescopic Pole Chainsaw
  • Longest extension
  • No need to mix oil
  • 25.5 cm bar saw
best-pole-saws Mitox 28PP Pole Pruner
Mitox 28PP Pole Pruner
  • Two-stroke 25.4 cc engine
  • 7 position head
  • Petrol on a budget
best-pole-saws Greenworks Tools 2000107 Battery Powered Pole Chain Saw
Greenworks Tools 2000107 Battery Powered Pole Chain Saw
  • Aluminium shaft
  • Stores in 3 pieces
  • 20 cm bar saw

Read Our Pole Saw Reviews

B077SZ3FMN
3165140888110
Telescopic from 2.1 - 2.6 m, Self-lubricating chain, Powerful cutting,

Bosch Universal Chain Pole 18

best-pole-saws Bosch Universal Chain Pole 18
FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Telescopic from 2.1 - 2.6 m
  • Self-lubricating chain
  • Powerful cutting
RATING
88
PRICE
Check Price on Amazon

Bosch Universal Chain Pole 18 Review

Part of Bosch’s 18 V universal battery range, this Universal ChainPole 18 is a cordless telescopic pruner that can easily cut through branches up to 15 cm in diameter.

For the majority of standard gardens, this tool will be sufficient for most cutting jobs including tackling apple trees, blackthorn and even conifer trunks. The saw itself is 15 cm long and the chain has 33 drive links which deliver a lot of cutting force.

No battery or charger come included, but if you already have Bosch tools in the same range then this won’t be a problem. If not, they need to be bought separately; however, this could still be a smart purchase if you intend to buy more Bosch tools from the ‘Universal’ range.

When used with a 2.5 Ah battery, the saw gives at least 20 minutes cutting time. Realistically, it can achieve more than this, but it’s hard not to need a rest after 20 minutes. Although it’s not overly heavy tool, at 3.6 kg (with the pole, chain and battery attached), it’s still difficult to hold for long periods.

On the plus side, whilst you take a break, the battery can be put back on the charger for a boost. According to Bosch, this pruner can make 55 cuts of 7.5 cm in diameter on one charge.

The pole can extend from 2.1 – 2.6 m which makes it a good length for pruning a lot of different trees and hedges without the need for a stepladder. It’s also possible to manually adjust the angle of the pruning saw through 120° so you can reach different branches whilst still standing on the ground.

As with any telescopic tool, when fully extended it is slightly less balanced and harder to hold. The battery is held in the head of the pruner which naturally makes it a little heavy. In in some ways, this can assist with cutting – if you rest the saw on the top of a branch, the weight can pull the saw through.

Bosch have installed a self-lubricating system for the chain, with an oil reservoir at the top. 60 ml of oil comes included with the machine; this is enough to get started but you will likely need more even before the battery has run out of charge.

Overall, this is one of the best pole saws because it’s telescopic, powerful enough for standard gardens and allows a lot of work to be done on one charge. Plus, it’s more manageable than a petrol model; it’s half the weight of the Makita Telescopic Pole Chainsaw featured on this page.

Pros

  • Cuts through branches up to 15 cm in diameter
  • Can help save money if you already have a battery and charger from the Bosch 'Universal' range
  • Battery holds charge well for completing most pruning jobs
  • Pole extends from 2.1 - 2.6 m so no ladder is required
  • Pruner head can rotate through 120° making it easier to comfortably cut different branches

Cons

  • Bare unit - no battery or charger included so these will need to be purchased separately if you don't already own them
  • Oil tank for lubricating chain needs to be topped up relatively regularly
  • Heavy enough to get tiring after approximately 20 minutes
  • When fully extended it's not very well balanced
Check Price on Amazon
B01H3W6QRS
0757450554606
Adjustable angle head, Automatic chain lubrication, Long extension,

eSkde LPCS1 Long Reach Electric Chainsaw/Pruner

best-pole-saws eSkde LPCS1 Long Reach Electric Chainsaw/Pruner
FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Adjustable angle head
  • Automatic chain lubrication
  • Long extension
RATING
93
PRICE
Check Price on Amazon

eSkde LPCS1 Long Reach Electric Chainsaw/Pruner Review

Offering good value for money, the eSkde LPCS1 Long Reach Chainsaw/Pruner is a powerful mains-powered pruning saw that works very well despite its inexpensive price tag.

If you’re after a reliable, simple tool (without breaking the bank), this is a great option to consider.

It runs at 600 W and connects to the mains using a 10 m power cable. Although a suitable length for smaller gardens, in medium/large spaces you’ll need an extension. The upside of a mains-powered saw is that there’s no battery to have to stop and charge – a plus for longer jobs.

Capable of cutting through branches up to 8 cm in diameter, the eSkde is robust and solid. Without requiring much additional force, it will cut through branches using its own weight once in position. The telescopic handle extends from 2.3 – 2.9 m (making it longer than Bosch’s Universal ChainPole) meaning you can leave the stepladder in the shed – there’s no need to lug it around whilst pruning anymore (phew!).

At approximately 4.75 kg, this is a relatively heavy tool – especially after holding it for a while. It’s easier to use in an upright position, as opposed to at an angle in front of you (this can make it a lot harder to manage). Even so, it may feel a bit unwieldy for some gardeners.

There is a small amount of adjustability in the cutting angle, so the saw can be positioned at 0°, 15° or 30°.

The chain is self-lubricating and a small amount of oil is supplied, but be prepared to buy more because it doesn’t last long at all – this is quite an oil-hungry machine!

Considering its price, construction and capabilities, this is one of the best pole saws to buy if you’re after value for money – it will manage standard garden pruning and is also fitted with a high-quality 30.5 cm (12”) Oregon bar and chain.

Pros

  • Bright orange highlights mean it can be easily spotted if left in the garden
  • Takes under 30 minutes to assemble and set up
  • Cuts through branches up to 8 cm in diameter
  • Generous 10 m cable is long enough to be used in some gardens without an extension
  • Creates clean, smooth cuts

Cons

  • At 4.75 kg, this pole saw can be quite heavy to manage
  • Only a small amount of chain oil comes with the saw so you’ll need to purchase more
  • In medium/large gardens and extension cable will be required which can be a little inconvenient and hazardous
Check Price on Amazon
B00LA60Q0W
0088381666848,3665733013221,5050245124639,0604310254650
Longest extension, No need to mix oil, 25.5 cm bar saw,

Makita MM4 Telescopic Pole Chainsaw

best-pole-saws Makita MM4 Telescopic Pole Chainsaw
FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Longest extension
  • No need to mix oil
  • 25.5 cm bar saw
RATING
100
PRICE
Check Price on Amazon

Makita MM4 Telescopic Pole Chainsaw Review

Coming from a well-known brand for petrol-powered tools, the Makita MM4 Telescopic Pole Chainsaw is a powerful, hardwearing pruner with a large 25.5 cm bar saw.

As you might imagine, being a petrol machine, it’s an all-round ‘beefier’ tool than the mains- and battery-powered models on this list. We might as well get the biggest negative out of the way first – it’s heavy, at 7.2 kg.

Nevertheless, with this weight comes a powerful 25.4 cc four-stroke engine and a large bar saw that can be used to cut through thicker branches. It’s also one of the best pole saws if you need to reach particularly tall trees – it has a huge maximum reach of 3.9 m. Of course, this can be difficult to manage (especially because of the weight) for long periods, but it does mean that the Makita Telescopic Pole Chainsaw can be used for a huge range of pruning jobs.

The full telescopic range of the pruner is 2.7 – 3.9 m.

Being a four-stroke engine, there’s no need to pre-mix the fuel and oil. It simply requires neat, unleaded petrol and starts easily with minimal effort required on the recoil pull cord.

Given that Makita produce cheaper petrol tools that some of the more premium brands on the market (such as Stihl), their machines offer a good compromise between performance and quality. This Makita MM4 Chainsaw may not offer quite as much power, but it’s still extremely capable and useful.

Pros

  • Very long extension, extending from 2.7 - 3.9 m - great for taller trees
  • Four-stroke engine takes unleaded petrol and doesn't require fuel to be pre-mixed and measured which saves time
  • Large 25.5 cm bar saw is capable of tackling thicker branches
  • Good value for money when comparing performance and cost

Cons

  • Very heavy at 7.2 kg which may be too difficult for some gardeners to manage
  • May not be the best model for those new to pole saws due to the power and weight
  • Due to its long extension, may be difficult to control
Check Price on Amazon
B076X6RQHT
5060366211798
Two-stroke 25.4 cc engine, 7 position head, Petrol on a budget,

Mitox 28PP Pole Pruner

best-pole-saws Mitox 28PP Pole Pruner
FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Two-stroke 25.4 cc engine
  • 7 position head
  • Petrol on a budget
RATING
98
PRICE
Check Price on Amazon

Mitox 28PP Pole Pruner Review

If your garden is starting to resemble an overgrown forest, with a mess of long overlapping branches fighting for space, the petrol-powered Mitox 28PP Pole Pruner can help get it back under control.

This pruner is available on the lower-end of the price scale for petrol tools and its design reflects this. Although it’s not the most powerful tool, it’s one of the best pruning saws if you’re on a budget and still want a petrol machine. Its two-stroke 25.4 cc engine is capable of delivering a clean cut and will tackle the majority of pruning jobs in the garden.

Fitted with a 25.4 cm (10”) bar saw and chain by Oregon, this pruner has quality components that give it an overall well-made feel.

Instead of having a telescopic pole like the other pruning saws featured on this list, the Mitox 28PP has an optional 1 m ‘extension pole’ which can be used to make the tool’s reach longer. With the pole in place, the pruning saw extends to over 3 m, making it one of the longest pole saws featured here.

There are seven adjustable positions for the saw’s head, so there’s no need to work at uncomfortable or awkward angles. All of this helps with making it easier to complete pruning from ground level, instead of having to use steps or ladders – which is a definite bonus!

As you might expect with a petrol-powered machine, this pole saw is relatively heavy. However, it has a lightweight aluminium shaft which helps keep the weight down slightly; it weighs 6.1 kg overall which can be difficult for some gardeners to manage. There is a single-strap harness included to help distribute some of the weight.

As with the other pruners featured here, there is an automatic chain-lubrication system to make sure the saw remains well oiled. However, you will have to supply your own oil.

Pros

  • Can trim branches up to 5m away with no need to compromise your safety on a ladder
  • Aluminium shaft makes the pole saw lighter than some other petrol models
  • Relatively low price but still reasonable quality and performance makes this a good petrol machine to buy on a budget
  • Can reach majority of branches in garden meaning no need for ladder

Cons

  • At 6.1 kg this pruning saw may be too heavy for some users
  • More unwieldy once extension pole is fitted
  • Less length range than other pole saws as not telescopic - 1 m extension pole can be added in
Check Price on Amazon
B00LAE4KI8
6952909002125
Aluminium shaft, Stores in 3 pieces, 20 cm bar saw,

Greenworks Tools 2000107 Battery Powered Pole Chain Saw

best-pole-saws Greenworks Tools 2000107 Battery Powered Pole Chain Saw
FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Aluminium shaft
  • Stores in 3 pieces
  • 20 cm bar saw
RATING
97
PRICE
Check Price on Amazon

Greenworks Tools 2000107 Battery Powered Pole Chain Saw Review

Uncomplicated and easy to use, this Greenworks Electric Pole Saw is a great choice for amateur gardeners and anyone looking to tidy up their garden.

A 24 V battery and charger come included, so there are no separate purchases needed (and no risk of buying the wrong type of battery!). The battery is also compatible with several other 24 V tools from Greenworks, which is worth bearing in mind if you’re currently looking for a few new gadgets for the shed.

With a 20 cm cutting saw, this pole pruner can cut through branches up to 15 cm in diameter. Realistically speaking, this is likely all you’ll need when pruning in a standard garden. One downside to this tool is that it doesn’t have an adjustable head, so you can’t easily prune at different angles whilst holding the pole upright, which you can do with the other pole pruners on this list.

Although not telescopic, the Greenworks Pole Saw does have an extendable aluminium shaft – it requires a pole to be inserted to create the extension. At its shortest length, the pole saw measures 1.5 m; with the extension pole in place, it measures 2.4 m.

This also means that the whole tool can be divided into three pieces, all less than 1 m long, in order to help with storage and/or transportation of the machine.

Unlike most of the pole saws on this list, this model has a moulded handle which is easy to hold onto. On top of this, it has additional forearm support (creating a place where you can rest your arm whilst working), and a shoulder harness included, to help improve control over the pruner.

There’s also no need to apply excessive force on the saw to get it to cut, as it pulls itself easily through most branches. These factors make it simple to use, and comfortable to support. Because of this, it’s one of the best pole saws for those looking for an easy way to prune their garden, and also those who are new to pruning.

Pros

  • Battery powered so relatively easy to use and lightweight
  • Easy and straightforward to use
  • Can cut through branches up to 15 cm in diameter
  • Splits into three parts which can help with storage and transportation
  • Battery holds charge well between uses

Cons

  • Extendable, but not telescopic so less choice of lengths than some other pole saws
  • Can feel unwieldy when used with extension pole, especially for those who lack upper body strength
Check Price on Amazon

How to Choose the Best Pole Saw

Although most gardeners are familiar with the uses and benefits of a chainsaw, smaller pole saws are often overlooked. You’ll likely be able to get through the majority of your pruning jobs using just a pole saw, and you won’t need a ladder or large chainsaw to do it.

There are a range of pole saws on the market, some of which are more suited to certain tasks than others. If you’re not sure what to look for, the following information will help you choose the best pole saw.

Benefits of a Pole Saw

You might be wondering why you’d bother buying a pole saw in the first place, especially if you’ve already got a standard pruning saw.

Pole saws, especially motorised ones, greatly save time and energy. You won’t waste time having to move or adjust a ladder in the garden because when you use a pole saw, you can use it from ground level. Pole saws have long or extendable handles which means they can be used to tackle tall branches.

There are a number of additional benefits that come from investing in a pole saw:

  • An adjustable handle length means you can tackle several branches of the same tree whilst standing in the same position. You simply have to retract or extend the shaft.
  • They tend to be quieter than chainsaws
  • They’re designed to be easy to use, and keep the saw much further away from you than it would be with a chainsaw.

Different Types of Pole Saw

Pole saws are available in two basic types, powered by either powered electricity or petrol. There are battery-powered, mains-powered and petrol-powered pole saws. There are also manual pole saws which don’t have a motor; these will be covered at the end of this section.

Petrol-Powered Pole Saw

Petrol pole saws are serious tools, suitable for tough pruning jobs. Although the branch diameter that they can cut through will depend on the size of the cutting bar, petrol pole saws can generally tackle larger branches than other types of pole saw.

Pros of a petrol-powered pole saw:
  • Heavy duty and very powerful.
  • Often suitable for professional landscapers and experienced gardeners.
  • Offer full mobility – no cable to cut through or limit where you are able to go in the garden.
  • Can be used for long periods in between fuel refills.
Cons of a petrol-powered pole saw:
  • Often too powerful for inexperienced users.
  • Tend to be very heavy which (especially combined with an extended handle) can make them difficult to support and control.
  • You’ll need to spend time prepping the machine before you use it, as well as carry out routine maintenance checks on the engine. With electric models this tends to be less time consuming.

Mains-Powered Pole Saw

Mains-powered pole saws are often relatively lightweight. In fact, they can even be lighter than battery-powered pole saws because there’s no additional battery weight. Sometimes this can help them be easier to manage – they’re lighter than petrol pole saws and better balanced than battery-powered ones (battery-powered pole saws often have the motor and battery positioned at the saw-end of the tool).

Pros of a mains-powered pole saw:
  • A good middle ground between petrol and battery powered saws in terms of power.
  • Very manageable and often lighter than petrol saws.
  • Can be better balanced than battery-powered saws because there’s no battery to support.
  • No limit on how long they can be used for.
Cons of a mains-powered electric pole saw:
  • You are limited by the length of cable, unless you purchase an extension cable separately. Not the best option for large gardens.
  • It is easy to accidentally slice through the cable.

Battery-Powered Pole Saws

Battery-powered pole saws are some of the easiest to set up and use. There’s no need for extension cables or risk of trailing wires. There’s also none of the maintenance involved with petrol-powered machines. If you buy a pole saw from a brand that you already own tools from, you can check to see if the batteries are compatible and interchangeable. This is a good way to save money as you could buy just the bare tool (without a battery or charger).

Pros of a battery-powered pole saw:
  • You are not restricted by cables – it can be used anywhere in the garden and there’s no danger that you’ll cut through the cable.
  • Both cordless and lightweight (unlike petrol models which are cordless but heavy).
  • Cheaper than petrol pole saws.
Cons of a battery-powered pole saw:
  • You have a finite period of time before the battery runs out.
  • Tougher tasks – like thicker branches – can make the battery drain faster.
  • Not always very well balanced because the battery and motor are located by the saw head.

Manual Pole Saws

These are much cheaper than any of the motorised pole saws mentioned above. They are essentially a standard pole saw, attached to a pole to give extra height. These can work well on sturdy, hard branches, but a lot of physical effort is required to move the saw back and forth. Also, it is vital to get the right angle for sawing (which isn’t always easy even when working with a standard pruning saw!).

Manual pole saws are worth being aware of, but they’re not very versatile because they only work on strong branches. If the branch has too much flex or movement, it will be hard to achieve the traction necessary to saw the branch.

So Which is the Best Pole Saw to Buy?

If you have a lot of thicker branches to cut (12 cm +), you may need a larger, more powerful petrol pole saw. However, be aware that these often weigh over 7 kg which can be hard to manage. A lighter mains-powered pole saw could also be a good option, although it may take longer to cut through the branch. When buying a mains-powered pole saw it’s important to check what the manufacturer has cited as the maximum cutting diameter – overworking the motor could cause it to cut out.

A battery-powered pruner will be suitable for the majority of standard pruning jobs. They shouldn’t be overlooked. Especially as many models are also capable of cutting branches 10 cm +. Just remember that the battery won’t last as long if faced with a lot of tough jobs.

Selecting the Best Bar Length for Your Pole Saw

‘Bar length’ refers to the length of the saw head. The length of bar will determine the size of log or branch which can be cut. A pole saw with a shorter bar can be used to cut large pieces of wood, but you’ll have to approach it from several angles.

The downside of a longer bar is that it can be harder to control.

For pole chainsaws, it’s safest to tackle branches in one smooth cut. Therefore, you should always opt for a bar that’s longer than the size of branch you are attempting to cut. If you’re trying to cut a lot of branches over 15 cm, you’re entering chainsaw country.

Weight Directly Impacts Ease of Use

When operating a pole saw you have to support the pole whilst cutting high above you. A chainsaw positioned on a pole 1 m away from you will feel twice as heavy as one held close to your body.

Petrol-powered pole saws often weigh in excess of 7 kg.

Mains-powered pole saws tend to weigh between 4 – 5 kg.

Battery-powered pole saws can weigh around 4 – 6 kg.

If you can’t support the weight of the pole saw, don’t get one. It’s important to be fully in control of such a powerful machine. Many units come with harnesses or shoulder straps which can help distribute the weight better and make the machine more manageable. Look out for these, or consider buying a harness separately to make your life easier.

Pole Saw FAQs

Do I need a licence for a petrol-powered pole saw? 

In the UK, you don’t need a licence for a petrol chainsaw if you’re not a professional. However, you may still need to complete a course to prove you are able to safely operate the machine. If you don’t feel comfortable using any type of chainsaw, consider going on a course anyway, even if it isn’t mandatory – you’ll be able to use the tools much more safely and competently afterwards.  

Chainsaws should not be used by anyone under the age of 16. 

How can I make sure I’m safely operating my pole saw?

The first step when it comes to safely operating your chain saw is to wear the right clothing. Protective clothing such as ear defenders and a helmet are essential. This is especially critical with petrol-powered pole saws which can be very loud.

You should wear sturdy shoes with good grip, and avoid loose trailing clothing.

Ensure you have a clear working space, and don’t reach so far with the pole saw that you lose your balance. You should always have two feet on the ground and a strong stance.

Finally, ensure your pole saw is well maintained. Keep the chain sharp and fix any issues before using the machine again.

Why is my pole saw not cutting? 

The most common reason your pole saw may not be cutting is that the chain may not have the right amount of tension. If the adjustment screw is loose, the chain won’t make strong enough contact with the wood. If the chain is too tight, it may not rotate at the proper speed and the chain may not cut properly. 

You may also need to sharpen or replace the cutting chain. Ideally, this should never be allowed to become blunt. Check to see if the teeth are broken or unevenly worn. If you hear any rattling while your pole saw is in use, this is another indication that the chain needs looking at.

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About Your Guide

  • Harry Duncton

    Harry Duncton is a jack of all trades with experience ranging from carpentry and furniture restoration to tree surgery and gardening. Happiest when found in his shed, he hopes his daughter will find a passion for making things as well.
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