Convenient or Useless? Electric Pole Saws

A pole saw is just what it sounds like: a saw attached to the end of an extension pole. What is a pole saw used for? Pole saws are used to trim and remove tree limbs, tall hedges or bushes, shaping topiaries, and pruning/trimming trees. Who can benefit from using a pole saw? Professionals as well as homeowners will find a pole saw useful. A professional can use pole saws in places where a bucket truck would not be feasible. Homeowners can trim their own unwieldy hedges and shrubs without hiring a professional landscaper.

Several companies offer a variety of pole saws from very small to heavy duty.

Reach It Add-A-Pole
This company offers a 1.5 horsepower pole saw with a 14-inch bar. This electric pole saw uses 120V and has low vibration. The six-foot pole sections can be used alone or put together to reach up to 24 feet above you and still be lightweight and sturdy. With a 100 ft. power cord, the pole saw has safety features such as a neck fob remote control and a whistle to alert others to falling debris. The motor can be upgraded to 3.25 horsepower if you need more power for bigger cutting projects.

McCulloch MS1015P
This electric pole saw can be used alone or attached to its 12 ft. extension pole. It is designed to cut small to medium branches. It has a comfortable grip and the trigger and safety switch are easily reached at the bottom of the pole. It is lightweight and has an average noise level. This is perfect for light trimming of branches that are mainly just out of arm’s reach.

Remington
With three sizes to choose from, Remington’s pole saws offer a wide range of power and cutting ability. The smallest model has a 6-inch bar that is said to cut through a 6″ diameter branch. The 8-inch bar can reach 9’8″ and has a 1.5 horsepower motor. Weighing 13 pounds, this pole saw may be able to cut a larger limb, but it could be awkward to hold at full extension, especially for a smaller built operator. The largest model has a 10-inch blade which also comes on a pole that extends 9’8″. Its 8-amp 1.25 horsepower motor is a little more powerful for those medium sized branches to larger branches, but not for huge limbs.

Craftsman
Craftsman is a brand name made exclusively for Sears. Several companies actual have made the tools for the brand name. You can tell which company made the tool based on the prefix of the model number on the older tools. Craftsman offers several chainsaws in varying sizes and prices to fit the needs of numerous customers. One includes a cordless electric pole saw. This battery operated pole saw has a 10 ft. pole and a 5.5″ blade. It is said to be able to cut branches up to 3 inches in diameter. It has a 24-volt battery so that you are not tethered to a power cord. The battery life will allow approximately 40 branches per charge. Some reviews indicate that this one may be too lightweight for branches, but light and balanced enough for lighter jobs like hedges. Craftsman offers a heavier pole saw for bigger jobs if that is what you need.

Pole saws can be convenient ways to avoid climbing to reach limbs out of reach. Make sure that you buy a model that can handle the size of branches you will cut regularly and still be comfortable for you to hold over your head.