Best Power Pole Saws for Trimming Tree Branches
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A power pole saw is a motorized saw on a telescoping pole that lets you cut branches overhead from the ground, without a ladder. Most models in this group run on a battery, a corded electric motor or a gas engine, and the choice affects reach, weight and where you can work. This roundup compares seven power pole saws from current Amazon listings. It uses only the facts those listings state, and it notes where a listing is silent or gives a figure that differs from another part of the same page.
Quick answer
- For cordless convenience with a battery included, the EGO PS1001 listing includes a 56V 2.5Ah battery and charger and gives a reach of up to 13 feet.
- For the longest reach in this group, the Echo PPT-2620 listing gives a shaft that extends to 12.1 feet with a 25.4cc gas engine, and the YardenX listing gives up to 15.5 feet from a 6-foot operator height.
- For corded power and no battery to charge, the Sun Joe and DEKOPRO listings both give an 8 amp motor and a 10 inch bar.
- Check the battery and charger line before buying. Several EGO and Wild Badger listings sell the battery or charger separately, or include only one of them.
How to choose a power pole saw
Start with the power source. A corded model needs an outlet and a long cord that can drag on the ground or catch on branches, but it has no battery to recharge. A battery model is free of cords, but its runtime depends on the pack, and some listings state runtime as a number of cuts rather than minutes. A gas model, such as the Echo listing, gives a long reach and no charging, but it adds a fuel mix and a pull start to your routine.
Next, check the reach. The listings give reach in different ways. Some state the total length of the shaft, and others give the reach at a given operator height. The EGO listings give up to 13 feet, and up to 17 feet with an extension pole sold separately. The Sun Joe listing gives a pole that adjusts from 5.8 to 8 feet for up to 14 feet of overhead reach. The YardenX listing gives 15.5 feet based on a 6-foot operator. A longer reach is useful for high limbs, but a longer pole is heavier at the far end, so check the stated weight.
Then look at the bar and chain. The listings in this group use bars from 4 to 10 inches. A 10 inch bar cuts a wider branch in one pass, and an 8 inch bar is lighter. The Seesii, Wild Badger and YardenX listings give an 8 inch bar, while the EGO, Sun Joe and DEKOPRO listings give a 10 inch bar. Check the maximum branch diameter that each listing states, because the figures are not all the same kind of measurement.
Power source, battery and charging
Battery models in this roundup use several platforms. The EGO PS1001 listing includes a 56V 2.5Ah battery and a 56V charger, and it says the battery gives up to 100 cuts per charge. The EGO PS1000 listing is a bare tool, and it says a recommended 2.5Ah battery is available separately. The Wild Badger 40V listing includes a 2.0Ah battery and charger, and it says the same battery powers other Wild Badger 40V tools. The Seesii listing includes two 21V 4000mAh batteries, and the bullets say each battery lasts up to 50 minutes. The YardenX listing includes two 20V 4000mAh batteries and gives up to 100 minutes of runtime.
The corded models do not need a battery. The Sun Joe listing describes an 8 amp motor, and the DEKOPRO listing describes an 8 amp corded pole saw with a pure copper motor that the listing says reaches up to 6,500 rpm. The Echo gas listing is powered by a 25.4cc two-stroke engine, which the listing title gives. Its bullets say only that it is a great tool at a great price, and the listing does not describe its fuel mix or starting method in detail.
Before buying a battery model, confirm whether the battery and charger are included in the package you are buying. The EGO PS1000 listing states that the battery and charger are not included, and the Wild Badger listing states they are included. Buying a bare tool to use with a battery you already own can be a sensible choice, but check that your battery platform matches the listing.
Shaft, head and cutting capacity
Head design affects how you can reach a branch. The Wild Badger 40V listing describes an angled head that gives a comfortable cutting angle and a removable aluminum extension shaft that the listing says extends reach up to 9.18 feet, with a maximum reach of 12.5 feet. The YardenX listing gives a cutting head that rotates up to 180 degrees with multiple locking positions. The Seesii listing describes an adjustable cutting angle and a pole that extends from 6 to 10 feet. The DEKOPRO listing describes a tool-free extension pole that gives up to 10 feet of reach.
Cutting capacity is listed differently in each product. The Sun Joe listing says it cuts branches up to 9.5 inches thick, with 8.5 inches recommended. The YardenX listing says it cuts branches up to 8 inches thick. The Seesii listing gives an 8 inch guide bar and says it is suitable for small to medium branches and limbs, and it adds that it is designed for routine pruning rather than large tree trunks. The EGO listings say the bar is 10 inches with a quarter-inch pitch and a 0.043-inch gauge chain. The listings do not all give the same kind of branch figure, so compare the bar size with the branch sizes you cut most often.
Weight and balance
Weight is listed for some models and not others. The EGO PS1001 specs give 9.4 pounds. The DEKOPRO bullets give 10 pounds. The Seesii listing gives 7.2 pounds as a pole saw and 3.6 pounds as a mini chainsaw, and says it is 30 percent lighter than gas saws. The Sun Joe listing does not give a weight in its bullets or specs. The Echo listing does not give a weight. The Wild Badger 40V and YardenX listings do not state a weight in the material available here.
Weight matters most at full reach. A pole saw that is light at the saw head can still tire your arms when the pole is fully extended. Shoulder straps and an adjustable handle help, and several listings mention them. The EGO PS1001 listing includes a shoulder strap hook, the Wild Badger listing describes a shoulder strap, and the YardenX listing describes an automatic oiling system and a tool-free chain tension system.
Safety features and maintenance
Several listings describe safety features. The DEKOPRO listing describes a dual-button start that requires pressing two buttons at the same time. The Seesii listing gives a list of eight items that it calls safety features, including a security lock, safety baffles, a control handle, a reinforced pole, an anti-slip handle, a shoulder strap, gloves and goggles. The Seesii kit list says gloves and goggles are included. The Wild Badger listing describes an auto-lubrication system and a tool-free tension adjustment. The YardenX listing describes an automatic oiling system and a tool-free chain tensioning system.
The listings do not give a complete safety manual, and no listing here addresses working near power lines. If a branch is near a power line, the listings do not cover that situation. Ask a qualified arborist or the utility company before cutting. Wear eye and hand protection, keep people and pets out of the drop zone, and stand on firm ground. The EGO listing states that the chain is tensioned without tools, which makes routine adjustment easier, but a chain that is too loose or too tight should be adjusted before each use.
Power pole saws compared
The table uses only the figures printed in each listing. “Not stated” means the listing bullets and specs do not give that item.
| Model | Power source | Reach or pole as listed | Bar as listed | Battery or charger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ PS1001 | Cordless 56V | Up to 13 ft (17 ft with EP1000) | 10 in | Battery and charger included |
| Sun Joe SWJ803E | Corded electric, 8 amp | Up to 14 ft overhead | 10 in | Not applicable |
| Echo PPT-2620 | 25.4cc gas, 2-stroke | Shaft to 12.1 ft | 12 in | Not applicable |
| EGO Power+ PS1000 | Cordless 56V, bare tool | Up to 13 ft (17 ft with EP1000) | 10 in | Battery and charger not included |
| Seesii P8 Ace | Cordless 21V, two packs | Pole 6 to 10 ft | 8 in | Two 4000mAh packs |
| Wild Badger 40V | Cordless 40V | Up to 12.5 ft | 8 in | 2.0Ah battery and charger included |
| DEKOPRO 8 amp | Corded electric, 8 amp | Up to 10 ft with extension | 10 in | Not applicable |
| YardenX 2-in-1 | Cordless 20V, two packs | Up to 15.5 ft | 8 in | Two 4000mAh packs in listing |
EGO Power+ PS1001 cordless pole saw
The EGO PS1001 is a cordless pole saw with a telescopic carbon fiber shaft and an LED cut line indicator. The listing says the LED helps with accurate cutting in dark or shaded areas. The package includes the pole saw, a 56V 2.5Ah battery and a 56V charger. The bullets say the saw delivers up to 100 cuts per charge with the included battery, and that it is compatible with all EGO 56V ARC lithium batteries. The shaft extends to a total reach of 13 feet, and the listing says the shaft is protected by a limited lifetime warranty.
The bar is 10 inches with a quarter-inch pitch and 0.043-inch gauge chain. The chain speed is described as up to 20 meters per second, driven by a brushless motor. The chain is tensioned without tools, and the pole has a quick-adjust handle and a shoulder strap hook. The specs give a weight of 9.4 pounds. The listing does not state the branch diameter the saw can cut, so check the bar size against the branches you plan to trim.
View the listing here: View on Amazon
Sun Joe SWJ803E corded telescoping pole saw
The Sun Joe listing is a corded pole saw aimed at cutting overhanging limbs from the ground. The bullets describe a pole that adjusts from 5.8 to 8 feet, for up to 14 feet of overhead reach, with a multi-angle cutting head. The listing says the 8 amp motor cuts branches up to 9.5 inches thick, with 8.5 inches recommended. The bar and chain are 10 inches, and the listing says the saw has an automatic oiler. The specs give only the brand, the model number SWJ803E and the part number.
For a corded model, the cord length and the outlet location matter more than battery life. The listing does not state the cord length or the weight. The bullets describe the design as a way to maintain trees from the ground, which fits a homeowner who wants to avoid a ladder.
View the listing here: View on Amazon
Echo PPT-2620 gas telescoping pole saw
The Echo listing is a gas-powered telescoping pole saw with a 12 inch bar, a 25.4cc two-stroke engine and a shaft that extends to 12.1 feet. The title also mentions a loop handle. The listing’s bullets consist of a single line that says it is a great tool at a great price, so the listing gives no further detail on the engine, weight, warranty or starting method. Check the product page for those items before you buy.
A gas model suits a user who needs long reach and does not want to charge a battery, but it requires a fuel mix and regular engine care. The listing does not give a fuel ratio or a warranty period, so read the owner’s manual before the first use.
View the listing here: View on Amazon
Seesii P8 Ace 2-in-1 cordless pole saw and mini chainsaw
The Seesii listing is a two-in-one kit. It converts from a handheld mini chainsaw to a pole saw with an extension pole that adjusts from 6 to 10 feet. The bar is 8 inches. The bullets say the kit includes two 21V 4000mAh batteries, and each battery is described as lasting up to 50 minutes. The motor is described as 800 watts. The listing gives 3.6 pounds for the mini chainsaw and 7.2 pounds as a pole saw.
The listing gives a set of safety features, including a security lock, safety baffles, a control handle, a reinforced pole, an anti-slip handle, a shoulder strap, gloves and goggles. It says the kit includes these accessories. The bullets describe a three-year warranty. The listing is aimed at residential yard work such as limb cutting and light wood cutting, and it does not describe large trunk cutting.
View the listing here: View on Amazon
Wild Badger 40V cordless pole saw
The Wild Badger 40V listing is a cordless pole saw with an 8 inch bar and chain and a removable aluminum extension shaft. The listing says the shaft extends reach up to 9.18 feet, with a maximum reach of 12.5 feet. The package includes a 40V 2.0Ah battery and a fast charger. The listing says the same battery powers other Wild Badger 40V tools, including mowers, trimmers and blowers, and it describes the battery as a way to build a yard-care system from one purchase.
The bullets describe an angled head, a shoulder strap and an auto-lubrication system. The tool-free tension adjustment is described as quick to set. The specs give the model number PSA40US and the part number WB40VPSBBAR, but no weight. The bullets also give a figure of 21,000 rpm for the cordless operation, and the listing does not describe how that figure relates to the chain speed.
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DEKOPRO 8 amp corded electric pole saw
The DEKOPRO listing is a corded electric pole saw that the title also describes as a corded electric chainsaw. The bullets describe a two-in-one design that works as a pole saw for high branches and a chainsaw for ground-level work. The extension pole attaches without tools and gives up to 10 feet of reach. The motor is an 8 amp pure copper motor with a speed of up to 6,500 rpm, and the bar and chain are 10 inches.
The bullets say the saw starts with two buttons pressed at the same time, and they give a weight of 10 pounds. The listing says the manufacturer offers a one-year warranty. The DEKOPRO brand is described as responding to questions within 24 hours.
View the listing here: View on Amazon
YardenX 2-in-1 cordless pole saw and mini chainsaw
The YardenX listing is a two-in-one cordless tool with a handheld mini chainsaw and a cordless pole saw. The bullets give a reach of up to 15.5 feet based on a 6-foot operator height. The kit includes two 20V 4000mAh lithium-ion batteries, and the listing says the pack gives up to 100 minutes of runtime. The brushless motor is described as cutting branches up to 8 inches thick. The bar is 8 inches, and the listing lists three cutting capacities of 4, 6 and 8 inches.
The listing describes an automatic oiling system and a tool-free chain tension system. The cutting head rotates up to 180 degrees with multiple locking positions, which the listing says helps when trimming overhead, sideways or in tight spots. The specs give only the brand, model YX2009 and the part number. No warranty period is stated in the bullets.
View the listing here: View on Amazon
Common mistakes with a power pole saw
The first mistake is to buy on reach alone. A long pole gives a higher cut, but it also gives more weight at the far end and more force on the shaft. Compare the listed reach with the weight and with the branch size you cut. A second mistake is to ignore the battery and charger line. Some listings include both, some include one, and the EGO PS1000 listing includes neither. A third mistake is to assume a corded model is less capable. The Sun Joe and DEKOPRO listings both give an 8 amp motor, which the listings present as enough for their stated branch sizes.
A fourth mistake is to cut without a plan for the branch. Check where the branch will fall, and keep your feet and body clear of the drop line. The listings do not describe these steps in full, so read the owner’s manual for the model you choose.
Related reading
For the basic handling steps before your first cut, read How to Use a Pole Saw Safely. If you want to compare two pole saws before buying, the Seesii vs EGO Power+ Pole Saws: Reach and Weight comparison covers reach and weight side by side.
FAQ
Is a cordless power pole saw strong enough for thick branches?
The listings give different branch capacities. The Sun Joe listing says a corded model cuts branches up to 9.5 inches thick, with 8.5 inches recommended. The YardenX listing says its 8 inch bar cuts branches up to 8 inches thick. The Seesii listing describes its 8 inch bar as suitable for small to medium branches and limbs rather than large trunks. For thick limbs, check the branch capacity in the listing and compare it with the diameter you need to cut.
Which models include a battery and charger?
The EGO PS1001 and Wild Badger 40V listings include a battery and charger. The Seesii and YardenX listings include two batteries. The EGO PS1000 listing is a bare tool, and its battery and charger are not included. Read the package list in the listing before you order.
Do I need an extension pole?
The EGO listings give 13 feet of reach and state that a 17 foot reach is possible with the EP1000 extension pole, which is sold separately. The DEKOPRO listing describes an extension pole that attaches without tools and gives up to 10 feet of reach. Whether you need an extension depends on the height of the branches you trim most often.
Is a gas pole saw better than a battery model?
The listings do not make that comparison. The Echo gas listing gives a 12.1 foot shaft and a 25.4cc engine, and the battery listings give runtime in minutes or cuts. Choose a gas model if you want a long reach without charging and you are willing to mix fuel. Choose a battery model if you want to start quickly and avoid fuel.
What safety features do these listings describe?
The DEKOPRO listing describes a two-button start. The Seesii listing lists eight safety features, including a security lock and safety baffles. The Wild Badger and YardenX listings describe automatic oiling and tool-free chain tensioning, which affect maintenance more than safety. None of the listings address working near power lines, so ask a qualified arborist or the utility company before cutting near wires.
Can I use a pole saw for ground-level cutting?
Several listings describe a dual use. The DEKOPRO and YardenX listings both describe a mini chainsaw function for ground-level work, and the Seesii listing describes a handheld mini chainsaw. The Sun Joe listing describes its pole saw as designed for cutting overhanging limbs from the ground. Use the mode that matches the branch height and the cutting task.
Bottom line
Choose a power pole saw by matching the power source to your yard and the reach to the height of the branches you cut. A battery model with the battery and charger included, such as the EGO PS1001 or the Wild Badger 40V, suits a homeowner who wants no cord and no fuel. A corded model suits a user who has an outlet nearby and wants no battery to charge. A gas model gives the longest listed reach among the group, if you accept a fuel mix. Confirm the battery, charger and branch capacity on the product page before you order.
