Best Extended Pole Saws for Trimming High Branches
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An extended pole saw lets you trim high branches from the ground instead of climbing a ladder. The six models in this roundup all put a cutting head on a telescoping shaft or pole. Each entry uses only the facts printed in its product listing, including reach, weight, power source and what the box contains. Where a listing does not state a figure, the table says “not stated” rather than guessing, and no figure here comes from anywhere else.
Quick answer
- For most yards, a cordless model with a stated reach of 10 to 14 feet covers the high limbs a homeowner usually needs to reach.
- The Greenworks 24V listing includes a 2.0Ah battery and charger and states up to 31 cuts on 4×4 lumber per charge.
- The IDEALHOUSE gas model states a 16 foot reach including user height and a 1200 ml fuel tank.
- Several listings, including HEINPRO, Pyrcruax and Houselife, are sold without a battery or charger, so check what you already own before ordering.
How to choose an extended pole saw
Start with the reach you need. Listings describe reach in different ways. Some give the length of the pole alone, some give total reach with a 6 foot person at shoulder height, and some give a maximum cutting height. Compare the same kind of number across listings. When a figure is missing, confirm it with the seller before you buy.
Next, decide on the power source. Battery models give quiet operation and no fuel to mix, and their run time depends on the pack. Gas models in this group state an engine size and a fuel tank volume. Battery models name a battery platform, such as DeWalt 20V MAX, Milwaukee M18 or Greenworks 24V, and most list how many cuts one charge gives. A battery model that says “battery not included” needs a compatible pack before it can cut at all.
Finally, look at weight. A long shaft with a heavy head tires the arms quickly, and the weight is the figure most often left out of listings. The CRAFTSMAN listing states 10 pounds, the HEINPRO listing 6.7 pounds and the Houselife listing 7 pounds. The other listings in this set do not state a total weight, so hold those models at the store if you can, or ask the seller for the number.
Comparison table
| Model | Power | Stated reach | Weight | Battery and charger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRAFTSMAN CMCCSP20B | Cordless V20, tool only | Up to 14 ft | 10 pounds | Not in the included list; title says tool only |
| Greenworks 24V PS2408AA2 | Brushless 24V | Shaft extends up to 10 ft | Not stated | 2.0Ah battery and charger included |
| IDEALHOUSE WJ-7WcKLW | 52cc two-stroke gas | 16 ft including user height | Not stated | Not applicable; 1200 ml fuel tank |
| HEINPRO HP-2008TT | Battery powered, DeWalt 20V compatible | 14.2 ft max cutting height, 6 ft user | 6.7 pounds | Not included |
| Pyrcruax EF-20PS-001 | DeWalt 20V MAX compatible | 12.5 ft with 2 sections, 15 ft with 3 | Not stated | Bare tool, not included |
| Houselife CYCPCS01E | Milwaukee M18 compatible | Up to 14.8 ft total | 7 pounds | Not included |
The six picks in detail
1. CRAFTSMAN cordless pole saw (CMCCSP20B)
The listing describes a V20 cordless pole chainsaw with a stated reach of up to 14 feet with the extension pole attached. The angled head and blade are described for precise cuts, and the soft grip on the pole extension is described as helping with maneuverability. The integrated hook fits CRAFTSMAN’s VersaTrack wall system, which the listing says is sold separately. Blade material is listed as high speed steel, the handle as plastic and the item weight as 10 pounds. The listing also states up to 325 cuts per charge.
The included components in the listing are the pole chainsaw, one extension pole and a wrench. The title describes the unit as tool only, so plan on a V20 battery and charger if you do not own one.
2. Greenworks 24V 8 inch electric pole saw (PS2408AA2)
This brushless, battery-powered model has a three-piece aluminum shaft that the listing says extends up to 10 feet. The listing gives a chain speed of 26.3 feet per second and up to 31 cuts on 4×4 lumber per charge. A 2.0Ah battery and a 30W Type-C charger come in the kit, and the listing says the battery recharges in 60 minutes. The battery also works with more than 200 Greenworks 24V tools.
The listing also mentions an automatic oiler for the bar and chain, a safety lockout, a low vibration design and a variable speed trigger. It names a 3-year tool and battery warranty. The listing does not state the total weight of the saw.
3. IDEALHOUSE 52cc gas pole saw (WJ-7WcKLW)
This is the only gas model in the group. The listing describes a 52cc two-stroke engine with up to 2.0 HP, a 12-inch guide bar and a high-strength steel chain. It states a reach of up to 16 feet including user height and says the saw can cut branches up to 10 inches in diameter. The fuel tank holds 1200 ml, and the listing recommends a 1:25 oil-to-gasoline ratio.
The listing includes an adjustable shoulder strap and a non-slip handle. Because it runs on fuel there is no battery to charge, but you will need to mix fuel and oil before use. The listing does not state the saw’s weight.
4. HEINPRO 8 inch cordless pole saw (HP-2008TT)
The HEINPRO listing states a detachable extension pole with 5.8 to 8.2 feet of operating reach. It gives a 14.2 foot maximum cutting height when assembled at shoulder height with a 6 foot operator, and it says that actual height may vary with posture. Because the figure depends on the operator, the number is most useful when you compare it with your own height.
The saw runs on a DeWalt 20V MAX compatible battery, which the listing says is not included. The chain is 3/8 inch pitch with 0.050 inch gauge and an 8-inch guide bar. The listing reports 6.7 pounds, an automatic oiler, a dual-side safety lock trigger and an adjustable shoulder strap.
5. Pyrcruax 8 inch cordless pole saw for DeWalt 20V MAX (EF-20PS-001)
Pyrcruax is a bare-tool listing for DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, and the listing names the DCB200, DCB204 and DCB205 models among compatible packs. The three-section telescopic pole extends to a total reach of 15 feet with all three sections, or 12.5 feet with two. The listing gives an 18 feet per second chain speed and up to 90 cuts per charge on 4×4 pressure-treated wood, based on a 20V MAX 4.0Ah setup.
The chain tensions without tools, and automatic lubrication keeps the chain oiled while it runs. The warranty lines in the listing name a 90-day return, a 1-year replacement and a 3-year limited warranty. The listing does not state the weight.
6. Houselife 8 inch cordless pole saw for Milwaukee M18 (CYCPCS01E)
Houselife lists a telescoping pole from 7.4 to 8.8 feet and a total reach of up to 14.8 feet. The head has four positions and pivots up to 45 degrees, which the listing says helps reach over fences and into tight branch structures. The listing gives a weight of 7 pounds and calls the saw compatible with Milwaukee M18 batteries, which are not included.
The listing recommends a battery rated 4.0Ah or higher, because lower-capacity packs may reduce performance. Tool-free tensioning and automatic oiling are listed, but oil is not included in the box.
In-depth review: the Greenworks 24V electric pole saw
The Greenworks 24V is the pick in this group with the most complete kit. Reach is the first thing to check. The three-piece aluminum shaft extends up to 10 feet, according to the listing, and the listing says the balanced weight and oversized sponge grip reduce fatigue during long tasks. Because the listing does not give a total weight, you should handle one in person if arm fatigue is a concern.
The cutting figures are the second thing to check. The listing states a 26.3 feet per second chain speed and up to 31 cuts on 4×4 lumber per charge. It lists the pole saw’s branch cutting for high-limb pruning and tree trimming. The title gives an 8 inch size, which matches the bar length given in the title.
The battery and charger are the third thing to check. The kit includes a 2.0Ah battery and a 30W Type-C charger with a 3-foot cord. The listing says a full recharge takes 60 minutes, and the battery works with more than 200 Greenworks 24V tools, so a single pack can serve other tools in the same line.
The safety and maintenance points come from the listing’s bullets. The automatic oiler lubricates the bar and chain while you cut. A safety lockout, a variable speed trigger and a low vibration design are listed for controlled use by beginners and experienced users. The 3-year tool and battery warranty is stated in the listing.
Two close alternatives from the same set help you compare. The CRAFTSMAN listing states a reach of up to 14 feet and a weight of 10 pounds, which suits a user who needs more height and does not mind a tool-only purchase. The Pyrcruax listing offers a three-section pole that reaches 15 feet total, which suits a user who already owns DeWalt 20V MAX batteries and wants the longest reach in this set.
Who each model suits
Choose the Greenworks 24V if you want a battery kit that is ready to cut out of the box and you already use Greenworks tools. Choose the CRAFTSMAN if the listed reach of up to 14 feet matches your trees and you prefer a high speed steel blade. Choose the IDEALHOUSE if you need a fuel-powered saw with a listed 16 foot reach and you are comfortable mixing oil and gasoline. Choose one of the battery-not-included models only if you already own the named battery platform.
Mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is comparing a pole length with a cutting height. A pole of 8 feet is not the same as a saw that reaches 14 feet, and the listings differ in how they measure. Read the reach line in each listing and compare like with like.
The second mistake is buying a battery model without a battery. Five of the six listings do not include a battery or charger, or they name a battery platform that you must match. The Pyrcruax listing is a bare tool, and the HEINPRO and Houselife listings say the battery and charger are not included.
The third mistake is ignoring the cut limit. Listings give different figures for cuts per charge and for maximum branch size. The IDEALHOUSE listing says it cuts branches up to 10 inches, and the Pyrcruax listing gives a cut count for 4×4 pressure-treated wood. These are not the same measure, so use each figure only for the job it describes.
The last mistake is working near overhead wires. None of the listings is a substitute for keeping clear of power lines. For any work near a service line, call the utility or a licensed electrician before you start.
Safety and setup notes
Each listing names a safety feature, such as a safety lockout, a dual-side trigger or a safety lock. Test the trigger and lock on the saw before you raise it overhead, and make sure the chain is tensioned and the bar is oiled. The listings cover the oiling system, but they do not give a schedule, so check the oil level before every session.
Keep the saw’s head pointed away from you when you lift the pole, and keep the pole at a comfortable angle. If the saw binds, stop and reset the cut rather than forcing it. For a step-by-step guide on working with a pole saw, read how to use a pole saw safely before the first cut.
FAQ
How far can an extended pole saw reach?
The listings in this roundup state reach between 10 and 16 feet, but the figures are not measured the same way. The Greenworks shaft extends up to 10 feet. The Pyrcruax listing gives 15 feet with three sections fully extended. The IDEALHOUSE listing gives 16 feet including the user’s height, and the HEINPRO listing gives a 14.2 foot maximum cutting height with a 6 foot operator.
Is a battery or a gas model better for high branches?
The answer depends on the job and your willingness to handle fuel. The battery models in this set name their battery platforms, and most state cuts per charge. The IDEALHOUSE gas model states an engine size, a fuel tank of 1200 ml and a 1:25 oil ratio. None of the listings says which type will cut faster on your trees, so match the power source to the platform you already own.
Which of these models come with a battery?
The Greenworks 24V includes a 2.0Ah battery and charger. The CRAFTSMAN, HEINPRO, Pyrcruax and Houselife listings are described as tool only or as not including a battery or charger. Check the included components line of each listing before you order.
What is the difference between total reach and cutting height?
Total reach is the length a pole and a saw can cover from the ground. Cutting height depends on the operator. The HEINPRO listing spells out that its 14.2 foot figure assumes a 6 foot operator with a shoulder height grip, and that actual height may vary with posture. Use that definition whenever you compare a number from one listing with another.
Should I use a pole saw on a ladder?
The listings describe the pole saws as a way to trim high branches without a ladder. None of them recommends using a ladder with the saw, and the Greenworks listing specifically describes trimming from the ground. Work from the ground where possible, and ask a qualified tree service if a branch is too high or close to wires.
Does the listing state the weight of each saw?
Not every listing does. CRAFTSMAN states 10 pounds, HEINPRO 6.7 pounds and Houselife 7 pounds. The Greenworks, IDEALHOUSE and Pyrcruax listings do not state a total weight, so ask the seller for the figure before buying if weight matters to you.
Bottom line
If you want a complete cordless kit with a battery and charger, the Greenworks 24V is the simplest choice in this set, and its listing states the most usable run figures. If you need the longest listed reach or already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, the Pyrcruax bare tool is the option to compare. Choose a gas model only when you are ready to mix fuel and oil. Whatever you buy, match the battery platform or fuel type to what you already own, and check the reach figure against your own height.
For cutting order and pruning cuts, see how to prune branches with a pole saw. It covers how to plan a cut before you start the saw.
