It may not be the first tool you think of when you’re stocking your tool shed for the gardening season, but many people find they make great use of a pole saw.
If you don’t know what a pole saw is, you’re in the right place, because we’re going to tell you all about the, and discuss in brief whether they are worth buying. Let’s begin by explaining what a pole saw is.
What is a Cordless Pole Saw?
A pole saw is pretty much what it says: it’s a saw and it is fitted to an extendable pole. Cordless options make it so that you don’t have to use an extension cord to power the saw.
What is a battery operated pole saw used for? The following are a few of the things you might find it useful for:
- Cutting higher branches off trees
- Pruning tall bushes
- Trimming the top of a high hedge
The pole saw is a tool designed to get at the places you will find difficult with a manual saw, or even with a traditional chain saw.
A pole saw is not generally advised for chopping down larger trees, or even dealing with big branches. For those you need a chain saw, or even a professional Tree Surgeon or Arborist, just to be on the safe side.
Think of pole saw as an instrument for the following:
- Clearing overhanging branches from footpaths and other people’s gardens
- Keeping your topiary bushes neatly shaped
- Shaping overgrown shrubs and bushes after the winter season
Why Opt for a Cordless Version?
Cordless options are great because you don’t have to deal with the hassles that come with extension cords. If you have a large yard, then you might not even be able to reach the tree you want to cut with an extension cord.
Also, a cord free pole saw has an added safety benefit in that you won’t accidentally cut the cord that an electric one has. Granted, the risk is low, but it is still worth considering.
In the end, you opt for a battery operated pole saw out of convenience. That is the main consideration.
Do You Need a Battery Operated Pole Saw?
First, these are not expensive items, and you can find a good review of different pole saws that we recommend you look at for more information. Next, do you need one? Here’s a little guide you might find useful.
Pole Saw Considerations
If you have a garden or yard that includes tall or large shrubs and bushes and trees that grow outwards – you will certainly find a pole saw useful.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Am I frequently struggling to chop small branches off trees?
- Do I have hedges that grow fast and look untidy?
- Could I prune my own shrubs and bushes if I had the right tool?
- Could the right tool be a pole saw?
Cordless Considerations
Now that you’ve determined you need a saw like this, how do you know if you need a battery operated version?
- Do you have a large yard that isn’t conducive to running an extension cord?
- Do you not need a powerful gas version, perhaps because you don’t have a lot of trees, and they don’t have thick branches?
How do you find the right one? You check out our quick and concise pole saw buyers guide below!
Key Features of Battery Pole Saws
There’s a lot to be said for growing your own plants, whether that’s flowers, fruit and veg or bushes and trees. But it is a fact the latter group require the most maintenance.
So, a pole saw maybe just the thing you need – here’s what to look for when you are thinking of buying one of these rather neat and versatile devices:
Considerations
- Gas: you can get pole saws that, as with many chain saws, are powered by a small, gas engine. These are usually the most powerful.
- Electric: you can buy models with an electric motor, which are powered by a main electric point or by a rechargeable battery. These tend to be lighter to operate, cheaper, and perhaps more suited to domestic use.
- Bar length: the length of the guiding bar – the part that operates the saw blades – varies, so check out the various options. Usually, an 8- or 9-inch bar will be adequate for garden use.
- Pole length: how long is the pole, and how long does it extend? Make sure you buy one that will reach your tallest branches (with safety in mind).
- Accessories: some come with various tools that mean it can be converted into a hedge trimmer or any number of other devices.
Those are a few of the main points to consider when buying a pole saw. At the end of the day, a pole saw is best for keeping your trees and bushes neat and tidy (especially those hard-to-reach ones).
