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290 Homeowners Vote on the Best Pole Saws of 2024
Ladders and saws provide a recipe for an emergency room visit or a case study for the use of workers' comp. Pole saws make cutting back trees and pruning limbs much safer and more efficient. Keeping trees clear is one of the most important things to maintain a healthy and good-looking lawn.We've asked 290 homeowners to name their favorite pole saw. We also asked them to write a little about why they chose that particular model.
Key Results
# The Ryobi 18V received the most votes at 13.1 percent of the total vote. |
# The STIHL HT 135 14-inch 36.3 cc Pole Pruner was one of two gas models making the top five with 29 votes (10 percent). |
# A manual pole saw — the Silky Hayauchi Bblade Pole Saw — earned 9.3 percent of the vote. |
# The Portland Corded Pole Saw was a hit at around $60 and landed 9.7 percent of the vote share. |
# 12.1 percent of homeowners chose the professional Husqvarna 525P4S Pole Saw. |
Ask yourself these two main questions to start your buying journey:
What type of trees am I dealing with? You'll need to be able to reach all the limbs you need to cut, so consider the reach of the pole saw. The length of the cutting bar determines the size of the branch you can cut. You'll want a cutting bar about two to three inches larger than the biggest branch you need to cut.
The pole length, which is the actual product length, and the working height, which is the estimated reach based on the average person's height, are other key factors to consider. Weight and balance matter, too.
How many trees am I dealing with? You're obviously choosing between a couple of power sources. Gas models provide more power and longer run time but require more maintenance. Electric models are quieter and lighter but less reliable on run time — unless you go with a corded model. But that may not be the easiest option for those with large lawns. One homeowner said it well:
"I really wanted to go for an electric model, but I was worried I'd be losing a lot of time recharging the batteries. I needed something that can last me well over an hour at a time."
It all depends on your situation.
You'll also want to consider the type of head the pole saw has. Most pole saws come with a straight or fixed blade, but there are detachable and angled heads. Detachable options provide you with a multi-function tool set.
Angled heads afford you more flexibility, allowing you to reach higher branches and hard-to-reach spots.
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Ryobi 18V ONE+ 8" POLE SAW KIT
The Ryobi 18V8-inch pole saw is a multi-functional piece of equipment ideal for homeowners looking for a simple tool to help their trimming efforts.
Here are some of the highlights from this pole saw:
Up to 16 cuts per charge with the included battery
Powerful motor cuts branches up to 6 inches
Premium full complement chain delivers faster cutting
Precise cuts with its angled head
One of the best things about the Ryobi pole saw is that you can easily control the length of the saw with an extension pole that extends to 9.5 feet, so you can easily cut taller trees.
Homeowners say this pole saw is well-balanced and light. Its oil-free system reduces wear and ensures smooth cuts. The battery has a decent runtime that should get the job done for most small jobs. It's not a great option if you have a lot of trees to keep in check.
STIHL HT 135 14-Inch 36.3 cc Pole Pruner
The STIHL HT 135 is one the most powerful gas-powered pole pruners on this list of the best pole saws of 2024. It's designed for tough jobs requiring professional-level execution. Equipped with a 14-inch bar and a 36.3 cc engine, it still only weighs 17 pounds. True, it's heavier than others on this list, but it's still not bad.
If you've got lots of limbs to manage — or they're thick, this pole saw is a great option.
The STIHL HT 135 is built to last. It's made with a sturdy drive shaft and a heavy aluminum pole. These features also provide stability and dampen vibrations, helping you achieve cleaner cuts. The 14-inch bar is enough to cut through large branches.
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Silky Hayauchi Bblade Pole Saw
Homeowners rave that the Silky Hayauchi pole saw is one of the most balanced and stable pole saws they've used — even when fully extended to its max length of 21 inches.
Its curved blade, made with high-speed steel, delivers clean, easy cuts through even the toughest trees. Because of the blade's sharp curve, it is effective and minimizes the work that goes into each cut.
The pole saw is an excellent investment for the arborist and serious gardener looking for a good machine for thinning projects. It's a manual pole saw capitalizing on a smart design. If you're in the market for accuracy, reliability, and great range, then the Silky Hayauchi is an elite tool to take a look at.
Portland 6.5 AMP Corded Pole Saw
The Portland Corded Pole Saw is an affordable and durable tool for small yards and basic cutting.
"For $60 bucks, this thing is hard to beat. The cuts I need to make are about 10 to 15 feet off the ground, but it doesn't have any issue with that. An extension cord gets me most places, but I have a small generator I can carry out to make quick cuts."
This pole saw has an 8-inch bar, and its telescoping pole extends to 9.5 feet. Its thin build and small size allow it to be easily operated even by those with little or no experience. The automatic oiler also keeps the chain lubricated when running, which helps improve performance and reduce wear.
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Husqvarna 525P4S Pole Saw
The Husqvarna 525P4S Pole Saw is built for professionals and is a favorite among homeowners with lots of trees to tend to.
Its powerful X-Torq engine increases fuel efficiency by up to 20 percent and reduces exhaust emissions by up to 60 percent.
Its 12-inch bar and chain help you prune thick branches accurately and comfortably.
The 525P4S has a solid build that is a great asset to have. The pole is made of durable but light material for maximum stability and ease of operation. This thing only weighs 11.7 pounds. Its full length is 95.7 inches.
Husqvarna also put a lot into this pole saw to increase its life. It's got a metal skid plate, a rear impact guard, a stand-alone starter, and a magnesium clutch housing.
Automatic chain lubrication keeps the chain running smoothly and keeps it running for longer. The quick-access air filter also makes maintenance easier. This pole saw is for pros and homeowners looking for a long-lasting, effective tool for large cutting tasks.
Quick Summary
Choosing the right pole saw for your yard depends on the jobs you must tackle. We asked 290 homeowners to share their favorite tools to create our list of the best pole saws of 2024. Dozens made the list, but the following took the top spots:
Ryobi 18V ONE+ 8" POLE SAW KIT
STIHL HT 135 14-Inch 36.3 cc Pole Pruner
Silky Hayauchi Bblade Pole Saw
Portland 6.5 AMP Corded Pole Saw
Husqvarna 525P4S Pole Saw
There's a pole saw for every homeowner. Many homeowners in our survey had many lands with big projects to tackle. Others rely on battery-powered pole saws to complete their small to medium jobs.
