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A pole saw is precisely what it says: a saw attached to a pole. The pole acts as an extension, giving you the desired leverage to access hard-to-reach areas.
Most pole saws contain a header that you can attach to a variety of other gardening tools. For instance, if the pole contains a compatible header for a trimmer, you can easily replace the chainsaw with a trimmer.
At this point, you must be wondering why you can’t buy a pole that can incorporate all the different types of gardening tools.
One of the reasons why you see advertisements for a pole saw instead of the individual poles is because it’s a good business practice to do so. A chainsaw is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about maintaining your lawn. Therefore, the maker mainly sells pole saws. You can attach the desired gardening tools to the pole.
Another reason is the function of the pole itself. Unlike a simple pole, the pole saw is designed to serve a specific purpose. For instance, a pole saw combo may be designed only for a gas-powered saw and attachments. Similarly, a pole saw kit may only use battery-powered equipment that is designed mainly for work on the ground level.
Now that you have a basic idea of what constitutes a pole saw, let’s talk about a typical pole saw and its types.
Popular Pole Saw Attachments
You can’t do all your lawn and garden work with a chainsaw alone. This is precisely why most pole saws are designed to fit an attachment. For instance, you can attach a hedge trimmer to the pole to shape hedges and shrubs.
Usually, these attachments are sold as a combo containing two or more tools. Here are the most basic attachments that will fit a typical pole saw:
- Hedge trimmer
- Edger
- Brush cutter
- Cultivator
- Straight shaft
- Weed trimmer sling
Hedge Trimmer

Hedge trimmers are used to cut hedges and thin branches up to 3/4 inches thick. Anything that can fit through the notches on the bar can easily be cut. If you try to cut something larger than an inch in diameter, there is a high probability that the hedge trimmer will seize.
There are lots of pole saws on the market that can attach a hedge trimmer. They’re usually advertised as a two-in-one combo because you can exchange heads between pole saw and hedge trimmer. Depending on the pole saw, the equipment can run on gasoline or a battery. A pole saw with a hedge trimmer may have the following specifications:
- Cutting capacity – 3/4”
- Blade length – 24”
- Charge time – one hour
- Run time – approximately 50 minutes
- 4-in-1 chainsaw multi-tool that works as a pole hedge trimmer, pole saw, chainsaw, and hedge trimmer
- Earthwise Power Tools by ALM multi tool includes protective blade covers and shoulder strap for using the pole attachment-
- Earthwise pole saw max length is 8 feet and hedge pole trimmer max length is 8.8 feet
- Chainsaw: 7 Amp motor with 10" Bar and Chain - Automatic oiling system (bar and chain oil not included); The chainsaw has a chain break feature
- Hedge trimmer: 4.5 Amp motor with 18" blade cutting diameter
Edger
A lawn edger is used to trim the edges of a lawn. By default, it is designed to attach to a pole so you can walk alongside it while trimming the lawn.
The edger defines boundary lines in a yard, which helps keep the lawn in pristine condition. You can also use it to create divisions between the lawn and the adjacent sidewalk, flowerbed, or driveway.
The lawn edger is either motorized or manual. If you have a manual pole, you can attach a manual lawn edger to its head. However, keep in mind that operating a manual lawn edger is a laborious task. Instead, it’s better to buy a machine-operated pole saw to which you can attach a lawn edger. These days, you can find plenty of pole saw combos that include an edger and a hedge trimmer.
- [3-IN-1]: 3 tools in one, make light work of your yard care chores
- [ADJUSTABLE HEADS]: Multi-angle adjustable heads for maximum maneuverability
- [INCLUDES]: 8-inch pole saw, 17.7-inch pole Hedge trimmer, 10-inch string trimmer
- [VERSATILE]: Ideal anywhere power is at a premium, swap Chores in seconds with innovative, detachable tool heads
- [WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED!]: your new lawn care system is backed by the snow Joe + Sun Joe customer promise. We will warrant New products for two years from the date of purchase. No questions asked. Contact snow Joe + Sun Joe customer Support at 1-866-766-9563 for further assistance.
Brush Cutter
For thick vegetation spanning a large area, the brush cutter will complement a pole saw. A brush cutter can deal with overgrown brambles, weeds, and shrubs.
For variable areas that have a combination of thick outer growth and small hedges, it’s better to opt for a brush cutter that has variable speed and more power. For added comfort, the lightweight hand-held garden tool is often fitted with a shoulder harness and a hip pad.
If needed, you can easily attach it to a multifunctional pole head. For instance, certain gas-powered models integrate a pole saw, brush cutter, and a variety of other trimming tools.
- [EPA Certificated Engine] It will discharge less fuel gas in use, and won't cause pollution or do hard to human body
- [Powerful Engine] 2HP 2-cycle 42.7cc engine provides more power, it can trim bigger branches efficiently
- [Hedge Trimmer] it allow you to make Multi-Angle adjustment [Protection] vibration reduction shoulder harness,ear defenders,gloves, face shield,can all protect and help you when working
- [Adjustable Extension Length] This gas powered pole saw can be adjust from 8.2 to 11.4 ft and with 10 inch cutting length. so you can trim 7 ft tall limbs on the ground,and the gas powered chainsaw can provide more power than electric
- [One Year Warranty] Welcome to contact us by email for any questions, we'll reply within 24 hours
Cultivator
If you’re serious about gardening, consider getting a multi-head system that can fit a cultivator. A cultivator is mainly used for mixing soil that has already been broken up. It’s often used before planting, but you can also use it to control weeds after planting.
Sometimes, gardeners try to use a tiller instead of a cultivator. While both have somewhat similar functions, tillers are mostly used to break up hard ground to prepare a new garden bed. Therefore, it’s better not to substitute one for the other.
Unlike other attachments on this list, the cultivator requires a lot of force to operate. If you’re buying a multi-head system that comes with three or four other attachments, make sure that the pole is made from an alloy or similarly strong material.
- 40V COMBO KIT – This polesaw / pole hedge trimmer combo kit allows you to keep your trees and hedges trimmed and healthy, enhancing your curb appeal
- 8” BAR AND CHAIN (POLESAW) – for easy trimming of branches
- 20” BLADE (POLE HEDGE) – dual action blade for optimal performance, and trimming of tall hedges. 7-position pivoting head for trimming at multiple angles
- EASY ADJUST TENSIONING - for quick tightening of the polesaw chain
- AUTOMATIC OILER – applies oil to the bar and chain to ensure durability and extend the life of the chain
Straight Shaft
A straight shaft trimmer is best suited to trim weeds along borders and hard-to-reach areas. There are mainly two types of trimmers in the market: straight shaft and curved shaft.
For various reasons, some people prefer a curved shaft trimmer. However, the curved shaft cannot fit into a multi-head system. Therefore, it’s better to use a straight shaft so that you can combine with other tools.
- 【52cc 2-Stroke Engine】Paired with a powerful engine, this gas pole saw can easily cut branches up to 10 inches wide. You do not have to risk climbing ladders, with this tool you can easily and safely prune branches up to 10 inches high.Sufficient power and precise cutting can greatly reduce your working time because you can easily prune your bushes
- 【Adjustable Length】Considering the user's cutting needs and different heights, this pole saw has an extra pole of 7.5ft, meet the needs of different resins and people, make Work more precisely and safely to handle any trimming or trimming task, making your work more efficient
- 【 Easy Handle & Storage】Easy to handle because of the handlebar design, quick release split shaft for easy transportation & storage anti-slip & anti-rotation hand bar & Cordless design, you can easily control these trimming tools
- 【Complete accessories】The pole saw is equipped with 1.2L plastic mixing bottle for mixing fuel and uses mixed oil (1:25 oil to gasoline ratio), fuel efficient and durable. A total of two chains and an extra replacement spark plug. No need for you to buy replacement parts, longer service life
- 【Multiple Applications】String trimmer is usually used for small weeds on lawns. 52CC engine provides powerful power for a leaf blower, superwind can be used to blow leaves, snow, dust, pet hair, clastic, which is suitable for courtyards, streets, gardens, shopping malls, etc
Weed Trimmer Sling
Not all attachments for pole saws are mechanical. Instead, there is ample demand for accessories such as a weed trimmer sling. The sling is attached to the pole, which allows you to reduce shoulder and body fatigue by distributing the weight over your entire upper body.
If you use trimmers frequently, it’s a good idea to buy a pole saw that has a built-in attachment point for the sling. The pole will likely use a standard one-click carabiner clip for fastening. If the pole saw doesn’t have the clip, another commonly used method is to loop the nylon around the trimmer shaft before securing it with a carabiner clip.
- Strong Power: This gas trimmer is powered by a highly efficient 42.7cc two-stroke engine. Its 1.25 kW of power makes it quick to cut branches and reduces time and effort.
- Large Fuel Tank: The fuel tank has a capacity of 0.26gal, which enables the engine to work for a long time. You don't need to refill the fuel tank often, which is very convenient.
- Good Durability: This gas trimmer is mainly made of strong and durable aluminum alloy and manganese steel. These materials will not easily deform and rust. So the gas trimmer has a long service life and you can use it with confidence.
- High Safety: With this gas trimmer, you won't have to climb high up in the trees to cut branches. The pole of this high branch saw is 94.48-137.79 inches long, so you can easily cut high branches by standing on the ground, which is safer for users.
- Easy to Install: The gas trimmer comes with detailed installation and operation instructions. You can follow the detailed instructions for installation and operation, which is simple and convenient.
The Importance of a Pole

As discussed earlier, manufacturers sell pole saws as their main marketing tools because they enable them to sell compatible garden tools that can replace the saw when needed.
Selling a solitary pole isn’t practical because buyers consider multiple parameters when buying a specific pole kit or a combo.
Here are just a few factors that can go into your decision to buy a pole saw:
Length of the Cutting Bar
When buying a pole saw, pay special attention to the length of the cutting bar. The cutting bar determines the maximum branch diameter that you can easily cut. The manufacturer label or operating manual will always list this diameter.
Under normal circumstances, this cutting bar ranges from 6 to 12 inches. Since the machine-powered pole saw has more power, the cutting bar length is usually greater than 8 inches. As a rule of thumb, the cutting bar should be at least two times the diameter of the branch you intend to cut.
Runtime
If you need a lot of time to landscape your garden, consider a gasoline-powered pole saw. These machines can run continuously for more than a couple of hours. Alternatively, a battery-powered pole saw can give you somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes. For a longer duration, keep a replacement battery on hand to use once the original battery dies out.
Working Height
This is another important specification to look for. The working height is the length of the pole plus 2 to 3 feet of arm’s length. Therefore, if the stats suggest that the working height is 10 feet, you can safely assume that the length of the pole saw is somewhere between 7 and 8 feet.
A working height greater than 12 feet can get difficult to operate, particularly in windy conditions. If you want to use the pole saw for different lengths, consider a telescopic pole. This type of pole can be used to adjust the length and achieve stability.
Weight
Depending on the model, a pole saw can weigh 15 to 25 pounds. This is important to note since just a slight increase in weight can have severe repercussions when you’re holding a 12-foot pole saw in your hand.
If everything else remains constant, the more powerful the machine, the heavier the pole saw. For instance, a gasoline-powered pole saw will likely weigh more than 20 pounds. In contrast, a corded electric model can weigh less than 15 pounds because it doesn’t incorporate additional machinery and moving parts.
Safety
The safety of pole saw attachments relies heavily on balancing the entire frame. At first, a pole saw seems just like any other tool, but it can easily become unstable due to its length.
Under such circumstances, it’s better to opt for a telescopic pole, which you can shorten to regain control. As an additional safety feature, consider using saw guards for protection from moving parts.
Final Thoughts
A pole saw is a versatile tool that comes with a lot of different attachments. For best results, look for a pole saw combo or kit. The kit will ensure that your cutting tools are compatible with the pole. Buying a combo also makes sense because you can easily get replacement parts and batteries for it.
What Is a Pole Saw?
A pole saw is simply a chainsaw attached to a long pole. You have probably seen someone using a pole saw to cut things that are located in a hard-to-reach space.
Before the introduction of the pole saw, it was customary to use a ladder to access the most inaccessible places. Without a doubt, this was dangerous as you needed to stand on an unstable platform with a potentially dangerous tool in your hands.
Thankfully, modern innovations such as the pole saw have made it easier and safer to tackle everyday DIY tasks. Of course, there is an entire range of tools that you can attach to a pole saw. We list them below.
You can do a lot with a pole saw and all the attachments that come with it. Before we present further details, here is a quick look at the different types of pole saws on the market:
Manual Pole Saw
This is the most basic type. Manually operated, it has a fixed height. The pole is mainly lightweight; however, the weight can change depending on the length of the pole and its build.
Unlike a machine-operated pole saw, the manual version incorporates an elongated hacksaw-type blade. The slight curve of the blade enables you to easily maneuver the saw while standing on the ground. Lots of manual pole saws come with a clipper and a pull cord. The pull cord is used to operate the clipper.
- 【Widely Application】 - 5 to 20 foot 2 in 1 manual pole pruner, practical and multifunctional. Buyplus 19inch pole saw head replacement can be used as a telescopic pole saw for pruning high limbs or branches or as a hand-held saw for pruning and grooming lower branches, brush, and logs.
- 【Steel Pole Saw Blade】 - Buyplus 12inch 3X sharpened tooth is made of premium carbon steel with strong cutting ability, lightweight, durable and rust-resistant. Non-stick blade coat prolongs its working life and ensures a smooth cutting and pruning efficient, save your effort and time.
- 【Double Safety Insurance】 - Buyplus pruning saw for tree trimming double ensures your safety when using. The anti slip handle grip is comfortable and safe to use. Besides, the extra reinforcement screw in the handle ensures your saw head tighten enough to the pole, no more worries about dropping hurting.
- 【Multipurpose Extension Pole】- Buyplus telescopic extension pole can adjust the smart 4-stage extension pole to any custom length from 5 to 20 foot with the flip-tab lock. Work with standard thread tools, easy to twist on, it performs all the hard to reach tasks typically requiring poles, such as paint roller, squeegee, cobweb duster, ceiling fan duster, feather duster, light bulb changer!
- 【100% Customer Satisfaction】- Buyplus aims to provide 100% customer satisfaction, if you have any question about this manual pole saw pruner, please feel free to contact us, we are here to ensure you a good shopping experience.
Machine-Powered Pole Saw
These pole saws are either battery-operated or gas-powered. Driven by an engine, this type of pole saw has an adjustable length, a distinguishing feature that adds to its charm.
The engine is located at the bottom end. You can operate the pole saw using a trigger and handle. Another prominent feature is the rubber grip area in the middle of the pole. The rubber is used to stabilize the moving saw. At the end of the pole is the miniature chainsaw in a rectangular case.
- 40V POLE SAW – this pole saw allows you to keep your trees trimmed and healthy, enhancing your curb appeal
- 8” BAR AND CHAIN – for easy trimming of branches
- EASY ADJUST – for quick and easy tightening of the chain
- AUTOMATIC OILER – applies oil to the bar and chain to ensure durability and extend the life of the chain
- ALUMINUM SHAFT - 3-piece shaft can be extended to 9 FT (11 FT max reach)
Corded-Electric Pole Saw
This type of pole saw is similar to its machine-powered counterparts. The main difference is the power source that connects to a power outlet. Accordingly, the reach of the corded-electric pole saw is determined by the length of the power cable.
The corded electric pole saw has a small engine size compared to a machine-powered pole saw. Due to its small size, it produces power ranging from 6 to 10 amps. This means that you can only cut branches from 2 to 5 inches in diameter. This pole saw is best suited to home environments.
- [UP HIGH OR DOWN LOW] It’s really 2-tools-in-1: A pole saw for trimming branches from trees, and a regular chainsaw for projects on the ground
- [POWERFUL MOTOR] At 8 Amps, you’ll get consistent performance and reliability from this streamlined machine. Rated Voltage: 120V~60Hz
- [AUTO CHAIN LUBRICATION] The automatic oiler will always have the chain operating at peak efficiency, for faster, more controlled cuts
- [COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT] At only 10 lbs., this saw is designed to be held up high and to be maneuverable once it gets up there
- [DO IT YOURSELF. DO IT BETTER. DO IT WITH WORX.] WORX tools are engineered with cutting-edge technology, and above modern efficiency standards, so you can build a cost-effective tool collection that’s been designed to last