Cutting tree branches is more than just garden work, it helps keep your home safe, especially during bushfire season. A pole saw is like a small chainsaw on a long stick. It helps you cut high branches and thick hedges without needing a ladder.
Australia has over 24 million hectares of forest, and trees like eucalyptus and jacarandas grow fast and tall in many backyards. That means you need the right tool to keep them in shape. Choosing the right pole saw, whether it’s petrol, electric, battery, or manual, depends on where you live and what kind of trees you have. If you pick the wrong one, the job can be harder and even unsafe.
In this guide, we’ll help you find the best pole saw for Aussie homes, farms, and gardens so you can prune trees easily, safely, and the right way.
How does a Pole Saw work?
A pole saw is a long-handled tool designed to help you cut high branches without needing a ladder. The pole end has a small chainsaw bar and chain (usually 8-12 inches) mounted on an extendable pole that can reach 8-15 feet high. When you pull the trigger, a small gas engine or electric motor spins the chain around the bar at high speed, slicing through branches like butter.
The pole telescopes out so you can adjust the length, and most have a curved cutting head that hooks over branches for better control. You simply position the saw against the branch, gently guide the saw to the branch you want to cut, pull the trigger, and let the spinning chain do the work while you stay safely on the ground.
Some advanced models also have a pivoting head, letting you tilt the blade for cutting at different angles, especially helpful for tricky or overgrown spots.
How to use Pole Saw
Before You Start:
- Wear safety gear: hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and closed-toe shoes
- Check the chain tension and sharpness
- Clear the area below of people, pets, and anything that could be damaged by falling branches
Basic Technique:
- Extend the pole to the right length – don’t overreach, keep it manageable
- Position yourself at an angle to the branch, never directly underneath
- Support the pole with both hands – one on the rear handle, one midway up the shaft
- Hook the branch with the curved cutting head to get a good grip
- Start the cut on the underside of the branch first (prevents bark stripping)
- Let the chain do the work – don’t force it or push hard
Pro Tips:
- Cut branches in sections if they’re long or heavy
- Make your final cut close to the trunk but leave the “branch collar” intact
- Take breaks – pole saws get heavy fast, and tired arms make mistakes
- Work systematically from bottom to top, inside to outside
Golden Rule: If you’re straining to reach it, wrestling with the saw, or the branch is thicker than your wrist, it’s probably a job for a professional. Pole saws are great for light pruning and maintenance, not major tree surgery!
Is It Worth Buying a Pole Saw?
Yes, a pole saw is totally worth buying if you have trees around your house – it saves you tons of money and keeps you safe while doing tree work.
- Save Your Money: Calling a tree guy costs $200-500 every time, but a good pole saw only costs around $200-400 once. If you trim your trees just twice a year, you’ve already saved money. Plus, you don’t have to wait weeks for someone to show up.
- Stay Safe: No more climbing dangerous ladders or trying to balance while cutting branches. With a pole saw, you stay on the ground where it’s safe. Way better than the crazy stuff most people try when trimming trees.
- Get Things Done Fast: Quick tree jobs become super easy. Dead branches, messy limbs, and storm cleanup can be done in 20 minutes instead of taking all day. When something needs fixing, you can do it right away.
- Make Your House Look Great: Nice, trimmed trees make your whole yard look awesome and actually make your house worth more money. Regular trimming keeps trees healthy and prevents them from getting damaged in storms.
Do It When YOU Want: Storm messes up your trees? Fix it right away. Branches getting too close to your house? Take care of it this weekend, not when some tree company feels like showing up.
When You Shouldn’t Buy One: Don’t get one if you live in an apartment, have no trees, or only need tree work once every few years. Also skip it if your branches are super tiny or really huge.
What’s the Difference Between a Pole Saw and a Pole Chainsaw?
Many people think a pole saw and a pole chainsaw are different tools, but they’re actually very similar. In fact, a pole chainsaw is one type of pole saw.
Pole Saw (General Term)
A pole saw is any cutting tool attached to a long pole that helps you trim high-up branches.
It can be manual (you move it by hand) or powered (uses a motor to run a small chainsaw).
Pole Chainsaw (Powered Type)
A pole chainsaw is a pole saw with a chainsaw at the end, powered by battery, petrol, or corded electricity. It’s stronger than a manual saw and is great for thicker, harder branches—up to 15–20 cm thick.
Key Differences
| Feature | Pole Saw | Pole Chainsaw |
| Power | Manual or powered | Always powered (battery, petrol) |
| Cutting Strength | Light to medium branches | Medium to heavy branches |
| Use | Garden trimming, light work | Heavy-duty pruning, tough trees |
| Weight | Lighter (manual models) | Heavier (because of motor) |
Which One Should You Choose?
- For light trimming or small garden work: Go with a manual or basic pole saw.
- For big trees or thick branches: Choose a pole chainsaw, it saves effort and time.
How to Turn a Chainsaw into a Pole Saw
You can convert a standard chainsaw into a pole saw using a pole saw attachment or conversion kit. These kits are designed to work with certain chainsaw brands (like Stihl, Husqvarna, or Ryobi) and usually include:
- A telescopic pole
- A mount or clamp for the chainsaw
- A throttle extension (for petrol models)
Process: The process involves securing your chainsaw onto the end of the pole and connecting the throttle or power control to a handle lower down. Battery chainsaws are often easier to convert than petrol ones.
What won’t work: Full-size chainsaws are too heavy and create dangerous vibrations when pole-mounted. Any DIY attempts are extremely unsafe. Make sure the saw is properly balanced and locked in place. Converted tools handle light pruning and branches under 6 inches but lack power compared to dedicated pole saws.
Pro tip: If you’re in a bushfire-prone area or need to prune tall eucalyptus trees, it’s usually safer and more efficient to buy a dedicated pole saw. Converted chainsaws may lack the balance, reach, or stability needed for heavy-duty pruning jobs.
How Do I Choose a Pole Saw?
Picking the right pole saw depends on where you live, what you’re cutting, and how often you’ll use it. Here are the key things to look at:
Choose the one that fits your job best:
- Electric (corded): Great for small yards near a power point. Lightweight and easy to use. If you’re looking for the best electric pole saw, go for one with at least an 8-amp motor and a telescopic reach of 8–10 feet.
- Battery (cordless): Good for home gardens. No cords, easy to move, but needs charging.
- Petrol-powered: Strong and powerful. Best for farms, big trees (like eucalyptus), or rural areas.
- Manual: No motor, just a saw blade on a pole. Good for light jobs and quiet areas.
2. Reach / Pole Length
Check how high the saw can go. Most pole saws reach 3 to 5 metres.
Look for a telescoping pole (adjustable length) for more control and comfort.
3. Weight & Comfort
Heavier saws can be harder to hold steady. Make sure you can handle the weight for 10–15 minutes at a time. Look for models with shoulder straps or padded handles. Look for automatic chain oiling (one less thing to worry about), and anti-vibration handles (your arms will thank you). A curved cutting head grabs branches like a hook.
4. Blade and Bar Size
For Australian trees like bottlebrush, gum, or wattle:
- Choose a bar length of 8 to 12 inches.
- A larger bar can cut thicker branches (up to 20 cm wide).
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Safety Features
Look for:
- Chain brake
- Auto chain lubrication
- Safety lock-off switch
These help prevent accidents and make cutting smoother.
6. Brand & Spare Parts Availability
Stick to known brands like Ryobi, Husqvarna, Stihl, or Ozito.
Make sure you can get replacement parts and servicing in Australia.
Quick Expert Tip:
If you’re in a bushfire-prone area, go for a petrol model with strong cutting power so you can trim thick, dry branches before summer.
Important things to remember:
Just trimming a few branches once a year? Go manual or small electric.
Regular yard maintenance? Battery-powered is your sweet spot.
Got a mini forest to tame? Time for gas power.
The Weight Reality: Anything over 15 pounds becomes a shoulder workout real quick when you’re holding it above your head. Trust me on this one!
How We Tested the Best Pole Saws
To find the best pole saws for Australian users, we put each model through real-world tests focused on performance, ease of use, and safety.
- Cutting Power:
We tested how well each saw cuts through common Aussie branches like eucalyptus, bottlebrush, and jacaranda. We checked speed and smoothness when cutting branches of different thicknesses, from small twigs to thick limbs up to 20 cm wide. - Reach & Maneuverability:
We measured the maximum extension of the pole and how easy it is to control the saw at full length. Handling heavy branches at height can be tough, so balance and weight mattered a lot. - Ease of Use:
Starting, operating, and adjusting the pole saw was tested by users of various skill levels. We noted how easy it was to extend the pole, change angles, and maintain the tool. - Safety Features:
We evaluated chain brakes, safety locks, and protective guards. Safety is crucial when working with sharp, powered tools overhead. - Battery Life & Noise (For Electric & Battery Models):
We timed how long battery models run on a full charge and measured noise levels to ensure they’re comfortable for home use. - Durability & Maintenance:
Each saw was checked for build quality and how easy it is to clean, oil, and replace parts.
What Makes Pole Saws Safe?
- Designed for Distance: They let you cut high branches from the ground, so you don’t need ladders, which reduces fall risk.
- Safety Features: Most models have chain brakes, safety switches, and blade guards to prevent accidents.
- Control: The long pole keeps you away from falling branches and debris
Which is better, gas or battery powered pole saw?
Gas vs Battery Pole Saw Comparison
| Feature | Gas (Petrol) Pole Saws | Battery-Powered Pole Saws |
| Power | Very powerful, best for cutting thick branches | Moderate power, best for small to medium branches |
| Runtime | Long—runs as long as you have fuel | Limited by battery life (30–60 minutes) |
| Weight | Heavier, can be tiring to hold | Lighter and easier to handle |
| Noise | Louder, engine noise | Quieter, less disruptive |
| Maintenance | Requires fuel mixing, spark plug checks, oil changes | Low maintenance, no fuel or spark plugs |
| Emissions | Produces exhaust fumes | Zero emissions, eco-friendly |
| Best For | Large farms, tough trees (e.g., eucalyptus) | Home gardens, smaller properties |
| Charging/Fueling | Refuel anytime | Requires charging; may need spare batteries |
| Cost | Usually more expensive upfront and upkeep | Often cheaper upfront, battery costs extra |
Quick Decision Guide
Choose Battery If:
- Most branches are under 6 inches
- You value convenience and quiet operation
- Cutting sessions are under an hour
- You want minimal maintenance or if you’re looking for the best battery powered pole saw for home gardens or light pruning jobs
Choose Gas If:
- You regularly cut thick branches (8+ inches)
- You need all-day cutting capability
- Maximum cutting power is essential
- You work far from power source
How much does a pole saw cost
The price of a pole saw in Australia depends on the type, brand, and features. Here’s a rough guide to help you budget:
| Type | Price Range (AUD) | Typical Use |
| Manual Pole Saws | $30 – $80 | Light pruning, small gardens |
| Electric (Corded) | $100 – $250 | Small to medium yards, easy jobs |
| Battery-Powered | $150 – $400+ | Medium yards, quiet & eco-friendly |
| Petrol (Gas-Powered) | $300 – $700+ | Heavy-duty, farms, large trees |
What Affects the Price?
- Brand: Big names like Husqvarna, Stihl, and Ryobi tend to cost more but offer better quality and parts availability.
- Pole Length & Power: Longer poles and more powerful motors raise the price.
- Features: Adjustable heads, telescoping poles, safety features, and battery packs add to the cost.
Expert Tip:
If you’re just trimming small trees or hedges in your backyard, a battery-powered pole saw around $200–$300 offers the best balance of price and performance.
How Thick of a Tree Can a Pole Saw Cut?
Most pole saws can safely cut branches up to about 15 to 20 centimetres (6 to 8 inches) thick.
- Smaller models (like manual or battery-powered saws) usually handle branches around 10–15 cm thick.
- Larger petrol-powered pole saws can cut thicker branches, sometimes up to 20 cm or more.
Important Tips:
- Don’t try to cut branches thicker than your saw’s bar length or power can handle—this can damage the tool or cause accidents.
- For really thick branches or tree trunks, use a regular chainsaw, best tree trimmer or call a professional arborist.
- Always cut branches in sections if they’re too big for one cut.
Expert Note Many Australian trees like eucalyptus and gum have tough, dense wood. Choose a stronger pole saw with a longer bar (10-12 inches) if you expect to cut thicker branches often.
Where to buy pole saw at a cheap price?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pole saw in Australia, here are some great places and reliable brands to consider:
- Bunnings Warehouse: Affordable options from Ozito, Ryobi, Homelite. In-store and online.
- Amazon Australia: Deals and free delivery on BLACK+DECKER, Greenworks, Bosch.
- eBay Australia: New and used models by Baumr-AG, Giantz, Ryobi. Buy from top-rated sellers.
- Catch.com.au: Weekly sales and bundles featuring Stanley, Yard Force, and more.
Expert Tip: Look for pole saws with at least a 20V battery (if cordless) or a 25cc engine (if petrol) for solid performance without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts:
Choosing the right pole saw comes down to your needs, light pruning, heavy-duty cutting, or something in between. Whether you go for a manual, electric, battery, or petrol model, make sure it suits your property, tree types, and how often you’ll use it. A well-chosen pole saw makes tree maintenance safer, easier, and more efficient.