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Why Choose a Cordless Pole Saw?
A pole saw is a small chainsaw on the end of a long, usually telescopic, shaft. It lets you cut branches that are well above head height from the ground, so you do not need a ladder. For a gardener with an overhanging apple tree, a tall hedge with woody stems or a conifer that has grown past the fence, that is a real safety gain.
Cordless models run on a rechargeable battery, so there is no cable to trail around the garden and no petrol to mix. They are quieter than petrol saws, start at the press of a button and are light enough for most people to use for a short session. If you already own batteries from a particular range, a tool-only pole saw can be very good value.
The six saws below cover bare tools for 18V and 24V battery systems, ready-to-go kits with a battery and charger, and a 2-in-1 that also trims hedges. We look at reach, weight, what is included and who each one suits.
At a Glance: Cordless Pole Saws Compared
Prices are approximate and change with stock. Some saws are sold as bare tools without a battery.
| Product | Battery system | Best for | Approx. price |
| VonHaus Pole Chainsaw Cordless 20V | 20V, battery and charger included | Budget starter kit | Around £70-90 |
| Bosch UniversalChainPole 18 | 18V Power4All, bare tool | Existing Bosch battery owners | Around £90-110 |
| RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Pole Pruner | 18V ONE+, bare tool | Existing ONE+ owners wanting long reach | Around £95-115 |
| Greenworks 24V 8in Cordless Pole Saw | 24V, bare tool | Existing Greenworks battery owners | Around £100-120 |
| WORX WG349E 20cm Pole Chain Saw | 18V (20V Max), battery and charger included | Long reach in a complete kit | Around £150-170 |
| Greenworks G24PSHK2 2-in-1 Pole Saw and Hedge Trimmer | 24V | Gardens with tall hedges and trees | Around £150-170 |
The Products, One by One
1. VonHaus Pole Chainsaw Cordless 20V
The VonHaus is the entry-level choice in our list and comes as a full kit with a 20V battery and charger. It has an automatic oiling system, a rotating cutting head so you can adjust the angle, and a shoulder strap to take some of the weight.
The extendable handle runs from around 168 to 220cm, so with your own reach on top you can get at branches several metres up. It is a good way into pole saws without buying into an expensive battery system, though a budget kit will not have the cutting speed or the build of a premium tool.
Pros: Complete kit with battery and charger, adjustable head, shoulder strap, low price.
Cons: A less established battery system, so spares and extra batteries are harder to find. Not built for heavy use.
Who it suits: occasional pruning of small to medium branches on a tight budget.
- CORDLESS CUTTING: Tackle tree maintenance the safe, easy, and efficient way with the VonHaus cordless chainsaw. With a rechargeable 20V battery and auto-oiling system, start-up and maintenance is faff-free.
- MULTI-ANGLE HEAD: Paired with the ergonomic handle and shoulder strap, the rotary cutting head ensures comfortable, precise operation. Press the rotate buttons to adjust the pole chainsaw between 0/15/30°.
- LONG REACH CHAINSAW: No branch is too tall for this electric chainsaw thanks to its 3.74kg aluminium build and extendable handle. Extend from 168-220cm and enjoy cordless freedom with the chain saw's 18cm cutting width.
- SAFETY FEATURES: Complete with a fast-lock tube button and a chain cover for safe storage, work confidently with the tree cutter – whether you’re an amateur or seasoned gardener.
- G-SERIES RANGE: No need to juggle different chargers or batteries. Switch the same battery seamlessly between your G-Series tools and tackle every task without missing a beat.
2. Bosch UniversalChainPole 18
Bosch is a trusted name, and the UniversalChainPole 18 is part of its 18V Power4All range, so the same battery works across a wide range of Bosch garden and DIY tools. It is sold without a battery or charger, which keeps the price down if you already own them.
It is described as lightweight and well balanced, which is what you want from a tool held above your head. The telescopic height adjustment runs from about 210 to 260cm. If you are not already in the Bosch system, you will need to buy a battery and charger separately, which changes the sums.
Pros: Respected brand, light and balanced, works with the wider Bosch 18V range, sensible price for the bare tool.
Cons: Battery and charger are extra. Reach is more modest than some rivals.
Who it suits: anyone already using Bosch 18V batteries who wants a dependable pole saw for general pruning.
- Ergonomic, well balanced and lightweight with less strain on arms and shoulders
- Continuous cutting performance without damaging trees. Height adjustment : 210 – 260 cm
- One battery for all DIY and garden tools in the 18 volt Power4All lithium-ion cordless system
- Syneon Chip – Intelligently controlled energy for every project
- Tip protector and bumper spike for better control on what you cut and undercut
3. RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Pole Pruner
Ryobi’s ONE+ range is one of the biggest battery platforms in the UK, with a huge choice of tools, which makes this pole pruner an easy addition if you already have a ONE+ battery. It has a 20cm Oregon bar and chain and a 30 degree angled cutting head, which helps with control when you are cutting overhead.
The extendable shaft is described as reaching up to 4m, the longest claimed reach in this group, although that figure includes the user’s own reach. As with the Bosch, the battery and charger are not included.
Pros: Long extendable shaft, Oregon bar and chain, angled head, huge ONE+ battery range.
Cons: Battery and charger not included. Long poles get tiring to hold, so take breaks.
Who it suits: ONE+ owners who need to reach higher branches.
- 20cm Oregon bar and chain for effective pruning and cutting
- High torque performance with 5.5ms chain speed
- Extendable shaft for a reach of up to 4m
- 30 degrees angled cutting head for easy pruning and better control
- Automatic bar and chain lubrication for continuous cutting
4. Greenworks 24V 8in Cordless Pole Saw
Greenworks is another battery platform popular with UK gardeners, and this model runs on its 24V batteries. It has a 20cm blade, an automatic oiler and a three-piece split shaft that extends to about 2.68m. The listed weight is only 3.3kg, which is light enough for sustained use.
This is a tool-only package, so it does not include a battery or charger. It is aimed at people who already own Greenworks 24V batteries, in which case it is a straightforward and fairly priced way to add a pole saw to the shed.
Pros: Light for a pole saw, automatic oiler, easy tensioning, runs on common 24V Greenworks batteries.
Cons: Battery and charger sold separately. Less reach than the longest competitors.
Who it suits: owners of Greenworks 24V tools who want to add a pole saw.
- Product Details: 24V 20cm/8in electric cordless pole saw - Weighing only 3.3kg, it comes with a 20cm blade and an adjustable three-piece split shaft up to 2.68m/8.76ft, suitable for pruning tall branches around the garden.
- High Quality Electric Chainsaw: Long reach tree purner, easy tensioning, efficient and fast cutting - Chain speed up to 6.7m/s for fast, clean cutting. Optimized handle structure with variable speed trigger, low amplitude and easy grip.
- Convenient Design - Automatic Oiler. Automatic oiling means your saw blade is always lubricated, so it runs smoothly without stopping for refueling. In addition, the 50ml oil tank comes with a translucent window, allowing you to easily check the oil level.
- Use: Can be used with any GREENWORKS 24V 2Ah battery - This pole saw only includes the machine, not the battery and charger.
- 3-Year Warranty – Greenworks is a global leader in power tool and battery technology, recognized worldwide for smart design, high performance, and exceptional customer service.
5. WORX WG349E 20cm Pole Chain Saw
The WORX WG349E is a complete kit with a 2Ah lithium-ion battery and charger, so you can unbox it and start cutting. It has a 20cm Oregon bar and chain and a telescopic shaft with a claimed reach of up to 4m, and the cutting head angles through 30 degrees to help with awkward branches.
It sits at the pricier end of the group, but you get everything you need, and WORX 18V (20V Max) batteries are shared with the rest of its garden range. The 2Ah battery is on the small side for longer sessions, so a spare is worth considering if you have a lot to cut.
Pros: Complete kit with battery and charger, long reach, angled head, Oregon bar and chain.
Cons: Higher price than the bare tools. A single small battery limits long sessions.
Who it suits: gardeners starting from scratch who want a ready-to-use saw with good reach.
- High torque performance with 5.5m/s chain speed.
- 20cm Oregon bar and chain for effective pruning and cutting
- Extendable shaft giving a reach of up to 4m
- Adjustable angle: 30° angled cutting head
- Rotating rear handle for comfortable pruning in any position
6. Greenworks G24PSHK2 2-in-1 Pole Saw and Hedge Trimmer
The G24PSHK2 combines a pole saw and a pole hedge trimmer on one power head, so you can swap between cutting branches and trimming tall hedges. It has a 20cm bar with an automatic oiler and dual-action hedge trimmer blades, plus a shoulder strap and a three-year guarantee.
Two tools in one is attractive if you have both tall hedges and branches to deal with. The branch limit is worth noting: the maker says it is not for cutting branches over 18mm on the hedge trimmer attachment. Check what is supplied with the listing, because Greenworks sells some versions as tool-only and some with a battery.
Pros: Two tools in one, automatic oiler, dual-action blades, shoulder strap, good guarantee.
Cons: Check whether battery and charger are included. Heavier and more complex than a single-purpose saw.
Who it suits: gardens with both tall hedges and overhanging branches.
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Buying Guide: Choosing a Cordless Pole Saw
Battery system first
The battery is often the most expensive part. If you already own batteries from Bosch, Ryobi, Greenworks, WORX or another brand, a tool-only pole saw from the same range will almost always be better value. If you are starting from scratch, a complete kit saves money and hassle.
Reach and weight
Claimed reach figures usually include your own height, and you will cut at an angle rather than straight up, so the real working height is lower. Heavier saws get tiring quickly when held above shoulder height, so look for a shoulder strap and a good balance.
Bar length and cutting capacity
Most pole saws use a 20cm bar. That is enough for branches of a few centimetres in diameter. For thick limbs, a proper chainsaw used by a trained operator or a qualified tree surgeon is the safer option.
Chain oil and maintenance
Many pole saws have an automatic oiler, but the reservoir still needs topping up. Keep the chain sharp and correctly tensioned, and clean sawdust from the head after use.
Safety When Using a Pole Saw
Work at height is risky even with a pole saw. Wear a helmet with a visor, eye protection, gloves, sturdy boots and ear defenders, because branches and debris fall towards you. Stand to the side of the cut, not underneath it, and keep other people and pets well clear.
Never use a pole saw near overhead power lines, and do not use one in wet or windy weather. Never cut above shoulder height with a saw you cannot hold with both hands. Check whether the tree has a preservation order or is in a conservation area before you cut, and avoid pruning during the main bird nesting season, which generally runs from spring into summer.
Autumn and winter, once the leaves are down, are good times for most pruning, because you can see the structure of the tree. Fruit trees have their own timing, so check before you cut.
Our Recommendation
If you already own batteries, buy the pole saw from the same system: the Bosch, Ryobi or Greenworks bare tools are all sensible. The Ryobi offers the longest claimed reach, while the Greenworks is the lightest.
If you are starting from scratch, the WORX WG349E is the best all-round kit here, with the VonHaus the budget alternative for light use. And if your garden has plenty of hedges as well as branches, the Greenworks 2-in-1 is the most versatile. Whichever you pick, buy proper safety gear at the same time.
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