7 Best Manual Pole Saws and Pruners to Buy in 2020
The manual pole saw is a versatile and practical tool for trimming or cutting branches. This power tool is also known as a pole pruner or tree pruner. In this review, we’ll use those terms interchangeably.
The main benefit of the manual pole saw is its ability to provide you with greater control over the trimming process. This tool is ideal when you have a small amount of trimming, edging, or cutting to perform.
If you have a whole grove of pruning work ahead of you, you might want to go with a high-powered, automatic tool. However, if you are looking for a manual pole pruner, our pole pruner review below should help you find some of the best options available on the market today.
|
Image |
Product Name |
Bar Length |
Max Reach |
Rating |
Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
1. Fiskars 7.9 Extendable Tree Pruning Stik Pruner |
15 in |
12 feet |
4.3 |
|
 |
2. Silky 179-39 Telescoping Landscaping Pole Saw |
15-2/5 in |
26 feet |
4.7 |
|
 |
3. Gilmour 20-18 Commercial Grade Pole Saw |
16 in |
18 feet |
4.2 |
|
 |
4. Fiskars Power-Lever Extendable Tree Pruner |
15 in |
14 feet |
4.5 |
|
 |
5. ARS LA-180ZR203 Long Reach Pruner |
N/A |
7 feet |
4.5 |
|
 |
6. Silky 272-18 Telescoping Landscaping Pole Saw |
13 in |
13 feet |
4.8 |
|
 |
7. Landscaper Pole Saw Total Reach by Jameson |
16 in |
18 feet |
4.3 |
You can also read our related product reviews such as pole saw, Sun Joe SWJ800E pole saw, Remington RM1025SPS electric pole saw, Greenwork pole saw, Black & Decker LPP120 pole saw, gas pole saw, and pruning saw.
7 Best Manual Pole Saws & Pruners – Reviews
#1. Fiskars 7.9-12 Foot Extendable Tree Pruning Stik Pruner
Editor’s Rating: 
(4.3 / 5)
The Fiskars 7.9-12 is one of the best tree pruners available on the market today. It is definitely one of the most popular models you will find.
This is a simple-looking manual pole saw that, by default, comes with a scissor tip. However, with this purchase, you also get a 15-inch WoodZig saw blade for cutting branches.
The pole measures a decent 7.9 feet and can be extended to a maximum of 12 feet for more versatility. This model is ideal for cutting branches of no more than 1.25 inches in diameter when fitted with the factory default scissor tip.
Additionally, this model does not use ropes. This is a plus, as ropes can get tangled up in branches and leaves when you are in the middle of trying to reach a high and hard position.
Making use of the scissor tip is incredibly easy with the Fiskars 7.9-12. A simple clockwise twisting action will do the trick. You hold the bottom of the manual pole saw with one hand and the upper handle with the other and perform a twisting action.
Very straightforward, this tool can be used even by beginners.
Pros
- Comes with a 5-inch WoodZig saw blade for more versatility.
- Lightweight and very easy to operate.
- Can be used in awkward positions for an extended period without causing hand fatigue.
- No visible ropes on the outside that can get tangled with leaves and branches.
- A long reach of 12 feet, but can be contracted to 7.9-foot for storage or trimming small bushes.
Cons
- Too simple for heavy-duty applications.
Who Should Buy?
The Fiskars 7.9-12 is one of the best manual pole saws on the market. It is relatively affordable and gets the job done as long as it is not used for heavy-duty purposes.
We recommend this model for those who have the task of trimming small trees and bushes, and cutting small branches of no more than five inches in diameter.
#2. Silky 179-39 Telescoping Landscaping Pole Saw
Editor’s Rating: 
(4.7 / 5)
The Silky 179-39 is one of the longest manual options in this pole pruner review. It measures an impressive 21 feet when all three parts of this pruner are assembled.
When you take into account the included sickle blade, it has an impressive work area of 26 feet. That is very long!
This is a four-section pole saw when you take into account the handle, which is coated with a soft rubber material for more comfort.
The unit is factory fitted with a Silky 4-RETSUME sickle blade that is mostly useful for vine pruning or fine trimming due to its four rows of blades. However, it can be fitted with other attachments (purchased separately) that would make it even more versatile.
Additionally, it is lightweight, coming in at only 6.9 lbs, making it easy to hold and operate. This pole saw can be maneuvered into tall and tight areas fairly easily.
Due to its light weight, you can work longer periods with less hand fatigue when compared to other manual pole saws.
Due to the long size and telescopic nature of this pole saw, it has a wide range of applications including forestry work, trimming, or vine pruning – as long as you fit it with the proper attachments.
Pros
- A long telescopic pole that has a maximum work area of 26 feet.
- Comes with a Silky 4-RETSUME blade that has four rows of teeth. Very efficient at fine work.
- Lightweight at 6.9 lbs. Can be maneuvered easily.
Cons
- Not delivered with a wide set of attachments.
- It is expensive compared to some other options.
Who Should Buy?
If you need a very long pole for cutting thin branches of less than 1/2 inch, this is one of the best pole pruners in the industry. It is very long, allowing you to reach high-up places, and comes with a Silky four-row blade that is excellent for vine pruning, branch trimming, and cutting.
It is not the best for edging work unless you fit a scissor-type attachment to it (additional purchase required).
#3. Gilmour 20-18 16-Inch Curved Blade Commercial Grade Pole Saw
Editor’s Rating: 
(4.2 / 5)
The Gilmour 20-18 is a less expensive option for branch cutting and trimming work. Its 16-inch curved saw blade attachment has non-stick features. This is very important, especially when cutting branches that have sap and resin. When prevented from sticking, you end up with a tool that is more efficient in cutting.
It comes with three octagonal poles that can be fitted to one another, for a maximum of 18 feet of reach. This is not the tallest manual pole saw, but it will be sufficient for most garden trimming and pruning work.
Additionally, the back is fitted with a branch hook that allows you to easily hook and break tender branches. You can also use this hook to pull down stuck branches. It will prove a practical design if you have a lot of twigs to trim as it is more time-saving than cutting them one at a time.
The Gilmour 20-18’s handle is made from a solid fiberglass construction, which makes it lightweight, comfortable, and durable at the same time. The pole bar, blade, and hook are made from cast-aluminum, for even more durability and long life.
Pros
- The three-pole design can be adjusted for a maximum reach of 18 feet.
- Its 16-inch cast-aluminum blade is durable and long-lasting. Fitted with a back branch hook for more convenience.
- The blade is resistant to resin and other sticky substances branches might emit. This allows it to cut branches more efficiently.
Cons
- Some customers complained that the shaft is not octagonal, as advertised
Who Should Buy?
Since the blade is resistant to sap, we recommend this long pole to those who need trimming or pruning trees that normally create sap or resin when cut. Additionally, you can use this pole saw on a regular tree for branch trimming as long as the reach is not more than 18 feet.
#4. Fiskars Power-Lever Extendable Tree Pruner
Editor’s Rating: 
(4.5 / 5)
The Fiskars is another affordable manual pole saw. It is not the tallest pole saw we have seen, as it has a maximum reach of only 14 feet. However, it is still an acceptable option when it comes to trimming bushes and small trees.
As with most Fiskars pole saws, it comes factory-equipped with the traditional 15-inch WoodZig saw blade, known to be one of the best manual pole saw blades on the market. This blade is normally a pruner blade that works best when used on branches that are 1.2 inches in diameter or less.
Again, Fiskars over-delivered on the build construction with a pole made almost entirely of fiberglass, which is durable and lightweight. As for the 15-inch blade, it is made from hardened steel for a long lifetime and heavy-duty trim work.
Additionally, the blade is coated with a low-friction paint, making it easier to glide amongst branches and leaves, especially on trees that produce a sticky sap.
Lastly, the length can quickly and easily be adjusted with the help of the one-thumb release lock mechanism that makes working with this unit a real treat. We like the ease of use, build quality, and convenience of this manual pole saw.
Pros
- One-thumb lock and unlock mechanism of easy pole length adjustment.
- The non-stick 15-inch can be used to work in tight areas and on trees that produce a sticky sap.
- The blade is made from hardened steel for heavy-duty work and pole from fiberglass for a long lifetime.
Cons
- Has a maximum reach of only 14 feet.
Who Should Buy?
If you need to trim leaves and branches on fairly short trees that produce sap, the Fiskars 14 Foot is one of the best tree pruners there is; the low-friction blade easily glides amongst the leaves and branches.
#5. ARS LA-180ZR203 Long Reach Pruner
Editor’s Rating: (4.5 / 5)
The ARS LA-180ZR203 is one of the most straightforward pole pruners available on the market. It is a simple and yet highly efficient pole that can be used to trim branches of less than 1.5 inches quite easily.
This model has a single lever to activate the forged aluminum scissor blade. This system is the easiest and most simple to use out of all the options we have seen. Best of all, you do not need any experience to operate this pole saw.
It has a telescopic pole that can be retracted or extended to a minimum of four feet and a maximum of seven feet. Additionally, this is a very lightweight pole saw. In fact, it is one of the lightest in this pole saw reviews at only 2.2 lbs.
You will find it very maneuverable, and you do not need to have a lot of muscle power to operate this model. The handles are also ergonomic and coated with a rubber material for better handling comfort.
Finally, the swing neck can be adjusted on the fly from 0 – 30 degrees. Sometimes you will need this angle versatility to cut hard-to-reach or awkwardly positioned branches. Very handy!
Pros
- Very lightweight at only 2.2 lbs. Maneuverable and you do not need a lot of force to operate it.
- Its ergonomic handle limits hand fatigue.
- The swing neck has an angle adjustment of 0 – 30 degrees.
- Die-cast aluminum blade and pole for durability, lightweight, and long lifetime.
- Simple and easy to operate. You do not need any experience to use it.
Cons
- Only useful for trimming branches of less than 1.25 inches in diameter.
- Short pole length of seven feet max cannot reach branches on tall trees.
Who Should Buy?
We recommend the ARS LA-180ZR203 for pruning small bushes and branches with a reach of no more than seven feet tall.
#6. Silky 272-18 Telescoping Landscaping Pole Saw
Editor’s Rating: 
(4.8 / 5)
Silky 272-18 is a telescopic pole saw that can extend to a maximum of 13 feet with a minimum of 7.7 feet. It is a two-part pole that can quickly and easily be retracted using a click-and-lock mechanism.
It comes with a factory-fitted 13-inch impulse-hardened blade containing 6.5 teeth per inch. Silky calls this the “Silky MIRAI-ME” blade technology. It is designed for fine tree pruning and can cut through small branches.
The teeth on this blade are angled in four different ways, making it very easy and efficient when cutting tough branches. It can even be used to cut nodes or knots. The blade is solidly fitted to the pole, and it will not bend or twist under pressure.
What really sets this pole saw apart is its efficiency. Silky made sure that the handle communicates with the blade via a pin/lock system that is able to transmit near 100% force from the handle to the blade. This means that you can do more cutting with this pole saw with less force.
Additionally, the unit weighs only 3.8 lbs, which means that it is lightweight and maneuverable. Further, the handle is coated with a rubber material that makes it very comfortable to hold. You can use this pole saw for long stretches without hand fatigue.
Pros
- Four angles of teeth on the blade provides a clean cut.
- Locking pin button for retracting and expanding the telescopic pole length.
- The locking system transmits handle force to the blade very efficiently. You can cut more with less effort with this pole saw.
Cons
- A small pole that has a maximum reach of only 13 feet.
- No branch hook.
Who Should Buy?
For those looking for a basic and yet efficient small pole saw, the Silky 272-18 is one of the best tree pruners on the market. Due to its efficient pin/lock system, it does a great job cutting branches, including nodes, with minimum effort.
#7. Landscaper Pole Saw with 18-inch Total Reach by Jameson
Editor’s Rating: (4.3 / 5)
Lastly, we have the Landscaper Pole Saw. This is consists of three six-foot poles that, when attached together, provide an effective reach of 18 feet. The extensions have a ferrule mechanism that solidly holds the parts in place.
Further, all three pole parts are made from hollow fiberglass that is tough and durable. At the end of the head, you will find a sturdy 16-inch Tri-Cut saw with rows of teeth angled in a way that provides maximum cutting efficiency.
This blade can be used on branches of 16 inches or less. Additionally, it is tough enough to cut logs or lumber of 32 inches in diameter. Quite impressive!
We also like the presence of a branch hook at the back of the blade. This makes it easier to bring down cut branches. All in all, it is a simple manual pole saw with an efficient blade that gets the job done.
Pros
- Three-part design gives you the ability to use any parts based on your choice and required pole length.
- A 16-inch blade is very efficient when cutting small branches. It can even comfortably cut through a 32-inch log.
- Fiberglass pole is tough and will not break easily.
Cons
- No swivel action for the blade.
- The handle has no rubber coating. Not the most comfortable to hold.
- Quite expensive. Not enough value for the cost.
Who Should Buy?
Due to the lack of a comfortable handle, we can only recommend this manual pole saw for smaller trimming tasks on a tree of no more than 18 feet in height. While the large 16-inch blade has an efficient design for cutting large logs and branches, it can get quite uncomfortable when used for longer periods.
>> Read More: 10 Best Pruning Saws for Trees and Shrubs
Things to Consider When Buying A Manual Pole Saw
As with anything, there are certainly important criteria to take into account before purchasing a manual pole saw.
#1. Pole Length
The pole length is one of the most important criteria since it decides on your maximum reach. The bigger the reach, the more easily you will be able to access branches high up on the tree.
#2. Weight
For the best maneuverability, ensure that your manual pole pruner is also lightweight. It will be easier on the muscle system and cause less hand and wrist fatigue over time.
#3. Versatility
The manual pole saw is known for its ease of use and versatility. Indeed, you can attach a variety of accessories to a pole saw and totally change its function.
For example, you can use a scissor tip for pruning or a blade saw for cutting thick branches. Before purchasing a model, ensure that it can accommodate various accessories for more versatility.
#4. Durability and Construction
The durability and strength of the pole bar are crucial. When cutting branches, you do not want the pole bar to bench, or worse, to break under heavy load. It needs to be made from a durable and quality material.
Most reputable pole saw brands ensure that you get the most solidly constructed pole saw for your money. Therefore, it is important to always go with a good brand rather than a generic pole saw model.
Conclusion
It can be quite a journey to get your backyard or garden into shape. At the same time, you will always feel satisfied after accomplishing such a task, and your outside area will look terrific.
An important part of gardening and landscaping is pruning and trimming trees and bushes. Fortunately, as we have seen, the best tree pruner is not necessarily the most expensive. In fact, you can get a fairly decent model for an affordable price.
This is good news, because I have wrestled with old, dull pruning equipment in the past and have had to exert way more effort than needed. The solution was simply to get a new manual pole saw to help me with my landscaping work.
If you have still not found the best pole pruner for your particular needs, we recommend that you go through this manual pole review one more time. In any case, all the models listed in this review offer great value for the money you spend.
Additionally, they should perform exceptionally well as long as they are used with the appropriate pole attachments. Remember to follow safety precautions while working with any potentially dangerous tool, such as wearing gloves and protective eyewear if needed.
Last Updated on November 18, 2020 by Tom Bradly