Best Gas Pole Saw 2023 for Chopping Backyard Trees

Ever tried climbing a tree to cut down those unwieldy, overgrown branches? Climbing trees is dangerous enough as it is, but add an electric or gas-powered chainsaw into the equation and you’re asking for trouble. This is where the best gas pole saw comes into play. You’ll be able to cut down those branches from the safety of your lawn. 

The best gas pole saw of 2023 is the MAXTRA Gas Pole Saw 42.7CC 15ft. This powerful pole saw has a 42.7 cc engine, a maximum cutting length of 15 ft, great reviews, and a lightweight design. This saw is perfect for most people, and it also doesn’t cost too much.

In this article, I’ve looked at the best gas pole saws available right now and tell you about all the pros and cons of each one. Then, I’ll tell you a bit more about what to look for in a gas pole saw so you can trim those trees and weeds with ease.

Best Gas Pole Saw: The Top 5

Tired of searching for gas pole saw reviews online and only ever finding product-plugging blogs, often written by the same manufacturer that made the product?

So, I figured that it’d be best to collate all the existing research that’s out there on the web, then cross-reference the winning products to see which one consistently comes out on top.

What we’re left with is the 5 best gas pole saws for 2020. Let’s check them out:

1. Best Overall: MAXTRA Gas Pole Saw 42.7CC 15ft

Wherever I looked, the Maxtra Gas Pole Saw came out on top as the best gas pole saw, and it’s not hard to see why.

The Maxtra’s 42.7cc engine tore through pretty much anything I could throw at it when I tested it. Even at the fully-extended adjustable height of 14 to 15-feet, I was easily able to slice through limbs – trees, that is! – without issue. 

One thing I really liked about this powerful pole saw, and something that’s echoed in the reviews, is the ability to convert it into other power tools. Attachments are readily available and can transform this gas pole saw into a hedge trimmer, string trimmer, or brush cutter.

I spend a lot of time outdoors, but I don’t have a heap of storage space available, so having one tool that can fulfill multiple tasks is pretty useful. I also love the storage bag, which keeps the cold and damp weather out, which can rust your pole saw if you’re not careful. 

Onto the negatives; first-off, I wasn’t a fan of the instruction manual – and neither were a lot of users whose reviews I’ve read. It’s old, outdated, and overly-complex. And whereas some saws have issues with an overly-tight chain, this one tends to come loose after prolonged use. It’s probably due to the untamed beast of an engine, but it’s something to keep an eye on. 

Pros

• With every update to this article, the MAXTRA Gas Pole Saw 42.7CC 15ft always comes out on top. It’s wonderful, and it’s the gas pole saw I like best.
• Packs a 42.7cc engine, almost double some of the contenders
• Includes a storage bag for keeping components rust-free and dry
• Converts to a bunch of other useful tools
• Adjustable length for a versatile cutting experience that reaches tall branches

Cons

• The chain guard can take a beating from small tree limbs and shrubs
• Overly-complex assembly and operational instructions
• Seems to have an issue with the chain tensioning system
• Only one year limited warranty.

If you want a great value, you can also get this pole saw in a bundle pack with four different attachments, such as a string trimmer and brush cutter attachment:

2. Runner-Up: Husqvarna 128PS 28-cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Pole Saw

Here at Outdoor Happens, we generally love Husqvarna tools, and this gas pole saw doesn’t disappoint.

The Husqvarna 128PS has a 28cc engine and 2.5-ft extension pole. So, it’s neither the most powerful nor the highest-reaching of the pole saws on our list, but Husqvarna has a long-running reputation for quality tools that last. 

Based on the mixed reviews, I figured I’d put this pole saw to the test. Taking it out of the box, it was immediately obvious that the saw wasn’t 12 ft long as advertised. Instead, it was only 8ft, even with the extension pole on. With the pole extended as far as it would safely allow, I would’ve liked some more length to make it comparable to other saws on the list. 

It didn’t feel too weighty; I did see some users complain about the weight, and on closer inspection, it’s not the lightest gas pole saw on our list, so make of that what you will!

Much like our other best gas pole saws, this one can be converted into a bunch of other lawn tools through compatible attachments. And for once, the instructions for doing so are surprisingly clear and easy to understand! One of the main issues I had here was that the start-up system just seemed completely over-the-top. On the air filter cover is a list of 10 – ten! – steps to start the engine. Most saws have less than half this number to get up and running. 

Learn More – Stihl ms 291 vs Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw Review

Pros

• Ready to use out of the box
• Attachment-compatible, as well as providing pretty good instructions
• Husqvarna replacement parts are fairly easy to come by
• Two-year limited warranty

Cons

• I would’ve appreciated more length on the extension pole; 
• The pole saw is shorter than advertised

3. Best Pole Saw Attachment: Troy-Bilt TrimmerPlus PS720 Gas Pole Saw

This gas pole saw is a strange beast. I want to like it, I really do; it was the best gas pole saw outright according to my research, and it’s backed by a heap of great customer reviews.

It’s not that it’s a bad product, it’s just that I don’t really like the design compared to some of the others – especially those from Husqvarna. 

What I mean by this is that it’s an attachment pole saw, which can be affixed to most attachment-capable string trimmers. While that’s a pretty cool feature, it means you’ll have to ensure you have a compatible tool. You can’t just hold this pole in the air without any other handles. It just wouldn’t be safe. 

The pole comes in 2 parts and can be assembled to reach up to 7 feet above your standing height. On the end is an 8-inch saw that promises to tackle logs up to 16 inches in diameter. Judging by user reviews, you’re looking at about an hour’s worth of use from a full gas tank, which should be more than enough for most non-professional tasks. 

A common problem I see among store-bought gas pole saws is the chain being too tight straight out of the box, so be sure to take a look at that before you get started. This aside, the only other negatives worth noting are that other saws tend to be able to reach higher, and the saw housing is made from hardened plastic – which, at the end of the day, is still just plastic and doesn’t feel particularly premium. 

Pros

• Saw is backed by a 2-year warranty
• Averages around an hour’s worth of use from a full tank according to reviews; 
• It’s compatible with “attachment-capable trimmers, including Troy-Bilt, Remington, and Craftsman” string trimmers.  
• Has an automatic chain oiler for seamless sawing

Cons

• Not the best saw for reaching great heights
• Quite a few reviews say that the chain is adjusted too tight by default
• The saw housing is made of hardened plastic, which may not be durable

4. Easiest To Maneuver: ECHO 12 in. 25.4cc In-Line Handle Pole Pruner

This pole saw, with its 25.4 cc, powerful gas engine and 12.2 ft reach, isn’t the biggest or most powerful saw on this list. However, it might be the best pole saw for you if you want a lightweight saw that’s very easy to maneuver.

This telescoping pole saw is pretty much what you’d think of as standard, which isn’t always a bad thing. Often, simplicity is a benefit – there are fewer components that could break. And that’s where this pole saw excels. It’s durable, long-lasting, and easy to fix if you ever need to.

Another thing I was impressed with is how easy it is to swing this saw around. The handle isn’t the comfiest, but it was still much easier to carry and hold than most of the other saws on this list.

Pros

• Hardy 25cc engine
• Easy to handle
• Multiple adjustment points for easy carrying and storing
• Long lasting

Cons

• Shorter than most of the other gas pole saws on this list
• The price point is relatively high

5. Most Adjustable: PROYAMA 42.7cc Adjustable Pole Chainsaw

The PROYAMA Adjustable Pole Chainsaw has a whopping 42.7 cc engine under the hood, making it just as powerful as the Maxtra. After getting this pole saw for the review, it’s actually almost the same pole saw as the Maxtra with just a couple of minor differences.

The biggest benefit to this hardy saw is the adjustable head. Since it always you to adjust the cutting angle, you can keep a good grip on the handle and still get those tricky, angled cuts while holding this guy up in the air.

I found this saw easy to handle and maneuver thanks to the handles, strap, and many different adjustable sections on the telescoping pole.

The biggest con is that about a third of other people who reviewed this saw noted that it often had minor mechanical issues out of the box. While that may be the case, it still has really good reviews overall because the customer service is fantastic, and Proyama will send you replacements and parts quickly and for free. So, just order from Amazon – they have an automatic 1-year warrantee, pay the price of shipping for returns, and also have longer protection plans for a low extra cost.

Still, the majority of people who chose this pole saw had no issues, and I personally had no problem using it.

Pros

• Product is lightweight and easy to assemble; 
• Adjustable saw head for east cutting
• Up to 16 feet of reach
• Excellent customer service and 1-year warranty
• Powerful engine

Cons

•  Prone to mechanical issues out of box

Best Gas Pole Saw – The Winner

Based on my research and some personal testing, the MAXTRA Gas Pole Saw is going to be my definite go-to when I need to reach branches that are too high to trim with other tools. It’s the one I chose to keep after reviewing all these guys, and it’s still the pole saw I turn to when I need it.

While plenty of power in the garden tool arena is perhaps less varied than with vehicles, it’s still hard to ignore the power of this model compared to the others.

So, put away those ladders and stop risking life and limb to trim tree limbs – get yourself the best gas pole saw instead. 

How To Choose the Best Gas Pole Saw for You: A Buyer’s Guide

Understanding all the specifications of a gas pole saw – or any other type of tool – can be tricky. From Ccs to cycles, a gas pole saw has a lot going on inside, which is why it’s always best to know what to look for.

Gas Pole Saw Terminology

When you’re shopping for the best gas pole saw, some of the terms you’ll come across can be confusing. What exactly does 2 cycle mean? What on earth is CC? In this section, I’ll cover some of the common features and terms associated with these products so you know what’s what. 

2-Cycle Saw

If you see “2-cycle” in the description of your gas pole saw engine – also called 2-stroke – it’s talking about the number of strokes of the engine’s piston required to complete the combustion cycle. Typically, 4-cycle engines are more efficient and powerful than 2-cycle engines.

So, do you need to worry yourself with this bit of technical information? Not really. You’ll mostly see 4-cycle engines in cars these days, but 2-cycle engines are the norm for gardening tools, so don’t worry about it. 2- cycle is plenty enough for a pole saw.

Learn More – How to Start a Flooded Chainsaw [Unflood and Clear Your Saw Engine!]

Cc

Pole saws with a gas-powered engine have ccs, a measurement to help you understand how much power the tool has.

When you see “cc”, it’ll come straight after a number. Take the Husqvarna 128PS 28cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Pole Saw, for example. That’s a 28cc engine, whereas the MAXTRA Gas Pole Saw 42.7CC 15ft has a 42.7cc engine.

Let’s keep this simple: gas engine capacity is measured in cc, or cylinder capacity, with higher numbers meaning more energy potential.

Generally, most cars will be over 1,000cc, though some smaller cars may only have around 650Ccs. But when it comes to your gas pole saw, the value will be much lower. Still, higher means more power, which is one reason that the MAXTRA Gas Pole Saw 42.7CC 15ft won its spot as the best gas pole saw in our review. 

Bar and Chain

This one’s simple and probably a little more obvious. The bar, also called the guide bar, is usually made of tough steel. This is the main bulk of the saw head – the metal around which the chain is wrapped. It’s curved and guides the chain when your gas pole saw is operational.

Some pole saws won’t come with the chain pre-installed and it’s not always easy to safely assemble it yourself, so consult a professional if you’re at all unsure before using it. 

Links and Teeth

Your pole saw’s chain isn’t necessarily the same as another pole saw’s chain. The links that make up the chain can vary from one model to another. One type of link is “cutter teeth”, which can be left or right-hand cutters. They’re the beasts that are going to chew through your wood.

There’s also drive links, which run inside the groove of your guide bar. These make sure that the power from the engine reaches your chain, powering it around the bar with sufficient force to cut through the wood. 

Finally, you’ve also got guard links – these aren’t a default component on every pole chain saw. They’re positioned in front of the cutter links and reduce the chance of your gas pole saw snagging on small vines, branches, and other debris. While they’re not on every saw, they’re good to have if you’re tackling smaller tree trunks with a greater number of small limbs. 

Gas vs Electric Pole Saws

Finally, what’s the difference between gas and electric models?

Gas pole saws are generally more powerful and reliable than corded or battery-powered electric pole saws. However, gas pole saws generally need more maintenance.

Gas-powered models also offer more mobility than corded pole saws, as the latter always need a power outlet and extension cord to function. We also like gas pole saws better than battery-powered pole saws since recharging batteries takes more time than filling up a gas tank.

Read More – How to Cut Wood Without a Saw [10 Quick Ways to Cut It Easily]

Final Thoughts: What Gas Pole Saw Do You Trust?

I really hope that my gas pole saw reviews have helped you find the best one for you. These saws are awesome for clearing tree limbs – and whole trees – away, and they just make a tricky job much easier.

Due to its power, ease of use, great length, durability, and lightweight construction, we think the MAXTRA Gas Pole Saw 42.7CC 15ft is the best pick.

However, we’d love to hear about your experience with pole saws!

Have you had a gas pole saw in the past? What saws do you trust? Have you ever gotten one that disappointed you? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!

As always, thanks for reading, and we at OH hope you have a wonderful day.

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