How To Use A Pole Saw

You have three options when cutting higher branches that you cannot reach without a ladder. The first is to climb a ladder and prune the branches with a chainsaw or tree loppers. But that's dangerous and uncomfortable.

The second option is to call a professional. But that could be costly.

The last option is to use a pole saw to reach those tall tree branches. But you should know how to use a pole saw to stay safe when you cut branches. We explain how to use a pole saw below.

Before you use a pole saw to cut branches, make sure you do the following:

• Clear the Area: The work area refers to the part of your yard where the branches will fall. You should clear this area before you start trimming branches. Make sure there are no trip hazards in the area.
• Plan the Cuts: Decide which tree limbs you want to cut. Remember that removing a single large branch will require many jump cuts and preliminary cuts. It's best to cut at horizontal surfaces if possible.
• Position Yourself: You should be in a position where falling debris or branches do not harm you. Hold the saw to keep it at your chest level and still be well off to the side of the tree. Do not stand below the falling branches. Ideally, the pole should be at an angle to your body rather than directly above or below it.

Once you're in position, you are all set to use a pole saw. There are three types of pole saws; manual, electric, and gas. Be sure to do your research and pick the best pole saw for you.

The manual pole saws are harder to use than their gas and electric counterparts. But the other two also come with some complications.

You should be careful when using a gas pole saw since it has a gasoline-powered engine and a sharp blade. Wear protective gear like safety goggles, gloves, and a hard hat.

After getting in position, do the following.

Step 1: Assemble the Pole Saw

If it's your first time using this pole saw, you might need to assemble it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions in the manual. Make sure you secure all parts correctly.

Step 2: Add Oil and Gas

Gas pole saws have two reservoirs; one for gas and one for oil. Fill the gasoline tank with gas and the oil reservoirs with oil. Use the fuel mixture the manufacturer has recommended.

Step 3: Prepare the Saw

Before using a gas pole saw, you need to check two things: chain tension and lubrication. To check if the pole saw is adequately lubricated, turn it on for a few seconds. Then, see if the lubricant is coming out.

Next, loosen the chain tension screw. Adjust the chain tension in a way that the chain remains snug but not too tight that it hinders the blade's function.

Step 4: Start the Engine

To start the engine, put the pole saw on the ground. Use one hand to hold the pole saw and the other to pull the starter cord.

Position the pole saw at an angle to the tree branches you want to cut. The blade should never be above your shoulder. Instead, it should be away from your body.

Step 5: Start Cutting

Raise the gas pole saw to the branch you want to cut. Use a slow and steady motion to cut the branch.

After you've cut your desired branches, turn off the saw. Let the engine cool before you store the saw in the shed.

Electric

Get our your best electric pole saw. Electric pole saws are easier to use because they start with the touch of a button and do not require gasoline. Before you use a cordless electric pole saw, check its battery. If it's not charged, charge it before use.

Step 1: Adjust the Height

Start by adjusting the height of the pole. Most poles extend up to 12 feet, but some may go even higher.

Step 2: Turn on the Saw

Before turning on the saw, ensure you have a stable footing. Your position should be out of the way of the falling debris. Keep both hands on the saw during the cutting process. It's also important to wear protective gear, regardless of the type of saw you use. 

To start an electric pole saw, you just have to turn the on switch. It is usually on the handle. Let the pole saw reach full speed before you start cutting.

Step 3: Make the Cut

Holding the pole saw steady with both hands, make the first cut in the branch. Smaller branches will fall with one or a few cuts. Thicker branches will require more cuts. 

The pole saw should be perpendicular to the branch for a cleaner cut. It also helps prevent kickbacks, which is the snagging or pinching motion of the saw chain, making the guide bar go upward involuntarily. 

The key is to start from the branch's base and then go to the tip. It will make the cutting process smoother and safer.

Step 4: Finish Cutting

After you cut the branch:

• Release the trigger on the pole saw.
• Wait for the saw to stop before you move it away from the branch.
• Retract it back to its shorter length to store it.

The adjustable length is also helpful if you want to trim small branches. If you're using a corded pole saw, you must be careful of the trip hazards. Maneuver the wires away from the cutting area for extra safety.

Manual

Using a manual saw requires proper technique because of its manual nature. So how does a pole saw work manually? You must provide the cutting strength that an electric motor or gas engine provides in other models. Here's how:

Step 1: Extend the Pole Saw

A long pole helps reach taller branches, eliminating the need for a ladder. So, extend the pole to your desired height. Make sure you're not using the pole close to the power lines.

Step 2: Cut the Branch

The proper technique for a manual pole saw is to hold the blade at the base of the branch. You'll use a back-and-forth motion to make the cuts in the branch. Do not force the pole saw. Instead, let the weight of the saw blade do the work.

A manual pole can cut branches 5 to 6 inches thick. But you'll need to make multiple cuts to trim thicker branches.

Step 3: Clean the Saw

After finishing, lower the pole saw to the ground carefully. The saw blade should face away from you.

Clean the blade with a damp cloth to remove debris or tree sap. Then, store it in a dry position to prevent wear and tear from exposure to weather elements.

How To Use A Manual Pole Saw With A Rope

A manual pole saw with a rope can help you reach hard-to-reach branches. But how to use a pole saw with rope? Here are the steps.

Step 1: Secure the Rope

Tie a rope to the end of the manual pole saw. The rope must be long enough to reach the branch you want to cut, and it should be tightly secured to the pole saw so that it does not come loose during cutting.

Step 2: Position the Saw

Get the saw in a vertical position to the branch you want to cut. Stand beside the tree so that you can extend the pole saw to the branch and hold the rope. You should have a good grip on the rope throughout the process.

Step 3: Make the Cut

As mentioned earlier, cut with a back-and-forth motion. Ensure there's a steady amount of tension on the rope so it does not get stuck in the tree's canopy. Avoid making bad pruning cuts.

Step 4: Lower the Branch

After cutting the branch, lower it to the ground using the rope. Tug on the rope to move the branch downward, but stay out of its way to avoid injury.

Step 5: Repeat

Repeat the process with as many branches as you want. Clean and secure the pole saw after use.

Safety First

Using pole saws is difficult. Most people have never done it and have no idea how to do it. Be sure to take the necessary safety precautions before doing any work on a tree. Here are some safety precautions for this process:

• Wear safety equipment, such as gloves, a hard hat, sturdy shoes, and eye protection.
• Stand on firm and level ground. Do not work on uneven or wet surfaces.
• Do not use a pruning saw with a rope on a windy or rainy day.
• Check the rope before use. It should not be frayed or rotten.
• Do not use a rope of inappropriate length. It should be able to reach the branch without you having to stretch.
• If the pole saw jams, do not try to push it. Instead, try a different angle or check if the blade is sharp enough to cut through the branch.

The Best Pole Saw

Choosing the best pole saw can be a complicated process. Don't worry. We wrote an entire guide on choosing the best pole saw for the job,

Sweet New Earth's Final Say

Using a pole saw is one of the best ways to cut tree branches. You are able to cut those higher up branches without getting onto a ladder which can be dangerous and scary for most people.

We recommend buying a quality pole saw that is lightweight and has good balance so you can make easy cuts from down below.

FAQs

Before you go...

Now that you know how to use a pole saw, you might want to consider using one. But picking out a pole saw can be complicated. Do you go gas... electric... manual? We cover that all in our best pole saw guide. Be sure to check it out before making any buys...

• The Best Pole Saws of 2023

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