If you’re planning on doing any sort of project that requires cutting trees, you have a few very useful tools at your disposal. Two of the most popular tools when it comes to sawing trees include the chainsaw and the pole saw.
They are somewhat similar tools, although there are also some major differences between them. Let’s figure out what these two types of saws are, what differences there are between them, and what they are best used for.
Pole Saws and Chainsaws: The Basics
Before we talk similarities and differences, let’s first take a better look at each tool specifically.
What Is a Chainsaw?
A chainsaw is a specific type of saw designed to cut down trees and to cut apart logs. This is a portable type of saw that may be powered by gasoline, electricity, or a battery pack.
The defining feature of a chainsaw is that it features a set of teeth that are attached to a rotating chain, which is driven along a shaft, also known as the guide bar. These teeth then spin at high speeds, allowing them to cut through lumber with ease.
What Is a Pole Saw?
A pole saw is really just a slightly or moderately smaller version of a chainsaw that features a long pole as a handle. That pole is generally telescopic so it can be extended and retracted. Most models can be extended anywhere from 10 or 15 feet.
The advantage here is of course that you can get high up into trees to cut branches off without having to get up on a ladder.
Similarities of Pole Saws and Chainsaws
Now that we know what both tools are, let’s take a look at some of their key similarities.
1. Both Are Designed to Cut Wood
One of the biggest things that these two tools have in common is their intended use, as both of these tools are designed specifically for cutting wood. This is unlike many other types of saws, which have different blades to cut different materials. In this case, however, you cannot cut anything other than wood with either of these saws.
2. Both Are Designed Specifically for Tree Cutting
More specific than the point above, both of these tools are designed specifically for cutting trees. Now, the exact function of both tools is a bit different, but both are designed for arborists, logging, and general tree maintenance. You would not use a chainsaw or a pole saw to cut apart a board that you are going to build with, as these tools would quite literally shred a 2×4”.
3. Both May Have Motors
Another shared similarity between both of these tools is that they do usually both have motors. Chainsaws, the best ones, are always going to be gas powered, but there are also electric ones on the market. This is also the case for pole saws, which are either gas powered or electric. However, unlike chainsaws, there are also manual pole saws available for purchase.
4. Both May Use Chains to Cut
Another defining feature that these tools both have is that they use chains to make cuts. This is of course very unique, especially when compared to other types of saws out there, whether it be circular saws or reciprocating saws. Chainsaws and pole saws both use special types of chains that are fitted with teeth, which spin around a guide bar in order to cut wood.
5. Both Are Handheld
The other similarity that both of these tools share is that they are both handheld. Of course, to go cut down a tree or cut off a branch from a tree, these tools cannot be affixed to a table or any sort of base.
Differences Between Pole Saws and Chainsaws
Now that we know what makes pole saws and chainsaws similar, let’s figure out what makes them different.
1. Handle and Length – Reach
The main advantage of the pole saw is the fact that it comes with an extendable handle. This allows the user to cut branches as high as 15 feet without having to leave the ground. A chainsaw, on the other hand, has no such thing, as the handle is completely fixed in place.
Whatever you want to cut with a chainsaw has to be right in front of you. In fact, this is the number one reason the pole saw was invented, as it makes reaching high up branches much easier.
2. Weight and Size
Yes, pole saws are longer, but they’re also much lighter in weight than chainsaws. Chainsaws are generally much bulkier and have more powerful motors, therefore making them much heavier.
Chainsaws are usually also just designed to be bigger and more powerful, as they’re meant to cut thicker pieces of wood. Pole saws need to be relatively lightweight so you can easily lift them up to the desired height in order to cut a branch.
3. Size or Length of the Chain – Cutting Capacity
On average, a regular chainsaw is going to have a larger or longer blade than a pole saw. This means that a normal chainsaw can cut far thicker pieces of wood – like 8x8s for example – than a pole saw.
For this reason, a chainsaw is what you would want to cut down a tree, whereas a pole saw is what you would use to cut smaller branches.
Your average pole saw can handle branches that are around 10 to 15 inches in diameter. Of course, you can find chainsaws that have blades several feet in length.
4. Power Level
Not only is the chainsaw bigger, but it also has much more power. Even if the blade on a pole saw were long enough to cut down a full tree, it probably still wouldn’t have enough power. That said, it might be possible that you find a gas powered pole saw that is more powerful than an electric chainsaw.
5. Ease of Use
How easy these tools are to use depends on what you are doing with them. If you are cutting down a tree or cutting branches at ground level, then a chainsaw is easier to use. However, if you need to get up into a tree to cut off a branch, a pole saw is going to complete the task with ease.
6. Safety Concerns
With a chainsaw, you do need to be extremely wary of cutting yourself. With a pole saw, however, you need to be more concerned about branches falling on your head.
7. General Use
Chainsaws are made for more versatile tasks, as they can be used to cut down trees, to cut apart logs, and to cut branches at face level. Pole saws, on the other hand, are designed more specifically to cut branches off of trees at great heights.
8. Manual Version
Keep in mind that there is a manual version of a pole saw that is not powered. There are no manual chainsaws.
Can You Use a Pole Saw as a Chainsaw?
If the piece of wood you are looking to cut is thin enough, then yes, you might be able to get away with using a pole saw as a chainsaw. However, if you are cutting down a large tree or cutting a large branch or log, then a pole saw just won’t have enough power or size for the job.
Pole Saw vs. Chainsaw: Which of the Two Should You Pick?
If you are cutting down large trees, cutting branches at face level, or just sawing wood apart, such as a log, then a chainsaw will probably give you the most bang for your buck. If you are cutting thin or moderately thick branches out of trees at great heights, however, then a pole saw may be better suited for the task.
Summary
Pole saws are great for cutting branches high up out of trees, whereas chainsaws are excellent for cutting extremely thick branches, as well as for cutting down whole trees. Now that you know what the differences are between the two, you can hopefully make a more informed decision.
How Do Chainsaws Compare with Other Tools?
See how chainsaws compare with: reciprocating saws