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9 Best Makita Pole Saws 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Makita XAU02ZB 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless 10" Telescoping Pole Saw, 13' Length, Tool Only

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,417
Power Source
Pole Length
Weight

Most important from
114 reviews

Power Source
The battery life is impressive, lasting almost an hour of continuous use without draining significantly.
Pole Length
Excellent length for reaching high branches, and easy to oil, use, and clean.
Weight
This pole saw is heavy, especially with the batteries loaded, making the harness a recommended accessory for extended use.
Cutting Speed
Cuts better than old gas saws with no vibration and noise, offering a more pleasant experience.
Ease of Use
Much easier to handle and better balanced compared to gas pole saws.

The Makita XAU02ZB 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless 10" Telescoping Pole Saw is a battery-powered pole saw that offers flexibility in reaching hard-to-access branches with its adjustable telescoping shaft ranging from 9 ft. to 13 ft. This feature is particularly useful for trimming tall trees without needing a ladder. The saw is equipped with a 10-inch curved blade which is suitable for cutting wood, and the brushless motor provides the power equivalent to a 30cc gas pole saw, ensuring efficient operation with up to 140 cuts in 4x4 cedar per charge (batteries not included). Additionally, it boasts a 20% faster cutting speed compared to similar gas engine pole saws and has a torque boost mode for tackling thicker branches.

The tool alone weighs 18.1 pounds, which might be too heavy for extended use. The absence of included batteries and charger means additional purchases are necessary, adding to the cost. The ease of use is supported by the telescoping shaft and the cordless nature, providing maneuverability without the hassle of managing a power cord. Despite these positives, potential buyers should consider the weight and the need for purchasing batteries separately.

This pole saw is best suited for homeowners with medium to large gardens needing regular maintenance of trees and branches.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,417
Power Source
Pole Length
Weight

Most important from
114 reviews

Power Source
The battery life is impressive, lasting almost an hour of continuous use without draining significantly.
Pole Length
Excellent length for reaching high branches, and easy to oil, use, and clean.
Weight
This pole saw is heavy, especially with the batteries loaded, making the harness a recommended accessory for extended use.
Cutting Speed
Cuts better than old gas saws with no vibration and noise, offering a more pleasant experience.
Ease of Use
Much easier to handle and better balanced compared to gas pole saws.
#2

Makita XUX02SM1X4 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Couple Shaft Power Head Kit With 13" String Trimmer & 10" Pole Saw Attachments (4.0Ah)

Rating
9.7
Power Source
Weight
Cutting Speed

Most important from
291 reviews

Power Source
I was hesitant but glad I didn’t buy the 18v x2 model. This thing has plenty of power, more than my actual normal style Makita brushless 10” chainsaw.
Weight
The chainsaw pole cutter is the absolute BOMB! With the counter-balancing design of the motor and battery, the weight is very manageable, even on a 16' ladder.
Cutting Speed
I cannot say enough at how blown away I am at the efficiency of the cut, with 2" to 6" rounds lopped off in seconds.

The Makita XUX02SM1X4 is a versatile cordless pole saw and string trimmer combo, powered by an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery. One of its significant strengths is the brushless motor, which reaches up to 7,000 RPM for the string trimmer and 3,940 FPM for the pole saw. This enables efficient and powerful cutting performance without the hassle of gas, emissions, or oil mixing. The lever-style lock system is another advantage, allowing quick and tool-less attachment changes, making it user-friendly.

Coming with a 10-inch pole saw attachment and a 13-inch string trimmer attachment, the product offers versatility for various garden tasks. The battery-powered design ensures quieter operation and less maintenance compared to gas-powered alternatives. Weighing 20.7 pounds, it might be on the heavier side, which could be a drawback for those seeking a lightweight tool. Additionally, the pole length is not specified, which might be a consideration for users needing to reach higher branches. Safety features and cutting speed are adequately addressed, making the tool efficient and secure for use.

The product includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger, providing convenience right out of the box. With a 3-year limited warranty, it ensures a degree of reliability. This Makita model is suitable for homeowners seeking a robust and flexible garden tool without the inconvenience of a gas-powered engine.

Rating
9.7
Power Source
Weight
Cutting Speed

Most important from
291 reviews

Power Source
I was hesitant but glad I didn’t buy the 18v x2 model. This thing has plenty of power, more than my actual normal style Makita brushless 10” chainsaw.
Weight
The chainsaw pole cutter is the absolute BOMB! With the counter-balancing design of the motor and battery, the weight is very manageable, even on a 16' ladder.
Cutting Speed
I cannot say enough at how blown away I am at the efficiency of the cut, with 2" to 6" rounds lopped off in seconds.
#3

Makita XUX02SM1X5 18V LXT® Brushless Couple Shaft Power Head Kit w/String Trimmer, Pole Saw & Articulating Hedge Trimmer Attachments (4.0Ah)

Rating
9.4
Power Source
Cutting Speed
Ease of Use

Most important from
12 reviews

Power Source
The power and build quality sometimes fall short, with reports of parts breaking and mechanical issues causing grinding noises.
Cutting Speed
It handles tough cedar hedges effectively, demonstrating strong cutting capability for medium branches.
Ease of Use
The tool delivers perfect operation across its various functions, making it reliable once assembled.

The Makita XUX02SM1X5 is a versatile cordless pole saw kit powered by an 18V lithium-ion battery, which means no gas, emissions, or messy oil mixing—making it cleaner and easier to maintain than gas-powered models. It comes with a 13-inch alloy steel blade, suitable for trimming medium branches, and its couple shaft design extends reach for higher cuts. The total weight is about 33 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy for extended use or for users who prefer lighter tools.

The variable speed trigger and high/low speed button provide good control over cutting speed and battery life, making it easier to adjust for different tasks. The quick tool-less lock system simplifies switching attachments, adding to ease of use, especially if you want to switch between pole saw, string trimmer, or hedge trimmer functions. The solid build and battery-powered system reduce some risks common with gas tools.

The cutting width of 13 inches is decent for most home pruning jobs but might be limiting for very thick branches. This kit suits homeowners who want a multi-purpose, eco-friendly yard tool and don't mind a bit of weight for the added power and flexibility. It may be less ideal for those needing very lightweight gear or professional-grade cutting power.

Rating
9.4
Power Source
Cutting Speed
Ease of Use

Most important from
12 reviews

Power Source
The power and build quality sometimes fall short, with reports of parts breaking and mechanical issues causing grinding noises.
Cutting Speed
It handles tough cedar hedges effectively, demonstrating strong cutting capability for medium branches.
Ease of Use
The tool delivers perfect operation across its various functions, making it reliable once assembled.

Buying Guide for the Best Makita Pole Saws

When choosing a Makita pole saw, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you select the best model for your needs. Pole saws are versatile tools used for trimming and pruning trees and tall shrubs, and the right model can make your gardening tasks much easier and more efficient. Here are the key specifications to consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
Power SourceThe power source of a pole saw can be either gas, electric, or battery-operated. Gas-powered pole saws are typically more powerful and suitable for heavy-duty tasks, but they are also heavier and noisier. Electric pole saws are lighter and quieter, making them ideal for residential use, but they require a power outlet and extension cord. Battery-operated pole saws offer the convenience of cordless operation and are suitable for light to medium tasks, but their runtime is limited by battery life. Choose a power source based on the type of tasks you will be performing and the convenience you desire.
Bar LengthThe bar length of a pole saw determines the maximum diameter of branches it can cut. Bar lengths typically range from 8 to 12 inches. A longer bar length allows you to cut thicker branches, but it also makes the saw heavier and harder to maneuver. For general pruning and trimming of small to medium branches, a bar length of 8 to 10 inches is usually sufficient. If you need to cut larger branches, consider a model with a longer bar length.
Pole LengthThe pole length of a pole saw determines how high you can reach without using a ladder. Pole lengths can range from 6 to 12 feet or more. A longer pole length allows you to reach higher branches, but it can also make the saw more difficult to control. Consider the height of the trees and shrubs you will be trimming and choose a pole length that allows you to reach the highest branches comfortably.
WeightThe weight of a pole saw affects how easy it is to handle and maneuver. Heavier saws can be more tiring to use, especially for extended periods. Lighter models are easier to control and less fatiguing, but they may not be as powerful. Consider your physical strength and the duration of your typical tasks when choosing the weight of your pole saw. If you plan to use the saw for long periods, a lighter model may be more comfortable.
Cutting SpeedCutting speed, often measured in feet per second (FPS) or meters per second (MPS), indicates how quickly the saw can cut through branches. Higher cutting speeds allow for faster and more efficient cutting, but they may also require more power and control. For occasional light pruning, a lower cutting speed may be sufficient. For frequent or heavy-duty tasks, a higher cutting speed can save time and effort.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses features such as ergonomic design, adjustable pole length, and tool-free chain tensioning. An ergonomic design with comfortable grips can reduce fatigue and improve control. Adjustable pole lengths allow you to customize the reach of the saw for different tasks. Tool-free chain tensioning makes it easier to maintain the saw and keep it in optimal working condition. Consider these features to ensure the pole saw is user-friendly and convenient for your needs.
Safety FeaturesSafety features such as automatic chain lubrication, anti-vibration systems, and safety switches are important to consider. Automatic chain lubrication ensures the chain runs smoothly and reduces wear. Anti-vibration systems minimize hand and arm fatigue, making the saw more comfortable to use. Safety switches prevent accidental starts, reducing the risk of injury. Prioritize models with these safety features to ensure safe and efficient operation.

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