If you are literally overwhelmed by the work on tall trees, a pole pruner makes it easier to trim the crown. The prerequisite, of course, is that you have an effective, high-quality product. In this buying guide, we present various models with their advantages and disadvantages and also provide information about useful accessories and the right care.

A pruner cuts branches that would be impossible to reach without a ladder

Table of Contents

Show all
  1. product types
  2. Other purchase criteria
  3. Brands/ where to buy
  4. care instructions
  5. equipment

    6. product types

    While handy pruning saws are often sufficient for occasional tree work, special devices are required for thick branches. We recommend purchasing a pruner, especially if the crown of the tree rises far into the sky and you want to avoid the wobbly ladder. These are small chainsaws attached to a long handle. Depending on your personal requirements, you can choose from different product types of this gardening aid. In our pruner comparison, we have summarized the respective advantages and disadvantages for you. In this way we hope to make your purchase decision easier.

    Normal pruners

    our recommendation
    Spear & Jackson 4930FZ/09 Razorsharp telescopic pruner
    42.74 EUR To the product

    Let's start our comparison with the cheapest model. The conventional pruner comes without a motor or other equipment. Although this results in a lower cost point, on the other hand, all the more physical effort is required. Coherent ergonomics resulting from the weight and stability of the product are therefore particularly important if it is foreseen that the work will take longer. However, with a conventional pruner you are completely independent of location and can move freely in the garden.

    benefits
    • Versatile
    • No power source required
    • No costs for petrol or electricity
    • Low own weight
    disadvantage
    • Increased effort
    • Suitable for minor work

    Petrol pruner

    our recommendation
    IKRA multitool IBKH 33 petrol 4in1, incl. extension, chain file & face protection
    219.66 EUR To the product

    How much the different product types of a pruner differ in terms of their efficiency is made clear by the petrol pruner. This beats the other models in terms of performance many times over. The engine, which is operated with a petrol-oil mixture, not only saves a lot of time, but also manages even the thickest branches. But as nice as this property may appear at first glance, you should also be aware of some disadvantages when choosing this product. For example, the engine produces exhaust gases that are not only bad for your respiratory tract, but also pollute the environment. Another restriction applies to working hours. Since a petrol pruner causes noise, you should only use the product on weekdays. Last but not least, you need a lot of strength at work. In contrast to the manually operated pruner, you don't have to use it to move the saw back and forth, but you have to lift your petrol pruner the whole time. Don't underestimate the weight that the engine causes.

    tips

    Since the proportions of the required petrol-oil mixture vary from model to model, you must pay close attention to the specifications in the instructions for use. Always mix fuel properly. If you do the preparation by eye, incorrect conditions can cause serious damage to the engine.

    benefits
    • Very powerful
    • No cable
    disadvantage
    • According to. Emits exhaust fumes
    • Heavy
    • Expensive
    • Requires fuel

    Electronic pole pruner

    our recommendation
    GARDENA telescopic pruner TCS Li-720/20: Electric pruning saw with 720 W and 20 cm sword length, bendable head, cutting stop, up to 4.40 m range, incl. carrying strap (8868-20)
    178.88 EUR To the product

    The electric pruner is a little less powerful, but quieter and lighter. This does not require any fuel as it draws its electricity directly from the socket. Older people in particular benefit from this product, as there is a good balance between the weight and the effort required. The only thing that limits flexibility and working comfort is a cable. As soon as you disconnect your electric Hochenaster from the power source, the motor stops working. Conversely, this means that you must always be near a socket. An extension cord may be required to reach remote trees. However, even more important than the restricted freedom of movement is your own safety. If you walk a few steps while cutting the trees while looking up at the sky, be careful not to trip over the cable. It would be even more fatal if the cable got caught in the rotating saw blade and caused a short circuit. Warning, there is a risk of death here!

    benefits
    • Quietly
    • Comparatively powerful
    • Comparatively low weight
    disadvantage
    • Tied to a cable
    • electricity costs
    • . Limited range of motion

    Battery powered pole pruner

    our recommendation
    Bosch battery pruner UniversalChainPole 18 (without battery, box, 18 volt system)
    102.34 EUR To the product

    Finally, the alternative of the cordless pruner. This model also has technical support in the form of a battery. In our test, long-lasting lithium-ion batteries have proven themselves, which, unlike old models, are more durable. But longevity says nothing about performance. It should be 36 to 38 volts to achieve a pleasing result. The relationship between charging time and running time is also important. The former is 1.5 to 4 ampere hours for most of the models in our test. Of course, the subsequent running time also depends on how much you use the pruner.

    tips

    When buying, give preference to a device with a removable battery. This proves to be useful not only in the event of a breakdown. If you are surprised by a low battery, you can exchange the utensil for a compatible counterpart that is already charged and continue working without interruption. In addition, high-quality models have a charge indicator, thanks to which you always have a clear view of the remaining capacity.

    Unfortunately, cordless pruners are not as powerful as electronic or petrol-powered models. In addition, the built-in battery causes a higher dead weight. In contrast to the electric pruner, this variant allows you to move freely in the garden without a cable.

    benefits
    • No cable
    • Quietly
    • No emissions
    • Less own effort
    disadvantage
    • Only operational for a limited time
    • electricity costs
    • Must be loaded
    • Less powerful than the electric and petrol pruners
    • High own weight

    Tip: A combi tool consisting of a pole pruner and a hedge trimmer is not a product of its own, but it is a sensible purchase for anyone who likes it simple and compact. So-called multitools combine many different functions in one device. With the right equipment, your pole saw can also be used as a lawn trimmer (€31.33) or brush cutter (€139.99). Unfortunately, these models are a bit more expensive.

    Other purchase criteria

    our recommendation
    Einhell cordless pruner and hedge trimmer GE-HC 18 Li T Set Power X-Change (lithium ion, 18 V, telescope, cutting length chainsaw 170 mm, hedge trimmer 400 mm, incl. 3.0 Ah battery and charger)
    169.99 EUR To the product

    After we have roughly differentiated the individual product types of a pole pruner in the above part of the guide, we will go into important purchase criteria below. Some aspects are considered basic quality features, others relate more to individual product types. Therefore, you should decide beforehand which of the above models meets your needs. If you are still undecided, we will give you more precise values in the following paragraph, which you can use as a guide.

    Application needs and frequency

    If you tackle the delicate fruit tree with a powerful electric pole pruner, the electricity costs will be in vain. In that case, you'd better save yourself the money and hassle and get the manual pole pruner. Electrically operated models are more suitable for large projects, although the performance of the motor is by no means the only factor that determines efficiency. Nevertheless, you should roughly orientate yourself on the frequency of use and your personal needs in order to find the right model.
    Electric pole pruners and battery-powered models are particularly recommended for older people or people with physical disabilities. The support provided by the drive makes it easier for you to exert your own effort.
    Petrol pruners, on the other hand, are designed for the professional sector. The performance of the engine usually exceeds private needs.

    tips

    Even if you own a petrol pole pruner, you must not simply use it on public land, for example to do a friend service to a friend. You must have a driver's license to use it outside the property.

    To give you more precise figures, as promised, it can be said:

    • for occasional or private use, a motor output of less than 200 volts is completely sufficient
    • we only recommend a model with around 200 volts for forestry or daily use

    sword length

    our recommendation
    Einhell electric pole hedge trimmer/saw GC-HC 9024 T (900 W, chain saw sword length 20 cm, hedge trimmer sword length 48 cm, extension 50 cm, incl. quiver)
    134.81 EUR To the product

    However, other features also play an important role in terms of efficiency. For example, the blade length of the saw. The longer the saw blade, the thicker branches your pruner can handle. This feature applies regardless of the type of drive. But the maximum is not always the best. In a very branched tree crown, using a saw blade that is too long is very unwieldy. They will often get caught in the forks of the branches. If you are unsure, it is best to seek advice from a competent hardware store employee.

    tips

    When buying your pruner, also make sure that the blade has a non-slip profile.

    chain speed

    The chain speed feature excludes the manual pole pruner. This describes the rotation speed of the sword measured in meters per second. The higher the speed, the faster you can get the job done. While standard models usually have a speed of 4 m per second, high-quality branded products achieve around 15 m per second.

    price

    our recommendation
    Bosch battery pruner UniversalChainPole 18 (without battery, box, 18 volt system)
    102.34 EUR To the product

    As always, quality has its price. But what actually determines the quality of a pole pruner and ultimately decides in which price range it is located? Here are the most important criteria:

    • processing and stability
    • Type (see above)
    • manufacturer or point of sale
    • own weight

    processing and stability

    Autumn and spring are considered the peak season for pole pruner sales. Now the trees want to be stimulated to sprout by pruning or by shortening the branches to prepare for the upcoming winter. At this time, discounters often temporarily have a pole pruner in their range. Many a gardener rubs his hands at the cheap offers. But after the first season, signs of wear and tear quickly become noticeable. Pole pruners that were installed inferiorly often do not last longer than a year. This is particularly annoying because buying it again is often more expensive in the end than choosing a high-quality model straight away.

    kind

    The quality of a technical device can be equated with its performance. If you want to save energy, you have to dig deeper into your pocket. Therefore, manual pruners are the cheapest models on the market. This is followed by electric and cordless pruners, while the petrol pruner is the pinnacle.

    tips

    Don't forget that the technically powered models have additional costs for electricity and fuel.

    manufacturer or point of sale

    well-known brands do not have a good reputation for nothing. Invest your money in well-known providers. Here you can be sure that you are buying a well-made product. The best example is probably the comparison to the discounter mentioned above. But the point of sale also sometimes plays an important role. You can find out more about this under “Brands and sources of supply”.

    own weight

    It is important to find the right balance here. Heavy products are usually more expensive. Does this feature surprise you? then you should consider that good stability requires a certain dead weight. In addition, the engine accounts for most of the weight. As you have already learned, the technically operated models are more expensive than the manual variant.

    Here is an approximate price overview from our pruner test:

    • manual pruner: 25 to 40 euros
    • Electric and cordless pruner: 80 to 90 euros
    • Petrol pruner: 100 to 500 euros or more

    Weight

    our recommendation
    IKRA electric telescopic hedge trimmer ITHS600 incl. shoulder strap, cutting length 51cm, cutting angle adjustment
    EUR 79.00 To the product

    Let's take a closer look at the weight here. Depending on the equipment and the construction, there are different recommendations for the maximum weight. A manual pruner should not weigh more than 2 kg. Electric models can weigh up to 7 kg. At work, you need to hold your pole saw in your hands at all times. Therefore, adjust the weight to your physical strength and, if in doubt, do without the electric function of the saw.

    stability

    The stability of the product makes it clear that you should not buy a pole pruner on the spur of the moment, but should check the product carefully beforehand. A wobbly saw blade hardly allows for effective work. The housing should also not break at any point. Check that all parts are securely bolted together and that you can easily loosen the bolts when servicing is required. This is particularly advantageous for the battery-operated model, as this type of drive has to be changed very often.

    However, it is also about your stability. With a normal hedge trimmer (77.00€) you have to climb the rickety ladder to reach high treetops. Suitable pole pruners are specially designed for this location and therefore have a telescopic handle. With the practical extra, the handle can be extended to a length of 4 meters so that you can easily do the work from the ground. However, there is also a crucial catch. Stability decreases with increasing length. At high altitudes, precise handling may be restricted.

    safety

    Protective clothing should be worn when operating a pole pruner

    Even if you can save yourself the wobbly ladder thanks to a telescopic handle, working with a pole pruner is not without its dangers. First of all, we recommend wearing effective protective clothing. This includes

    • an overall (especially for petrol pruners to protect against oil stains on clothing)
    • a pair of goggles
    • Protective helmet (to protect against falling branches)
    • ear protection (only necessary for a petrol pruner)
    • sturdy shoes

    Sturdy footwear is not only required when climbing a ladder. When pruning trees, it's a good idea to put the saw down from time to time and look at the shape of the crown from a distance. If you carelessly lay the pole pruner on the grass, you may not find it right away. I can't even imagine the pain stepping into the sharp saw blade would cause. A stable shoe sole reduces the risk of injury.

    But there is another preventive measure against injuries. What color comes to mind when you think of the Bosch brand? Of course you have orange glowing electronic devices in mind. Whether the manufacturer chose this color by chance remains unclear. What is certain, however, is that equipment in signal colors reduces the risk of injury. A red, orange, or yellow model will be easier to spot in tall grass. Also, white or black devices are more visible than green or brown models.

    manufacturer service

    Speaking of manufacturers, this factor is also important in making your purchase a satisfying one. We advise you to pay close attention to the manufacturer's conditions beforehand. Is there a reliable spare parts service? Are there addresses or telephone numbers on the packaging that you can contact in the event of a complaint? Does the manufacturer give you a guarantee?

    tips

    The warranty period for a garden tool is usually two years. Bear in mind that the reimbursement only occurs in the event of a technical breakdown. In the event of misuse or careless storage, you are responsible for the damage yourself.

    A guarantee says even more about the quality of a product than you might think. A manufacturer would hardly promise a refund if they were not 100% convinced of the longevity of their product.

    Brands/ where to buy

    our recommendation
    ATIKA KSH 710 SDS pruner telescopic chainsaw pruning saw | 230V | 710W | Telescopic working height: ~ 2.47 m - 3.07 m
    EUR 109.90 To the product

    You have decided on a product type and have dealt extensively with the purchase criteria of a pruner? Then only the question of the source remains. Here you have two options to choose from:

    • buying from a hardware store
    • the order on the internet

    Buy a pruner at a hardware store

    In the hardware store you benefit from competent advice from the specialist staff. You also have the opportunity to test the models for their ergonomics and their workmanship. Unfortunately, the way could have been in vain, since the range of products in a hardware store is usually limited to the most common manufacturers. Not all brands are always available, so you sometimes have to switch to alternatives. In addition, specialist retailers are currently struggling with falling sales figures due to the triumph of online trading. The retail trade in particular is therefore dependent on setting prices correspondingly high.

    benefits
    • Competent consulting
    • Own experiences with the ergonomics and the processing
    disadvantage
    • Limited assortment
    • travel expenses
    • High prices

    Buy a pruner online

    Let's start with the disadvantages of online trading: On the one hand, you cannot be 100% sure whether the product will ultimately be of the quality specified by the manufacturer. Images and ratings do not always correspond to reality. Providing an address for a complaint is therefore particularly relevant when buying online. Also, you never know exactly how the product feels and whether all parts are securely attached. In the worst case, you can send the product back to the supplier free of charge.

    our recommendation
    IKRA 78001850 electric telescopic pruning saw pruner IEAS750, cutting length 185mm, working height up to 4 meters, particularly light, incl. shoulder strap, 750 W, 230 V, red/white/grey/black
    EUR 78.90 To the product

    In contrast to hardware stores, the Internet has no opening hours. You can even place orders around the clock in the online shops of the providers. In most cases, you will also find a detailed category text on the corresponding page, which replaces the advice of a specialist. Product details are carefully listed and provide a precise overview of the areas of application. The customer recessions, where users report from their own experiences, are also useful.
    Are you looking for a particularly cheap model? You will usually find a filter in the menu bar that you can use to set your maximum budget. In addition, there is the possibility of comparing prices directly with one another. Convenient home delivery saves time and travel expenses and rounds off the offer.

    Recommended brands and manufacturers

    • Stihl
    • Makita
    • Husqvarna
    • Dolmar
    • unanimously
    • AL-KO
    • Atika
    • Bosch
    • Black & Decker
    • Gardena
    • MTD

    tips

    A pruner is not always declared as such in the trade. Other designations are pruning saw, pruning cutter, pruning chain saw, telescopic chain saw or pole saw.

    care instructions

    To ensure the longevity of your pruner, you must clean it thoroughly after each use. For models with an electric drive, it is particularly important to remove the battery beforehand or to disconnect the device from the power source. Moreover, these models require maintenance from time to time. If you have little experience with technical work, it is better to leave the repair to a specialist.
    For your personal safety, you should only do minor work in the garden in this case and have daring cuts carried out by a tree nursery. Watch out for falling branches and always cut away from your body.

    equipment

    our recommendation
    Oregon 3 x pruner saw chains 3/8" pitch, drive link thickness 1.3 mm (.050"), 40 drive links for 25 cm cutting length - suitable for all brands including Bosch, Worx, Einhell and other brands
    21.81 EUR To the product

    You have probably noticed that we have already given tips and hints on useful accessories in the guide. If you would like to take care of your garden completely by yourself, we recommend that you expand the pruner accordingly so that you have all the usable functions in one model.

    While there are few accessories for the manual product, you will need fuel, an extension cord or a spare battery for the remaining variants. When purchasing, make sure that the delivery is complete. A charger is not always included in the scope of delivery.
    Finally, we would like to draw your attention to reliable protective clothing. To ensure that your pole pruner is damaged just as little, we recommend a sturdy storage box for storage.

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