How to Safely Operate Your Pole Saw

To get tree limbs safely to the ground with your pole saw, here are a few things to remember:

Before You Start Your Pole Saw

• Gear up: wear heavy duty, snug-fitting clothes, boots, gloves, eye and ear protection, and a hard hat.

• Check your pole saw chain oil level – should be at least halfway up the chain oil window.

• Keep people and pets clear of your work area.

• Ensure your extension cord is for outdoor use and plugged in. Loop the cords so that if one gets snagged you won’t lose power.

Pole Saw Cutting Basics

• Stand in a stable position, feet apart.

• Hold the pole with your left hand, thumb wrapped around and arm straight.

• To start up, press and hold the throttle lockout and squeeze the throttle control.

• With the saw running at full speed, press against the wood with light, steady pressure.

• Don’t force it. Let the chain do the cutting.

• Stay in control, and never raise your arms over your head. Keep them at waist level for stability.

• Always stand at an angle to the limb you’re working on so you’re not under it when it falls.

• Press the chain oil bulb every 10 to 30 seconds while cutting to lube your bar and chain. This makes cutting easier and extends the life of your equipment.

• Release the throttle control as soon as you’re done, and let the saw come to a complete stop.

• When you’re done limbing, detach the chainsaw from the pole to turn cut limbs into firewood. 

Pole Saw Safety Tips

• Only operate during the day, when you can see.

• Avoid using in wet or rainy conditions.

• Keep your cord untangled and know where it’s at at all times.

• Watch out for electrical wires and any other objects besides tree limbs.

• Only cut one limb or branch at a time.

• When cutting a limb under tension, watch for spring back – when the limb is freed and springs back or down at you.

• Do not attempt to cut branches thicker than 8 inches – call a professional.

• When cutting downed limbs with your pole saw, watch out for kickback. For more on kickback, watch this.

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