Glossary term
What is Pole saw?
Short answer
A pole saw is a saw on a long pole that cuts high limbs from the ground, so the worker does not need to climb.
Pole saw, explained for tree service owners
A pole saw, also called a pole pruner, is a saw attached to an extension pole so a worker can cut limbs overhead from the ground. Some are manual, and many are powered by a small engine or a battery. They are handy for light pruning and for clearing small branches near a driveway or sidewalk. They are not meant for large limbs or for work near power lines, because the pole can carry electricity. A homeowner using one should stay far from wires and wear eye protection. Professional crews use them to save time on quick jobs, while climbing or a bucket truck handles bigger work. A tree service owner can offer small trims as a starter service.
Related terms
- Bucket truck
A bucket truck is a truck with a hydraulic boom and a platform that lifts a worker up to the tree, so no climbing is needed.
- Overhead
Overhead is the ongoing cost of running a business that is not tied to one job, such as insurance, office costs, phone plans, software…
- Aerial lift
An aerial lift is any machine that raises a worker on a platform, such as a bucket truck or a lift mounted on tracks.
- Friction device
A friction device is a tool, often a post or wrap fixed near the base of a tree, that lets a worker control a rope while lowering heavy…
- Outriggers
Outriggers are extendable legs on a crane or bucket truck that spread the weight and keep the machine level and steady.
- Rigging block
A rigging block is a pulley used in a tree to change the direction of a rope and reduce strain while lowering cut pieces.
- Throw line
A throw line is a light cord with a small weight, thrown over a high branch to pull a climbing rope into the tree.
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