18v vs 40v Pole Saw: Which One Should You Buy?

Side by side

Figures are per listing and manufacturer rated, collected 25 October 2026. Where a listing states a figure two ways, both figures are shown.

18v vs 40v pole saw: bar and reach

Bar length across the examples runs from 8 in to 10 in: the Ecarke 18v example and the Wild Badger 40v example both list an 8 in bar, while the Greenworks 40v example lists a 10 in bar, plus a 20 in hedge trimmer blade as part of its combo. A longer bar does not by itself settle the comparison, since the Greenworks listing states no reach figure and no cutting speed, so the bar advantage stays a bar figure only. Reach separates the two examples that state it: the Ecarke pole adjusts from 7 to 10 feet, with a total reach of up to 16FT, while the Wild Badger shaft extends to 9.18 FT, with a max reach of 12.5FT. The Greenworks listing states no reach figure, so its reach stays unclear rather than a win for either side.

Battery, weight and what is included

Battery inclusion is the clearest practical split. The Ecarke example is tool only, with no battery included, so it suits a yard that already runs Milwaukee 18V batteries. The Wild Badger example includes a 40V 2.0Ah battery and a fast charger, so the kit is complete on arrival. The Greenworks listing contradicts itself here: the title says Tool Only, while the spec table lists a battery and a charger, so battery inclusion for that example stays unclear and the listing should be checked before ordering. Weight differs across the examples: the Ecarke example lists 6.8 pounds, the Wild Badger example lists 9 pounds, and the Greenworks example lists 17.2 pounds for its combo kit listing.

Cutting speed and upkeep

Cutting speed cannot be compared directly here: the Ecarke example lists a 26ft/s chain speed, the Wild Badger example lists a 21000 rpm motor speed figure rather than a chain speed, and the Greenworks example states no speed figure. All three listings describe automatic oiling in some form: the Ecarke example lists an automatic oiling system with a transparent reservoir, the Wild Badger example lists auto-lubrication with tool-free tension adjustment, and the Greenworks example lists an automatic oiler with easy adjust tensioning. Warranty also splits the set: the Ecarke example states a 2-year limited replacement commitment, the Wild Badger listing states a limited warranty with no term, and the Greenworks listing states no warranty term.

The examples

How we scored them

Each example is scored on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, using only what the listing publishes. No listing states a chain brake or a low-kickback chain, so all score zero on safety, and only the Ecarke listing states a warranty term.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.

Around the Woodpile

• Wear chaps, a helmet with a face screen and hearing protection, gloves and boots, and never cut alone.
• Check the bar cover, spare chain and oil bottle in the Ecarke kit before the first job.
• Store detachable pole sections and the spare chain where they stay dry and out of the way.
• Keep the battery and charger from the Wild Badger example with the saw, so the kit stays together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an 18v or 40v pole saw better for pruning?

Neither side wins in general. The 18v example has the lowest weight here and states a warranty term, while the Wild Badger example includes a battery and charger and the Greenworks example is a saw and hedge trimmer combo, so the choice turns on the batteries already owned and the jobs planned.

How far can these pole saws reach?

The Ecarke example lists a total reach of up to 16FT, based on a 6-foot user, with a pole that adjusts from 7 to 10 feet. The Wild Badger example lists a shaft reach of up to 9.18 FT and a max reach of 12.5FT. The Greenworks example states no reach figure.

Do these pole saws come with a battery?

The Ecarke example is tool only, with no battery included. The Wild Badger example includes a 40V 2.0Ah battery and a fast charger. The Greenworks listing is unclear, since the title says Tool Only while the spec table lists a battery, so check that listing before ordering.

What safety gear should I wear with a pole saw?

Wear chaps, a helmet with a face screen and hearing protection, gloves and boots, watch for kickback, and never cut alone. Keep bystanders clear and check the chain tension and oiling before starting work.

Related guides

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