Greenworks 40V Pole Saw Review: Pros, Cons and Who It’s For

Greenworks 40V pole saw review: the short verdict

The Greenworks PS40B00 pole saw is designed for property owners who need to trim overhead branches, clear storm debris and thin out tree canopies without balancing on a ladder. Running on Greenworks 40V battery power, it eliminates the starting pull cords, exhaust fumes and fuel mixing required by gas pole saws, while avoiding the extension cords of corded tools. It features an 8 in bar and chain, an automatic oiler, and a 3-piece aluminum shaft that extends from 8 to 9 ft for up to 11 ft of total reach.

For yard maintenance and thinning limbs above your woodlot paths, it covers basic trimming well. The main drawbacks come from what the listing omits: it is sold as a bare tool without a battery or charger, gives no stated warranty term, and contains listing errors such as a 0.27 g listed weight and a spec table citing a 10 in chain length against the 8 in bar in the bullets.

Key specs

Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on the Amazon listing. The listing title and bullets state an 8 in bar and chain, while the spec table lists a chain length of 10 inches; we trust the title and bullets. The spec table also lists the item weight as 0.27 g, which is an obvious clerical error on the page that leaves the true operating weight unstated. Horsepower is listed at 1 HP, and the shaft consists of 3 aluminum pieces extending from 8 to 9 ft for an 11 ft total reach. No warranty term or battery amp-hour rating is provided on this bare-tool listing.

The pole saw

What the Greenworks 40V pole saw does well

Cordless 40V battery operation

Battery power is well suited for pole saw tasks where you move around trees and along fences. A 40V battery system delivers instant push-button starting, eliminating spark plugs, carburetor gumming and fuel stabilizer. For rural landowners who already have Greenworks 40V yard tools, adding this bare pole saw lets you share existing batteries across your equipment.

An 8 in bar for limbing and pruning

The 8 in bar and chain is sized for pruning tree limbs, taking down encroaching branches and cleaning up broken tree tops after storms. Because an 8 in bar keeps the working head compact, it is easier to maneuver between crowded branches without snagging adjacent limbs.

Shaft extension up to 11 ft reach

The 3-piece aluminum shaft provides an 8 ft assembled length and can be extended to 9 ft, which the listing states yields an 11 ft total reach. Using an aluminum shaft keeps the pole lighter than steel while offering the rigidity needed to guide the bar into branch collars from the ground.

Automatic oiler and easy adjust tensioning

Keeping the bar and chain lubricated during cutting is critical for chain life and smooth operation. The automatic oiler feeds bar oil continuously while cutting, and the translucent oil tank lets you glance at the oil level between cuts without removing the cap. The easy adjust tensioning mechanism allows quick chain adjustments without hunting for separate wrenches.

Limitations

• No warranty stated on this listing. The listing does not publish a warranty period. Buyers should verify warranty terms with the seller or Greenworks before ordering, and save their purchase documentation.
• Battery and charger not included. As a bare tool, this package contains only the pole saw. If you do not already own a compatible Greenworks 40V battery and charger, you must factor in the additional purchase before you can cut.
• Listing contradictions and errors. The listing contains noticeable clerical mistakes: the spec table lists a chain length of 10 inches while the title and bullets state an 8 in bar and chain, and the item weight is entered as 0.27 g.
• Unstated operating weight. With the item weight listed erroneously at 0.27 g, the listing does not give the true weight of the assembled pole saw. Holding a pole saw overhead at full reach can cause shoulder fatigue over extended cutting sessions.
• Not built for ground bucking. With an 8 in bar mounted on an extended pole, this tool is designed for cutting branches overhead rather than bucking firewood logs on the ground.

How we scored it

The Woodlot Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty, using only what the listing publishes. The full method is on our How We Pick page.

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.

Who should buy the Greenworks 40V pole saw, and who should skip it

Buy it if

• You already own Greenworks 40V batteries and chargers and want a bare tool for tree maintenance.
• You need to prune overhead branches and storm-damaged limbs from the safety of the ground without using a ladder.
• You want a quiet cordless pole saw with an 8 in bar that starts instantly without mixing gas or hauling cords.
• You value an automatic oiler with a translucent oil tank and easy chain adjustments.

Skip it if

• You do not own Greenworks 40V batteries and do not want to purchase batteries and a charger separately.
• You need a dedicated chainsaw for bucking firewood logs on the ground. See our best battery chainsaw for homeowners guide.
• You require a verified warranty term stated in writing before making a purchase.
• You prefer a manual pole saw without batteries for occasional branch trimming. Check our best manual pole saw picks.

Alternatives to consider

Handheld battery chainsaws. If your wood cutting consists mainly of bucking firewood rounds and cutting branches near the ground, a dedicated battery saw is far more ergonomic than a long pole saw. Browse our best battery chainsaw for homeowners roundup for compact saws.

Other pole saw options. If you need a complete kit with a battery included, or want to compare cordless reach across brands, see our guide to the best battery operated pole saw models. For heavier limbs that demand larger cutting bars, take a look at our best pole saw for thick branches review.

Pole saws versus compact saws. If you are undecided between an extended pole tool and a small one-handed cutting saw for kindling and brush, read our comparison on pole saw vs mini chainsaw.

Safety and gear

Working overhead with a pole saw requires proper protective equipment: a forestry helmet with a face screen and hearing protection to guard against falling branches and debris, chainsaw chaps, cut-resistant gloves and sturdy boots. Keep the upper tip of the bar, the kickback zone, clear of binding limbs, watch for falling branch kick and spring poles, and never cut alone. Working beneath overhead power lines is dangerous; keep clear of utility wires. This site does not give tree-felling instructions; for taking down standing timber or large overhead hazard limbs, hire a qualified arborist. You can consult the OSHA logging eTool for recognized cutting practices, review our chainsaw safety gear checklist, and keep the cutters keen with our best chainsaw sharpener guide.

Around the Woodpile

• Check your footing and clear your stance before extending the 3-piece aluminum shaft to its 9 ft length or working at the 11 ft total reach, staying well outside the fall zone of overhead limbs.
• Inspect the translucent oil tank before starting work and top it off with bar and chain oil so the automatic oiler can lubricate the 8 in bar and chain smoothly.
• Remove the 40V battery pack before setting the tool down, clearing wood chips from the guide bar and chain, or adjusting chain tension with the easy adjust tensioning mechanism.
• Break down the 3-piece shaft for secure transport in your truck or barn, and store the tool in a dry location away from moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Greenworks 40V pole saw come with a battery and charger?

The Amazon listing for model PS40B00 states “Tool Only” and notes “Battery and Charger Not Included”. If you do not already own a compatible Greenworks 40V battery and charger, you will need to purchase them separately before operating the saw.

What size bar and chain does the Greenworks 40V pole saw use?

The listing title and bullet points specify an 8 in bar and chain. The listing’s spec table also lists a chain length of 10 inches, which is an internal contradiction on the page. Following standard listing interpretation, buyers should trust the title and bullets indicating an 8 in bar and chain.

How far can the Greenworks 40V pole saw reach?

The listing describes an 8 ft length with a 3-piece aluminum shaft that can be extended to 9 ft, providing an 11 ft total reach. The total working height will depend on the height and reach of the operator.

What warranty comes with this Greenworks 40V pole saw?

The Amazon listing does not state a warranty term for this model. Buyers should check directly with the manufacturer or authorized seller to confirm warranty coverage before purchase, and register the tool once it arrives.

Can the Greenworks 40V pole saw be used for cutting firewood?

It is built for pruning overhead limbs, trimming branches and storm cleanup rather than bucking firewood on the ground. You can use it to trim limbs from downed tops into manageable pieces before hauling them to your woodpile, but bucking larger firewood logs calls for a dedicated handheld chainsaw.

Related guides

See every saw guide on our chainsaws hub, explore battery models on our battery chainsaws page, learn about drying wood in our guide on how long to season firewood, and compare trimming tools in our best pole saw for trimming roundup.