DeWalt 10 in. 27 cc 2-Cycle Pole Saw with Attachment Capability

A weekend up in the trees told me most of what I needed to know about DeWalt’s gas pole saw. It packs legitimate cutting power into a package that’s compatible with TrimmerPlus attachments, and it reaches far enough to keep my feet on the ground for most trimming. It’s not perfect—there are some design quirks you’ll want to work around—but it’s a capable, straightforward tool for homeowners who prefer gas runtime and torque over battery convenience.

Setup and Starting

Out of the box, setup is quick. DeWalt includes a 3.2 oz bottle of 2‑cycle oil to mix 50:1 with a gallon of gas, and the manual is clear on the starting sequence. The spring-assisted starter earns its keep: from cold, I primed, choked, and had it running in a few pulls. Hot restarts were typically a single pull. The 27 cc full-crank engine settles into a steady idle, and throttle response is immediate enough that you don’t feel like you’re waiting on the powerhead to catch up when you pinch the trigger mid-cut.

Noise is what you’d expect from a small two-stroke—use hearing protection—and vibration is comparatively tame for a gas pole saw. That full-crank design smooths things out better than many half-crank engines I’ve used.

Cutting Performance

The 10 in. bar with a low-kickback chain is appropriately matched to the engine. On green hardwood and conifers, it chewed through 3–6 in. limbs with authority. I made a few controlled cuts on larger branches approaching the length of the bar; it did them, but that’s where you need patience, a sharp chain, and good technique. For typical yard maintenance, it has plenty of headroom.

Chain speed is respectable, and the sprocket-tip bar helps the saw maintain momentum in the cut. Kickback tendency is low with proper posture, but the usual pole saw cautions apply: let the chain do the work, avoid burying the tip, and plan your relief cuts to prevent pinch.

Oiling and Chain Care

The automatic oiler works, but mine needed a short warm-up before the chain started showing a healthy sheen. I ran a couple of light passes on scrap and then rechecked—oil was feeding as expected. If you don’t see oil right away, don’t assume something’s wrong; give it a minute and confirm by running the tip near a clean surface to spot any sling.

Tensioning was uneventful. After the first few cuts, the chain stretched as new chains do, and I snugged it again. Keep a scrench in your pocket and check tension periodically; a loose chain on a pole saw is a recipe for frustration and extra fatigue. The oil cap is easy to access, and the reservoir didn’t bleed down excessively between sessions.

Reach and Handling

With the 7 ft extension installed, I could reach cuts roughly 12 ft up while standing flat-footed (your height will change that number). Balance with the extension on is front-heavy, typical of gas pole saws. The included shoulder strap helps, but it’s basic; upgrading to a wider, padded harness made a noticeable difference in comfort during longer sessions.

At full reach, there’s some flex in the shaft, but it stays predictable. I appreciated the positive engagement of the couplers—no rattles, no play that concerned me. The downside is the saw head itself doesn’t articulate; it’s fixed in line with the shaft. That means you sometimes need to reposition your stance or the branch to get the bar oriented where you want it, especially for undercuts or awkward angles near fences. An adjustable head would add versatility, but if you plan your cuts, the fixed head is workable.

Attachment Capability

One of the biggest advantages here is the attachment-capable shaft. It’s compatible with TrimmerPlus-style attachments, and swapping heads is quick. I tried an edger attachment, and the connection was straightforward and secure. That flexibility effectively turns the powerhead into a multi-tool investment: string trimmer, brush cutter, cultivator, blower, and more are all options if you want to expand later. It’s also helpful for storage and transport—break it down and it fits in the trunk without turning your car into a pine-scented shed.

Ergonomics and Build

The controls are laid out logically, and the D-handle plus the mid-shaft grip give you decent leverage. Weight is what it is for a gas unit of this size—nobody will mistake it for a featherweight cordless—but it’s manageable in bursts and fine for a morning of trimming if you use the strap and take breaks. Vibration through the grips is controlled well enough that my hands didn’t buzz after an hour of work.

One design choice I don’t love: when you set the powerhead down, the unit tends to rest on the fuel tank. Mine collected scuffs on the first day. It’s mostly cosmetic, but I’d prefer a protective foot or skid to keep the tank off the ground. A simple workaround is to rest the saw on a small block, hang it when not in use, or add a stick-on rubber bumper/strap keeper to keep the tank clear.

Fit and finish are otherwise solid. The couplers lock positively, the chain brake lever is stout, and access to routine service points is fine. The included shoulder strap is functional but minimal; if you’ll be above-shoulder for long stretches, consider a better harness. DeWalt backs the tool with a 3‑year limited warranty, which is reassuring for a gas product that will see seasonal storage.

In Use: Practical Observations

• Starts consistently and doesn’t bog under typical limb loads. Keep fresh, properly mixed fuel and a sharp chain, and it rewards you.
• The automatic oiler needs a moment to prime; once flowing, it keeps up with the 10 in. bar.
• Fixed head means you plan your approach. For clean top cuts and controlled undercuts, repositioning is part of the routine.
• Front-heavy at full extension. Use the strap and cut in stages to avoid fatigue.
• The multi-tool capability is real value if you already own or plan to add TrimmerPlus-compatible attachments.

Gas vs. Battery Considerations

If you’re deciding between gas and battery, this saw lands on the gas side of the ledger for a reason: it runs as long as you have fuel, it has reliable torque for thicker limbs, and it doesn’t saddle you with battery ecosystems. The trade-offs are noise, maintenance (plugs, fuel mix, storage), and weight. If quick, quiet trims are your priority and your limbs are mostly small, a cordless pole saw is hard to beat. If you want all-day runtime and the confidence to step into larger cuts, this gas unit makes sense.

Maintenance and Storage

Two-cycle engines reward a little attention. Run ethanol-free fuel if you can, add stabilizer for seasonal storage, and consider fogging the cylinder at the end of the season. Keep the bar oil topped, clean the bar groove and oil port occasionally, and flip the bar every few sharpenings to even wear. None of this is unique to this tool, but a bit of care will keep the starting easy and the chain oiled when you pull it out next spring.

The Bottom Line

DeWalt’s gas pole saw brings together a smooth-starting 27 cc engine, a practical 10 in. bar, and genuine attachment versatility. It cuts confidently in the 3–6 in. range, reaches far enough for most residential tree work, and doesn’t beat you up with excessive vibration. The fixed saw head limits some cutting angles, and the tendency to rest on its fuel tank is an odd design omission that invites scuffs unless you intervene. The shoulder strap works, but a better harness will make your shoulders happier.

Recommendation: I recommend this pole saw to homeowners and property managers who prefer the runtime and muscle of gas, want a single powerhead that can run multiple attachments, and need reliable performance for seasonal trimming. It’s a capable cutter with thoughtful features like an automatic oiler and spring-assisted starting. Budget for a better strap and be mindful of how you set it down, and it should serve you well for years. If an articulating head or ultra-lightweight handling is a must, look elsewhere; otherwise, this is a strong, well-rounded choice with the flexibility to grow with your yard’s needs.