DeWalt 60V MAX* 10 in. Brushless Cordless Fixed Pole Saw Kit

What it is and who it’s for

DeWalt’s 60V pole saw is built as a professional-grade pruning and limbing tool for people who need serious reach and gas-like performance without the gas. With a 10-inch bar riding a low-profile .325-inch chain, a brushless motor, and an extension that tops out at 95 inches, it’s aimed squarely at arborists, property managers, and serious homeowners who regularly work above shoulder height. It’s not a convertible powerhead and it’s not meant to double as a ground chainsaw—this is a dedicated pole saw with the power to back it up.

Setup, balance, and first cuts

Out of the box, the kit is complete: bar and chain, battery and charger, scrench, sharpening file, shoulder strap, and the strap clip already installed. After topping off the bar oil and setting the chain tension with the lateral adjuster, I was cutting within minutes. The captured bar nut is a small but welcome touch—you won’t drop it in the grass—and the tensioner is easy to reach.

Balance-wise, it feels substantial, especially with the head extended. That’s expected with any serious pole saw, and the included shoulder strap is not optional in my book; use it. With the pole collapsed, it’s manageable for lower branches and hedgerow cleanup. Fully extended, it becomes front-heavy, and your form matters. I found the best control keeping my hands wide apart on the pole, letting the strap carry some load, and taking frequent breaks.

The first cuts were encouraging. The variable-speed trigger lets you ease the chain into the kerf, which is helpful for delicate pruning cuts. When you squeeze, the brushless motor spins up quickly and stays consistent under load.

Cutting performance

DeWalt claims this setup delivers up to 25% more peak power than a 36cc gas pole saw (with the included battery), and the real-world feel matches that class. In softwood, it moves. On a fresh 8-inch pine trunk segment, I consistently made through-cuts in just under ten seconds with a sharp chain and the oiler set to a mid-rate. In hardwood branches (oak and maple in the 4–6 inch range), the saw maintained speed without bogging, provided I let the chain do the work and avoided leaning on the pole.

The low-profile .325 chain is a smart pairing here. It’s smooth, it clears chips well, and it helps keep kickback tendencies manageable. You still need to respect the tip—this is a chainsaw at the end of a long lever—but the cut quality is clean and predictable.

A metal tree hook behind the bar is genuinely useful. After finishing a cut, I could snag and pull a hung-up limb free without climbing down to reposition. It also helps with control on awkward undercuts.

Reach and control

The maximum extension is 95 inches, which translates to meaningful working height for most users. On flat ground, I could make clean cuts 13–14 feet off the ground by combining the tool’s extension with my own reach. The pole is rigid enough that you can place the bar accurately, though at full length you will feel some flex and bounce if you rush. That’s normal—use light pressure, let the chain establish the kerf, and keep your body in line with the cut.

The head angle is fixed. In practice, that’s fine for most overhead cutting, but there are times—especially when you’re trimming the underside of a branch collar or reaching back over a fence—when an adjustable head would reduce contortion. Plan your approach and don’t be afraid to re-position rather than forcing a bad angle.

Battery life and charging

Runtime will vary with wood species, diameter, and how sharp your chain is. With the included battery, I cleared a small fruit tree and pruned four mature trees around my yard on a single charge with intermittent cutting. In more demanding sessions—think repeated 6–8 inch branches—I still got through dozens of cuts before heading back to the charger. As with any chainsaw, a sharp chain and proper oil flow dramatically improve both cutting speed and runtime.

Noise is much lower than a comparable gas model. Ear protection is still wise, but you can communicate with a ground helper, and there’s no idling, which saves both battery and nerves.

Oiling and maintenance

The adjustable oiler works as advertised. I set it mid-range for most pruning, bumping it up in drier, dusty conditions or when cutting resinous softwoods. Over-oiling flings mess and under-oiling blunts chains; take the extra 20 seconds to tune it when you change materials. I didn’t see excessive oil weeping between uses, but I store my saws with the cap up and a rag under the bar—good practice for any chain-driven tool.

Chain tension settles in during the first few cuts. Recheck it after the first limb and again midway through a session. The lateral tensioner and captured nut are durable, but this isn’t a tool-free adjustment. That’s a trade-off I actually prefer in a pro-leaning pole saw; once set, it stays put. Chain swaps are straightforward if you’ve run chainsaws before, but less experienced users should take their time to seat the bar properly and align the adjuster pin. The included file is handy for touch-ups in the field; a few strokes every tank of oil keeps performance snappy.

Controls, feedback, and build

The LED display is a nice modernization. It gives quick status info at a glance so I can confirm the system is happy before I reach overhead. I could read it in bright daylight, though I still rely on sound and feel once the cut starts.

The magnesium gear case inspires confidence. It protects the drive end without adding much weight, and after a couple of test drops onto turf and one gentle bump into a fence post, there’s no drama. The overall build feels tight—no rattles, clean fits—and the pole clamps lock solidly without marring.

The variable-speed trigger deserves another callout. Rolling into a cut at low chain speed reduces chatter, especially on dry or brittle limbs, and then you can pour on speed once the kerf is established. It’s also helpful for nibbling off stubs without tearing bark.

What I’d change

• Head angle options: A pivoting head would add versatility for undercuts and awkward approaches.
• Ground work ergonomics: As a dedicated pole saw, it’s awkward for bucking logs on the ground. If your workflow often shifts from limbing to blocking, budget for a separate ground saw rather than trying to force this tool into that role.
• Weight distribution at full extension: Expected for the category, but a more supportive harness would be a welcome accessory. The included strap helps; a full-body arborist-style sling would help more.

Safety and technique tips

• Let the saw cut. Excessive pressure adds bounce and slows you down.
• Use the strap and widen your hand stance on the pole.
• Start cuts with the bar slightly above horizontal so chips clear.
• For tensioned limbs, plan a shallow top cut and finish from below to avoid pinching.
• Recheck chain tension after your first couple of cuts and any time the chain warms up.

The bottom line

This DeWalt 60V pole saw earns its keep with real cutting speed, solid reach, and thoughtful details that favor working pros and serious DIYers. The brushless motor, low-profile .325 chain, adjustable oiler, and captured bar nut make a reliable package, while the magnesium gear case and metal tree hook are the kind of durability cues I look for in a tool that lives outside. It’s not light, and it’s not a substitute for a ground chainsaw, but judged as a dedicated overhead cutter, it’s both capable and confidence-inspiring.

Recommendation: I recommend it to anyone who needs a powerful, cordless pole saw for regular pruning and limbing, especially if you’re already in DeWalt’s 60V ecosystem. The cutting performance is on par with mid-size gas units without the noise and maintenance overhead, and the kit includes everything you need to get to work. If you want a tool that can convert to a handheld chainsaw or you prioritize a pivoting head for specialty angles, look elsewhere. For everyone else, this is a dependable, pro-leaning solution that gets the job done efficiently and safely.