Lithium battery powered garden tools are a nice option instead of some hand tools for certain jobs. They can speed up your work and reduce fatigue.
Two types of tools are discussed in this article – an electric pruner (left image) instead of hand-held pruners and loppers – and – an electric mini “chain saw” (right image) with pole attachment, instead of hand saws and pole mounted, rope activated loppers.
Before purchasing, I recommend you check reviews, “how to” videos and articles. Then, visit stores in person, handle the tools and ask more questions.
This article addresses Batteries & Manufacturers, Where to buy & support. It then reviews the pros and cons of two specific models and products – the DeWalt 20 V MAX Cordless Battery Powered Pruner and the Stihl GTA 26 Cordless Pruner (2.7 pounds, mini chain-saw) with the GTA 26 Extension (59”pole).
BATTERIES & MANUFACTURERS:
Many different manufacturers make electric lithium battery powered garden tools including Black & Decker, Craftsman, DeWalt, Ego, Greenworks, Homelight, Kobalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Skil, Stihl, Toro and more.
Batteries are typically NOT interchangeable between manufacturers and even within manufacturers’ product lines. But, your DeWalt pruner “might” be able to use your DeWalt impact driver battery or other DeWalt batteries, for instance.
Lithium batteries are also pretty expensive when bought alone or as an add-on with your tool. So, if you already own battery powered tools by a particular company, you might want to look at those manufacturers’ products, first, since the batteries and chargers “might” be interchangeable. (Check carefully.)
Generally, the bigger, longer lasting battery, the HEAVIER the battery. Two smaller batteries might meet your needs better – plus, when one is exhausted, you can pop a charged one in and keep working.
Also, because these tools are electric you should NOT use them in wet or heavy rain conditions. The batteries also need to be stored away from extreme heat or cold; room temperature in a dry place is best.
WHERE TO BUY AND SUPPPORT:
These tools are available from many stores. Large box stores, big chains, hardware stores, specialty stores, farm stores and, of course, online.
I recommend you buy local, in person, so you can handle them BEFORE YOU BUY, and ask questions. Also, smaller local stores often have employees or owners who are very knowledgeable about these tools particular strengths and weaknesses and will even demo them for you and allow you to “test drive” them at the store, too. You may find that the “feel and weight” of the tool you loved in the videos or got the great reviews does NOT feel good in YOUR hands. Also, if you buy from a “big box” store or online, you may be on your own if you need more advice or help.
Many of these tools have parts you can replace on your own – blades, batteries, chains. If you need to replace them, being able to buy the parts locally is convenient. And, if you’re not handy doing this stuff yourself, some shops will replace the parts for you at a minimum charge or even show you how to do it.
Watch for sales on the product(s) you are interested in. I bought both these products when they were on sale (one at Camas Power Equipment and the other, in person, at Home Depot) and saved about $150 total.
Also, right now many STIHL shops are having good “FALL SALES” all over the country. They often have sales in the fall. Check the website of your local store. (October, 25, 2025)
Home Depot and Lowes and other stores, also have a LOT of product choices and they run good discounts and sales, too.
REVIEW & DISCUSSION – MINI CHAIN-SAW & PRUNER:
Stihl GTA 26 Cordless Pruner (2.7 pounds, mini chain-saw) and the GTA 26 Extension (59”pole). Came w. one battery and charger; the local Stihl shop guy in Camas threw in an extra battery for free. Stihl doesn’t call it a mini chain-saw, but, everyone else does.
PROS: only mini chain saw I could find w. pole attachment. It is easy to use; very light; battery lasts along time (but a 2nd battery is convenient). The “protective” top bar, or chain guard, over the chain is nice – reduces chance of it backing up towards you and hurting you. IT IS a chain saw though – and dangerous. “Small” size of saw part allows you to slip it into small spaces. VERY LIGHT, even when on “pole”; kind of weird putting on/taking off pole, but, watch a video and you’ll get it. Comes w. charger and one battery. Supposed to be “tool-less” to change out the chain. (This can be a real pain w. the bigger saws.) LED tells you battery % left.
CONS: No built-in oil dispenser that bigger chain saws have – you must squirt it on yourself from the bottle periodically during use – don’t forget. No “clamp/gripper” around what you’re cutting – so if it is a flexible branch it can vibrate away from you. (Conversely, you don’t get it STUCK as easy on a tall branch.) I have to use BOTH hands to hold it when cutting. The “storage box/bag” it comes in is awful – it does not close completely on the ends so I put it all back in its cardboard box.
DO NOT USE IN HEAVY RAIN OR WET CONDITIONS
You NEED to wear ear & eye protection. Learn how to safely use a chain saw before using this.
LINK: https://www.stihlusa.com/products/gardening-tools/battery-hand-tools/gta26/
DeWalt 20 V MAX Cordless Battery Powered Pruner (2.5 pounds, no battery) was on sale from Home Depot for $99 + tax. (I already have other DeWalt tools w. same battery and charger so I zeroed in on this one after seeing the other videos and reviews.)
PROS: can cut up to 1.5” branches – I breezed through 60+ cherry tree saplings plus cut them ALL into small pieces in less than 1.5 hours on same battery! (One cut per second is possible!) Has a light, which is actually quite nice when cutting lower branches at dusk under heavy canopy. I thought it was a silly feature until it got dark.
CONS: is a bit heavy to hold w. just one hand after a while; but they recommend using two. It is loud; wear ear and eye protection. You will want a second battery as when it runs out it is OUT – no warning. No bag, just a box for storage. I like hard plastic boxes & containers – guess that is going away with newer tools – unfortunate.
DO NOT USE IN HEAVY RAIN OR WET CONDITIONS.
You NEED to wear ear & eye protection.
NOTE: No reimbursement or payment was received for this review. Always wear proper protective gear when using these tools – ear & eye and more. Take a class or learn how to safely use a chain saw before using one. These are dangerous tools that move fast; use them with care and safety in mind. DO NOT USE IN HEAVY RAIN OR WET CONDITIONS. STORE the batteries in proper environment.
IMAGES: Stihl website and Home Depot website.
AUTHOR: H.R.
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