6 Best Reciprocating Saws For Tough Branches Old Farmers Swear By

That old apple tree has one limb that’s been dead for two seasons, and another that’s blocking the path to the chicken coop. A handsaw feels like a losing battle, and firing up the chainsaw for a few branches seems like overkill. This is where a good reciprocating saw becomes one of the most valuable tools on a small farm, turning a dreaded chore into a quick, satisfying task.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Key Features for a Reliable Farm Reciprocating Saw

The spec sheet on a saw can be overwhelming, but only a few things really matter out in the field. Stroke length is crucial. A longer stroke, typically 1-1/8" or more, removes more material with each pass, cutting through thick, stubborn branches faster. A shorter stroke might be fine for metal pipe, but it will bog down in green wood.

Strokes Per Minute (SPM) tells you the speed, but don’t get fixated on the highest number. A saw with a variable speed trigger gives you far more control. You can start a cut slow and controlled on a bouncy limb before ramping up to full speed, preventing the blade from skipping and gouging the bark.

Vibration control isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for any job longer than five minutes. Saws with good anti-vibration technology let you work longer without your hands going numb, meaning you can finish clearing that fence line in one go. Finally, look for a tool-free blade clamp. Fumbling with an Allen key while wearing gloves is a special kind of frustration you don’t need.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL SAWZALL for Heavy-Duty Orchard Work

When you’re facing a day of serious pruning or clearing out thick, overgrown brush, you need raw power. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL SAWZALL is legendary for a reason. It delivers corded-like performance without the cord, chewing through 4-inch hardwood limbs without hesitation.

This saw is built for abuse. Its orbital action feature pulls the blade in an elliptical motion, aggressively ejecting wood chips and making for a much faster, more brutal cut in wood. Turn it off for more precise work, but when you need to tear through something, it’s a game-changer. The tradeoff is weight; this is a substantial tool, and holding it overhead for extended periods is a workout. But for pure, uncompromising cutting power, it’s the one to beat.

DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V MAX for All-Day Farm Clearing

There are days on the farm when you just need to keep going. The DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V MAX is built for that kind of endurance. Its unique battery system provides exceptional runtime, letting you clear a whole section of overgrown pasture or prune an entire row of trees without heading back to the barn for a fresh battery.

The power is impressive, sitting comfortably in the heavy-duty class. It doesn’t just last a long time; it cuts with authority for that entire time. The saw maintains consistent power right until the battery is depleted, so you aren’t fighting a weakening tool on the last few cuts. This is the saw for big properties and big jobs where efficiency and minimizing downtime are the top priorities.

Makita 18V LXT Recipro Saw: Balanced and Durable

Makita has a reputation for building tools that are both powerful and refined, and their 18V LXT Recipro Saw is a perfect example. It might not have the brute force of the highest-voltage saws, but it makes up for it with exceptional balance and fantastic vibration control. This is the saw you can use all afternoon without feeling beat up.

The real advantage here is ergonomics and longevity. The anti-vibration technology (AVT) significantly reduces fatigue, which is a huge deal when you’re making dozens of cuts up in a tree. It’s a durable, reliable workhorse that feels like an extension of your arm. For the farmer who values precision and comfort for long pruning sessions over sheer, raw power, the Makita is an outstanding choice.

DeWalt 20V MAX Atomic: Compact for Tight Spaces

Not every pruning job involves lopping off huge branches. Sometimes the challenge is getting the saw into a dense thicket of water sprouts or between two crossing limbs in a mature fruit tree. The DeWalt 20V MAX Atomic is designed for exactly these situations.

This isn’t your primary clearing tool. It’s a compact, lightweight, one-handed saw that offers incredible maneuverability. Think of it as a powered handsaw. It’s perfect for trimming in tight quarters, cutting roots near a foundation, or any job where a full-size saw is just too clumsy. Its value is in its access, not its power.

SKILSAW 13-Amp Reciprocating Saw: Corded Reliability

Batteries are convenient, but they can’t match the endless, unwavering power of a cord. The SKILSAW 13-Amp reciprocating saw is a beast, built for jobs where you have access to an outlet and absolutely cannot run out of juice. If you’re breaking down a large fallen tree you’ve dragged near the barn or cutting up old pallets for a project, this is your tool.

The integrated "Buzzkill" technology does a surprisingly good job of taming vibration, making it more comfortable than many older corded models. You trade the freedom of cordless for unstoppable power and a lower price point. For a dedicated workshop or barn saw, a reliable corded model like this is a smart, practical investment.

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Reciprocating Saw: Accessible Power

You don’t always need the biggest and best tool for the job. For the hobby farmer who does occasional pruning and storm cleanup, the Ryobi ONE+ 18V Reciprocating Saw offers incredible value. If you’re already invested in Ryobi’s massive battery platform, adding this tool is an inexpensive and effective solution.

It has enough power to get through 3-inch branches without much trouble, and it’s light enough for easy handling. It may not be as fast or as durable as the premium brands, but it absolutely gets the job done. For someone who needs a saw a few times a season, it’s often the most practical and budget-friendly choice.

Selecting the Right Pruning Blade for Your Saw

The best saw in the world is useless with the wrong blade. Buying a quality saw and then using the cheap, generic blades that came with it is a common mistake. The blade does the cutting, and matching it to the job is non-negotiable.

For pruning, you want a blade specifically designed for wood. Look for deep gullets (the spaces between the teeth) which are essential for clearing out wood chips and preventing the blade from binding in green, wet wood. The TPI, or Teeth Per Inch, is the next critical factor.

• Low TPI (3-6): This is for aggressive, fast cutting in green wood and thick branches. The cut will be rough, but it will be quick.
• High TPI (8-14): This is for smoother cuts in dry, dead hardwood or for dimensional lumber. Using a high TPI blade on green wood will cause it to clog instantly.

Finally, consider the blade material. High-carbon steel (HCS) blades are fine for occasional use, but they dull quickly. Bi-metal blades are the standard for farm work. They have a flexible steel body with hardened high-speed steel teeth, offering the perfect combination of durability and cutting performance. Invest in good pruning blades; it makes more difference than you think.

Ultimately, the best reciprocating saw is the one that fits the scale and demands of your property. Whether it’s the raw power of a 60V model for major clearing or the surgical precision of a compact saw for orchard work, the right tool saves you time, effort, and frustration. Choose wisely, pair it with a quality pruning blade, and get back to the more enjoyable parts of farming.