The Sun Joe SWJ805E Electric Convertible Pole + Chain Saw is a 2-in-1 corded electric tool that converts from a telescoping pole chain saw to a handheld chain saw. It uses a 6-amp motor, 8-inch bar and chain, and an automatic bar and chain oiling system.
This guide covers the main components, specifications, assembly, setup, bar and chain lubrication, operation, cutting guidance, maintenance, troubleshooting, and frequently asked questions for the SWJ805E.
Meet the SWJ805E
Key Features
8-Inch Bar + Chain
Maximum cutting thickness is 7.5 inches depending on wood type; 6.5 inches is the recommended cutting thickness.
2-in-1 Convertible Design
The cutting head connects to either the telescoping pole or the removable handle for pole saw or handheld chain saw operation.
Telescoping Pole
The pole extends from 6.2 ft to 8.9 ft and provides up to 15 ft of overhead reach.
Automatic Bar + Chain Oiling
The oil reservoir supplies the automatic oil pump that lubricates the guide bar and chain during operation.
Technical Specifications
| Model | SWJ805E |
|---|---|
| Product type | 2-in-1 electric pole + handheld chain saw |
| Best use | Overhanging limbs, thin logs, brush, and low branches |
| Power source | Corded electric |
| Rated voltage | 120V AC, 60 Hz |
| Motor | 6 amp |
| No-load speed | 6500 ± 10% RPM |
| Bar + chain length | 8 in. / 20.3 cm |
| Maximum cutting thickness | 7.5 in. / 19 cm maximum; 6.5 in. / 16.5 cm recommended |
| Telescoping pole | 6.2 ft to 8.9 ft / 1.9 m to 2.7 m |
| Overhead reach | Up to 15 ft / 4.6 m |
| Oil tank capacity | 2 fl oz / 60 ml |
| Chain drive links | 33 |
| Chain pitch | 3/8 in. / 9.5 mm |
| Chain gauge | 0.050 in. / 1.3 mm |
| File diameter | 5/32 in. / 4 mm |
| Automatic chain lubrication | Yes |
| Extension cord guidance | 16 AWG up to 50 ft; 14 AWG from 50–100 ft |
| Maximum extension cord length | 100 ft |
| Chain saw weight | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg |
| Pole chain saw weight | 7.9 lbs / 3.6 kg |
| Warranty | 2 years |
What's in the Box
- Electric chain saw
- Telescoping pole
- 8-inch guide bar, pre-assembled on the chain saw
- 8-inch cutting chain, pre-assembled on the bar
- M8 hex key wrench / bar screwdriver
- M5 hex key wrench / blade screwdriver
- Cutting bar sheath
- Lubricant Oil
- Manual with registration card
Assembly + Conversion
Before assembly: Keep the saw unplugged until assembly is complete. Never start the motor before the guide bar, chain, and chain cover are installed. Wear heavy-duty gloves when handling the bar and chain.
- Check the bar and chain. Confirm the pre-assembled guide bar and chain are secure. The chain should be snug against the bar and able to rotate by hand without binding.
- Convert to pole chain saw mode. Pull the handle lock, remove the cutting head from the removable handle, then slide the cutting head onto the telescoping pole until it clicks. Attach the removable handle to the other end of the pole until it clicks.
- Convert to handheld chain saw mode. With the unit unplugged, release the cutting head lock and handle lock to remove the pole. Align the cutting head with the removable handle and slide the parts together until they click into position.
- Confirm the locks are secure. Before operating, make sure the cutting head lock and handle lock are fully engaged.
Bar + Chain Oil / Lubricant
Yes — the lubricant that comes with the product/package goes in the saw's oil reservoir. If your SWJ805E package includes a bottle of bar and chain lubricant, use that lubricant in the oil reservoir under the oil tank cap. The reservoir supplies the automatic oiling system that lubricates the guide bar and chain while the saw is running.
- Keep the saw unplugged. Do not fill or check the reservoir while the saw is connected to power.
- Locate the oil tank cap and oil window. The oil tank cap provides access to the reservoir, and the oil window shows the current oil level.
- Add bar and chain lubricant. Use the supplied lubricant if included with your package, or another good-quality bar and chain oil designed for chain saws.
- Fill to the top of the oil level window. Reinstall the oil tank cap securely after filling.
- Monitor the level during use. Refill when the oil level drops to about one-quarter of the tank.
Use bar and chain oil designed for chain saws. The automatic oil pump requires oil in the reservoir for the guide bar and chain to lubricate properly.
Getting Started
- Inspect the work area. Keep children, pets, and bystanders away. Do not operate within 50 ft of overhead power lines.
- Check the oil reservoir. Confirm there is bar and chain oil in the tank before use. If the package included lubricant, that is the lubricant used in this reservoir.
- Use the correct extension cord. Use only an outdoor-rated extension cord: 16 AWG up to 50 ft or 14 AWG from 50–100 ft. Do not exceed 100 ft.
- Secure the extension cord. Make a loop in the extension cord, pass it through the handle opening and around the extension-cord restraint hook, then connect it to the appliance cord.
- Adjust the telescoping pole if needed. Unplug the saw first. Loosen the lock nut, extend the pole only as far as needed, then tighten the lock nut and confirm the pole is secure.
- Start the saw. Make sure the chain is not touching anything. Press and hold the safety lock button, then squeeze the trigger switch. Once the motor starts, release the safety lock button.
- Stop the saw. Release the trigger switch and wait for the chain to stop completely before moving, inspecting, unplugging, or setting the saw down.
Safe-use reminder: Do not operate the saw in rain, damp conditions, a tree, on a ladder, or on a scaffold. Do not cut vines, small underbrush, or trees near electrical wires.
Restart reminder: Wait at least 5 seconds after stopping before restarting. Repeated rapid starts can generate heat and damage the motor.
Cutting Tips
- Keep the saw at 60° or less in pole saw mode. Use a balanced stance with both feet on solid ground and position the pole chain saw at 60° or less whenever possible.
- Let the chain do the work. Let the chain reach full speed before entering the cut. Apply light downward pressure and keep the saw running steadily through the cut.
- Remove long branches in stages. Undercut the branch about one-third through first, then overcut to drop the branch before making the finishing cut.
- Use proper handheld chain saw stance. Hold the rear handle with your right hand and the front handle with your left. Keep your body to the left of the chain line and do not cut above chest height.
- Avoid kickback. Do not let the guide bar tip touch an object. Cut one branch at a time, keep the chain sharp and properly tensioned, and avoid boring or plunge cuts.
Maintenance, Care + Storage
Always unplug the saw before adjustments, cleaning, maintenance, storage, or repairs. Wear protective gloves when handling the bar and chain.
- Check chain tension before use. When cold, the chain should have no sag on the underside of the guide bar but should still rotate by hand without binding.
- Retension new chains frequently. New chains can stretch during early use, so check tension often.
- Keep the chain lubricated. Use good-quality bar and chain oil in the reservoir. One minute of use consumes about 0.15 fl oz / 4 ml of oil.
- Clean the oil port and guide bar rails. Before each work session, clear away sawdust and debris.
- Keep cooling vents clear. Remove sawdust and debris to help prevent overheating.
- Watch for dull-chain signs. Dust-like sawdust, difficult cutting, crooked cuts, or increased vibration can indicate the chain needs sharpening or replacement.
- Store safely. Unplug the saw, clean it with mild soap and a damp cloth, install the guide bar cover, and store indoors in a dry, high, or locked location out of children's reach.
Oil seepage: It is normal for oil to seep from the saw when it is not in use. Empty the oil tank after each use to help reduce seepage. For long-term storage, keep the chain lightly lubricated to help prevent rust.
Troubleshooting
Unplug the saw before inspecting, cleaning, adjusting, or performing maintenance.
Saw Motor Fails to Start
Possible Causes
- Extension cord is not properly connected.
- Outlet is not live.
- Safety lock button was not fully pressed before squeezing the trigger.
- Chain tension may be too tight.
Solutions
- Check that the extension cord is connected to the saw cord and plugged into a live 120V outlet.
- Use the extension-cord restraint hook to keep the connection secure.
- Fully press and hold the safety lock button before squeezing the trigger switch.
- Unplug the saw and re-tension the chain if it is too tight.
Saw Runs, But Chain Speed Is Low
Possible Causes
- Chain tension is too tight.
- Extension cord is too long or undersized.
- Chain may be dull.
Solutions
- Unplug the saw and re-tension the chain.
- Use 16 AWG up to 50 ft or 14 AWG from 50–100 ft.
- Replace or sharpen the chain if cutting performance is poor.
Bar + Chain Running Hot or Smoking
Possible Causes
- Oil tank is empty.
- Lubrication holes are plugged.
- Chain tension is too tight.
Solutions
- Stop immediately and unplug the saw.
- Refill the oil reservoir with bar and chain oil / lubricant.
- Clean the oil port and guide bar lubrication holes.
- Re-tension the chain before restarting.
Motor Runs, But Chain Does Not Turn
Possible Causes
- Chain is too tight.
- Guide bar or chain is damaged.
- Chain may be jammed or installed incorrectly.
Solutions
- Unplug the saw.
- Check and re-tension the chain.
- Inspect the guide bar and chain for damage.
- Make sure the chain is installed in the correct rotation direction.
Chain Installed Backwards
Possible Signs
- Saw vibrates abnormally.
- Saw does not cut correctly.
Solution
Unplug the saw, reinstall the chain so the sharp side of the teeth faces the correct rotation direction shown on the guide bar, then tension the chain properly.
Saw Becomes Pinched or Trapped
Possible Causes
- A limb under tension closed on the chain.
- The finishing cut was made before reducing branch weight.
Solutions
- Release the trigger and wait for the chain to stop.
- Wait 5 minutes for the saw to cool.
- Unplug the power cord and wear gloves.
- If reachable safely from the ground, lift the limb while holding the saw to release the pinch.
- If the saw remains trapped, do not force it free.
Telescoping Pole Feels Loose
Possible Causes
- Lock nut is not tightened.
- Retaining lock nut may need adjustment.
Solutions
- Unplug the saw.
- Adjust the pole to the minimum length needed.
- Tighten the lock nut clockwise using the knob.
- If needed, use the included hex key wrench to tighten the retaining lock nut behind the knob.
Power Cord Is Damaged
Solution
- Switch off and unplug immediately.
- Do not use the saw with a damaged cord.
- Replace a damaged extension cord before use.
Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the lubricant that came with my SWJ805E go in the oil reservoir?
Yes. If your SWJ805E package includes a bottle of bar and chain lubricant, that lubricant goes in the saw's oil reservoir under the oil tank cap. Fill the reservoir to the top of the oil level window and refill when the level drops to about one-quarter of the tank.
The SWJ805E's automatic oiling system uses the oil in this reservoir to lubricate the guide bar and chain during operation.
Does the chain need oil?
Yes. Add bar and chain oil to the oil reservoir before use. The SWJ805E has an automatic oil pump, but the tank must contain oil for the bar and chain to lubricate properly.
What comes with the SWJ805E?
The standard guide lists the electric chain saw, telescoping pole, pre-assembled 8-inch guide bar and chain, M8 hex key wrench / bar screwdriver, M5 hex key wrench / blade screwdriver, cutting bar sheath, and manual with registration card.
Can it be used as both a pole saw and a handheld chain saw?
Yes. The SWJ805E is a 2-in-1 convertible tool. It can be used as a telescoping pole chain saw for overhead limbs or converted into a handheld chain saw for logs, low branches, and brush.
How far does the pole extend?
The telescoping pole extends from 6.2 ft to 8.9 ft and provides up to 15 ft of overhead reach.
What size branches can it cut?
The maximum cutting thickness is 7.5 inches depending on wood type. The recommended cutting thickness is 6.5 inches.
What extension cord should I use?
Use only an outdoor-rated extension cord. Use 16 AWG up to 50 ft or 14 AWG from 50–100 ft. Do not use an extension cord longer than 100 ft.
What optional accessories are listed for this model?
- SWJ-OIL — bar and chain oil, or equivalent bar and chain oil from a local hardware store
- SWJ805E-BAR — 8-inch replacement bar
- SWJ-8CHAIN — 8-inch replacement chain
How should I store the SWJ805E?
Unplug the saw, clean the unit, empty the oil tank to help prevent seepage, install the guide bar cover, and store indoors in a dry, high, or locked location out of children's reach. Keep it away from fertilizers, gasoline, petroleum-based products, and other corrosive chemicals.
Need More Help?
If you need help identifying the correct bar and chain oil, checking the oil reservoir, or confirming guidance for your SWJ805E, Shop Joe Customer Care can help.