Rating of the best loppers for pruning trees for 2022

Rod loppers from other manufacturers

In addition to the listed manufacturers, there are also such as: - Palisad, whose products are similar in design and functionality to Fiskars products, but are hardly similar in quality.
At least an external inspection did not reveal any similarity in quality. — ARS (Japan) is an exotic tool in our country, which I only saw at a garden exhibition, but did not work with it. — Others (mainly “Far Eastern” manufacturers) produce loppers with a fixed cutting unit, which I, again, do not recommend buying. This is interesting: How to choose a robotic lawn mower: we study in order

Types of loppers, their advantages and disadvantages

The range of tools is huge. They can be mechanical or driven.

Mechanical loppers

Attractive due to its simplicity of design and control. The disadvantage is that it requires effort when working with it.

According to the design of the cutting part, they are distinguished:

• Planar lopper (bypass). Works on the principle of scissors. The advantage is that there is less trauma to the branches, allowing the cut area to heal quickly, making this lopper suitable for pruning live branches. Not suitable for dry and hard branches, as the blades quickly become dull.
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• Contact lopper (anvil). In this case, the tool does not so much cut as it cuts the branch. The cutting edges touch, rather than cross, like scissors. Its advantage is that it can cope with branches of impressive thickness with little effort. The disadvantage of such a pruner is that it is traumatic - it can only be used with dry branches, living branches will take a long time to heal, and the risk of disease increases.

The following handle options are available:

• Lopper with fixed length handles. The total length of such a tool rarely exceeds 1 m. This is optimal for working with low bushes and lower branches of trees. Their disadvantage is their limited capabilities.

• Lopper with telescopic handles. Usually in these models you can fix the handles in several positions.

Mechanical ones also include high-rise loppers. Their design is somewhat different from those discussed above. Exists:

• Telescopic lopper. The total length of the tool can reach 4 m. There are many variations of the cutting design. Typically, such models are equipped with a rotating cutting unit (see figure below). The cutting unit can be rotated and fixed in the desired position. It is convenient to cut horizontal, vertical and even downward branches. To operate, you need to pull the tension handle - the movement is carried out using a lever system. This option provides the operator with a smaller range of motion, making work easier.

• Rod lopper. In this case there is one or more rods. They can be included in the kit or purchased separately, which is one of the disadvantages. Another disadvantage is the need to attach a barbell. The advantage is the ability to replace it if it breaks.

Automatic loppers

Compared to mechanical tools, their dimensions are larger, but there is an important advantage - a minimum of effort on the part of the operator. Powered loppers are more expensive. They come in petrol and electric:

• Gasoline lopper/petrol pole saw can be considered a small chainsaw. Such a tool can be used on a site of any size, even if it is not supplied with electricity. The main condition is to fill up with gasoline on time. In addition to mobility, gasoline loppers have another important advantage - high productivity. On the other hand, they are harmful to the environment - working with gasoline is not without emissions.

• Electric ruler represented by a rod tool with a chain saw or with a saw blade. The disk version is more compact, but is not suitable for working with tall plantings. Electric loppers do not require refueling, which is one of their main advantages. The disadvantage is the wire - it gets in the way and limits the distance the operator can move. Way out - cordless lopper. It is mobile, but as needed you need to charge the battery, which can be built-in or removable. Battery-powered loppers are more expensive than conventional electric models.

How to choose?

Select certain models of pruning shears according to their intended purpose. First you need to decide on the target use of this type of product: professional, for the garden, tree pruning, for roses. The healthy future of plants depends on the correct choice

It is worth taking into account the main criteria for making the right choice

When choosing a tool, you should pay attention to the material from which it is made. The advantage remains with high-carbon blades and a stainless steel body with convenient holders made of plastic or wood. The pruning shears should fit well in your hand

Moreover, it matters whether you are left-handed or right-handed. A good “fit” in the hand is ensured by rubberized handles. They may also come with special cases. Thanks to these devices, your hands are not damaged. The most convenient form of handles is with a recess for pressing with a finger.

• You should check whether there are any gaps between the cutting surfaces. Such a tool will not cut well, and its use may cause injury to plants.
• If you buy inexpensive lightweight models, you should make sure that they come with spare replacement blades, which can be made of stainless steel, carbon compounds, or special alloys with sputtering. It should be taken into account that coated cutters fail faster than solid ones made of alloys. Steel blades can be sharpened, but coated blades need to be replaced periodically.

You need to try all the models, hold them in your hands, take a closer look, evaluate the shape, the material from which they are made, the breadth of coverage, the return force of the spring, the smoothness of the handles. Almost all pruners have a safety lock

It is important that they do not open on their own, as this can cause injury to the fingers. Many pruning shears are equipped with anti-slip handles or attachments. In the off-season, this feature is of no small importance, since the hands will not slip and freeze when gripping the handle. When purchasing a pruner, you need to find out whether it can be disassembled into its component parts, whether any devices are needed for this, and whether the tool requires additional care and lubrication.

The mechanism of any pruner reduces pressure, allowing you to work more gently. It has the following versions:

• ordinary or, as it is also called, traditional, is typical for flower scissors, where no special effort is required;
• a mechanism with a lever reduces stress on the fingers, correctly distributing the load, without much effort;
• ratchet - helps to trim dense stems in several passes; it is slightly inferior to a lever pruner;
• the power pruner is equipped with a mechanism capable of cutting thick branches in one movement; he is much heavier than his “colleagues”.

A special feature of some models is the fastening system, which consists of special belts and wrist loops made of leather. Such devices will not be superfluous and are very useful for working in the garden when you need everything to be at hand. A shock absorber is necessary for every pruner, as it will protect the pruner from breakage and your hands from damage. When choosing, focus on pruning shears in bright colors. They certainly won’t get lost in the grass.

When choosing your pruning shears, you need to have experience handling them. If this is not the case, then you should familiarize yourself with the following operating principles:

• scissors are needed for cutting thin stems; They are also used to cut garter materials, tarpaulins, polyethylene coverings, coarse twine, twine and thin wire;
• a bypass tool is used for the care and formation of fruit and berry bushes and vineyards;
• use a tool with an anvil to cut off thick, woody stems and branches;
• The tree crown of the garden is processed and formed with a lopper.

All pruners have a similar structure, consisting of elements such as:

• a retainer that protects a person’s hands and fingers from damage;
• spring - a kind of adjustable mechanism; There are open and closed springs, as well as screw and tape;
• adjustable mechanism for the handles, allowing you to choose a comfortable position according to your hand size.

How to choose a lopper for pruning trees

Manufacturers of garden tools offer hundreds of models of loppers to choose from. Often their design involves the use of two handles that form a kind of lever. Their length reaches 30-90 cm. Before buying a lopper, consider the following criteria:

• Diameter of cut knots. For modern garden loppers this parameter is no less than 25 mm. These models are effective if you are looking for a tool for caring for young trees. The maximum value is 50 mm.
• Blade lock. It makes the operation of pruning branches safe, eliminating the risk of injury. In models with locks, the sharp blades are simply closed, so the user has almost no risk of injuring himself when carrying and storing the tool.
• Telescopic handle. Thanks to this element, the owner has the opportunity to remove branches at great heights - 3-4 m or more. A branch cutter with such a handle will be appreciated by those gardeners who do not use additional equipment or are short in stature.
• Precision sharpening of blades. This method of sharpening a tool is preferable because... differs from others in that it is able to provide maximum edge sharpness. It prevents the lopper from becoming dull for a long time.
• Handle length. If the lopper does not have a telescopic handle, then pay attention to the handle. Its length in modern models ranges from 1 to 2-3 m or more. Select the appropriate value taking into account the height of the trees in the garden.
• Tool weight. The pruning loppers we offer weigh on average from 0.5 to 1.8 kg. When choosing, consider your physical capabilities. You can choose models with plastic or aluminum parts - they weigh less, but can quickly become unusable.
• If it is a gasoline or electric tool, then pay attention to the power of the device and noise level . According to the latter indicator, electric loppers are the quietest. In terms of power, gasoline units are in first place. On average, this parameter is from 1 to 2 liters. With. Electric loppers rarely have a power exceeding 1 kW, but they are cheaper.
• Equipment. When purchasing a gasoline or electric device, it is advisable to have a shoulder strap that will reduce the load on your arms.

Main manufacturing companies

Assortment of pruning equipment

• Gardena garden saws, loppers, secateurs and hedge trimmers have proven themselves well. The entire instrument is made from high-quality materials and is tested “in the field,” that is, in conditions as close as possible to real ones: with inclement weather, high humidity, etc. Prices vary depending on the model. For example, mechanical hedge trimmers-scissors will cost from 2,000 to 4,600 rubles, and more “complex” battery-powered ones can cost up to 17,000 rubles.
• The Husqvarna assortment includes gas-powered hedge trimmers for thick and large trees (in case the area is completely neglected) and gas-powered hedge trimmers for working in the garden (for example, with hedges). Prices start at 19,000 rubles for the simplest option and go up to 68,000 rubles for professional equipment.
• In addition to these (the most popular among summer residents) brands, you can find others: Fiskars, Felco, Ars, Bahco and domestic.

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How to choose a good garden pruner, flat and with ratchet

Many gardeners, women and men, want to know how to choose a pruner that will serve faithfully. After all, the device is used not only for pruning trees in spring or autumn. With its help you can fight weeds, cut roses, trim raspberries and other types of shrub plants.

In order not to have to use what the seller imposed, we will consider all the criteria for choosing garden pruners:

1. Length of handles - short handles on a tool require more force, since the smaller the lever, the more force must be applied. Even if the pruning shears are purchased for female hands, the handles should not be too short, otherwise it will be difficult to squeeze the handle even on a pruning shears with a ratchet
2. Convenience of holding the tool in the hand - cheap models of tools have plastic handles, and expensive devices are additionally covered with rubber or silicone pads. The advantage of the additional coating on the handles is that after prolonged work, calluses do not appear on the hands, as is typical for tools with plastic handles without additional coating.
3. Handle material - in addition to plastic with an additional coating, pruning shears with wooden, steel and aluminum handles are also available on sale. The best are models with handles made of plastic with rubber or fiberglass
4. The mechanism for releasing the handles is present both on flat pruning shears and on tools with a ratchet. The release mechanism can be made of spring, spring steel or lever type. The last type is considered the most reliable
5. The presence of a ratcheting mechanism - all the advantages and disadvantages of this system are described above, so when purchasing you need to decide whether this mechanism is needed or not
6. The lock is an additional element in the design, due to which the tool can be transported and stored without worrying about the likelihood of injury
7. Blades - it is impossible to determine the quality of a blade by eye, so many branded manufacturers indicate the type of steel used. The higher the quality of the steel used to make the knife, the longer the device will last. When choosing pruners made of heat-treated steel, you must take into account that such blades cannot be sharpened

When purchasing, you should also look at the sharpness of the blades. A good pruning shear will have a sharp blade, as well as an additional anti-stick coating. On devices, the design of knives is of two types - with a lateral blade arrangement and with a central one. The second option is more reliable, so it is better to buy pruners with this type of blade arrangement.

This is interesting!
It is better to choose rose pruners without a ratchet mechanism, as they are inconvenient for gripping branches. Using a device with a ratchet when pruning roses may cause injury to your hand from the thorns of the flower. This is why it is better to choose flat pruning shears for roses.

Rod lopper

A garden pole lopper with a long handle belongs to a separate category. It has a hollow telescopic handle that contains a pulley to transmit force to the cutting parts.

Other characteristics:

• A gear mechanism allows you to increase the force.
• The handle extends to a length of 2.4-4 m.
• An additional tube can be connected, which increases the cutting height to 6 m, although this will require serious physical effort. The optimal height is 4 m.
• The tool cuts branches up to 3.2 cm thick. If necessary, a saw is turned on, easily cutting branches up to 10 cm thick.
• The device is convenient for harvesting at heights, as it has a bag where the fruits fall.
• The swivel head rotates, so the cutting angle is 200−230°.
• Sometimes the kit comes with hooks that allow you to hang the cutting head on branches, which makes work easier.
• Low cost.

The biggest disadvantage of rod loppers is the presence of a fairly large control system. The pulley or outer rope may become entangled in branches, preventing normal operation.

Top universal options

GRINDA 40242

High quality carbon steel was used in the manufacture of this lopper. The product is used for cutting dried branches on the crown of a tree. The length of the canvas is 30 cm, which is a good indicator. The teeth are well sharpened and do not deteriorate for a long time, which ensures a long service life. Sold without telescopic handles. The cutting technique is flat.

GRINDA 40242

Advantages:

• The sharpening of the teeth is done at the level;
• The main elements do not deteriorate from constant exposure;
• Guarantees an even cut;
• Does not slip out of your hands during operations;
• The cut is smooth and beautiful;
• The optimal value of the working diameter.

Flaws:

FISKARS Quantum L102

A reliable option, which is distinguished by professional sharpening, which will ensure a neat cut even after several months of use. There is a convenient two-lever mechanism. For greater convenience, the manufacturer has equipped the product with elongated handles. Product weight – 830 grams. To lighten the weight, the handles are made of aluminum. There is a power drive.

The average price is 1,410 rubles.

FISKARS Quantum L102

Advantages:

• The design of the case is 5 points;
• Each element is highly reliable;
• Can be used even by children;
• The handles are made of aluminum, which reduces weight;
• Professional assembly;
• Versatility.

Flaws:

Fruit 402312

A good flat lopper that will easily and quickly trim dried branches, which contributes to the correct formation of the crown. For the manufacture of the sharp element, hardened steel was used; it has good technical performance and strength. The top element has a protective coating that reduces friction and increases product life.

Fruit 402312

Advantages:

• Optimal working diameter;
• Quick cutting of dried branches;
• The handles are made of durable material that does not slip out of your hands;
• When working with a lopper, the user experiences only comfort;
• Your hands don’t get tired even if you cut branches every day.

Flaws:

WOLF-Garten Power Cut RS 900 T

High-quality performance with a working diameter of 50 mm. There is a high-quality double-lever mechanism. The blade is made of steel with good sharpening. Aluminum was used in the manufacture of the handles, which significantly reduces the weight of the product. The maximum length of the rod is 90 cm. There is a convenient anti-slip coating that prevents the tool from slipping out.

WOLF-Garten Power Cut RS 900 T

Advantages:

• Durable material was used in manufacturing;
• Service life – more than 3-4 years;
• The handle can be easily extended;
• Protective coating for sharp elements;
• Versatility.

Flaws:

Blade

Perhaps one of the central components of the pruning shears. It is the sharpness, reliability and relative position of the blades that determine how long and successfully the equipment will work. A thickness of at least 3 mm is considered ideal for the cutting part.

The most significant parameter that determines the quality of this element is the material. Ordinary steel quickly dulls and rusts, so it is better to purchase items marked 65X13, SK-5, 440A, AUS-6. Titanium products are characterized by excellent consumer properties - it is lightweight and durable, although the cost of such devices will be high.

To improve glide and protect the metal from sticky plant juice, a Teflon or chrome coating is applied to the tip.

Look at how the blades connect to each other and see if there is a gap between them. There should be no play on the central bolt; the parts must be tightly pulled together.

Pay attention to the latch. It should, on the one hand, securely hold the pruning shears, and on the other, move easily so that you can remove it with one hand

In this case, a loop that fits over the handles is convenient, but the latch often jams at the most inopportune moment.

Making a choice

If you need pruning shears for working in a flower garden, then steel flat shears are sufficient (the presence of an anti-corrosion coating is welcome). The exception to this rule is rose bushes. Here you will need a bypass device equipped with an additional holder, which will avoid contact with the plant’s legs covered with thorns.

It is best to care for shrubs using bypass pruners with blades made of high-strength alloy. Trimming young grape shoots or hedges requires a hedge trimmer with a scissor or lever type mechanism. If we are talking about pruning thick branches that are several years old, then you cannot do without a ratchet.

For pruning trees and old bushes in the garden, loppers with a ratcheting or power mechanism are used. It is highly desirable that the handles be telescopic and adjustable in length. This allows you to reach high branches.

It is advisable for gardeners involved in grafting to acquire a special pruner. The presence of a coating is desirable, but not necessary, since the device will not be used so often.

There are general selection rules that work for all models:

• do not focus on price, since even the most expensive models from venerable manufacturers have their flaws;
• Consider the purpose and area of ​​use of the device. Flat shears are optimal for cutting green shoots. The best solution for dry branches is a contact tool;
• for large volumes, ratchet or power pruners are used;
• Be sure to consider which hand is the dominant one. Not all models are suitable for left-handers;
• A prerequisite is well-sharpened cutters. They are able to cut a sheet of paper without any problems;
• carefully examine the photo, study the description and characteristics in order to compare several options and choose what you need.

Criterias of choice

When choosing, the first thing people pay attention to is the amount of green space . If there are few plants, it is optimal to use a mechanical tool. When you plan to care for parklands or a garden, it is more logical to take a gasoline unit. With an electric hedge trimmer, crowns are trimmed and trimmed with almost no effort.

It is recommended to purchase tools from well-known manufacturers. A price that is too low may be a sign that the device will not be reliable or durable enough.

Types of saws

There are several modifications of garden saws on the Russian market.

Types of saws for pruning trees:

• Classic is the most common type, which is most popular among Russian gardeners (the saw can have different lengths and differ in the number of teeth, the blade is replaceable).
• Narrow - it is also called circular, with the help of such a tool you can cut clear lines or holes (the blade is narrow, the distance between the teeth is small, the blade is made of high quality steel).
• With a back - this design has a stiffening rib, so the saws do not bend during operation, the handle is comfortable, and it is easy to operate the tool.
• Bow - you need a tool for cutting a rough part of a tree or removing large knots, but the saw is large, although the blade itself is narrow and fragile).
• The reward is garden saws, which are similar to a plane, have several handles, and can be used to work on trees of different diameters and types.
• Folding - suitable for hiking, small design, when assembled there are no sharp elements, the teeth are protected from rust.

What are they?

Loppers on the modern market are presented in two types:

• saw-like;
• in the form of pruning shears.

Both tools are easy to use. The only difference is that those loppers that resemble pruning shears have more limited branch diameter capabilities. Mini saws remove larger diameter branches without causing any problems.

The most popular design of pruning loppers is one where the upper cutting blade slides past the lower fixed "jaw". They provide a clean cut that heals quickly on the plants. One disadvantage is that if there is play in the bolt, small branches can get stuck between the blades.

Design Features

The design features of the lopper depend on its type. The simplest device is a hand tool. Outwardly, it resembles a pruning shear, but with very long handles. Blades come in different lengths and can be straight or curved. Only one of them can be cutting or both at once. The counter blade is also a support for the branch being cut; instead, there can be a hook.

If the lopper has two blades, then it works similarly to garden shears. If the tool has one blade and a counter stop, then the work resembles cutting with a kitchen knife.

Metal is used for the cutting elements of loppers. It can be stainless steel, carbon steel, chrome molybdenum vanadium steel, or tool steel.

Best electric lopper

They require the presence of a power supply point or generator in close proximity to the place of work. They are made in a plastic case, inside of which there is an electric motor and a connecting rod drive. There are two handles on the outside. The cutting apparatus is two long horizontal knives with teeth.

WORX JAWSAW WG307E

Chain electric shears for convenient cutting of dry branches and hedges. A special “jaw” grip makes it possible to work in weight.

WORX JAWSAW WG307E

Specifications:

Can be equipped with an extension handle.

Operating Instructions for WORX JAWSAW WG307E

EINHELL GC-EH 6055

Equipped with a long knife sharpened with diamond sharpening. At the end of the knife there is a device to protect it from breakage when colliding with an obstacle. The maximum branch thickness is 26 mm.

EINHELL GC-EH 6055

Specifications:

Operating instructions EINHELL GC-EH 6055

Stihl HSE 42, 450 mm/18

Silent garden shears Shtil with an emergency knife stop system in 2 seconds. There is hand protection. The design is comfortable for working with outstretched arms.

Stihl HSE 42, 450 mm/18

Specifications:

Operating instructions Stihl HSE 42, 450 mm/18

Features of working with a rod lopper

A rod lopper is used for working at heights, in places that cannot be reached while standing on the ground, and sometimes from a ladder. It allows you to save time by working without climbing into the crown of a tree or onto a stepladder. A small pole lopper is convenient to take with you up a tree to reach thin peripheral branches.

However, despite its obvious advantages, this device has two significant drawbacks:

• cuts may not be correct or less accurate than when working with pruning shears or a garden saw;
• cuts made remotely cannot be covered up.

The first disadvantage can be compensated for by diligence and experience, but the second - with nothing. However, it is better to cut off the interfering branch and leave it covered than to leave it to continue to grow.

If you try to cut a branch whose thickness exceeds the capabilities of the device, the cutting unit may jam in the wood of the cut branch. Trying to free it, you can break or bend the blade and mutilate the branch itself. Usually, if a branch passes into the blade gap end-to-end or even with force, then it will not be possible to cut it. It also depends on the hardness of the wood. The wood of fruit trees is always very hard and is more difficult to cut than wood, such as linden.

The best pruners with a power mechanism

The power mechanism is designed on the principle of a lever with redistribution of incoming force directly at the handles. With this tool you can cut a branch at a time with a single press; the pruning shears are more versatile and reliable even compared to a ratchet drive, but the cost of the products is much higher.

FISKARS Garden Pro P90

The leader in the power sector rating category is FISKARS Garden Pro P90 with flat steel blades coated with a protective coating. When using the tool, the magnitude of the pressing impulse increases significantly; in one go you can cut a branch with a diameter of up to 26 mm, so it is strange that the manufacturer characterizes the secateurs as a decorator for hedges; he doesn’t care about trees. The handles are made of durable plastic; their comfortable shape also enhances pressure and does not allow the tool to slip out of your hands.

The length of the product is 230 mm with a weight of 300 grams, this is the optimal combination for long-term work with dry and live branches in a fast mode, which is facilitated by a ribbon spring that quickly returns the blades to the working open position after making a cut. For safety, the design provides a blade lock.

The average price of FISKARS Garden Pro P90 is about 2,800 rubles.

Advantages

• Suitable for cutting thick branches;
• The anti-stick coating on the blades also protects against scratches;
• Blade return spring;
• Comfortable handles;
• Perfect sharpening.

High price.

RACO 4206-53/143S

In second place in the rating is the RACO 4206-53/143S power-driven pruner, designed to work with branches with a diameter of only up to 20 mm. This is due to the design of the tool: length 210 mm, weight 340 g. The spring used is a tape spring, which is more reliable than a wire spring; flat curved blades made of steel with precision sharpening and a protective coating are blocked from opening if necessary.

The handles of the RACO 4206-53/143S pruning shears are made of aluminum, so significant pressure is safe for them. The pleasant-to-touch coating of the handles and the relief for the fingers on the lower handle protects from slipping in the hands; a rotary handle is provided with the ability to change the angle in the hand up to 90 0 . The manufacturer defines the RACO pruner as a tool for trimming hedges, but there are no problems with spring pruning of fruit trees, judging by the reviews of summer residents.

The price of RACO 4206-53/143S starts at 772 rubles.

Advantages

• Comfortable handles with a rotary handle;
• Ribbon spring;
• Blades made of hardened steel with a protective coating;
• Powerful lever mechanism with pruner length 210 mm;
• Low price.

Not defined.

WOLF-Garten RS 2500

In third place is the WOLF-Garten RS 2500 pruner with straight contact blades capable of cutting through a branch with a diameter of up to 25 mm using a power drive. At the same time, the length of the instrument is only 19 cm, and the weight is 210 g. – the lightest model in the category. The steel blades are sharpened perfectly, they are suitable for decorating bushes and hedges, but working with them for a long time is not fully convenient: plastic handles with an anti-slip coating are straight, without relief or protrusion to suit the anatomy of the hand, but are suitable for both right-handers and left-handers, equipped with a stop plate and a blade lock to prevent unnecessary opening.

In general, the WOLF-Garten RS 2500 pruner is a universal tool for trimming tree branches and shrubs in the garden, but not in large quantities. You can buy it from 1130 rubles.

Advantages

• Cuts thick branches up to 25 mm;
• Reliable steel blades;
• Reliable design and powerful drive.

Not the most comfortable fit in the hand.

GRINDA 8-423001

Rounding out the rating in the category of power pruners is the most modest tool, GRINDA 8-423001, capable of cutting branches up to only 18 mm in diameter, although the total length of 210 mm and weight of 260 grams are identical to the stronger models reviewed earlier. Its purpose is to decorate shrubs and cut flowers; the tool copes with these jobs perfectly, and besides, it fits like a glove in the hand: the aluminum thin handles are curved, do not slip thanks to the coating, no significant force is required when squeezing them, and the blades are pulled back by a ribbon spring.

The blades deserve special attention: they are flat, made of hardened steel with an additional protective coating, and curved. When cutting, no protruding fibers are left due to the tight connection of the two cutting blades. The secateurs can be used without sharpening for more than one season, do not require special handling skills and do not tire the hand when working.

You can buy GRINDA 8-423001 quite inexpensively - from 214 rubles.

Advantages

• The most affordable price in the category;
• The blades do not become dull for a long time;
• Suitable for cutting thin branches and flower stems;
• Comfortable handles.

Types of garden loppers

Before ordering a tree pruning tool, familiarize yourself with its types. Some designs are suitable for cutting thick branches that reach a diameter of up to 5 cm. Based on the type of blade, they are distinguished:

• Contact lopper. Recommended for use when working with dry, hard wood. When pruning, the upper blade passes through the knot with great pressure, and the stop (counter blade) supports it and distributes the pressure until the procedure is completed. The action of this design is similar to the work of a kitchen knife on a cutting board.

Types of loppers

• Flat lopper. Ideal for cutting young green wood. The counter-blade (stop) and the cutting blade are pressed into the wood, allowing you to make a neat cut and reduce compression damage to the wood. The action of this design is very similar to the work of scissors.

In addition, they differ in design. Depending on it, there are two types of tools:

• Rod Additionally equipped with a stationary size extension cord. Due to this, the rod lopper is suitable for cutting tree branches at high heights. This does not require a ladder or other assistance device. This tool has a comfortable handle and a powerful gear mechanism for cutting. Suitable for removing tree tops and thick branches at height.

Description of the rod lopper

• Telescopic. It is equipped with a special extension, thanks to which you can adjust the length of the tool, expanding the radius of the work performed. This makes it possible to cut branches from the top of a tree while still on the ground. The strength of the tool is increased by the ratchet mechanism. Some models are very long - up to four meters. There is a telescopic lopper, the end of which is complemented by a hacksaw. True, sawing with it at high altitude is not very convenient.

There are also mechanical, petrol, electric and battery-powered loppers. More details about them:

• Mechanical. A universal tool similar in appearance to garden shears. Structurally, it consists of a pruner and a telescopic handle. The main advantage is simplicity, the disadvantage is the inability to complete a large amount of work in a short time.
• Petrol. It has high power due to the built-in internal combustion engine. It has a large work resource. In appearance it is similar to a brush cutter or trimmer, in which a saw is used instead of a head with a fishing line. Some models may be noisy. Such a tool is highly productive, but is expensive and requires periodic maintenance.

Types of loppers

• Electric. A powerful garden device for pruning trees with an electric motor powered by a stationary 220 V network. It is cheaper than its gasoline counterpart, but has less power. Such a lopper does not require refueling or periodic maintenance, but it is not autonomous during operation. A cable trailing behind the device can cause inconvenience.
• Rechargeable. A good replacement for the previous option due to the lack of wires. This tool has good mobility, but the disadvantage is the limited operating time. In addition, it will take a lot of time to recharge.

Petrol

• Champion 125T-10, price 5650 rub.

Champion 125T-10

• MCV3100TS (12″), price 25,500 rub.

Maruyama MCV3100TS (12″)

• Huter BS-25, price 6570 rub.

Huter BS-25

Electric

• Ryobi RPP750S 3002228, price 7630 rub.

Ryobi RPP750S 3002228

• Ryobi RPP755E, price 8910 rub.

Ryobi RPP755E

• Einhell GC-EC 750 T, price 6990 rub.

Einhell GC-EC 750 T

Rechargeable

• Black+Decker GKC108, price RUR 5,664.

Black+Decker GKC108

• Greenworks G24PS20 24V 2000107, price 9490 rub.

Cordless lopper Greenworks G24PS20 24V 2000107

Mechanical

• Grinda 58481/40232_z01, price 532 rub.

Mechanical lopper Grinda 58481/40232_z01

• Gardena 500 AL Comfort 08771-20.000.00, price 2110 rub.

Gardena 500 AL Comfort 08771-20.000.00

• Fiskars UPX86 1023624, price 7580 rub.

Fiskars UPX86 1023624

What should you pay attention to when purchasing?

Buyers are most concerned about the question of how to choose the right garden pruner so that it will last for many years and fully perform all its functions.

Each type of pruner (with an anvil, bypass, with a ratchet mechanism) has a specific operating technique, which consists of positioning the blades relative to the branch being cut.

Working knives must be made of steel with a high carbon content, only then the blades will remain sharp for a long time. Sharpening must be carried out on time, without waiting for the moment when the knives become completely dull and begin to deform.

The advantage of some pruners is a special anti-caking compound that coats the blades. You should definitely study the technical characteristics of the scissors, especially the maximum cutting diameter. The likely life of the tool is also important: some are designed to last 2 years, others 25 years.

Kinds

Bypass or anvil?

Depending on the type of lower blade, there are two types of systems: either bypass- or anvil.

• Bypass

This is a flat pruning shear. The upper blade slides past the lower one, which can be sharpened under the cutting element or be concave like a hook (this holds the branch, preventing it from falling out).

Why is it worth paying attention to it? The cut on living wood is clean, making the regeneration process much faster. But, if you have to trim dead, dry, hard branches, this is not the best solution, since such scissors get stuck in them and the blades bend.

• Anvil

This is a contact tool. The upper working knife is the sharpest blade with a curved or straight edge. It connects with the lower blade, which is a kind of anvil that follows the contour of the upper knife, and is made of soft material. Advantages: Takes on thicker branches than the bypass lopper, making it a better choice for trimming dead, dry, tough branches. But it is advisable not to use it for living wood: it crushes rather than cuts, so the cut most often remains sloppy, which makes it vulnerable to fungi and slows down regeneration.

Experienced gardeners do not choose just one of these loppers, but buy both. They use Anvil for the first (upper) cut of thick branches, and bypass they make the second (lower) cut, which is more neat and clean.

Ratchet

Many experienced gardeners choose loppers with a ratcheting mechanism (a gear wheel that moves intermittently in one direction). When working with them, the effort required decreases, but the diameter of the branches being cut increases. After the first press on the handles, the blades do not unclench, but remain in the wood. With each subsequent pressure, they bite deeper into it until they completely bite the branch.

Model selection

When, from a variety of telescopic loppers, a choice is made in favor of one type that is needed for a particular garden or park, the final purchase decision should be made after studying the rating of models of telescopic loppers. Today, the best and most popular products include Gardena Comfort StarCut and Fiskars PowerGear. Many craftsmen try to copy them.

Fiskars

Fiskars universal branch cutters are capable of working both at a height of up to 6 meters and with trimming bushes. Their efforts are enough for the strongest branches. The cutting blade drives the chain; it can rotate 240 degrees, which allows you to quickly and efficiently trim the garden. Before starting work, you should pull one of the levers and put the lopper into action. Then you need to remove the lock on the cutting head and adjust the working angle to a position convenient for cutting branches. The model is equipped with a ratcheting mechanism, it is comfortable and easy to work with.

Gardena Comfort StarCut

Lightweight and durable tool, easy to use. A gear drive of the working knife is used, which increases power. It has a large cutting angle (200 degrees), adjustable from the ground, which makes it possible to work with branches growing in different directions. Both telescopic handles are equipped with release buttons and can be easily extended by pushing and pulling out the handles.

"A red star"

A mechanical branch cutter with an anvil and telescopic handles, produced by a Russian company. The equipment is a heavy-duty power tool with a gearbox that easily cuts thick branches. The handles have 4 positions, extend from 70 to 100 cm. The cutting diameter is 4.8 cm.

Stihl

The comfortable and safe petrol telescopic lopper “Stil” is produced by an Austrian company. Its rod length is the maximum among pole saws, allowing work to be done at a height of 5-6 meters. The equipment has a low level of vibration and noise. Thanks to being equipped with a large number of attachments, Shtil is capable of performing work of any complexity.

Taking into account the needs and prospects of your garden, today it is not difficult to choose suitable working equipment, in particular, a telescopic lopper. A good choice will help you quickly and efficiently put your garden in order.

For an overview of the Fiskars telescopic lopper, watch the following video.

Operating principle and types of loppers

A lopper is a special garden shears that is used for trimming small branches and small twigs with a diameter not exceeding 35-40 mm.

The tool consists of the following elements:

1. Blades – cutting and counter blade.
2. Handles.
3. Bolts, screws and other fasteners.
4. Spring.
5. Extension cords (not available on all models).

Expert opinion
Kuznetsov Vasily Stepanovich

The lopper is operated manually or using a mechanism powered by gasoline or electricity.

In accordance with this, there are 4 main types of tools:

Manual

It works like garden shears - you need to close the handle with both hands, after which the unnecessary knot can be removed quite easily.

Petrol

Powered by an internal combustion engine, it is usually used on an industrial scale.

Electric

Equipped with an electric motor, which is powered by a 220 V contact network.

Rechargeable

It also works from electricity, but not from the network, but from a battery.

There are other classifications - for example, based on the design of the handles there are:

• Telescopic lopper - its handles extend, so the user can reach even remote branches located deep in the bush or at a height;
• Rod - the handles are designed in the form of a retractable rod that moves using a chain; using such a tool you can trim branches and even fruits at a height of up to 6 m;
• Models with an extended handle can reach 1.5-2 m in length or even more (4-5 m); with their help you can easily reach the crown of the fruit tree.

Based on the cutting principle, there are 2 classes of models:

1. Bypass pruners cut like scissors and are suitable for young, living branches. If you cut dry branches, the surface of the blades can quickly become unusable.
2. Anvil loppers , on the contrary, are used to remove dead branches. The cut can be carried out with less effort, but it turns out to be quite rough, which will certainly damage the living shoot.

Separately, there are loppers with a so-called ratcheting mechanism. If you squeeze the handles, the movement of the blades itself takes place inside the thickness of the branch. Then the force can be weakened, but the blades will remain in the wood, after which you need to press again, overcoming the resistance. This design allows you to cope with almost any knots, while the cut is accurate and neat.

Best models

The garden tools market offers various product lines from famous domestic and foreign brands. Based on consumer reviews, a rating of the main models of the sectors that are most popular today was compiled.

The Lowe brand from Germany is a leader in the production of anvil garden sectors. The operating principle of the blades is designed for long-term operation with minimal physical effort. Such sectors can be used equally by both left and right hands. Comfortable handles and durable steel cutters make these sectors one of the best and in demand among consumers. Professional tools are used in viticulture and floriculture. The cost starts from 5 thousand rubles.

According to the data obtained, German pruners are considered the most popular. They are much more expensive than domestic ones, but our models are in no way inferior to them in quality. Secateurs from a domestic manufacturer combine affordability, an optimal set of functions and fairly high quality. Many Russian companies use progressive innovative methods to produce tools. Which brand to choose is a matter of choice for everyone. The main thing is to study the manufacturer’s instructions well and in detail and strictly follow them.

The best manufacturers of loppers

There is a wide range of loppers from different manufacturers on the market, but the following companies are considered the best:

• Gardena . Well-known German manufacturer of garden tools and equipment. You can buy a lopper from this company from 1,500 to 9,000 rubles. For the most part, these are contact tools, but there are also several flat models.
• Fiskars . Finnish manufacturer, which is also well known and in demand. Loppers from this company can be bought from 1300 to 7500 rubles; there are both contact and plane models.
• Bosch . The company presents electric (including battery) and gasoline models in the range of 5,000-15,000 rubles.
• Grinda . The manufacturer's tools are attractive due to their combination of decent quality and affordable prices. Mechanical loppers from this company cost 600-1500 rubles, and an electric model can be purchased for 3500-5000 rubles.
• Center tool . Loppers from this domestic manufacturer can be purchased from 800 to 3000 rubles.

Since there are many types of loppers, you need to carefully consider your purchase, following the selection criteria presented in the article. The lopper must be effective in a specific garden area, convenient for a specific user and completely safe.

How to use it correctly? Instructions

Working with a manual lopper is quite simple. Pruning branches consists of several stages:

• Wear protective gloves and a mask. Some gardeners neglect this rule and completely in vain. The lopper has sharp blades that are easy to accidentally cut yourself on. Although they are away from the gardener’s hands during work, this does not eliminate the risk of injury. For example, if the owner decides to hold a branch near the cutting area, the blades will accidentally slip and cut their fingers. Safety glasses are also a good idea, as a branch cut from above can get into your eye.
• Make sure the lopper is working properly. Its fasteners must be tightly screwed. Make a few trial cutting movements.
• Open the blades and bring them to the branch you want to cut. Make sure it doesn't fall on your head after cutting.
• Smoothly close the blades to cut the branch.
• If young branches are removed from the plant, do not forget to immediately treat the cut areas. Most gardeners use oil paint or mineral drying oil for this. The composition is applied in a thin layer. If the diameter of the cut site is less than 1 cm, then it does not need to be processed.
• Some models are equipped with telescopic handles. They can be moved apart if it is necessary to cut branches located high on the tree.
• After completing the work, remove dirt and plant juice from the tool.

Garden tool owners should also remember the following:

• Use a lopper only for cutting vegetation, that is, branches, leaves, roots, etc. You should not use it to cut plastic or, especially, metal objects. Its blades are designed only for working with wood, and if used for other purposes, they will quickly become dull and break.
• If the owner’s hands often slip, then it is worth purchasing a model with special rubberized handles that provide a more secure grip.
• It is advisable to store the tool in a protective case.
• If it is sent for long-term storage, then a thin layer of oil should be applied to its blades.
• Even the most expensive and high-quality lopper needs care. It should be periodically disassembled, cleaned and lubricated with oil. This will extend the life of the garden tool.
• Choose the right storage location. Do not place it near heating devices. Some gardeners prefer to store their loppers outside. In this case, it is advisable to cover it with something so that the sun's rays do not fall on it.