Lopper: features, types and subtleties of choice

Types of secateurs

The choice of secateurs depends on the specifics of using the instrument. The models differ in design: in addition to secateurs with two blades (double-sided), there is also a one-sided tool - instead of the second blade, there is an anvil or stop.

To understand which pruner to choose for the garden, you should figure out what they are in general and for what purposes they are used.

Standard secateurs. It has a sickle-shaped cutting blade, the second blade is persistent, without sharpening. This design prevents the tool from sliding off the cut branch. The standard pruner is suitable for cutting grassy plants, flexible branches of shrubs and trees up to 0.5 cm thick. Removing dry branches with this tool is not convenient.

Gardening scissors. Two straight, sharpened blades move towards each other

When choosing garden shears, you should pay attention to their purpose - manufacturers offer models for cutting herbaceous plants, as well as a tool for removing branches, including dry ones. Garden shears can handle branches up to 2 cm thick

The tool may have a special device that increases the compressive force.

Anvil pruner. The upper blade (curved) is cutting, on the lower one there is an anvil made of metal or durable plastic. The surface of the anvil is grooved so that the cut branches do not slip. This tool is designed for cutting woody branches, including thick and dry

The permissible thickness of the branches for cutting depends on the model of the tool, this parameter should be taken into account when purchasing

Lopper. It is a pruner for cutting branches of various thicknesses and removing dry branches. It differs in the length of the handles (30 - 90 cm), thanks to which the lever is increased and the cutting of hard branches is easier. It is convenient to use a lopper to remove unnecessary branches from tree crowns and form bushes.

Shrub pruner. It features reinforced blades and elongated handles, designed for cutting bushes. The longer the handles, the less effort is required to carry out the work. Shrub pruning shears can handle branches up to 5 cm thick.

Garden pruner equipped with a ratchet mechanism. Designed for pruning live and dry branches. Thanks to the ratchet mechanism, less effort is made when cutting thick branches - the blade enters the wood and deepens in several steps.

Pole pruner (rod lopper). The pruner is equipped with a telescopic or folding handle, which makes it possible to work at a height.

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Grafting secateurs. It has a knife of a special curly shape, which allows you to make even cuts on the scion and rootstock - this simplifies their docking and ensures good survival of the grafted plant.

Why prune trees?

It's a pleasure to have your own garden. You can put a gazebo, swing in it, or just hang a hammock, thus creating a corner of privacy. Also, do not forget about organic fruits and berries that you collect from trees grown by your own hands. And if the year turned out to be quite fertile, then you will please your loved ones with delicious preserves for the winter.

Organic fruits and berries from the garden

However, in order for the garden plot to have a well-groomed appearance, and the bushes and trees growing on it, bring a good harvest, they should be properly and regularly looked after.This is timely watering, feeding, transplanting, warming for the winter and, of course, pruning. Moreover, the role of the last operation cannot be underestimated. In young plants, this is how the crown is formed.

After all, it is very important to ensure sufficient penetration of sunlight to all shoots. In addition, it is necessary to remove dry and damaged branches regardless of the season and age of the green inhabitant.

Pruning fruit trees

By making timely professional pruning, you will significantly improve the growth processes of your garden inhabitants, you will be able to increase the fertility, quality of the crop and the frost resistance of the plant. In addition, you contribute to the establishment of new suction roots and improve the water exchange processes. In addition, do not forget about the aesthetic side. Indeed, today it is very fashionable to plant various ornamental shrubs and trees, give them some shape, for example, a square, a circle, etc.

Loppers. And no ladders are needed!

The garden lopper on a long handle is absolutely indispensable when working in a garden or summer cottage. With its help, the pruning of tall shrubs and trees is carried out.

There is no need to use various ladders and stepladders that behave unstable on soft soils and sloping surfaces.

And sometimes there is simply no way to use additional devices. With such a pruner, the entire seasonal haircut process can be carried out directly from the ground and without significant effort.

Many gardeners and owners of summer cottages are often faced with the problem of caring for tall trees.

This may involve trimming dry branches, twigs, or shaping tree crowns at high heights. To carry out such work, a special type of tool is used, called delimbers.

In this article, we'll take a look at the features of gasoline and electric loppers for pruning trees.

Popular models

In the modern world, electric loppers are in increasing demand. The world famous brands Patriot, Stihl, Ryobi, Gardena, Greenworks, Black & Decker and many others are engaged in the production of instruments. Below we will consider the models that are most popular in Russia.

525 PT5S

Husqvarna is a worthy representative of high-rise loppers. The country of origin is Sweden. The most common variant in Russia is the 525 PT5S model. The device is in great demand among professionals. It is distinguished by its maneuverability and small size. Thanks to the powerful engine, the structure picks up speed in a matter of seconds.

The case is shockproof from all sides. You don't have to manually lubricate the chain, everything happens automatically. The unit weighs 7 kg. The cost in Russia is around $ 650-700.

AHS 45 16

Bosch AHS 45 16 is a striking representative of small electric loppers for home use. The tool weighs 2600 grams. A motor with an internal cooler is installed here, so you will never encounter overheating of the instrument. The manufacturer provides for the installation of an ergonomic holder, taking into account the anatomical features of the palm. There is a special shutter to protect the master.

The blades are double-sided, equipped with an anti-collision function with solid objects. The manufacturer creates the cutters using special laser technology. They do not grind down for a long time. The tool has a low price (60-70 dollars).

NTE 60

For use in urban environments, a special model of electric trawlers from the manufacturer Stihl is suitable. The model is called NTE 60. To begin with, it should be noted that the unit fully complies with all sanitary standards. It emits a low noise (up to 94 decibels). This device has become widespread among landscape designers.Thanks to him, you can give the crown a decorative appearance. Blades with a length of 30 cm are installed here.

Thanks to the soft starter, it is possible to avoid jerking during operation. Thanks to its sophisticated modern design, the device fits comfortably in the hand. The manufacturer provides for a special belt that acts as an additional retainer. The unit weighs 4500 grams and has a high cutting speed. The cost of construction in Russia is from $ 300.

BEHTS 301

Black & Decker has a long history of making electric loppers. The wire model BEHTS 301 is especially widespread in our country. The unit is capable of working with an average thickness of branches of 35 mm. To allow the master to fully control the movement of the cutters, two holders are installed here. Also, the manufacturer provides for the installation of a large starter. It runs along the entire length of the handle, which makes starting the tool more comfortable.

There is a protection function against unintentional inclusion. The holder has a special flap for the safety of the skin of the hands. Branches can be cut in any position due to the double-sided blades. The design is environmentally friendly, small-sized, weighs 2500 grams. The cost in Russia is from $ 80.

HT 5560E

The Carver HT 5560E is a versatile lopper specialized in the creation of beautiful ornamental shrubs and trees. It is designed for cutting small diameter branches (up to 25 mm). The tool is diamond-ground, thanks to which the operator can make a perfectly straight cut without damaging the bush. The manufacturer provides a special cable with protection against accidental disconnection from the power supply network. The design can be easily transported and stored in a special case that comes as standard.

The handle has a flap for the safety of the hands of the master. There is an additional handle for greater comfort while working. The mass of the device is 4400 grams, the cost is from $ 50.

An overview of the BLACK & DECKER Aligator GK1000 electric lopper, see below.

How to choose: 10 important criteria

When choosing a delimber, pay attention to the materials of the blade, handle and length of the tool.

It is quite simple to choose the right tool - it is important to immediately understand for what purposes it is being purchased, whether it is comfortable to hold it in your hands, how much work will be performed

Among the technical characteristics, you should pay attention to the length of the delimber and the maximum diameter of the branches that can be cut with it.

Branch diameter and tool length

Usually knots have a small diameter up to 25-30 mm. Most of the models can handle branches up to 35-40 mm, so almost all of them are suitable for use in private households.

The loppers are usually small in length - about 40-50 cm. However, some models reach 70-100 cm, making it easy to reach tall branches and crowns with their help.

There are options with a system of lengthening the handles, so if you intend to work with tall shrubs and fruit trees, it is better to choose them.

Blade material

The blade must be not only sharp, but also reliable and durable. Therefore, it is worth considering only those models whose blades are made of high-quality carbon steel. In addition, in some loppers, they are protected by a special anti-corrosion coating, which also increases the service life.

Handle material

The handles should be comfortable enough - lie freely in the hand and at the same time not slip. The material can be based on nylon, fiberglass, composite mixture. Other options are not as reliable and may be unsafe (it is better to exclude plastic and aluminum handles right away). It is desirable to have a silicone or rubber grip on the handle to provide additional friction.

Regardless of the nature of the surface of the handles, you need to work with the tool with gloves. It is also best to use safety goggles in case of a sudden rebound of wood chips. During work, the summer resident puts on loose clothing that does not hinder movement.

Scope of work

Usually summer residents work with loppers not so often - the bulk of the work falls on spring or autumn, depending on the type of shrub, fruit tree, etc. For such purposes, you can use a manual lopper. If pruning is done regularly and there are quite a few trees growing in the garden, it is preferable to choose electric or gasoline tools.

Expert opinion
Vasily Kuznetsov

An electric lopper can run continuously for up to 40 minutes on average, and a petrol lopper longer (until it runs out of fuel).

Blade retainer, spring, pruner bar, as well as the lopper design deserve attention when buying a lopper

Blade holder

This parameter also plays an important role for safety during operation. If you don't have a brace, there is an increased risk of awkward movements and, as a result, cuts. Therefore, loppers without this element should not be considered.

Spring

All models are equipped with a spring, but not in all cases they have the optimal elastic force. Therefore, even before buying, you need to test the lopper yourself by making a few empty squeezes. By the type of spring, it is better to give preference to the tape spring, which will last much longer than the spiral one.

Design

Also, during testing, you should pay attention to the design: there should not be even a minimum backlash between the bolt and the blades. It is advisable to bring a real branch of medium diameter (25-30 mm) with you to the store and make an incision, feeling the movement of your hands

Pole bar

The design of the bar is one of the most important parameters, therefore, even before buying, you need to check the performance of this element and make sure that there are no mechanical defects. Sometimes the bar is purchased separately - in this case, you need to make sure how easy it is to attach to the work surface. The fixation should be comfortable and very firm.

Would you like a lopper for gardening?

Of course not

Weatherproof

The hand and petrol lopper can be used in clear or rainy weather. The electric tool is “afraid” of moisture, so it is not all-weather.

Other additions

Manual models, as a rule, do not have additional parameters on the basis of which the selection is made.

If you are purchasing an electric lopper, you should pay attention to the length of the cable and the brand of oil that is poured into the tank. When buying a model that runs on gasoline, you must take into account the volume of the tank

1 Types

Pruners are used to graft and form the ground parts of the plant. There are the following main types:

1. 1. Standard. It has a thrust plate offset along the cut line and a knife. Deforms only the cut-off part of the branch. The work is done sparingly. Great for growing living branches.
2. 2. Garden shears. Both inserts are cutting. The structure itself is arranged like ordinary scissors. Rounded shape. The cut is smooth. The only drawback is that plant tissues are compressed.
3. 3. Shrubs. Reinforced cutting knives are located on a long handle. The tool is suitable for processing thick branches, bushes, hard dry wood.
4. 4. Bar pruning lopper. Suitable for tall trees. Usually, such a tool also has a garden saw, a telescopic bar and a fruit collector.
5. 5. Vaccination. It is intended for grafting on fruit trees, grapes, roses, conifers in the garden. The curly knife allows you to make a mirror cut and do the job professionally.
6. 6. Tool for topiary and curly haircut. Such a device has straight blades. Usually used to form small trees and shrubs. The cut is accurate thanks to the convenient position of the handle.

Loppers are as follows:

1. 1. Mechanical. They are pruning shears with long handles so that they can reach high branches. Mechanical loppers can cut branches up to 5 cm in diameter. The blade is made of durable steel and has a special protective coating against sticking branches and developing corrosion. Some have diamond plating.
2. 2. Electrical. They can operate on rechargeable batteries or on electric current. Such devices are a mini-saw. They are usually used in gardens where there is a lot of work to be done. Cordless models are more expensive, but they are mobile. The disadvantage is that they work for a short time without recharging.
3. 3. Gasoline. The petrol lopper does not have the same disadvantages as the electric ones. Such a device is also portable, but much more powerful. The main disadvantage is the high cost.

Plane or bypass models work on the same principle as with conventional scissors. A characteristic difference is that the blades are located in the same plane, so that when they move, they are directed towards each other. The cut is as smooth as possible. This is what allows wounds on plants to heal faster.

Anvil models are available. They differ from others in that such devices have similarities to bypass tools. One blade makes a cut. The second creates a comfortable support for work. All such pruning shears in this category have a support piece that is located clearly along the cutting line.

Advantages and disadvantages

Electric loppers, like any other electrical engineering, have both positive and negative sides.

Pros:

• the unit operates on electricity, and it is much cheaper than any fuel;
• no physical strength is required for the normal functioning of the device;
• the design has small dimensions, low weight, and also does not emit any noise;
• with careful use, the tool will last a very long time;
• it is possible to work at a height of more than 5 meters;
• thanks to the rotary system, you can cut several branches at one time;
• the unit is environmentally friendly, does not emit smoke or exhaust gases.

Minuses:

• when working at a height, the power cable gets in the way in most cases;
• the nearest outlet may be too far away;
• the devices have low power when compared with gasoline competitors, although such characteristics are quite enough for home use.

Views

Garden hedge trimmers are classified according to several criteria. According to the principle of operation, tools are divided into two types.

Plane are devices that work like scissors. They are equipped with two sharp edges sharpened on one side, which move towards each other in a single plane. At the same time, the cut turns out to be quite even, it is not so traumatic for plant tissues and heals quite quickly. The blades can be straight or curved, however, in most models, one blade is straight, the other is curved in the shape of a hook. This structure allows you to securely hold the branch and does not allow it to slip out during pruning.

According to the method of driving the mechanism, pruners are divided into the following types:

• mechanical - use the physical efforts of a person;
• electric - operate from an alternating current network;
• rechargeable batteries - battery operated.

Mechanical manual loppers work strictly by applying the physical effort of the operator. This is the cheapest and easiest model to operate, however, and its power is low. The kinematic device in this case is located inside the handle and looks like a ratchet wheel equipped with a tension lever, it converts the reciprocating and rotational moments into intermittent rotational ones.

The cutting surface is lightweight and compact, making mechanical pruning shears very manoeuvrable and can be used in the most difficult-to-reach places.

As a rule, a “T”-shaped stopper is attached to the handle, which reliably protects against slipping of the tool.Mechanical loppers are not tied to the mains power supply, nor to the need to recharge the battery. Electrical devices during work must be connected to the power source at all times. Such a device does not produce hazardous emissions, has small dimensions and is easy to operate.

Of the shortcomings, we can note the presence of a rather long power cord, which from time to time has to be pulled out of the branches.

Cordless loppers combine all the best features of a mechanical and network device. They usually have high performance, good maneuverability and functionality.

The electric motor of such a tool is usually powered by a battery.

These modifications are good because they allow you to work in places where there is no electricity or there is no way to stretch the network cable. Cordless models run almost silently and in most cases have good power.

Gasoline pruning shears are also distinguished; it belongs to professional tools and is designed to serve a large number of plants.

How to choose the right hacksaw: choosing a saw for wood

Today there is a large variety of hand saws for wood. The question of how to choose the right hacksaw is relevant not only for professional joiners and carpenters, but also for everyone who performs this or that woodwork both in the apartment and in their garden or in the country.

Hand saws for wood come in several types: ordinary, narrow, circular, saber, with a butt, bow. Narrow ones are used when working on workpieces in the area of ​​10 cm. The blade often deflects when pressed, creating unexpected cutting directions.

A common tree pruning saw can have a variety of teeth. But in working with wood material for the manufacture of furniture, they cope poorly without the presence of special miter boxes used to control the cutting angle. The advantage is often the equipment with interchangeable blades. A saber saw is the ideal hand saw for cutting branches.

The bow saw blade can be changed, which is very practical. And the fastener mechanism will last for decades. They are rightfully considered an acceptable replacement for a jigsaw in terms of cut accuracy and the ability to set the angle of work.

Bow saws are in high demand in gardening, as well as in households.

There are four subtypes: transverse; sweeping; spike; external.

For horizontal cutting of wood up to 0.8 m, jib saws are used. Vertical (cross) cuts with clear sides are made at any desired angle. Fillet tools are made of flexible steel, allowing you to engage in curly cutting. Simple details are easy to create with a tenon.

For each activity and wood, specific tools must be used. Precise cuts in chipboard are made with TRI 7-9 hacksaws, and the TRI indicator below is suitable for large logs, where not aesthetics are important, but speed and convenience of work.

Experts recommend relying on the following aspects in choosing:

• a hacksaw with a large tooth is suitable for carpenters, and it is better for carpenters to focus on fine-toothed products;
• a saber hacksaw perfectly helps to cope with cutting branches on a tree due to its convenient shape;
• in the absence of skills in sharpening and setting teeth, it is better to choose hardened products, but only if the work will not be carried out very often;
• The one-piece design of the handle increases rigidity, while the ergonomic curves and rubberized insert enhance both efficiency and convenience.

A nice bonus is the storage attachments to prevent creases and facilitate safe transport.

As with any other tool, the definition of the quality and class of a product largely depends on the manufacturer. At the moment, there are large brands of both domestic and foreign types on the market, the differences between which are not as significant as the specific characteristics of the models.

Therefore, the answer to the question of how to choose the right hacksaw will be a comparison of practicality, durability and cost.

Views

All loppers, including high-rise ones, are divided into three broad categories: mechanical, electrical, rod. They are used in different cases, so when buying, you should take into account the specifics of each instrument. Models can be recommended for pruning dry or live branches, simple or curly haircuts, for working with material of different thicknesses.

It is also important to decide on the type of barbell. The simplest of them has a monolithic long handle with a cutting unit attached to it.

Many models are equipped with a removable handle or with an additional bar extension. The most popular loppers are equipped with a telescopic structure that extends like a telescope.

Mechanical

This type of delimber works by using mechanical force, that is, manual labor is used. It constitutes a group that includes all pole saws, with the exception of electric and gasoline. Mechanical models have a simpler design, budget cost and are often equipped with rods.

Planar and contact

Loppers are distinguished by various characteristics, including the type of blades. Flat products resemble scissors with two sharp cutting surfaces. The knives move towards each other. Sometimes the blade of one of them looks like a flat hook with which it is easy to grasp the branches. Plants cut with flat knives are smoother and less traumatic. Suitable for young wood.

Contact blades are designed to work with both dry and live material. Their upper knife is double-edged, it passes with effort through the knot and abuts against the lower flat one, which serves as a stop.

Separately, you can distinguish the type of blades with an anvil. The upper knife is lowered onto a flat special stop with a recess into which it falls. The type of blades can be considered contact, the tool does not squeeze, but, as it were, cuts a branch. Designed for dry material.

All types of blades described can have a rod mechanism.

Bypass

This mechanical device has a contact type of knives. The upper sharp blade is installed in the direction of the branch through which it will pass, with effort falling onto the lower, persistent part of the cutting unit. The bypass rod pole-saw is light and maneuverable, with its help they carry out a figured shearing of bushes and trees, remove branches in hard-to-reach places, for example, in a thorny bush. It works well with fresh woods and large flowers.

With ratchet effort

Any manual mechanism becomes more perfect if it is equipped with a wheel with a tension lever, which is usually hidden in the handle. The material is cut with the help of abrupt movements, they increase the load on the branch and facilitate the manual labor of the gardener. The tool has a small cutting unit, which makes it more functional, able to reach the most difficult areas. Ratcheting equipment is often equipped with a rod handle and an additional hacksaw.

Electrical

These structures are also called motor ones, they are equipped with mini-saws, they work from the network. Electric bar loppers reduce the efforts and working hours of the gardener tenfold. They are lightweight, the working unit is able to rotate 180 degrees, the height of their action can be 4-6 meters. The disadvantages include a higher cost than a mechanical model and dependence on a power source.The radius of action (garden cutting) is limited by the length of the electrical cable.

Rechargeable

Battery-powered rod loppers are capable of working anywhere in a garden or park, regardless of an external power source, which is a big plus for garden equipment. In the handle of the product there is a reservoir for lubrication of the mini-saw chain. The disadvantage of such a miracle technology can be called a short working time, since periodically the batteries will have to be charged. Often the kit contains two chargers, which increases the cutting time. Cordless loppers are more expensive than networked ones.

Gasoline

They are classified as professional motor equipment. It is the most powerful tree pruning tool. For a short period of time, they cultivate vast park areas. It can be added to the advantages that the gasoline pole-saw, as opposed to the electric one, is used autonomously and in any weather. The power of the tool is sufficient even for large and thick branches. With a rod handle, the gasoline unit is capable of operating at a height of up to five meters. But for safety reasons, such models should only be used while standing on the ground, without using a ladder.

Types of loppers

The different types of garden loppers differ in the way they are activated. There are the following ways:

• Mechanical. The strength of the hands is used.
• Electric. Mains powered.
• Rechargeable. Power is supplied from a rechargeable battery.
• Gasoline. With internal combustion engines that consume gasoline.

Mechanical secateurs work by muscular strength. The simplest and most inexpensive. The advantages are as follows:

• More powerful models are sold with a ratchet mechanism that converts reciprocating movements into intermittent rotations.
• The cutting head has a small size and weight, which provides high maneuverability, makes it possible to reach hard-to-reach places and perform manipulations in confined spaces.
• The handle often has a T-shaped stop to prevent slipping.
• The instrument does not need a power source.
• The ease of repair does not require professionalism to replace parts.
• The presence of a lock for easy transportation and storage.

An electrical device needs a constant power supply, which can be attributed to the disadvantages. The positive qualities are as follows:

• Ecological cleanliness, since there are no harmful emissions.
• Possibility of turning the working part by 180 °, which significantly improves the girth of branches.
• Low weight, allowing even a not very physically developed person to handle the pruner for pruning tall trees.
• Easy to use.
• Easy to maintain (it is usually easy to buy original spare parts).
• Low noise level.
• Good cutting quality provided by a professional chain saw.
• A secure grip as there is a handle with a control panel at the end of the bar.
• In most cases, the boom has a non-slip coating.
• The telescopic mechanism allows you to cut branches at a height of 5.5 m or more.
• Possibility of additional equipment with a cord automatic pull-up cord.

The electric device does not boast of very high power, and it can only cut branches up to 2.5 cm thick. The power cord can get in the way - you have to keep track of its position all the time, and sometimes even get it out of the branches. To get to the far corners, you need an extension cord.

Battery powered devices are a kind of combination of mechanical and electrical devices. They have high performance and maneuverability. The electric motor is powered by a rechargeable battery, which ensures autonomy.

The advantages are:

• The ability to move freely around the site.
• The presence of the function of automatic lubrication of the chain, for which there is a built-in reservoir in the handle.
• Possibility of installing larger batteries.
• Ease of use.
• Relatively light weight.
• Low noise level.
• The presence of a telescopic device that allows you to cut fairly high-lying branches.

Any power tool has a shoulder strap, which reduces stress on the spine and evenly distributes the weight of the device. There is a "pocket" on the belt where the lopper can be resting on during use. This makes the work easier, as your hands get tired less.

Gasoline brushcutters are equipped with an air-cooled two-stroke engine that is lighter and less expensive than a 4-stroke. The controls are located on the boom, where there are also elements that protect against accidental activation.

Main characteristics:

• High performance.
• Autonomy.
• The highest power among similar devices.
• The ability to cut thick branches, even trunks.
• Can be trimmed at any angle.
• Possibility of retrofitting with special equipment.
• The largest weight among all the listed models.
• Makes a lot of noise.
• Requires special maintenance.
• High price.

It will be effective to use the device on an industrial scale in large areas with a large number of trees and bushes, for example, in gardens and forest parks.