Lopper: Features of the ratchet garden lopper for pruning trees. Characteristics of hand-held models. Comparison of Alligator, Raco, Wolf-Garten and others

Types of loppers

the presence of a long handle

Single-lever tools. These scissors are designed with one cutting edge, and they themselves resemble a saw. First of all, this design has telescopic or rod loppers.

While using them, the owner will not encounter any inconveniences - for this, the bar is taken, attached to the tool itself, fixed on the delimber with a special attachment, after which the tool must be brought to the branch and pulled a couple of times on the rope.

With these scissors, you can easily cut branches at heights of up to several meters. Also, it will not be difficult for the owner to remove strong branches up to 5 cm in diameter, and in addition to this, thick shoots.

First of all, single-lever high-rise loppers will be a profitable purchase for those summer residents who own a large garden and are often faced with the need to prune branches at a high height.

Double-arm garden pruning shears

A striking example of such shears is the Wolf-Garten RC-VM 7200000 model. It is designed for cutting trees up to 40 mm. The pruner is easy to use - for this, the tool must be attached to a telescopic bar.

Next, grab the selected branch with it and pull the rope, after which a cut will be made. To simplify the gripping operation, the tool has the ability to rotate the cutting head 180 degrees.

Among other advantages, it should be noted that it can be used at a height of up to 5.5 m. The Wolf-Garten ZS-M 946000 automatic lopper is more convenient, which allows you to avoid tangling the rope in the branches. This becomes possible due to the fact that the cable is always in a tightened state.

Manual loppers are in demand due to the fact that a person can independently control the handle, thereby it is possible to easily cut the required branch. The popularity of these loppers is due to their affordable price and ease of use. This is the model GRINDA 8-424407_z01.

A special group is represented by cordless loppers, which in their action resemble a chain saw: to turn on, you need to press a button, and a person does not have to spend energy to remove a branch or twig.

It makes sense to think about purchasing such a device if you own a large area where many trees grow.

Subtleties of choice

In order to choose the optimal model for pruning trees and shrubs on your summer cottage or backyard farm, first of all, you should determine the amount of planned work. Handheld devices are only optimal if you have few trees and a small hedge.

If you have a fairly significant number of fruit and coniferous crops, then you should pay attention to electric and battery models. If financial resources permit, then gasoline brush cutters will be an ideal option.

Particular attention should be paid to the sharpness of the blades, since blunt cutting will require a lot more force than with well-honed cutters. Moreover, when making a cut, blunt knives injure the tissue of the tree.

They heal for a long time, and hollows often remain at the treatment site.

Make sure that the cutting blades are coated with a special compound that repels the sap and sap released from the cut.If the blades do not have such protection, then leaves will stick to them, significantly reducing the effectiveness of the work carried out.

The handles should be comfortable. It is better to give preference to products with ergonomic handles and rubber pads.

Of course, the weight and dimensions of the hedge trimmer are also of great importance when choosing a particular model. Mechanical devices involve manual labor, you will have to keep your hands in a raised position for a while. Therefore, if you do not have physical stamina and developed muscles, buy the lightest model and be sure to make sure that the device fits comfortably in your hand, easily opens and closes. The degree of comfort of working with a brush cutter largely depends on this.

If you follow these simple selection rules, you will get the perfect model for you. Such a tool will make caring for your garden truly comfortable, effective and will bring a lot of pleasant moments.

For tips on choosing a hedge trimmer, see the video below.

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.

Types of pruning shears for pruning trees and different plants

Hand models can trim thin green shoots as well as lignified ones.

For pruning annual shoots, flowers, grape seedlings, bunches, it is preferable to use manual flat pruning shears with 2 blades. Flat pruning shears will help to accurately cut, not injure plant branches. In flat-type models, the blades are placed on top of each other, as in scissors - the convex part cuts, the concave part holds the cut branch. Some models are equipped with teeth to better hold the shoot. For young plants, contact models with an anvil mechanism are less suitable; they can injure soft, delicate shoots.
For lignified shoots, branches, a high cutting force is required, therefore contact models are necessary. Contact pruning shears do not slip, do not slide to the sides, allow you to accurately cut the branches of plants without damaging the shoot. The cutting part consists of one blade and an anvil. The branches to be cut are supported on the anvil. This model will require less cutting effort.

For cutting thick branches (up to 4 cm) growing high, scissor-type models with telescopic handles are useful.
For large volumes of work, it is advisable to buy an electric tool. Electric models come with batteries and chargers. It is worth choosing high power models that provide a high cutting speed (with a motor power of 400-700 W). Electric pruners usually have a fairly long blade (45-70 mm), adapting to the thickness of the branches.

The pruning shears with a gasoline engine will cope with thick branches, cutting bushes. Gasoline powered tools are more powerful (0.8-1.5 HP) and more efficient than electric scissors. The design has a double-sided blade, making it faster, easier to work. The disadvantage of the device is its relatively high weight (6 kg), which causes rapid hand fatigue during operation (for comparison, electric models weigh about 3 kg).

The pneumatic pruner has excellent efficiency. Pneumatic differs from other models in the way the blade is driven. The device is powered by compressed air, the mechanism works effortlessly, you can work for a long time. It can easily cut wet, dry branches up to 5 cm in diameter.

Rating of the best firms and models

In trade enterprises engaged in the sale of garden equipment, a wide selection of a wide variety of loppers is presented. The most popular models include such product modifications as Alligator, Raco, Wolf-Garten RR 900T, Stihl, Bosch, Grinda, Mr. Logo, Tsentroinstrument, Nikona, Worx WG307E, as well as Patriot and Palisad.

Let's take a closer look at the most popular secateurs.

Raco RT 53 / 143S

This is a German-made chain attachment. The length of the device is 21 cm, the knives are made of high-carbon hardened steel with a protective anti-corrosion coating. Aluminum handles, have a special vinyl coating, while the lower one can rotate 90 degrees in one direction, at the moment when the handles begin to diverge, it gradually rises to its original position. Usually the knives can be fixed in a static position using metal elements.

Even if such a hedge trimmer falls, this structure does not open, which makes the device especially reliable and safe. The device is used for cutting branches with a saw cut up to 2 cm.

This is another product of German manufacturers, one of the most expensive models. The length of the lopper is 19.5 cm, weight - 225 g. The blade is sharp, made of hardened steel, has a special Teflon coating that prevents leaves from sticking when cutting branches. The handle is made of enamelled aluminum, equipped with a rubberized ergonomic handle.

The retainer is plastic, the type of return spring is tape. Allows you to cut branches to branches up to 2 cm in diameter.

Fiskars 111340

Another popular Finnish pruner. Its length is 17 cm, the blades are made of stainless steel, treated with a special Teflon coating, so that juice and dirt do not stick to the cutting blades. Plastic handles, reinforced with fiberglass. The type of the return mechanism is lever. The device weighs 130 g.

"Tsentroinstrument"

This is a tool of a Russian enterprise, however, the production facilities of the company are located in the eastern countries. The weight of the product is 250 g, the length is about 20 cm. The knives are made of Japanese steel, there is no additional protective coating, the handle is rubberized, the type of return mechanism is spring.

In the event of a breakdown, spare parts for this brush cutter can be purchased at any store.

The handles are made of aluminum. They have an extra vinyl covering. The lower handle rotates 90 degrees to one side when pressed. When the handles are pulled apart, it returns to the starting position. The blades can be fixed with a special metal piece. Even if the secateurs fall, the structure will not open due to the impact, so the device is reliable.

Another popular lopper is the Gardena Comfort (8788). This is also a German model. On average, the price is 1,300 rubles. This device is one of the most expensive. The length of the tool is 19.5 cm. It weighs from 225 g. Cuts branches 2 cm thick.

The blade is made of strong hardened steel. There is a special coating, thanks to which the leaves do not stick because of the juice. Enamelled aluminum handle with durable rubber grip. The latch is represented by a plastic latch. Users note that it is inconveniently located. The return spring, like that of the previous device, is a tape spring.

The next pruner is Fiskars 111340. Made in Finland. The average cost is 1600 rubles. The device weighs 130 g. In length it is a little more than 17 cm. It cuts branches 2 cm thick. The blades are thin, made of stainless steel. They have a special Teflon coating that prevents contamination.

The handles are made of plastic, but reinforced with special fiberglass. The retainer is also plastic, like the previous device. The return mechanism is a lever mechanism.

Among the Russian pruners, Centroinstrument TsI 0235 is known (the company itself is Russian, but instruments are produced in European and Asian countries).

The principle of operation and types of loppers

The pruner is a special garden shears that is used to trim small branches and small branches with a diameter not exceeding 35-40 mm.

The tool consists of the following elements:

Blades - cutting and counter blade.
Handles.
Bolts, screws and other fasteners.
Spring.
Extension cords (not available on all models).

Expert opinion
Vasily Kuznetsov

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

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

Manual

It works like a garden shears - the handle must be closed with both hands, after which the unnecessary knot can be easily removed.

Petrol

Electric

It is supplied with an electric motor, which is powered by a 220 V overhead contact network.

Rechargeable

It also works on electricity, but not from the mains, but from the battery.

There are other classifications - for example, according to the design of the handles, they are distinguished:

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

According to the cutting principle, there are 2 classes of models:

Bypass secateurs cut like scissors and are suitable for young, living branches. Cutting dry branches can quickly deteriorate the surface of the blades.
Anvil knotters, on the other hand, are used to remove dry branches. It is possible to make a cut with less effort, but it turns out to be rather rough, which will certainly damage a live shoot.

Loppers with the so-called ratchet mechanism are distinguished separately. If you squeeze the handles, the very movement of the blades is carried out already 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 accurate.

Views

Gardening equipment stores sell manual loppers up to 50 cm in size with scissors. At the same time, the length of the blade varies from 15 to 25 cm. There is a line of products equipped with a ratchet mechanism like secateurs. A brush cutter with a telescopic handle is used for working with tall shrubs. The torches are generally wavy, although versions with straight torches and spring return are also available.

According to consumer ratings, the best are tools from manufacturers such as Skrab, Palisad, Gardena, as well as Grinda and Raco. The Fiskars brand is quite in demand on the brushcutter market. This device allows you to adjust the angle of inclination, as well as adjust the product for height. The cutters can rotate 90 degrees to either side for good maneuverability. A special lock is provided to lock the knives. This tool allows you to cut not only shrubs, but also lawn grass, and you can do this without bending over.

It is worth noting that there are quite a few interesting modifications in the manufacturer's product line. For example, there are ratchet brush cutters here. This model is equipped with an additional pressure intensifier, blades with a Teflon protective coating, due to which the resistance of the material is reduced when cutting.

These loppers can remove branches up to 3.8 cm in diameter. At the same time, they are equipped with elongated handles, the size of which reaches 68 cm.For high-altitude work, models with a handle length of 241 cm are available.

Among summer residents, products of the domestic brand "Brigadier" are valued, a feature of which is a wave-like sharpening. In such a model, the clearance of the planes depends on the size of the branch. The blades themselves are made of hardened extra strong steel, self-opening mechanisms are provided, as well as shock-absorbing bearings.The length of the cutter is 15 cm, so the device can be used even without strong physical impact.

The handles are comfortable, rubberized, the weight of the device is only 0.5 kg.