The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

Anyone on Amazon for a Branch cutter searches, inevitably comes across the anvilLoppers Premium Plus "Power Cut" RS 900 T from Wolf-Garten. The popularity of this product is easy to explain because, according to the numerous positive product reviews, the pruning shears are both easy to use and very robust and powerful exactly what it is supposed to: can twigs and branches up to a thickness of five centimeters (according to some customer reports, even significantly thicker wood) without too much effort cut through. The ergonomic handles are provided with a soft insert so that there are no blisters on the hands. So that you can also reach higher branches, the telescopic handle can be extended to a length of 90 centimeters. The wearing parts are interchangeable, spare parts can be obtained from the manufacturer if required. The knife can be removed for sharpening

The PowerGear II bypass geared branch shear from the manufacturer Fiskars is also very popular on Amazon, it is super light compared to other models with a weight of just under 550 grams and is good at Hand. In addition, the patented gear mechanism ensures that you have to use less force when cutting. This model is ideal for cutting thinner twigs and branches (e. B. of roses and other shrubs as well as of fruit and ornamental trees), you should only use another pruning shears for cutting the hedge. Since the Fiskars PowerGear II bypass geared branch shears have beak-like curved blades and the handles have to be opened very wide, they do not get into dense wood.

The garden tool brand Grüntek belongs to the German company S&R Industriewerkzeuge GmbH and is now known for inexpensive but high-quality products. Anvil gear pruning shears “Grizzly” are no exception, which is why they are also one of the most bought (and best rated) branch cutters on Amazon. With its six centimeter long blade, these loppers cut dry wood up to a diameter of 29 millimeters, and they can even cut fresh twigs up to a thickness of 33 millimeters. The gear is made of sturdy tool steel, as is the non-stick coated blade. The exchangeable and adjustable anvil regulates the cutting angle when cutting trees, shrubs and hedges.

Purchase criteria

Type / execution

Anvil loppers: Anvil branch cutters only have one cutting blade, which is opposite a mostly blunt anvil. Both parts meet when they are pressed together, with the anvil literally pressing the branch into the cutting blade. Both components are usually made of steel or another metal because they are exposed to high forces.

Bypass pruning shears: Bypass branch cutters, on the other hand, have two cutting blades that run next to each other. These loppers cut very precisely and are also better suited for work close to the trunk.

Telescopic function

Branch cutters with telescopic handles are practical because they give you a greater reach and sometimes save the use of a ladder. Depending on the design and model, the handles can be extended up to a meter. Other models, on the other hand, can be extended with a separately purchased telescopic rod, which is often operated with a cable pull. These loppers reach heights of up to ten meters, so you can also use them to prune tree tops.

Handle length

Basically, the longer the handles, the better the leverage you want with loppers. However, "arms" that are too long can also become very unwieldy, especially since the device increases in weight with increasing size and is then difficult to move over the head. The length of a pair of loppers is ideal for the user if the handle arms are roughly as long as their own arms (measured from the fingertips to the shoulder).

transmission

Geared branch shears are so popular because less effort is required to use them - after all, this model makes the best possible use of the leverage effect. The gear should not be too tight, otherwise the pruning shears will be stiff, but also have no leeway. The latter can lead to a poorer cutting result, especially with bypass pruning shears. Ideally, the gear can be adjusted manually using a screw. By the way, you should choose models with a metal gearbox if possible, as these are more robust.

Material and non-stick coating

A sturdy and rust-free material, especially for the blades and the gear, is essential for branch cutters, as these parts are due to the strong Leverage are exposed to very high pressure - materials like plastic or low-quality metal don't last long and show up quickly Signs of fatigue. It also makes sense that the handles are ergonomically shaped and made of the softest possible material - this prevents pain and blisters on the hands. The blades should have a non-stick coating as they slide better through the wood.

weight

A particularly important selling point is the weight of the pruning shears. This should not be too heavy, otherwise it quickly leads to signs of fatigue and the cutting work becomes a torture. For rather untrained users, models weighing up to around one kilogram are recommended because they are particularly light. Telescopic branch scissors also weigh 1.2 kilograms, which are usually still easy to handle. On the other hand, loppers weighing more than 1.5 kilograms fall under the heavy models.

frequently asked Questions

When is it better to use anvil and when to use bypass pruning shears?

Since the use of anvil pruning shears squeezes the wood and creates unclean cut edges, these models are better suited for removing dead or old wood. Young, fresh twigs and branches however, should be better with a Bypass pruning shears cut, as the cut edge is cleaner and the wound heals better.

Which brand manufacturers offer loppers?

You will definitely find high-quality loppers from brand manufacturers for garden tools such as Gardena, Fiskars, Wolf Garten or Grüntek. These stand for products of high quality, with a long service life and high functionality, so that the initial More spending compared to a "no-name product" quickly pays for itself - you have to exchange the latter frequently or replace it with a new one to buy.

How do you clean loppers properly?

With it the newly acquired loppers lasts as long as possible and the blades don't dull prematurely, you should clean regularly and above all do not stow it in the shed when it is dirty or damp. After use, clean them with a wire brush and rub the blades dry with a cloth.

Are there also electrically operated loppers?

Electric branch cutters actually come in many different designs and sizes. There are even versions with a telescopic handle. However, these are considerably more expensive than the mechanical models.

Where can I get spare parts for my loppers?

Over time, and especially with intensive use, every material wears out, even the highest quality pruning shears show signs of wear at some point. In this case, the advantage of branded products becomes apparent, because most brand manufacturers offer individual spare parts. You only have to replace these and do not need to purchase a completely new device.

equipment

Hedge trimmer

While loppers are great for rough work, to also cut twigs and branches with thicker ones You can cut away diameters (and cut dead wood or diseased branches out of the hedge) with a good one Hedge trimmer(€ 77.00 at Amazon *) do the fine jobs. You can also use both branch and hedge trimmers for pruning ornamental grasses and bamboo.