All About Loppers

Loppers for pruning trees and bushes are indispensable tools for any experienced gardener in caring for a site. They greatly simplify not only the crown formation procedure, but also serve as a tool for pruning tall herbaceous plants.

Features of garden care

1. Young adipose shoots, infected and dry branches reduce energy and nutrition in plant cells, which, in turn, significantly reduces the yield. In addition, neglect of pruning greatly increases the fruit load. The branches, under the weight of the fruit, begin to dump ballast, this again affects the volume of the crop;
2. If dry branches are not removed in time, then this can threaten the reproduction of harmful insects wintering in the bark. In addition, there is a direct fire hazard. Dry wood can instantly become a hotbed of fire;
3. Pruning work in winter should be carried out at temperatures above -10˚C. In frosts, branches are more fragile and vulnerable to damage. The cut site does not heal for a long time. The most hardy crops are apple and pear;
4. Spring pruning, as a rule, has the main task - to form the crown. This is not only an aesthetic procedure. The correct crown shape affects the speed and uniformity of crop ripening. The cup-shaped crown is considered ideal for getting the maximum amount of sun through the branches;
5. In autumn, a period of rest and transition to hibernation begins for plants. The main task of pruning during this period is to remove old and diseased branches so that possible diseases and pests cannot stay for the winter.

Pruning fruit trees

Advantages of loppers

1. The high-rise lopper allows you to make an even, clear cut, thanks to the professional sharpening of the knives. A hollow may form at the site of a poor-quality cut;
2. For the manufacture of professional garden tools, only high-quality materials and alloys are chosen that do not undergo oxidation and rust during operation and storage;
3. Lightweight models weigh only 0.5 kg, have an ergonomic handle and a high level of sharpening, so everyone can work with such a tool without much physical effort.

Special qualities of the lopper:

• The ratchet, telescopic, or extended arm lopper are all designed to modernize, speed up and simplify the pruning process;
• The force of the tool is sufficient to cut branches 5 cm thick;
• The lever mechanism greatly enhances the pressing force, so the physical force that is needed is minimized;
• The purchase of a special tool pays for itself in just a few seasons, while correct use and timely maintenance extend the useful life to several decades.

Kinds

According to the method of pruning, the loppers are divided into planar and contact. The first ones act like scissors, have equally sharpened blades that move in one plane towards the center. The second group is characterized by the presence of a plate and one blade, sharpened on both sides.This blade presses the branch against a plate (anvil) and cuts it like an ax.

According to the method of supplying energy, they are distinguished:

1. The manual lopper is actually a garden pruner with long handles. The gardener sets the tool in motion by mechanical action on the handles (compression-release);
2. The electric, cordless or petrol-powered delimber is activated by pressing the start button. Does not require physical effort. It is advisable to buy such a device for large areas with a large number of fruit or ornamental trees.

According to the configuration, the loppers are divided into:

• Single-lever. This group includes a telescopic lopper and a rod lopper. The cut is made with one blade, like a saw. Due to the long bar and the possibility of lengthening the structure, this tool is used at a height of up to 5 m.It is recommended to choose this tool for work in an old garden, where tall trees with thick branches prevail (diameter of branches is about 5 cm).
• Double wishbones. Simple design - 2 levers, which are mechanically (by hand) or electrically operated. Such a unit is most often used when working with young bushes and trees (the thickness of the branches is 2-3 cm). A wide girth of branches is possible due to the ability of the structure to rotate 180˚. For high-altitude work, the tool is attached to a telescopic arm. In fact, a telescopic pruner is obtained. Trimming is done by pulling the cable. On improved models, an automatic cable tightening machine is installed to protect it from entanglement.

Lopper, double wishbone, thrust plate (Raco)

Important characteristics:

1. The thickness of the branches is up to 5 cm, the average value is 2.5 cm;
2. The presence of a blade holder. This increases the safety of the device;
3. Sliding handles help to work at different heights stationary, being in one position;
4. The low weight of the device allows less fatigue during work and reduces the load on the spine. Minimum weight - 500 g;
5. Handle length range - from 90 cm to 4 m;
6. High-precision sharpening while maintaining parameters significantly improves the cut quality and increases the service life;
7. The presence of a ratchet makes it easier to work with any branches (dry and elastic).

Leading manufacturers and models

• Lopper Raco 4218-53 | 372C with adjustable handle and nylon cord (3 m). Suitable for working with coarse and thick branches. For the convenience of gripping and cutting branches thicker than 30 mm, the tool is equipped with a blade and blades that have a wide spreading width. Connects to the telescopic handle with a quick release.
• Lopper Tsentroinstrument 0207 with ratchet mechanism. The handles are covered with high-tech rubber material for a good grip and a secure grip. Extendable handles help you work in tight spaces. It is possible to work with thick branches, since the tool is designed to work in several stages. The maximum branch diameter is 45 mm. The weight of the device is 1.63 kg.
• Lopper Mr logo 36407 power double-lever with ratchet mechanism. Has hardened blades of high carbon steel, so the tool does not corrode over time. Soft handles, ratchet and adjustable stop anvil allow for quick, clean cut. The maximum diameter of the branches is 50 mm. Tool weight - 1.7 kg.
• The Black decker GKC1000 cordless lopper (alligator) is a manoeuvrable tool for working at high heights and in hard-to-reach places. The device is equipped with a protective cover and a metal clip for operator safety. Automatic oil supply to the chain. One charge can cut 150 branches 35 mm thick. The maximum thickness of the branches is 10 cm. The weight of the device is 3.8 kg.
• The Stihl HSE-61 Electric Pruner has an optimal blade geometry for precise cutting. It has high performance and low noise.The rotary handle with 5 positions allows you to work in difficult places. In addition, the device is equipped with a 3-stage switching system for working with the maximum coverage. The hardened steel retains its sharpness for a long time. For ease of operation, there is an armrest included. The maximum length of the cut is 50 cm. The weight of the tool is 3.9 kg.
• Lopper Palisad 60521 flat with rubberized handles. Recommended for removing live branches and pruning young trees (branches up to 30 mm thick). There is a shock absorber for limiting the stroke at the moment of compression and protection from breaking. The blade is made of oxidized steel. High precision sharpening. The maximum thickness of the branches is 3 cm.The weight of the instrument is 700 g.
• Telescopic ratchet lopper Grinda 8-424391 for cutting large branches and limbs. Two-piece ergonomic handles for a comfortable grip. Professional blade sharpening and protection from dirt sticking. The ratchet increases the gripping force. Change in the length of the handles within 70-100 cm. The maximum thickness of the branches is 40 mm. Weight - 1.6 kg.
• The Husqvarna 525P5S 9673295-01 telescopic lopper is a professional tool with a two-stroke gasoline engine. Automatic chain lubrication. Completely understands. Working height - 4.5 m. Increased power with economical fuel consumption. Maximum cut diameter - 30 cm.Weight - 6.4 kg.

Electric lopper Stihl HSE-61

Universal fixture

The Fiscars UP-86 garden lopper is specially designed for the simultaneous removal of branches on the upper and lower tiers. The cutter bar allows you to remove coarse thick branches with a light pressure. The working head has a swing angle of 230˚, which makes the tool highly maneuverable. The boom configuration allows work at high heights from one position. Increased safety due to blade retainer.

Main characteristics

Terms of use and care

1. Work must be carried out in protective clothing, gloves, goggles and boots. Movements must be free.
2. Before starting work, it is necessary to inspect the equipment for damage, make a test run, check the presence of all parts.
3. Take a comfortable, stable position, hold the tool firmly in your hands.
4. At the end of the work, the tool must be cleaned of dirt, wipe the juice from the branches.
5. Maintenance needs to be done periodically. The tool must be disassembled, cleaned the internal mechanisms, lubricated with oil to avoid premature rust formation.
6. Store the lopper in a dry, dark place inaccessible to children and animals.

Gardening equipment (storage)

Criteria for choosing a garden lopper

In order to choose the right type of lopper for specific tasks, you need to find out 3 main points:

• The nature of the work;
• Garden age (height of trees and thickness of branches);
• The number of trees and bushes.

Tool selection rules:

1. For tall trees, choose a lopper with telescopic handles. Height adjustment allows you to work on the lower tiers and tidy the tops of the plants;
2. For domestic use, you should pay attention to the loppers with light handles. This allows you to extend your gardening time. At the same time, the muscles of the hands are not overloaded;
3. An electrical appliance should be chosen for a small area. You need to proceed from the fact that the length of the wire is enough to the farthest tree in the garden;
4. For large horticulture, agricultural enterprises and professional use, a gasoline unit is best suited;
5. The ratchet lopper is ideal for thick branches. Its mechanism is designed in such a way that it allows you to make a very accurate cut in several stages without damaging the wood tissue.

The lopper is a useful and necessary tool for owners of fruit and berry plantations and gardens with ornamental shrubs.In a short time, with this tool, you can give the crown the desired shape, remove old and diseased branches, thin out the plant so that more sunlight comes to the fruits. The choice of a delimber should be based on the needs of the grower. The more the number and age of trees, the more powerful the tool should be chosen. For single bushes, lightweight models are suitable, close in characteristics to the pruner. Compliance with the rules of use and care allows you to work with one lopper for many years in a row.