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A branch cutter or pruning shears, as the garden tool is also called, is indispensable for trimming trees and shrubs. There are many different models that differ in quality, design, function and handling. To make the purchase decision a little easier for you, we have put together the most important tips for you when buying pruning shears and pruning shears in this guide and present some recommended models.
With a good pair of pruning shears, pruning trees is child's play
Our recommendations
our recommendation
WOLF-Garten - Anvil pruning shears »Premium Plus« POWER CUT*** RS 900 T; 73AGA009650
EUR 84.00 To the product| execution | Anvil Pruning Shears |
|---|---|
| Sound | non-stick coated |
| maximum branch diameter | up to 50 millimeters |
| length | 650 to 900 millimeters |
| Weight | 1.73 kilograms |
| handles | Ergonomically shaped with soft inlay |
| telescopic handle | Yes |
Anyone looking for a branch cutter on Amazon will inevitably come across the Premium Plus “Power Cut” RS 900 T anvil loppers 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 do exactly what they are supposed to do: without too much effort, cut twigs and branches up to a thickness of five centimeters (according to to cut through some customer reports even significantly thicker wood). The ergonomic handles are fitted with a soft insert so that there are no blisters on the hands. The telescopic handle can be extended to a length of 90 centimeters so that you can also reach higher branches. The wearing parts are interchangeable, spare parts are available from the manufacturer if required. The knife can be removed for sharpening
our recommendation
Fiskars PowerGear II bypass gear shears for green wood, non-stick coated, hardened precision steel, length: 55 cm, black/orange, L74, 1000582
42.30 EUR To the product| execution | Bypass gear shears |
|---|---|
| Sound | stainless carbon steel |
| maximum branch diameter | up to 5.5 centimeters |
| length | 55 centimeters |
| Weight | 0.55 kilograms |
| handles | fiberglass reinforced plastic |
| telescopic handle | no |
The PowerGear II bypass gear scissors from the manufacturer Fiskars is also very popular on Amazon, as it is super light compared to other models at just under 550 grams and feels good in the hand. In addition, the patented gear mechanism ensures that you have to use less force when cutting. This model is ideal for cutting thin twigs and branches (e.g. roses and other shrubs as well as fruit and ornamental trees), you should only use a different pruning shears for trimming hedges. Since the Fiskars PowerGear II bypass gear scissors have beak-like curved blades and the handles have to be opened very wide, they do not get into dense woods.
our recommendation
GRÜNTEK pruning shears Grizzly 470 mm Sharp AMBOSS pruning shears with Gear-Drive cutting system, gear pruning shears
21.46 EUR To the product| execution | Anvil gear shears |
|---|---|
| Sound | Tool steel with non-stick coating |
| maximum branch diameter | up to 33 millimeters |
| length | 47 centimeters |
| Weight | 687 grams |
| handles | non-slip soft handles |
| telescopic handle | no |
The garden tool brand Grüntek belongs to the German company S&R Industrietools GmbH and is now known for its inexpensive but high-quality products. The Grizzly Anvil Gear Pruner is no exception, which is why it's one of the best-selling (and top-rated) pruners on Amazon. With its six centimeter long blade, these pruning shears cut dry wood up to a diameter of 29 millimeters, and they can even cut fresh branches up to a thickness of 33 millimeters. The gear is made of robust tool steel, as is the non-stick coated blade. The replaceable and adjustable anvil regulates the cutting angle when cutting trees, shrubs and hedges.
Purchase Criteria
type / design
Anvil Loppers: Anvil branch cutters have only one cutting blade facing a mostly blunt anvil. Both parts meet when pressed together, with the anvil literally pushing the branch into the cutting blade. Both components are usually made of steel or another metal because they are exposed to high forces.
Bypass Loppers: Bypass branch cutters, on the other hand, have two cutting blades that run side by side. These pruning shears cut very precisely and are also better suited for work close to the trunk.
telescopic function
Branch cutters with telescopic handles are useful because they give you a longer reach and sometimes save you from using a ladder. Depending on the version and model, the handles can be extended up to one 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 pruning shears reach heights of up to ten meters, so you can also use them to trim treetops.
handle length
Basically, the longer the handles, the better the leverage you want with a pair of pruning shears. 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 guide over the head. A pruning shears has an ideal length for the user if the grip arms are about as long as your own arms (measured from the fingertips to the shoulder).
transmission
Geared pruning shears are so popular because their use requires less effort - 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 poorer cutting results, especially with bypass pruning shears. Ideally, the gearbox can be adjusted manually with 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 robust and rustproof material, especially for the blades and the gears, is essential for branch cutters, as these parts are exposed to very high pressure due to the strong leverage effect - materials such as plastic or inferior metal do not last long and quickly show 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 be non-stick coated, because then they slide better through the wood.
Weight
A particularly important selling point is the dead weight of the pruning shears. This should not be too heavy, otherwise it will quickly lead to signs of fatigue and the cutting work will become torture. Models weighing up to around one kilogram are recommended for users who are less trained, as they are particularly light. Telescopic pruning shears also weigh 1.2 kilograms, which are usually still easy to handle. The heavy models, on the other hand, include pruning shears weighing more than 1.5 kilograms.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
When is it better to use anvil pruning shears and when to use bypass pruning shears?
Since the wood is crushed when using an anvil pruning shears and the cut edges are therefore unclean, these models are better suited for removing dead or old wood. Young, fresh twigs and branches, on the other hand, should better be cut with bypass pruning shears, as the cut edge is cleaner and the wound heals better.
Which brand manufacturers offer pruning shears?
You will definitely find high-quality pruning shears from brand manufacturers of 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 additional expenditure compared to a "no-name product" quickly pays off - the latter you often have to exchange or buy a new one.
How do you properly clean pruning shears?
To ensure that the newly purchased pruning shears last as long as possible and the blades do not become blunt prematurely, you should clean them regularly and, above all, not store them in the shed when they are dirty and damp. After use, clean them with a wire brush and wipe the blades dry with a cloth.
Are there also electrically operated pruning shears?
Electric pruners are actually available in many different designs and sizes. There are even variants with a telescopic handle. However, these are considerably more expensive than the mechanical models.
Where can I get spare parts for my pruning shears?
Over time and especially with intensive use, every material wears out, even the highest quality pruning shears eventually show signs of wear. In this case, the advantage of branded products becomes apparent, because most brand manufacturers offer individual spare parts. You only have to replace them and do not need to purchase a completely new device.
equipment
hedge trimmer
our recommendation
GRÜNTEK hedge shears HECHT Teflon 560 mm, shrub shears with serrated edge and double Teflon coating, SATISFACTION GUARANTEE 90 days!
19.58 EUR To the productWhile pruning shears are great for the rough work, to also cut away twigs and branches with thicker diameters (and to cut dead wood or diseased branches out of the hedge, for example), you can do the fine work with a good hedge shears (€24.99). Incidentally, you can also use both branch and hedge shears to cut back ornamental grasses and bamboo.