Tree Pruning Loppers - Recommendations or Ones to Steer Clear of

mskeggs on 22/03/2022 - 18:48

My old set of branch loppers has gone walkabout.
Nearly bought the cheapest replacement, but they were out of stock at Bunnings, and I didn’t feel like paying $70 instead of $20.

Or do I?
Gardeners, tell me whether the costlier Fiskars or Bahco or other brands are better, whether the ones with gears are worth it or break.
My last cheap pair lasted 20 years, so if the costlier ones are better, it is probably worth it over that time frame.
I need to address some sizeable branches, so needs to be sturdy and full size.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • donga100 on 22/03/2022 - 19:08
    +3

    The Fiskars are worth it compared to the cheaper brands. Have you considered one of these? It handles branches up to about 20cm wide with ease.

  • AndyC1 on 22/03/2022 - 19:17
    +3

    For sizable branches I know people who have a mini electric chainsaw to cut them and they say they are the best for cutting small/medium branches compared to a saw or loppers.

    • Euphemistic on 22/03/2022 - 21:56
      +3

      Plus one. Have an 18v pole chainsaw. Great bit of kit. Cuts a lot better than I expected it to.

      • BewareOfThe Dog on 23/03/2022 - 11:20
        +1

        I've had a Ryobi 18v one for 12 years. Still runs well, though the chain started coming off in operation.
        I sharpened the chain recently using an Ozito saw sharpener, and its working great again.
        I prefer to use it over my chainsaw (safer being 3m away ;) )
        I also have a reciprocating saw for smaller stuff. Great for Palm leaves.

        +1 for Fiskars for manual stuff.

        • Euphemistic on 23/03/2022 - 11:44
          +2

          I prefer to use it over my chainsaw (safer being 3m away ;) )

          Same here. Safer, quiet and never has trouble starting.

  • mskeggs on 22/03/2022 - 20:27
    +1

    Thanks, I have a pruning saw and a chainsaw, and agree they are good options for bigger stuff.
    This is just about a good bypass lopper for pruning smaller branches up to 3cm or so.

    If nobody has broken a fiskars, it might be worth a shot.

    • mapax on 22/03/2022 - 20:36
      +2

      I used to use the ~80cm long fiskars powergear bypass loppers professionally and they’re pretty good. The blades can be easily sharpened and are also replaceable.

      If you’re strong they can break with improper technique. It was never an issue for the girls or smaller lads without muscle mass but some of the bigger blokes needed to be reminded to stop being lazy and go get a pruning saw when tackling larger diameter limbs up around 50mm.

      • mskeggs on 22/03/2022 - 20:36

        Ha, I reckon I would be that lazy person!

    • Transient on 22/03/2022 - 21:04
      +2

      For bypass loppers, I find the cheaper ones aren't that good: blades can bend and the become dull quickly. I have a cheap pair that I regularly hammer back into shape and resharpen every so often. Once it is completely destroyed I'll go for a better quality one.

  • Transient on 22/03/2022 - 20:35
    +1

    I've used a few pairs of Fiskars over the years. Always find them to hold their edge pretty well. Bought my last pair from Bunnings for around $20. Seems they have gone up in price. Loppers for anything too big for secateurs. Then the old handsaw (Bahco or Jackson approx. $12) for anything too big for loppers. Then the Ozito electric chainsaw for anything bigger.

  • iamherenow on 22/03/2022 - 20:42
    +1

    You could consider a reciprocating saw with a pruning blade. The ones with the handle at the back are kinda heavy. The ones you hold mid way are much easier to use for pruning.

    • Euphemistic on 22/03/2022 - 21:58
      +1

      I find they tend to shake the 5#!+ out of the tree more often than not.

      • iamherenow on 22/03/2022 - 22:11
        +1

        Are you using a pruning blade? Other blades get caught and do the shaking thing.

        I use one hand to hold the branch. One to saw. It's so quick. Although won't work for really small stuff that you'd use hand pruners for.

  • ihbh on 22/03/2022 - 22:41
    +2

    Fiskars; they don't cost much more than what the no-brand ones at Bunnings/Aldi used to, but they don't rust (only slightly) and will probably outlast their 25 year warranties.

  • iand on 22/03/2022 - 23:03
    +2

    I'm a gardener and I use Fiskars 1st two the blade broke within 6 months and was replaced under warranty, the current one has lasted over 20 years 🙂 I also had a cheaper lighter pair which I would use on lighter stuff but they wouldn't cut ii on the larger branches and when they broke I didn't bother replacing them

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