Whether you are trying to keep on top of the greenery in your garden or have a large project to undertake and some serious hacking to tackle, chances are you are going to need a pair of tree loppers. The trees and hedges in your garden can grow inches in a matter of months at the right time of the year and this can impact on sunlight in your garden (for both you and your other plants), access to pathways and just the general tidiness of your garden, so purchasing the right loppers is essential.
But, this is easier said than done, as there is such a variety of sizes, styles and materials used on tree loppers that it can be difficult to know exactly what it is that you are going to need! Not only this, but the type of jobs that you are wanting to complete are also going to impact on the tree loppers that are going to be best for you!
This is why we have written this article…to help you along the way! We have included some of the best tree loppers out there at the moment, along with the key features that you need to look for, so that you can be sure to end up with the best tree loppers money can buy!
Best Pick – WOLF-Garten Anvil Loppers
- Length: 900 mm
- Ergonomic 1-K plastic handles
- Non-stick blades
- 10 Year Guarantee
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
Hedges that are blocking your garden path? Trees that are affecting your prime sunbathing plot? Or maybe a conifer that is falling out of line? Whatever the reason you have for being in a hurry, keep reading for all the essential information that you need!
Size and Weight
The first thing that you need to think about when purchasing your tree loppers is the size that is going to be best for you as there are a wide range of sizes to consider. If you are working on tree branches with a wider diameter then you are going to need bigger tree loppers with a wider blade opening. It is almost impossible to judge the cutting capabilities on the length of the loppers themselves as they all have different handle lengths, but they will normally give information on the size of branches that they are able to work with. Some will be able to cut through branches up to around 70mm whereas others will have a maximum cutting capability of around 40mm so will be better suited for conifers or smaller hedges!
Once you have thought about this you need to consider the overall length of your loppers as this will determine the branches that you are going to be able to reach with ease! Smaller loppers (with a reach of around 70cm) will be lighter and therefore give you more flexibility and ease when working. This means that they tend to be better for more precise jobs that you are wanting to complete. Whereas longer loppers can have a reach of up to 450cm (for telescopic models – more on this below) which will allow you to cut much higher branches.
Once you have worked out the size of tree loppers that you are going to need you can begin to look at the weights of the different models, as this is going to largely be determined by the size of the loppers. Some smaller models only way around 600g whereas others are upwards of 1400g! This is obviously going to have a large impact on the amount of time that you can work for safely before becoming fatigued!
TOP TIP: Make sure to check whether the “reach” described in the product description actually includes the length of your arms/body as well as the loppers! Some product descriptions do and others don’t which can lead to inaccuracies when comparing if you are not careful!
Wood or Metal?
The two main structural materials that you are going to find used for tree loppers are either wood or metal, but for larger loppers you will usually be limited to just metal.
Wooden tree loppers are going to give you that traditional look and you can be sure that they are going to last for years without being bent or damaged (providing they are well looked after). Not just that but the strength of the material means that you are going to be able to cut through much stronger branches without the handles becoming damaged. However, the density of the wood does tend to mean that these models are going to be heavier than metal, which can make working with them quite cumbersome. Not only this, but they are not going to be as weather resistant as metal so you will need to keep on top of their maintenance if you are wanting them to have a long life!
Metal tree loppers have many benefits – largely the lightness that they are able to offer for the size and the durability of the material. Weaker metals are at risk of bending or cracking if put under an immense amount of pressure working on larger branches, but this could be said for any tool! They are going to be much more weather resistant and also easier to clean down after the job is finished to remove any sap or debris from the hedges or trees that you have been working on.
You will often find that some parts of your tree loppers are made using plastic, which is fine if it is heavy duty plastic that has been used and providing the material has not been used on parts that are going to be put under any pressure.
TOP TIP: If opting for tree loppers made out of steel then make sure to check whether it is powder coated as this will help to prevent rust from developing early on in the life of the tool!
Blade
Last but most definitely not least, you need to consider the blade that comes with your tree loppers as this is going to be the part that is doing the most of the work!
Make sure to check the material that your blade is made from, as this will affect the neatest of the cut that you are able to complete. Remember a neater cut doesn’t just mean a neater finish but also affects how your tree or hedge will regrow after being cut! Carbon steel is definitely going to be the strongest material to go for if possible, as this will be long-lasting, stay sharp between jobs and will provide a lovely neat cut to your branches. It is also worth looking whether the blade comes with an anti-stick coating. When you are cutting through branches the blades are going to become covered in sap and debris no matter what you do, but an anti-stick coating is going to make this easy to wipe away to stop your blades from becoming stiff and difficult to work with.
You also want to think about the WAY in which the tree loppers actually cut as there are two different mechanisms that you will find on tree loppers. The traditional method is essentially just a standard “Scissor cut” with two blades that will basically come together when pressure is applied to the handles. This allows you to apply pressure from both sides to help achieve a more even cut of the branches and can be a good way to cut through a number of branches quickly in the true “lopper” definition! However, a ratchet mechanism can also not be found which works in the opposite way – the blades start fixed together and are pulled apart instead of pushed together. The benefit of this is that it is going to give you the benefit of the blades “pulling together” to add extra pressure onto larger branches that may be more difficult to cut through! But, they do tend to be slower to cut with, particularly if you have a big job at hand!
As we mentioned above, make sure to also consider the length of your blades as this will affect the diameter of branches that you are able to cut through.
TOP TIP: It is always worth checking whether the blade is replaceable/removable as this will allow you to sharpen it or replace it for a new one when it begins to become blunt. This is going to massively extend the life of your tool and even gives you the option to switch between blades depending on the job!
Best Budget – Spear and Jackson Anvil Lopper
- Ratchet action for powerful, progressive cutting with twist and lock extendable mechanism
- C50 carbon steel blades, hardened and tempered for durability
- PTFE coated blade for rust resistance and smooth cutting. Maximum cut: 45 mm
- Non-slip comfort grips. Handle extends 46 cm (18 Inches) - 72 cm (28 Inches)
- Lightweight aluminium handles
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
The Best Tree Lopper Features
Now that you know the main features that you need to consider, here are some of the additional features that are worth checking for if you are wanting to buy the best tree loppers. If you are like us, then you will want to buy tree loppers that you know are going to last, so it is important that they are just right and are going to be long lasting!
Safety Features
Safety is so important when looking for tree loppers, so here is what to look out for…
- Safety lock – If you know that you have young children or pets around (or even if you would just rather be on the safe side) then look out for models with a safety lock that will lock your blades shut when not in use!
- Blade cover – Some of the best tree loppers will come with a simple plastic cover to sit over the top of the blades when not in use. This sounds like something small but it will make a massive difference for the safety of you and your blades if they are being transported.
Usability
- Extendable handle – If you know that you are going to be working on larger, higher trees and hedges then look out for models with a telescopic extendable handle. This will make your tree loppers smaller and easier to work with when working on easier to reach branches but still give you the capabilities of reaching higher branches. These models also tend to be pull cord operated instead of by putting force on the handles so that you can stand safely on the ground whilst cutting (just make sure, if this is the case, that the mechanism is strong and of good quality).
- Extra Hook – Another great feature for anyone working with harder to access branches is an additional hook part way down the handle of the tree loppers. This isn’t going to be used to cut the branches but just to make it easier to pull the branches towards you so that they can then be cut!
- Colour – Look out for a colour that is going to stand out in all the debris and branches that you have chopped down if you are wanting to make sure you don’t lose your loppers!
Handle
- T-Handle – Any telescopic or other poled tree loppers, check whether they have a T shaped handle at the end as this will increase the hold that you can get over the tool making it easier to cut stronger branches.
- Check whether the handle itself is going to be made from softer, ergonomic materials that will reduce friction and fatigue when you are working. This will usually involve using types of rubber or plastic.
Best of the Rest
- Ratchet action gives easy cutting in short steps - ideal for thicker, harder branches
- PTFE coated blade for rust resistance and smooth cutting
- Our simple to operate ‘twist & lock’ telescopic handles extend from 400mm to 800mm for additional reach
- The handles are finished with soft-feel non-slip grips for comfort and safety during use
- Grow Your Own - Great British Growing Awards 2021 Winner
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- [ 𝐂𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 ] -These powerful loppers with durable metal anvil slice through hardy branches, woody stems and dead wood up to at least 32mm with little effort required
- [ 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐀𝐃𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 ] - The telescopic handles extent from 630mm to 950mm with a secure quick-twist lock, so you can reach those high-up branches with ease and adjust the length based on your needs
- [ 𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓 ] - The loppers have been equipped with an advanced compound action mechanism that makes cutting significantly easier, saving you time and effort
- [ 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐘 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐏 ] - The premium SK5 carbon steel blades allow for precision cutting and are less likely to nick. They also require less frequent sharpening, so you can rely on sharp blades for longer
- [ 𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓 ] - The soft-grip handles are made from lightweight aluminium - both durable and rust-resistant. The design increases comfort and minimises the risk of blistering during long use
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- 【Give a Set of Blades】SK5 carbon steel blades are heat-treated and hardened, with high hardness, which can easily cut thick branches,Barbed cutting board for increased grip,ideal for thick branches, dead branches and wooden branches.
- 【Retractable Handle】The Telescopic Anvil Loppers is designed with a non-slip and wear-resistant retractable handle, with 6-speed adjustment function, which can be adjusted freely within the range of 70-103CM, which can improve the comfortable experience when cutting.
- 【Rugged Structure】AIRAJ Loppers Using thick aluminum alloy material, strong anti-rust and anti-corrosion, aluminum material is strong and durable.The structure is strong enough to withstand strong forces and give you a longer garden companion.
- 【Four-point Lever Principle】Telescopic anvil loppers use a unique compound action to provide excellent cutting performance. The cutting capacity is 50% higher than ordinary coarse branch shears, which improves efficiency and reduces difficult branch cutting work.
- 【Latest upgrade 】AIRAJ Heavy Duty Telescopic Anvil Loppers.The rubber grip on the handle provides comfort and a good grip. AIRAJ anvil dresser allows you to work with more power and leverage. Ideal for professionals, novice gardeners, nursery workers-trees, hedges.
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
What guarantee will come with tree loppers?
The guarantees on tree loppers varies quite considerably depending on the build materials. Some are as little as 12 months whereas others go up to 5 years! This warranty is unlikely to cover the blades that come with the tree loppers as these will wear more or less depending on the amount that you use them.
When should I cut back my trees and hedges?
If you are wanting to avoid damaging the trees and hedges in your garden then it is important that you cut them at a particular time of year. However, this does vary from plant to plant as it depends when they flower throughout the year. We would recommend waiting until after they have finished flowering before you start your cut and make sure to only remove the new growth. But, if you are wanting to cut back a lot of your branches then this is best down in late winter before any new growth has begun.
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