Pruning trees and shrubs can be difficult and tiresome, and using tools not intended for this task only serves to compound that difficulty.

With the right tree loppers Adelaide Hills, this task can become easier and less strenuous. When selecting your next set of loppers, look for these features:

Comfort

Pruning can be transformed from an arm- and wrist-aching chore into a straightforward experience with the proper tools. But cheap, blunt, or dirty sets could turn a pleasurable hobby into an exhausting affair that takes hours to finish or may lead to injury should branches be difficultly reached or you slip while working with them.

The best loppers will cut cleanly while being comfortable to hold, offering various blade options suited to the cutting you plan. Perhaps you prefer hardened steel blades that last longer and require less frequent sharpening, or maybe Teflon coating provides some degree of rust protection and makes clearing sap residue easier.

Another factor to take into account when selecting the appropriate loppers is cutting action. There are two basic types: bypass and anvil. Bypass loppers feature blades that slice past fatter bases of branches, while anvil loppers contact their base to close cuts.

Some loppers come equipped with a lever that enables users to reopen the blades and exert greater force during cutting, making these ideal if you need to cut thicker branches or don’t possess upper body strength to use regular bypass loppers.

Length

Loppers are an indispensable tool for trimming small to medium-sized branches of all sizes. Their hook-shaped counter blade holds branches securely as you cut and works especially well when trimming dry or dead branches. Furthermore, tree loppers Adelaide Hills can handle thick stems that cannot be reached with pruning shears.

Light and easy to use, these loppers feature soft grips with adjustable tension that are comfortable and lightweight. Their handles extend to reach higher branches without using a ladder; some models even feature a ratcheting mechanism to open and close them two or three times for more leverage, which helps with trimming large branches more quickly.

These loppers are constructed of durable high-grade carbon steel that holds its edge well. Their blade is protected with Teflon to resist rust and corrosion, and their soft telescoping handles offer a comfortable non-slip grip – great for reaching branches up to 2 inches thick for cutting dead stems, limbs, or overgrown hedges.

Compound action loppers offer powerful cutting action, which is great for quickly cutting through thick stems and limbs. Their curved blades make tight pruning spaces much simpler. You can use them to cut broken branches, dead limbs and overgrown hedges; also, stainless steel blades can rust after prolonged exposure, so clean them after each use to ensure their durability and strength.

Blade material

Quality blades can have a major effect on the performance of any lopper. Look for durable stainless or high-carbon steel options; these blades keep their edge sharp longer than low-quality metals and require less frequent sharpening. A blade coating may protect it against tree sap or pitch accumulation, making cleaning up easier post-pruning.

Some loppers feature a ratcheting mechanism that increases cutting power when needed, making it easier to cut thicker branches while helping prevent hand fatigue during extended pruning sessions. Leverage also plays an important role, so when selecting handle length, consider your strength and the pruning tasks you will perform; longer handles offer greater leverage but may weigh more.

Safety

Tree loppers are powerful tools and should always be handled with caution. Before using your pair of tree loppers, ensure the tree has been thoroughly assessed for hazards such as cracks in its trunk or branches that might rot away due to decay, potential insect nests or hives, debris accumulation, or nearby power lines. Also, wear safety goggles while working alongside someone to monitor each other while trimming.

Please note how loppers open and close, observing whether any cushioning mechanism keeps your hands from touching as they make cuts. While it may seem trivial, this feature is critical to both the safety and longevity of the loppers. Some models also offer ratcheting mechanisms, which provide a mechanical advantage by multiplying the force applied during each cutting motion – an especially handy feature if you lack upper body strength or trim branches in hard-to-reach places.