A garden pruner is a hand tool, both externally and by the principle of its work, reminiscent of large scissors. Here are just a lot of types of such equipment: some are designed exclusively for trimming flowers and young shoots, others cope with thick branches better than a hand saw. It is difficult for an inexperienced summer resident to understand all the intricacies. So for those who are just planning to beautify their site, it will be useful to find out what types of secateurs are used for certain works, and how to choose the right tool for themselves.
Appointment of secateurs
- Floristics are delicate and delicate objects, with two sharp blades of the same size, which are useful for cutting flowers and ornamental plants. They can also be used to cut various packaging materials: paper, film, ribbons.
- Lawn dressing - designed to trim the height of the grass in hard-to-reach places that cannot be reached with a trimmer. The tip of such devices is made oblong and straight, and the distance to the ground is adjusted using a special wheel. There are models for short and long handles. In the second case, the cutting part is located perpendicular to the handle so that you do not have to bend over.
- Vaccinations are a special type of device that is responsible for creating a neat and level vaccination site. The same cut, only in a mirror image, is obtained on the grafted shoot. This increases the likelihood that the graft will take root, and the likelihood of infection of the tree decreases.
- Brush cutter - scissors for the garden, which have more functionality and cope with cuttings up to 3 cm. Handles 20 - 40 cm long allow you to use them in operations with thorny shrubs, for example, for roses.
- Lopper - has long arms like the previous variety and a small but powerful cutting element with sickle blades. This design allows you to get rid of even cuttings 5 - 6 cm in diameter. Also, many people use them as an alternative to a regular pruner, so as not to bend over while cutting.
- High cutter - needed to cut branches located at a considerable distance from the ground. For this purpose, a telescopic handle is often integrated. There are also devices that are powered by batteries or gasoline. In fact, these are mini versions of electric chainsaws.
Manufacturers
A large number of companies produce secateurs. Some make much better quality products. These firms include: Raco, Felco, Fiskars, Gardena, Finland, Palisad and Wolf Garten.
When choosing a pruner, start from what tasks on your site it should cope with. Financial ability and personal experience also play a big role when choosing a garden assistant.
Mechanism
The mechanism used is responsible for the capabilities of the tool: how thick the shoots it is able to cut, and how much effort will have to be made in the process of biting each branch.
- Lever - the simplest type: transfers to the tip the force that you apply. The longer the stick, the less stress must be applied to trim trees.
- Ratchet - carries out the operation in several stages: in order to bite the sprout, you need to squeeze and unclench the handles several times.Each time the blade plunges deeper into the stem, until it cuts through it. Ratchet pruning shears can handle thick branches. However, this system is not suitable for everyone. Some people point out that it takes too much effort to cut one rod.
- Power drive - the device independently increases the applied load. This allows you to work even with thick branches. At the same time, only an electric pruner can be more effective than such a tool.
Obviously, a lever tool is suitable for a large number of tasks. Ratchet will be a great addition and will help get rid of thick branches. Well, the drive unit will successfully cope with any task, but it has a rather big weight and not a very pleasant price.
How to choose a tool
When choosing on your own, you should take into account the main parameters of garden tools that are most important for high-quality work.
Blades
The cutting part of any type of device must be smooth, strong and as sharp as possible, made of high quality, durable and reliable material. Short blades with a length of up to 15 cm are good for cutting thin flower stems or young branches of bushes. The long cutting section is designed to work with thick and old shoots.
Pens
Several basic requirements are imposed on the handles, among which the most important is the ease of use of the tool. They are made from polypropylene or wood, tubular steel or aluminum, and high-strength reinforced plastic. Micro-porous rubber pads make work more comfortable and prevent calluses.
Mechanism
Gardening tools can be conventional or lever driven, ratchet or power operated. Simple models are equipped with a coil or ribbon spring, while more complex designs are characterized by increased ergonomics.
Reliability
Modern devices are produced by many well-established domestic and foreign manufacturers.
Table: comparison of pruning shears models
| Brand | Characteristics | Durability | Simplicity and ease of use | Value for money |
| Fiskars 1000574 | Has a power actuator, safety catch and protective cover | High, no loss of quality | Provides a clean cut, suitable for use by women | Quite a high price |
| PALISAD 60536 | Provides high quality cut and has a stable cutting edge | Guaranteed by the company | It has very comfortable handles, but a tight lock | Worthy |
| Centroinstrument 0703 | The blades are made of carbon steel with a reliable and high-strength Teflon coating, the quality of the cut is at a decent level | High, no performance degradation | Equipped with a simple and reliable lock | Good but too much use can cause the spring to fail. |
| Wolf-Garten RS-M | Equipped with a hand loop for working at height and a robust lock | Good, does not lose quality | Can be used by left-handers and right-handers, has a two-component coating of the handles | High price |
| Raco Profi-plus 4206-53 / 185S | Massive and very reliable tool | Worthy | Reinforced coil spring for stress relief from hands | Good |
The best tool from trusted manufacturers:
- Chinese manufacturers - Palisad garden shears are distinguished by their reliability, as well as an affordable price, simplicity and ease of operation, but in the process of too intensive use they can fail prematurely. The overall brand score is 4.0 points;
- Russian, for fifteen years produced by a well-established domestic company with production in Taiwan. Overall rating - 4.6 points;
- European manufacturers - Raco tools, distinguished by their strength and long service life, with the possibility of replacing the working blade.The brand is rated at 4.9 points;
- American and Canadian manufacturers - Brigadier models, presented in a very rich assortment of types with high quality and affordable cost. The overall score is 4.2 points.
Spring types
Springs are needed to return structural parts to their original position after compression.
- Wire-wound - characterized by a short stroke and short service life. After a while, the spring relaxes and loosens.
- Lever - well regulated to the required values, but very tight.
- Tape - they are called the most durable. It should be borne in mind that during operation, the link becomes clogged with various kinds of debris and begins to jam.
Do not be afraid of wire or lever models. If the product is made of first-class materials and the rules of operation and storage are not violated, then such a device will serve faithfully for a long time.
Safety rules at work
Minors are not allowed to work with scissors. The worker must receive targeted instruction in the safe methods of using the garden tool. Standard safety precautions must not be ignored categorically when performing any manipulations with devices:
- work is carried out in overalls;
- the serviceability of the tool and the sharpness of the blades are pre-checked;
- the strength of the fasteners is determined and, if necessary, they are tightened;
- the accuracy of the joints of the planes of the blades is checked, the absence of notches or waves on them;
- spring damping and the serviceability of the locking system are checked.
After carrying out all the trimming manipulations, it is necessary to clean the working garden tool with an oiled rag. Store the devices out of the reach of children and in a dry place.
Blade
Perhaps one of the central components of the secateurs. It depends on the sharpness, reliability and relative position of the blades how long and successfully the inventory will work. The ideal thickness for the cutting part is considered to be at least 3 mm.
The most significant parameter that determines the quality of this element is the material. Ordinary steel quickly dulls and rusts, so it is better to purchase items marked 65X13, SK-5, 440A, AUS-6. Titanium products are characterized by excellent consumer properties - it is light and durable, although the cost of such devices will be high.
For better sliding and protection of the metal from sticky plant sap, a Teflon or chrome coating is applied to the tip.
To keep the blade sharp, do not be lazy to wipe your inventory with a damp cloth to remove sticky deposits. Periodically, the point must be sharpened with abrasives: a file or a diamond bar. A well-sharpened edge cuts a sheet of paper without crushing it.
See how the blades are connected to each other, if there is a gap between them. There should be no backlash on the central bolt, the parts must be tightly pulled together.
Pay attention to the retainer. It should, on the one hand, hold the secateurs securely, and on the other, be easy to move so that you can remove it with one hand.
Store the tool in a closed position so that the spring does not relax. In addition, it will protect you from accidental injury.
Convenient in this case is the loop, which is thrown over the handles, but the latch often jams at the most inopportune moment.
Customer Reviews
Fiskars pruning shears were bought 8 years ago as a gift to a relative. The instrument looks a little worn out, but its convenience is beyond praise. Cuts quickly and with a sharp knife. Mainly used for processing raspberries, strawberries, flowers and removing dry tree branches. The model has a locking lever so that the blades cannot be accidentally cut. This is an excellent child protection function. The tool is easy to use.
koala2014
The GARDENA Classic 8755 combines price and quality in good proportion. Great for working with roses. The cut branch does not fall, but can be transferred to the desired place without fear of being hurt by thorns. An even, clean cut is easily obtained. The ergonomically shaped handles are made of good material and fit nicely in the hand. The brush does not get tired during work. You can lock the device with the latch with one hand. There is a special anti-stick coating on the blades. There is a loop for the strap on the handle, but it itself is absent. It is not always convenient to cut into a ring, for example, in apple trees. But it depends on the angle at which the branch is growing.
Kristiya
PARK tool is suitable for pruning small branches. Tried up to 1 centimeter inclusive. Everything is fine, more is possible, but only fresh and in several visits. It is convenient to use. Even the tough red plastic handle doesn't spoil the experience. I work in rubberized gloves, so I don't pay any attention to it. I am satisfied with the purchase, I recommend it. Moreover, the price is quite low.
Unnah
Choosing a decent pruner on your own can be very difficult. Well-known western brands offer a good assortment, but many consumers prefer gardening tools produced by the Russian Tsentroinstrument. At a quite affordable price, the lineup and quality of the products manufactured by the company are at a decent level.
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Pens
Responsible for ease of use. The most common options are metal, reinforced polyamide or plastic.
Metallic ones are stronger. Such an element is often equipped with rubberized inserts so that the device does not slip out of the hands.
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Varieties
According to the principle of operation, secateurs are divided into three main types:
Garden shears
They can be with straight or sickle-curved sharp blades, sometimes with notches that prevent branches from slipping. They give a precise, even cut, but are not suitable for dense, stiff stems, since they are crumpled on either side of the cutting line. Good for pruning grassy crops, flowers, as well as young green shoots with a stem thickness of up to 20 mm.
Straight Blade Garden Shears for Grass Trimming
Bypass (bypass) - plane
The blades are also located on opposite sides of the cutting line - the thick lower one serves as a stop for the sharp upper one sliding along it. The design of the secateurs is stiffer, but during the cut, the stem is crushed by a blunt blade, therefore, when working, it must be oriented towards the part to be cut off. Mainly this type of tool is used as a pruning shear and works great on dry and green branches.
With anvil (support pad) - contact
Of all types, the most powerful, capable of delimbing up to 30 mm thick. The principle of operation is that a hard, sharp upper cutting part cuts the branch, pressing it against a flat backing made of a soft but durable material, say, polymer. This is necessary so that the working part is not particularly blunt about the lower platform. Often used for sanitary pruning of old trees where there are many thick, dry branches.
In addition to manual pruners, there are also mechanized, electrical and pneumatic pruners.
With a ratchet. This mechanism allows you to increase the force on the knives, reducing the strain on the hands. Makes one cut in several clicks, with each of which the blades are closed more and more.
Electric drive. Battery-powered pruners are more commonly used for large jobs.They significantly increase labor productivity, however, relatively cheap models do not have enough battery power for a long time.
Battery-powered electrically operated pruner
Pneumatic drive. Quite powerful, as a rule, professional products for very large volumes of work. Disadvantage - you need a compressor with high pressure hoses. For example, inexpensive pneumatic pruning shears in classic configurations are available from FELCO. Air consumption - up to 50 l / min. Some models have a sprinkler for burning the live cut of the plant against diseases.
Pneumatic pruning shears
