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Loppers
jackrussell28
Posts: 49
Which loppers available can cut the greatest diameter branch?
Last edited: 10 September 2016 16:46:23
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I think that above an inch, you are better using a pruning saw. Loppers tend to crush rather than cut above that.
I bought some new ones recently but have not tried them out as yet.. I wouldn't have thought they would cut an inch to be honest..
But there is a notch in theblade of about a centimeter so I'm guessing that will be the max size they recommend.
Last edited: 10 September 2016 17:09:40
I bought a set of Jardin de France secateurs and loppers - one lopper has extending handles to reach higher branches and one is just a normal length - from the Gardeners World show at the NEC 3 years ago. The loppers have a ratchet system so you don't need a great deal of pressure to use them. The extending loppers deal very easily with branches an inch in diameter and they are one of the best buys I have ever made. They were expensive but worth it.
Some ratchet loppers will probably take branches up to about 1 1/2 inches but, above that, as fidget said, you are better off with a pruning saw. I had a ratchet pruner which really opened wide, but anything I've seen recently doesn't open anything like as much.
I've never tried anything larger than an inch preferring the saw as KT and fb say. I haven't however got a pruning saw I just use an ordinary hand saw.
If you have much to cut, a decent pruning saw is a good investment. It will cut live wood much more quickly, and generally more cleanly, than a normal hand saw.
KT - you must be psychic! I was going to ask that very question! In other words would you recommend a pruning saw rather than a hand saw? May I ask for a recommendation as to make of pruning saw. It won't be advertising - just advice
Last edited: 10 September 2016 21:30:09
Some great advice as usual, thanks to all
Would a pruning saw be the best way to cut the roots on a Cotinus Coggygria which has died and having cut it down to ground level need to get the stump out to replace with something else.
Ladybird, I prefer a pruning saw to an ordinary hand saw because it has a narrow, curved blade which gets into congested places easily, and it cuts on both forward and back strokes. Some people like the folding sort, which you can carry round easily in a pocket; some of these are really small and neat. Mine doesn't fold; I can't remember which brand it is, I'm afraid, but it wasn't very expensive - maybe £8 or something - so I wouldn't be afraid to throw it away and get a new one when it gets blunt.
Jackrussell, I use an old pair of loppers whose blades have seen better days to cut roots. And I also have a mattock, which is excellent for digging out stumps.