Types of powerful Pruning Shears
Pruning shears are made of different types, and each is suitable for different applications. This also applies to a powerful pruning shear, as there are manual and electric shears to choose from, ranging in diametrical capacity, blade shape, run on battery, and other factors.
Understanding the differences can help narrow down to the type of pruning shear that aligns with one's needs and preferences, especially when pruning is done regularly or on a large scale.
By the Cut Type
Pruning shears can also be classified based on the type of cut they deliver.
These are:
- Anvil Pruners: Pruners with an anvil blade that close against a flat surface. They crush stems between the two blades and are great for deadwood cutting since the material crushes rather than cleanly cutting it.
- Bypass Pruners: Just like the bypass method of cutting grass, it has two blades that slide past each other like a pair of scissors. This type delivers a clean cut and is suitable for live wood because it reduces the chance of damaging healthy stems.
- Parrot-Beak Pruners: This type has curved blades that meet at a point and resemble a parrot's beak. It's designed for precision cuts in tight spaces, making it ideal for shaping and detail work.
By Degree of Power
- Manual Pruners: These types of pruners rely on human strength to operate the cutting mechanism. They are usually lightweight, easy to control, and suitable for light to moderate pruning tasks.
- Battery-Powered Pruners: These types are powered by rechargeable batteries and are ideal for light to medium pruning. They are more powerful than manual pruners and easier to use, requiring less physical effort.
- Corded Electric Pruners: These types plug into the power outlet and provide a constant power supply. They tend to be more powerful than battery-operated ones and are suitable for heavy-duty pruning tasks. However, the cord can limit mobility.
- Pneumatic Pruners: Pneumatic pruners use compressed air as the power source and are typically found in commercial settings due to their large air requirement and high pruning capacity. They are very powerful but also the most demanding in terms of setup and air supply.
By the Blade Material and Coating
The blade material and coating used in electric pruning shears affect durability, sharpness, and cutting performance.
- Carbon Steel: This material is loved because it holds an edge longer and offers great cutting sharpness. Although it can rust if not maintained, the sharpness makes it ideal for heavy-duty cutting.
- Stainless Steel: This steel is tougher than the others and resists rust and corrosion. While it may not hold an edge as long, it’s less demanding to maintain and ideal for wet or humid environments.
- Titanium-Coated Steel: Titanium coating reinforces the blade by making it harder, so it doesn’t wear down as fast. The coating also prevents rust and corrosion. It's excellent for users who need a balance of sharpness retention and durability.
- High Carbon Stainless Steel: Preferred for premium tools, this material combines the toughness of carbon steel with the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. It offers superior sharpness and durability, making it ideal for professional-grade pruners.
Industrial Applications of powerful Pruning Shears
- Agriculture: In agriculture, pruning shears help farmers carefully cut crops, ensuring plants grow healthily and produce more fruits, vegetables, and grains.
- Horticulture: In horticulture, pruning shears are crucial for shaping and maintaining beautiful flowers and ornamental plants. They guarantee the plants stay attractive and strong.
- Landscaping: In the landscaping business, pruning shears are essential for creating stunning outdoor spaces. Workers utilize them to shape bushes, trees, and gardens, making landscapes visually appealing and well-maintained.
- Viticulture: In viticulture, pruning shears are critical for producing quality wine grapes. Vineyard workers take care of grapevines with pruning shears to ensure the grapes ripen perfectly for making delicious wines.
- Forestry: In forestry, pruning shears are important for managing forests. They help workers control tree growth and clear areas to support healthy forest ecosystems.
- Arboriculture: In arboriculture, pruning shears help tree care specialists take care of big trees safely. They use pruning shears to trim branches and keep trees strong and risk-free.
Product Specifications and Features of powerful Pruning Shears
Technical Specifications
- Blade Material: The blade material could either be high-carbon steel, stainless steel, or titanium-coated steel, depending on the type of pruning shear one goes for.
- Motor Power: Depending on the run time and voltage of the battery, the power of the electric motor generally ranges from 6V to 25V for cordless models.
- Cutting Capacity: This refers to the maximal diameter that the pruning shears can cut and usually ranges from 1 inch (25mm) for light-duty shears to about 2 inches (50mm) for heavy-duty shears.
- Battery: For battery-powered models, the battery type could either be lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium, with lithium-ion having a longer duration and shorter cycles than nickel-cadmium. Also, battery capacity is measured in milliamps (mAh), and a higher capacity means longer usage time.
- Weight: (Optional) While traditional pruning shears are lightweight in construction, the weight of electric models is heavier due to the motor and battery components. This makes manual pruning shears easier to maneuver than electric ones.
How to Use
- Assess the Branch: Determine the type of pruning shear to use by assessing the branch size and health. Bypass pruners are ideal for live thin branches, while anvil pruners work great for dead thicker branches.
- Make a Clean Cut: Using the shears, place one blade just above the bud or point where the branch meets the trunk. Cut at a 45-degree angle so water doesn't collect on the cut and the tree stays healthy.
- Cut in Sections: For larger branches, start with a small cut on the underside about 6 inches from the trunk. This prevents the bark from tearing. Next, make a similar cut on the top until the branch breaks cleanly.
- Remove Weeds: After cutting the branches, remove all weeds and debris from the area to prevent diseases and keep the yard looking neat.
Maintenance and Repair
- Regular Cleaning: After each use, one should wipe the blades with a damp cloth to remove sap, debris, and moisture. This prevents buildup that can cause rust or dullness.
- Sharpening: It is advisable to sharpen the blades regularly to maintain cutting efficiency. Use a sharpening stone or file to carefully grind the edges at the original bevel angle. A sharp blade reduces wear on the hands and improves cuts.
- Oiling: Coat the blades with a thin layer of oil, such as vegetable or mineral oil, every few uses. This guards against rust and keeps the blades moving smoothly. Avoid excess oil, as it attracts dirt.
- Tension Adjustment: Periodically check the bolt or screw that connects the two blades. Ensure it is tight enough to keep the blades aligned during cutting, but not so tight that it binds or bends the blades.
- Battery Care: For battery-operated shears, store the battery in a cool, dry place and charge it fully before long-term storage. Avoid leaving it discharged, as this can damage the cells. Don't leave the battery in extreme heat or cold.
Quality and Safety Considerations of powerful Pruning Shears
Quality Considerations
- Blade Material: Pruning shear blades are made of carbon steel, stainless steel, or high-carbon stainless steel. While carbon steel holds an edge longer, stainless steel is resistant to rusting, making it low-maintenance.
- Blade Design: Bypass models have curved blades that cut live wood for healthy growth. Anvil models, with one flat blade, crush wood like an anvil, which is better for dead branches. Parrot-beak models excel at precise cuts and shaping.
- Handle Material: Handles are either heavy-duty metals, light composites, or rugged wood. Metal handles offer strength, while lightweight composites reduce hand fatigue during long hours of use. Wood provides a classic, sturdy grip but may wear out over time.
- Cutting Capacity: Larger cutting capacities, like 1 inch or more, are suitable for heavy-duty pruning, while smaller capacities are for light trimming. Choose a capacity that matches the typical branch thickness encountered in most cases.
Safety Considerations
- Protective Gear: Wear gloves to prevent blisters and hand injuries while using pruning shears. Long sleeves protect against sharp branches, and safety glasses keep flying debris out of the eyes.
- Secure Grip: Holding the pruning shears with both hands ensures control during cuts. This prevents accidental slips that could injure oneself or others nearby.
- Stable Positioning: Always stand firmly on the ground when making cuts. This maintains balance, especially when working with tall ladders near heavy branches.
- Cutting Angle: Cutting away from the body directs falling branches and debris safely to the ground instead of towards one's face or feet, reducing the risk of injury.
- Proper Storage: Storing pruning shears in a locked drawer or shed keeps them out of reach from children while lowering the chances of cutting accidents occurring when the blades are folded or exposed.
Q&A
Q1: How do pruning shears differ from loppers?
A1: Pruning shears are meant for small branches and stems. On the other hand, loppers are larger and designed with long handles to tackle bigger branches, offering greater leverage and cutting capacity.
Q2: Can pruning shears be used for cutting grass?
A2: No, pruning shears shouldn't be used for cutting grass. Grass shears or lawn scissors are designed specifically for trimming grass and ground cover, ensuring an even, clean cut without damaging the blades of the grass.
Q3: Should pruning shears be sharpened every time they are used?
A3: It is not essential to sharpen the pruning shears every time they are used. However, regularly sharpening them after a few uses will maintain their cutting efficiency and reduce strain on the hands and wrists.
Q4: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using pruning shears?
A4: Avoid cutting too close to the trunk or leaving too much space between the cut and the trunk, which damages the bark and harms the tree. Also, don't make cuts at an angle that is too steep or too shallow, as improper angles affect the tree's ability to heal properly.
Q5: How do cordless and corded electric pruners compare?
A5: Cordless electric pruners offer flexibility and ease of use, ideal for light to medium pruning, while corded electric pruners provide continuous power for heavy-duty pruning but limit mobility due to the cord.
