When buying a lopper, consider a tools grip, mechanism, length, and blade as well as the types of woody plants you want to prune. To help you find the best lopper for your property, weve thoroughly researched loppers and have consulted landscaping and gardening experts on what factors to consider.
1 are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.
If youre not sure which type of lopper is right for you, Verneil Phillips , grounds manager at The College of Charleston recommends choosing a bypass lopper for most landscaping tasks. Anvil loppers are easier to use but less precise than bypass loppers, he says. I recommend the bypass loppers. They cut well and are very durable for any task at hand.
Loppers are a great addition to your yard tool collection . These hardy tools are similar to pruning shears, but their long handles and heavy-duty construction let you reach higher to trim thick branches.
The ratchet mechanism holds the blade in place on your cut while you pump the arms to complete the job in multiple steps. A carbon steel upper blade meets lightweight aluminum handles that have a no-slip grip for comfort. It also includes a locking mechanism to make the tool safe to store when not in use.
Another hardy and strong anvil lopper, this tool has multiple features including telescoping arms for extended reach and a ratchet mechanism to make cuts easier. You can extend the lopper from 28 inches to just over 40 inches, making it a great pick for close shrubs and high branches alike. Once extended, the handles simply twist to lock into place. Keep in mind, while some telescoping loppers have multiple steps, this pick has just two length options.
Like other Tabor Tools, this model offers a strong carbon steel blade and comfortable grips. Keep in mind, it doesnt have any additional mechanisms for tougher branches and the blade can only cut branches up to 1 inch in diameter, so its best getting around lower growth or making precise cuts.
The size also means youll be able to get in a full day's workthey are light enough to carry around and use for hours and are ideal for those with limited mobility.
If youre looking for a lightweight, shorter, and super-simple lopper, the GL18A Bypass Lopper by Tabor Tools is as good as it gets. While its the smallest lopper on our list at only 20 inches long, it doesnt skimp on power, allowing you to work quickly and closely to your greenery.
This lopper is the lightest on our list, weighing under 2 pounds.
This long-handled lopper will help you reach branches overhead, and its ergonomic grips make working with this heavier tool a bit easier on your hands. With a 32-inch handle, the lopper is on the longer side, so keep in mind that you'll have to open the tool wide to make a cut.
If you dont care for it properly, bamboo can grow aggressively and quickly take over your yard. And with bamboos hardy stems, youll need a powerful lopper to cut back growth. The steel blade on the Fiskars PowerGear2 can already stand up to the hardest cuts, but with an added gear mechanism, these loppers can cut through hardy bamboo. Fiskars low-friction coating helps make a smoother cut with less stick. Plus, the blade is resistant to rust.
With longer handles, youll need to open your arms wide to get the full 2-inch cut, which can cause some arm fatigue.
An added gear mechanism lets this lopper cut branches up to 2 inches thick with three times more power than standard loppers.
For frequent gardeners, the high-end price is well worth the added benefits that make this tool incredibly user friendly. Plus, Felco offers a lifetime warranty to give you added peace of mind.
This strong lopper features a gearing system that intensifies its cutting strength with minimal effort on your part. In addition, a curved head holds the wood in place as you cut. At just under 3 pounds, you should be able to keep up with your days work in your yard with ease.
The bright red, ergonomically-designed handles on the Felco 220 are sure to stand out in your collection of tools. The cushioned, non-slip grips and rubber shock absorbers make this lopper feel comfortable in your hands and minimize the chance of tired arms.
Weighing just under 3 pounds, this lopper is lighter than most on the list and still gives a strong cut.
The Kings County lopper is made from high-quality steel with aluminum extendable arms, which helps keep the tool lightweight while still providing enough power for tough cuts. Whether you need to give a more precise cut or are looking to weave into those harder-to-reach high branches, this lopper can take care of both. Plus, you can extend the handles up to 40 inches, which may eliminate the need for a ladder .
This lopper includes a ratchet mechanism, which helps make cutting thicker branches easier. To do this, the ratchet head grabs ahold of the branch and keeps it in place while you reopen and pump the handles. The multi-step process helps alleviate the need to use all your strength at once and takes the pressure off your arms. However, this makes the head top-heavy, which can make handling this lopper a bit tricky.
This anvil lopper means business. With the ability to cut branches up to 2.5 inches wide, it can prune tough, dry wood. Unlike bypass loppers that have two blades and work like scissors, anvil loppers have one sharp blade that cut onto a block, making these tools better for tougher
These are top-heavy, so they can be tricky to handle.
It includes telescoping arms for the ability to cut branches further away.
While its expensive, this lopper is worth the investment for those who have a lot of work to be done in their yard and are looking to upgrade the tools they use.
Felco has a few other perks that we love, including a 30-day return, a lifetime warranty, and the ability to purchase replacement parts directly from the company. Plus, you can feel good about your purchase as Felco makes their products using 100% renewable energy.
Felcos ergonomic handle and non-slip handle grips will keep your hands cushioned during the hardest cuts, and the shock absorbers help this tool go easy on your wrists.
These shears are 33 inches in length and can reach higher branches. Do keep in mind that this lopper weighs over 4 pounds, so youll need the proper arm strength to use it if youll be lifting it over your head. You may need to take breaks to rest when wielding this tool.
When it comes to garden tools, it doesnt get much better than the Felco F22. The lopper is highly dependable and durable and offers up a great cut. Its carbon steel blade is incredibly sharp, so you will need less strength to make the cut. Overall, its a great pick for serious gardeners who need a heavy-duty tool to use for a wide range of gardening tasks.
Its is a heavier pick at over 4 pounds, so youll need more arm strength to lift it over your head.
This lopper is extremely durable and Felco offers replacement parts for extended years of use.
Like other Fiskars tools, this pick offers extra cushioning in the handles, a steel blade, and shock-absorbing bumpers. Plus, its backed by a lifetime warranty.
The budget-friendly version of our best overall pick, this lopper doesnt have an extra mechanism to enhance its strength. However, the tool is still effective at cutting overgrowth , greenery, and branches up to 1.5 inches thick.
For those new to this gardening tool or for anyone looking to add an affordable yet effective tool to their shed, this is the best lopper to add to your home gardening tool collection . If you had to have just one lopper at home, this would be a great choice.
This is a basic tool and doesnt have a mechanism that enhances its strength for ease of cut.
The lopper is great for greenery, live branches, and limbs up to 1.75 inches thick. Plus, Fiskars offers a full lifetime warranty to give you peace of mind in case your lopper breaks down the line.
The steel blade withstands wear and tear, and the non-stick coating helps make a clean cut while resisting sap. Softgrip handles offer extra cushion for your hands, but we always recommend adding a pair of gardening gloves to keep your hands from more wear.
This lopper includes compound levers that add extra strength to your cutting power so you wont have to use all your strength when cutting large, thick branches. For those looking for a tool thats longer than pruning shears but that doesnt need to open super wide to make a cut, the Bypass Loppers 28-inch handle is a great length and can still fit into nooks and crannies.
Our best overall pick is the Fiskars Power-Lever Bypass Lopper for its ease of use, strength in cut, and affordability. This lopper came recommended by our experts and is a solid pick to have on hand for most jobs in your garden. I recommend the bypass pruners and my favorite brand to use is Fiskars, Phillips says. They have a couple of style options to choose, from extendable handles to stationary handles.
These are bypass loppers which are great for most everyday gardening tasks but youll need anvil pruners for more heavy duty jobs.
For more information, please visit Garden Loppers Manufacturer.
This easy-to-use lopper offers compound power lever to give you two times the cutting power compared to single-pivot designs.
The Bottom Line
When purchasing loppers, there are many things to consider, but the most important thing to remember is your own personal strength and comfort in use. We recommend the Fiskars Power-Lever Lopper (28-Inch) as the best lopper for its easy use and added power-lever mechanism. If youre looking for an anvil lopper, we recommend the Kings County Tools Double Ratcheting Anvil Lopper.
What to Know About Loppers Before Shopping
Type
There are two types of loppers: bypass and anvil. Anvil loppers have one cutting blade that meets a block and gives a powerful cut. This is ideal for larger, woody branches and dead stems. On the other hand, bypass loppers work like scissors, using two blades that bypass each other to create a clean cut. Bypass loppers are ideal for cutting back your live branches, bushes, and shrubs.
If youre not sure which type to add to your shed, Adam recommends starting with a bypass lopper. Ive used anvils before and have had them crush stems and branches I am cutting. Bypass seem to work better for most jobs.
Mechanism Type
Basic loppers are great to have on hand for regular outdoor upkeep and tasks, but if you have thicker, harder-to-cut limbs in your yard or are looking for a bit more ease in your cut, specialized loppers can help in those tougher situations.
Ratcheting loppers catch and hold the branch while you squeeze. You can then release and squeeze again, cutting in several steps. This eases the pressure you need to use when trying to cut.
Ratcheting loppers are great for people with less strength or for those who may have arthritis or trouble with their hands, says Edward Adam, long-time gardener and owner of Adams Garden of Eden. It can make the cut easier by taking steps versus using all of your strength to cut it in one.
Compound action loppers also give a powerful cut by using a mechanism that increases the cutting power. These loppers need to be opened wide to get around thicker items but give a powerful cut with minimal strength. One thing to know is that compound loppers tend to be heavier than the other types of loppers.
Geared loppers, like compound loppers, need to be opened wide to get around larger cuts. They have a geared mechanism to offer extra cutting power without increasing force. Geared loppers tend to be lighter than compound action loppers.
Length and Weight
Lopper handles come in different sizes, typically ranging from 15 to 32 inches. The size range typically dictates the weight, and some smaller loppers can weigh as little as 1 pound. Most loppers on our list range between 3 to 4 pounds.
Loppers longer in length are handy for harder-to-reach higher branches. Some longer loppers also have enhanced mechanisms for cutting which gives more power. While the extra length is handy, these tend to be a bit heavier and require more effort to open and cut.
Tools with shorter handles are best if you are looking for something lighter and need to prune thinner branches or undergrowth. They also tend to make cleaner cuts.
I prefer to use shorter loppers and for the harder-to-reach places, bring a ladder along, Adam says. Shorter loppers are easier to handle and you do not have to open them as far to get a good cut. They are also great for getting into those tight spots.
Telescope handles are also an option if you are looking for something that can be extended for longer to reach items. However, telescoping handles tend to be heavier than non-telescoping handles and require a bit more arm strength.
It is important to remember to purchase a pair of loppers you can control and feel comfortable using. Remember to think about the length and weight as well as your personal strength.
Grip and Handle Type
Blisters, bewarefinding a good grip is another thing to add to your list when considering which lopper to grab. Many loppers come with padded cushioned grips, but its important to note, the softer foam grips tend to tear with extensive use. Cushioned grips help reduce the pressure on your hands and wrists, and some are even ergonomically designed to fit your hand. Some loppers on our list also have no slip grips which can give you great piece of mind making those harder-to-reach cuts.
Even with the softest cushioned grips, we recommend you still wear a good pair of gardening gloves to reduce the chance of blisters and to keep your hands from too much wear.
Your Questions, Answered
Are bypass loppers better than anvil loppers?
If youre not sure which type to choose, both Adam and Phillips advise starting with is a bypass lopper. Anvil loppers give a more powerful cut and are great for tackling strong, dry branches. On the other hand, using anvil loppers on live, more delicate branches or stems will crush the stem. Bypass loppers give a cleaner cut to live plants and branches and are often still powerful enough for most home gardening tasks.
What is the lifespan of a lopper?
Proper maintenance of your tools will prolong their lifespan. Cleaning your lopper after each use, sharpening it, and ensuring its kept somewhere dry are a few ways to prolong the tools lifespan.
Ive had loppers that lasted, four, five, even six years with the proper upkeep, Adam says. I keep them out of the elements and keep them cleaned and sharpened.
Some of the loppers that have made our list have lifetime warranties. Many companies sell replacement parts for your loppers to repair broken or worn items and extend their use.
How much does a lopper cost?
Loppers can range from about $20 for budget loppers and up to $300. The most affordable lopper on our list is the Fiskars 28" Steel Blade Garden Bypass Lopper, while the biggest splurge is for the Felco F 22 Pruning Shear. Pricier loppers tend to included added mechanisms and comfortable grips, and are more durable, last longer, and have replaceable parts to extend their use if they break.
Who We Are
This article was written by Jacquelene Amoquandoh. Jacquelene has over 15 years of writing experience and has spent extensive time outdoors and in the garden. For this article, she researched and reviewed multiple types of loppers taking into consideration what the average customer would prefer and use. She also interviewed experts, Verneil Phillips, Grounds Manager at The College of Charleston and Edward Adam, long-time gardener and owner of Adams Garden of Eden.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit china garden tools.