Loppers

Bypass loppers cut with two blades passing like scissors, making clean cuts on living branches that heal well, and are the choice for most pruning. Anvil loppers crush the branch against a flat anvil, suiting dead, dry wood but damaging live tissue. For healthy plants, bypass loppers give the clean cuts that promote good healing.

Loppers handle branches too thick for hand pruners but smaller than what needs a saw, with the maximum diameter set by the lopper's cutting capacity. Forcing a branch beyond the rated capacity strains the tool and makes a poor cut. Match the lopper to your typical branch size, and switch to a saw for anything larger.

Longer handles provide more leverage for cutting thicker branches and extend reach into shrubs and trees, while shorter handles give control and maneuverability in tight spaces. The leverage of long handles makes thick cuts easier, but longer loppers are heavier and less nimble. Match handle length to whether reach and power or control matters more.

Orchard loppers are designed for the repeated pruning of fruit trees, often lighter and balanced for the high cut volume of orchard work. They make the clean cuts that fruit trees need while reducing fatigue over a long pruning session. For production orchard pruning, a lopper suited to that repetitive work is worth the consideration.

Keep blades sharp and clean, since dull loppers crush and tear branches rather than slicing, leaving wounds that heal poorly. Clean sap off after use and sharpen regularly, and check the pivot bolt for proper tension. Sharp loppers cut with less effort and leave clean cuts, which is better for the plant and the user.

Yes. Loppers are stocked in quantities for outfitting a crew with volume pricing by quote, along with sharpening tools and replacement parts. Crews doing regular pruning benefit from quality loppers that hold an edge, since the clean cuts they make reflect directly in plant health and the finished work.