If you decide to do gardening, then at the very time to think about the appropriate tools that you probably need in the care of trees and bushes. One of the main gardener's assistants is a high-cutter, or lopper, which allows cutting branches at a sufficiently large distance from the ground.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the design of such tools and the features of all possible types.
Feature Description
In fact, high-cut - the same garden shears, only with a longer handle and the possibility of using a drive mechanism. This is the largest version of the garden cutting tools, although some species can not be called too cumbersome.
Conventionally, high-cutters are divided into two main types: sucker-rod and ordinary high-altitude. The main difference between them is the length of the handle, which in the latter case allows cutting off the highest branches without significant efforts.
In addition, an extended handle helps reduce the load on the tool itself, which means you can easily cope with the work.
It is possible to divide high-cutters into types depending on the location of the blades: with parallel ones installed (bypass) and resistant surfaces (anvil). In the first case we are talking about a tool with two blades, one of which has the form of a hook and holds the branch during cutting.
Its ends can be very different: curved, straight, or curved and straight. In anvil loppers, one blade is well sharpened, and the second is a regular support, but does not cut.
These two types are combined with the presence of an adjustment screw, and in the latest models there is also another screw that allows you to move the lower part or replace it.
Did you know? The ancestor of the modern delimber was a common garden pruner, invented in France in 1815. At first it was intended solely for cutting the vine, because the cut was very neat and the scar healed quickly.
The performance level of the tool will depend on the engine power.
The main features of the delimbers include:
- manual or mechanical trigger;
- the presence of the rod, which allows the artistic formation of the crown of the tree (distinguishable collapsible, solid or telescopic rod);
- high power characteristics, thanks to which you can cut even the thickest branches;
- anti-vibration system;
- ergonomic design of the whole structure;
- the ability to select how to start a delimber: manual or automatic.
Of course, each model can have its own structural features that will distinguish it from the others. Consider several options for the tool depending on the type of drive.
Varieties
The cheapest, but far from the most convenient, can be considered mechanical high-cutters, so it makes sense to consider the option of buying an electric, battery or gasoline model that allows you to perform work more quickly and easily.
Mechanical
This type of knot headers is more like the rest of garden pruners, except with longer handles.
Learn how to choose a garden pruner, and if a gardener needs a graft pruner.
To perform pruning branches, you have to make a certain physical effort, but this is offset by the lack of material costs for electricity or fuel, like other varieties.
As for the shortcomings, they include significant physical exertion. Using such scissors remove branches up to 5 cm in diameter.
In some stores you can find mechanical loppers, supplemented by a ratchet mechanism - a kinematic device inside the handle. It makes it possible to transform the reciprocating rotational movements into discontinuous rotational ones, with the cutting part having rather modest dimensions and weight.
Such tools are much more maneuverable and allow you to reach the branches in the most inaccessible places, making manipulations in conditions of limited space. On the handle of mechanical pruners may be present and a T-shaped stopper, which will not allow the tool to slide off during operation.
Important! If a mechanical model breaks down, you can repair it yourself, since the design of such a tool is intuitive and simple.
Electric
Electric delimbers are deservedly considered high-powered garden tools. They are equipped with an electric motor and work through a cable from a fixed 220V electrical network.
The main structural elements are the same as in the mechanical versions: the handle and the cutting area. Power characteristics are not as high as those of petrol varieties, but the cost is much less and there is no need for constant refueling. We will understand all the advantages and disadvantages more closely.
Pros:
- high level of environmental friendliness (no harmful emissions);
- the ability to rotate the working part of the delimber 180 °;
- relatively small weight, due to which the physically weak person can use the lopper;
- ease of use and maintenance (to buy parts will not be difficult);
- relatively low noise level;
- good quality of the product;
- ease of use due to the presence of a grip (a handle with a control panel is additionally installed at the end of the rod, and it itself is often covered with an anti-slip material);
- the presence of a telescopic mechanism that allows you to cut branches at a height of more than 5.5 m, and if you have a cord machine that pulls up the cord, you will not get entangled in it.
Among the disadvantages of using this type of delimbers are the following:
- lack of working autonomy due to the use of a power cable;
- relatively small power of the product, allowing to cut only branches with a diameter of 2.5 cm;
- the need to use a power extension cord if the work is performed in the farthest corners of the garden.
Despite the fact that there are not so many disadvantages of using electric high-cutters, they become the decisive factor in the situation of choice, and not in favor of the power tool.
You will also be interested to know when it is better to prune the trees, how and when to rejuvenate pruning of the old garden. And also how to prune plums, apples, pears, cherries, apricots, peach trees.
Rechargeable
Cordless high-cutters are devoid of the main drawback of electric models - dependence on the supply network. Moreover, such a tool allows you to distribute your weight well, which simplifies the work.
Most models resemble an electric saw with a large base and a long threaded part, but there are also more compact products.
You may also be interested to get acquainted with the rating saws.
The advantages of buying battery cutters are as follows:
- you can freely move around the territory and cut branches in the most remote areas of the garden;
- no need to think about chain lubrication (this is an automatic function);
- lightweight construction prevents rapid fatigue of the gardener;
- low noise level increases work comfort;
- the presence of a telescopic mechanism allows you to cut branches at a high enough height;
- almost all models are equipped with a special fastening belt, conveniently distributing the weight of the unit (sometimes there is a special pocket in this part where you can rest the lopper).
As for the drawbacks of such models, we can only single out the need to periodically recharge the battery, which is not always convenient when performing a large amount of work. In addition, some manufacturers save on the quality of parts, although it is possible in the case of other types of delimbers.
Did you know? During excavations, archaeologists found scissors dating back to the 2nd century BC. er There is reason to believe that they were used in almost all spheres of human activity, and as for appearance, the first models resembled double knives rather than a modern, high-grade mechanism.
Petrol
Gasoline high-cutters are considered to be the most powerful tools of such a plan. They managed to achieve such high rates thanks to a powerful internal combustion engine with a large working resource.
The appearance of the petrol secateurs resembles a trimmer or motokosa in many respects, but the saw with a fishing line here replaces the head.
Find out which trimmer is best to choose: gasoline or electric.
Important and most noticeable benefits of such tools are expressed in:
- high performance indicators, which can be obtained thanks to the mentioned motor;
- large work resource;
- low noise level;
- excellent balancing during the work;
- optimal fuel consumption;
- relatively small weight and size.
The power of most gasoline high-cutters is quite enough to remove thick branches at a height of more than 5 m, so this type can be considered the best option when choosing.
Important! If you have not dealt with such equipment before, it is better not to try to correct the damage that has occurred, because, given the high cost of gasoline delimiters, there is a chance to aggravate the problem and spend even more money on repairs.
Its main drawback is the price, which is much higher than that of counterparts. In addition, gasoline units often require maintenance.
How to choose
Before you finally decide on the type of height cutter, we recommend that you consider some important features:
- scope of future work: gasoline models are suitable for professional cutting, and for infrequent personal use, an electric delimber is sufficient;
- tool mobility: when it is impossible to use the power from the network, you should prefer battery tools (especially if you have a large garden);
- weight and dimensions of the delimber: standard indicators - 8 kg, but if the weight of the high-cut is even less, then it will be much easier and easier to work with it (muscles get tired less);
- ergonomics: in this question, the strength of the rod and the convenient positioning of the handle play an important role, which will make it possible to prevent accidental sliding of the tool (it is better to choose models with rubberized handles and a convenient tilt adjustment system);
- rod length: the higher this figure, the easier it is to use the tool for pruning branches on tall trees, however, the length significantly weights the cutter (models used for domestic purposes usually have a length of 170-280 cm, and professional varieties reach 420-450 cm);
- presence in the design of the oil pump: its presence guarantees independent lubrication of the cutting blades, thanks to which it is possible to achieve stable operation of the delimber;
- quality of cutting parts of high-cutter: The resulting cut should be as smooth as possible, without injuries on the rest of the tree (sharpening the web should not present any difficulties);
- the price depends on the type of instrument: petrol more expensive, mechanical cheaper;
- device configuration: it is desirable that in the chosen model there was a special belt facilitating retention of the delimber at work;
- working noise level: the quietest - electric loppers, but the most noisy are deservedly considered gasoline units (you can find out the degree of noise produced from the technical data sheet of the device).
The most famous manufacturers of the described technology are Stihl, Oleo-Mac, HusqVarna and EFCO.
Important! If you are confused by the noise of the used high-cutter, you can additionally buy special headphones that protect the ears. They will make work more comfortable.
With the right approach to the issue of choice, you will receive a quality tool that can cope with basic gardening tasks, and what type of preference to choose - decide for yourself, of course, given your financial capabilities and conditions for using a delimber.