What’s Not to Like About Extendable Electric Pruning Shears?
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Owning some Extendable Electric Pruning Shears , (otherwise known as electric pruning shears with an extension pole) must be about as close to pruning heaven as any non-professional gardener can get! 🙂
And unlike manual pole pruning shears, these pruning shears actually attach to the pole. That means you can detach your pruning shears from the pole and use them at close quarters if the need arises.
For most of us, the reverse is actually probably more likely. We use the pruning shears mostly as is, with the occasional need to put them on the end of an extension pole.
The pole extension tops out at about 7.5 feet (2.25m). However, that probably gives you an effective 10 foot (3m odd) reach which is not bad at all.
In fact, any longer would probably make the whole set up pretty unsteady and unwieldy. That is the last thing you want when pruning delicate plants!
What to Consider when Buying?
Apart from the motor, the following points for you to take into consideration before buying, are in no particular order of importance. You will need to decide which aspects are important for you, and which ones are not deal breakers.
The Motor
In my opinion, the first thing to consider when buying any electric tool nowadays, is the motor. And to my way of thinking, you need a very good reason NOT to go brushless. Brushless electric motors just offer so many advantages over the brushed variety.
Yes they might be slightly more expensive initially, but in the long run you will come out ahead.
Total Weight
So here’s the thing. Battery powered pruning shears weigh somewhere around 3 pounds (1.35 kg) when the battery is attached to the tool. Put that weight on the end of a 7.5 ft (2.28m) pole, add the weight of the pole and it’s a not insignificant weight.
Now think about holding and maneuvering that weight, usually above head height, to reach the branches you need to prune. It might not seem like much, but it probably will turn into a physical challenge of epic proportions.
There are several reasons for this including:
- You don’t do this sort of thing often.
- You are probably using muscles you didn’t even know you had.
- The job always takes longer than envisaged.
So weight does become an issue. Unfortunately you are not going to find one set of extendable pruning shears that are half the weight of others. But it is a factor to consider when looking to buy this piece of equipment. Either get training before pruning season, or take it easy when you start.
Cutting Diameter
This refers to the diameter of stem or branch that the shears can cut through.Again you are not going to find a huge variance in capability within this type of pruning tool. Still, the difference between 1.2 inches and 1,5 inches might mean the difference between being able to prune your trees – or not.
So weird as it might sound, go measure the diameter of what you intend using your pole pruning shears on.
Battery Life
This factor might not be of any consequence unless you have a whole orchard to prune! Most of the battery operated pruning shears come with two batteries and with claims that they will operate for a good number of hours before needing to be recharged.
In reality, most of us would probably not need an hour of running time and the job would be done.
Blade Material
This refers to the type of steel the blades are made from. The most common are either Stainless Steel or High Carbon Steel blades.
So what’s the difference between the two types of steel. It basically boils down to the composition of the steel. The percentage of chromium is a key factor that has important consequences which might affect our choice.
As is normal in life, there is no clear winner because:
High Carbon Steel has less chromium in its composition, has a matte finish and is more prone to corrosion. However it is stronger and more durable than stainless steel.
Stainless steel has a shiney appearance and is unlikely to corrode.
Take your pick 🙂
Pole Extension
The pole is obviously an important component in any electric pruning shears with an extension pole. This is particularly true when electronics are involved. Its pointless having pruning shears stuck on the end of a pole 7.5 feet away if you can’t get them to work!
So its important that this connection is solid and protected from interference from surrounding foliage.
Having said that, you need to be careful when you use the pole so as to not damage the electrics. A bit of caution and common sense will go a long way to ensuring optimal operating capabilities!
In Conclusion
Having had a look at some factors that could play a role in your choice, you can now take a look at some of the Extendable Electric Pruning Shears available in the market place.
Happy pruning!
PS. You might also want to consider a cordless pole saw as an alternative!
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