Cutting back and pruning tree branches can be a dangerous task if not armed with the right equipment. Long reach extending tree loppers are the tool of choice for talking those hard to reach branches.
Here I cover both types of extending tree lopper. The telescopic version and the long reach extending pole type lopper.
Updated for 2020 are two new entries. The Gardena StarCut 410 and the Wilkinson Sword 1111163W branch cutter.
Spear & Jackson W213 RazorSharp Telescopic Tree & Shrub Lopper
The W213 is a great lopper for the price. It’s fairly light compared to other models and features a ratchet cutting action for making pruning tasks easier on your muscles.
- Ratchet action for powerful, progressive cutting with twist and lock extendable mechanism
- C50 carbon steel blades, hardened and tempered for durability
- PTFE coated blade for rust resistance and smooth cutting. Maximum cut: 45mm
- Non-slip comfort grips. Handle extends 46 cm (18 Inches) - 72 cm (28 Inches)
- Lightweight aluminium handles
- Grow your own great British growing 2018 award winners
Wilkinson Sword 1.6 m Ultra-light Telescopic Pruner
Coming in at just under 1Kg this is the lightest long tree pruner we have come across. However it’s total length is 1.6m (+ user). If your not looking to prune anything over this height it’s a fabulous tool.
- Lightweight aluminium 160cm handle
- High quality SK5 Japanese steel non stick coated blade
- All internal action using stainless steel wire
- 2 way cutting operation - shaft slider for ease of use, or end toggle for extra reach
- Wilkinson Sword provides a 10 year guarantee
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- 10 Year Warranty
Cons
- Not long enough for a lot of tree tasks
Fiskars UP53 1.6m Tree Lopper – Pruner
The Fiskars UP53 the perfect little model for regular use. At just 780g, this extendable tree pruner makes light work of all those low hanging branches and tall hedges around the garden.
- Long reach shaft makes hard to reach garden tasks accessible from a safe standing position
- Cutting reach vertically about 1.6 metres (up to 3.5 metres based on the height of an average person)
- Extremely efficient PowerRee mechanism makes cutting 12 times easier compared to standard mechanisms
- Adjustable cutting angle up to 26 degrees
- Anvil cutting action for cutting dry and hard wood
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great looking
- Rust free components
- Replaceable Parts
- 36mm Cutting diameter
Cons
- Blade can jam shut
Wolf Garten RC-VM 4m Telescopic Tree Lopper
The Wolf Garten multi-star RC-VM professional tree lopper is a serious bit of kit. It is my preferred long reach telescopic lopper / pruner. I have had this model for years. It has never let me down (remember to buy the Vario pole )
- For branches up to 40 mm diameter
- Saves up to 20% power compared to the zweisch cutting technology. Anvil scissors are ideal for transferring chopped abgestorbenem and hard wood. They let you give joint-friendly work without cut schlag
- Tilting angle up to 180 ° adjustable
It has a whopping 40mm cutting diameter and goes through branches with ease. Don’t forget to purchase the Vario extension pole which, when extended reaches 4 metres in height.
Pros
- Rust free aluminium shaft
- 4 metres total reach with Vario telescopic pole
- 40mm cutting diameter
- Easy to service
Cons
- Can feel a bit heavy after prolonged use
Wolf Garten RC-M
- Multi-change tool head range - add your required handle
- Anvil Action with precision ground blade
- For branches up to 38mm in diameter
- 4: 1 pulley system for less effort and easier pruning
- New! 35 Year Guarantee
This attachment offers all the great build quality and reliability of the professional version above. The only difference being it does not have an adjustment for positioning the cutting head at an angle.
As with the model above you will need to buy a Wolf Garten Vario telescopic extension pole, also available on Amazon.
This a well built tool for the price from Draper.
It is easy to control and manoeuvre. The additional pruning saw comes as standard and not as an additional item.
- Expert Quality
- Pole extending from 1.5M to 2.5M
- Detachable curved pruning saw blade
- Expert Quality
- Pole extending from 1.5M to 2.5M
- Detachable curved pruning saw blade
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
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The tool will cut up to 30mm branches with the lopper blade, for anything larger there is the saw attachment.
Like the Wolf Garten model, less effort is needed when using the lopper as it features a corded pulley system.
Unlike the Fiskars and Wolf Garten lopper this model does not have an adjustable head to get to those vertically growing branches which can make pruning trees a little more tricky.
Fiskars UPX86 4m Extending Tree Lopper
Fiskars, a name we have all come to recognise as providers of quality, well made garden tools have not disappointed with this model.
The UPX86 long reach pruner has a whopping reach of 4m fully extended allowing for most tasks a home owner can do before calling out a tree surgeon. Add 4m to your own reach and it’s possible to reach 6m with this model
- PowerGear X Telescopic pruning shears for fresh, young shoots, branches, and twigs up to Ø 3.2 cm in treetops and dense shrubs - without the help of a ladder - with a maximum total reach of 6 m when being used
- Optimized cutting head for extra efficiency and longevity, Adjustable cutting head, up to 230° and fixable in any position for cutting high branches, Clean cuts thanks to non-stick coated upper blade and hardened inner blade, Orange cutting support on the lower blade for better support when cutting the branch
- Adjustable shaft thanks to telescopic handle that reaches branches at high altitude, Internal cable pull-system on the end handle for optimal power transmission and effortless cutting during long-term work, Optimized extendable handle with non-slip base and wear-resistant coating for a secure and soft grip and high durability
- Long service life thanks to robust steel blades and aluminium handle, Compatible with Fiskars multi-function cutting saw (1001561) and multi-function cutting fruit picker (1001562), Original spare parts available for sale, Finnish design, 25 years warranty
- Contents: 1x Fiskars PowerGear X Telescopic Tree Pruner UPX86, Non-stick Coated, Steel Blade/Aluminium Handle, Length 2.4 - 4 m, Black/Orange, UPX86, 1023624
The extending handle is made from aluminium making it lighter than other models to use. The blades are super strong and sharp and can easily cut through branches and growth up to 30mm in diameter. The angled head makes light work of cutting hard to get to branched and vertical growth.
The model is perfect for fruit tree work, tall climbing roses etc. Unlike other models the cord is located inside the handle so there is no getting tied up in metres of cord laying around your feet.
Our best long reach lopper…
Wolf Garten multi-star RC-VM Professional Tree Lopper (closely followed by the Fiskars UPX86)
If your budget allows it will give you years of cutting service without any hassle. Once you have purchased the Vario telescopic handle you can interchange the anvil cutting head with a Wolf Garten saw blade attachment. In fact, they produce a whole range of interchangeable tool heads for the handle. From brooms to hoes, fruit pickers to grubbers. This is truly a well made, fantastically designed garden tool.
There are several tools available to the gardener, professional or amateur that make this task easier without the need to ever get on a ladder. It is much safer to carry out the task of taking out branches and growth from ground level than it is to be balancing up a on a ladder trying to get to those hard to reach branches.
There are two different tools available for tree pruning and trimming. The extending lopper type and pole saws. It is a matter of budget, preference and the size of branches you are going to remove that will determine the right tool for the job.
Branches up to approx 40mm diameter then a long reach pruner / lopper is fine. Anything larger then I would suggest a long reach saw. Both the Fiskars UPX86 and the Wolf Garten poles can also be fitted with a saw attachment.
Our Advice
When cutting tree branches overhead do not stand directly under the branch your cutting! I know this sounds a silly comment to point out but you will be surprised how complacent you get with overhead cutters.
Wear safety googles. Could save you a trip to A & E for a scratched eyeball!
Keep all bolts tightened and keep you blades sharpened. Having super sharp blades will prevent the cutting blade from getting jammed half way through a branch and make the task much, much easier.
When cutting up the branches removed use other tree pruning tools and not your secateurs, you will only damage them on thick material.