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Secateurs Loppers Long reach pruners Tools for trimming Power tools for trimming

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Introduction
Snapper (short & medium)
Lightweight long reach secateurs
Chain-powered long reach pruner/Universal cutter
Extending tree pruner systems
Lightweight tree pruning system
Heavy duty branch pruner
Longer systems
Gardena telescopic handle
Combisystem Gardener's saw
Wolf System
Electrically powered pruners

Introduction

These tools give you access to hard to reach areas if you have reduced mobility and also help prevent you from being scratched. Only the shorter versions can be used one-handed and care must be taken when using the longest ones not to strain your back. Also remember to stand well back when cutting overhead.

Snapper
A lightweight pruning tool with a cut-and-hold mechanism, ideal for light pruning and deadheading. The cutting head swivels through 360° by twisting the shaft. The handle can be adjusted for different hand widths. The tool comes in three sizes and is very durable.
Tip: Keep this tool well lubricated with a Teflon spray for optimum performance.

Short snapper

Medium snapper

Especially good for people who use wheelchairs, people who have difficulty bending. People who cannot climb ladders or steps and people who use one arm.

1.5 metre version - DP 116, also available.

  Telescopic snapper

This telescopic version of the cut and hold branch pruner can extend to around 18ft including the users height. It has a 180 degree adjustable swivel head and comes with an attachable saw blade for thicker branches. Although it is relatively lightweight the user will require significant arm strength and co-ordination, particularly at extended lengths.

Length 1.8- 3 metres Cutting width 16mm, saw 130mm Weight 1.1kg Price £43.90 Supplier Darlac Products Model no DP110T

Suitable for, people who can’t climb ladders, but have strong arms.

** safety advice, beware of falling branches and for ultimate safety wear hard hat and eye protection when using this tool.

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Lightweight long reach secateurs

These long handled secateurs use the latest technology of light strong materials and a cleverly designed lever to give long reach and extra cutting power.  The PTFE coated, “bypass” style blade is easy to clean and gives a clean cut on delicate stems. For some people the rear safety catch could be  difficult to operate and the tool requires a fairly large hand span to operate effectively with one hand. However it is possible to use 2 hands to operate the cutting mechanism which may be particularly useful to people who have reduced arm or hand strength.

Also available, longer 60cm version, model no 220626 , price £24.99

Especially good for people with arthritic hands, weak grip and those with difficulty bending.

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Chain powered long reach pruner/Universal cutter
A long reach pruner that requires two hands to use but will cut with ease through thick stems up to 10ft from the ground. The adjustable position cutting blades are chain-driven and can be operated from a plastic handle on the lightweight aluminium shaft or from a cord at the end. There is also a separate saw attachment available.

Especially good for people who use wheelchairs, those who have difficulty bending and those who cannot climb ladders or steps.

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Extending tree pruner systems
For reaching into the highest branches these systems generally use a telescopic pole with a cord operated pruner or saw attached to the end. The most versatile ones now come with a range of easy-to-fit attachments. When using these tools at full extension a considerable amount of strength and co-ordination may be required. If you find this difficult then try using a pole holder, which you can obtain from a scoutshop.

Especially good for people who cannot climb ladders or steps.

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Lightweight tree pruning system
A lightweight budget tree pruning system with a good range of attachments. The hooked pruner has a pulley mechanism to reduce the effort required, and the sabre tooth saw can be used without the twist-lock telescopic handle. The additional fruit-picking basket is very effective and easy to use.

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Sabre tooth saw

Especially good for people who cannot climb ladders or steps.

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Longer systems
With an easy cutting operation due to an energy-saving three-fold transmission. This is an expensive but top quality product able to reach up to 5 metres working height.

Heavy duty branch pruner with three-fold transmission.

Gardena telescopic handle

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Especially good for people who cannot climb ladders or steps and people who use wheelchairs.

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Wolf System
These tools from Wolf Garden Ltd are similar to the Gardena UK Ltd system but designed to fit the multichange handles.

Anvil tree lopper RC-M Price £45

Wolf telescopic handle ZMV3 170-300cm

Multichange pruning saw RE-M

Fruit picker RG-M

Especially good for people who cannot climb ladders or steps and people who use wheelchairs.

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Electrically powered pruners
If you suffer easily from fatigue or don't have enough strength to operate the cutting mechanism on long manual pruners you may be better off with some powered pruners. Firstly a word on safety; the tool selected is the lightest available and the cutting power is provided by electricity, however after a short while and some exertion you may suffer fatigue and the tool will feel heavier. For this reason EXTREME CAUTION should be taken especially when long handles are fitted. If you are feeling tired or the tool is becoming difficult to manage. STOP IMMEDIATELY. Used sensibly, powered pruners are amazingly efficient and can be cost effective in terms of the time they can save you, especially if you use hired help.

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