Pruners - the perfect helper
Garden‐owners with tall bushes or tress in their garden often find themselves asking how they can quickly and simply get these veritable giants into shape?
How can they reach these unimaginable heights? Quite easily with a pruner!
With a normal chainsaw it would not normally be possible to safely remove high branches, because when working with a chainsaw secure footing is required, which can only really be guaranteed on the ground. A pruner offers the perfect solution. It provides secure footing and the ideal power to be able to cut through even thick branches easily. In principle, a pruner is a small chainsaw with a telescopic handle. This makes it possible to comfortably work on even very high branches from the ground.
Pruners are up to 3 m long and most are used with a telescopic rod or an extension to reach the required height. In addition, the item is fitted with a convenient shoulder strap which facilitates safe use of the machine. The shoulder strap can be adjusted in length so that it fits the user perfectly. Certain models also have a convenient waist harness meaning the whole weight of the pruner can be supported on your hips. Due to the chain speed, the working weight and gravity, no additional force is needed to easily cut through even thicker branches.
Import technical features of a pruner
Working height
The working height is dependent on the type of rod. The best design is a continuous adjustable telescopic rod. In this way the optimum working height can be selected and energy‐saving work is made possible. A rigid extension is also possible, which also provides an increase to the working height.
Cutting angle adjustment of the cutting head
To achieve the best working results, it is an advantage if the cutting head can be adjusted. As all trees and branches grow in different ways, the extensive adjustment options make the work considerably easier.
Blade length
The blade length of pruners is approx. 20–25 cm, making it much shorter than in a normal chainsaw. However, this length is quite sufficient for this work as only ondividual branches are removed.
Chain speed
This value describes how fast the chain moves. In a cordless pruner, the chain speed is usually somewhat lower than in other drive types. However, this doesn’t say anything about the cutting performance, only that it longer for the chain to work through the material to be cut.
Chain lubrication
The automatic chain lubication of many pruners provides a clear reduction in workload. Of course, you still need to make sure that there’s enough oil in the tank, but the chain itself is automatically lubricated with oil.
Different drives for simple working
There are pruners with electric and petrol motor drives. Powerful cordless machines are also available to make the customer’s work easier.
With a petrol machine there are no cables in the way, yet long working times can be guaranteed. However, petrol‐powered machines are generally heavier and louder than cordless or electrically operated variants.
Electric pruners are quieter and lighter than petrol‐operated helpers, but the need for a cable mean you are tied to one location. It must also be noted that the electric cable must be protected from damage.
The cordless pruner combines the best of both worlds from these variants. It can be used wherever you are, it is light and easy to handle and also much quieter than the petrol option.
Safety - the most important thing when working
Since cutting the branches of trees and shrubs is not a completely risk‐free task, personal safety is the highest priority.
The top priority should, for obvious reasons, be a helmet with a face shield, primarily to protect from falling branches or tree parts. In addition, close‐fitting protective clothing such as cut‐resistant trousers and gloves and safety shoes should be worn to prevent injury. Whether a petrol machine or a somewhat lighter electically‐powered pruner is used ear protection is recommended in both cases.
Gloves should always be worn when changing the chain and the machine should be disconnected from the power supply. With a cordless machine it is sufficient to remove the battery from the machine and it is secured against unintentional switching on. With electrical variants this is done by pulling the power plug, in a petrol pruner the spark plug connector is removed. It is then safe to work on the machine.
Care and maintenance
- The most important thing is a sharp chain. A perfect cut result is achieved and work is easier.
- After the work has been completed, it is recommended to clean the pruner and prepare it for its next use, including the cleaning of the blade and the chain. If necessary, the chain must be reground or replaced. The condition of the blade should also be checked at regular intervals and replaced if necessary.
- With petrol‐powered machines there should be additional focus on the motor. Here it is important to use clean and fresh fuel, this also applies to the oil. In order to avoid deposits, it is recommended to remove the fuel when not in use for a long time.
- With cordless machines, you should pay attention to how the battery is stored. It should not be stored below 5° or above 30°. Ideally, it should be stored in a dark, dry and frost‐free place.
Using the 90° rotatable attachment, horizontal cutting is effortless with the cordless pruner. This makes it easier to react flexibly to different work situations.