The pruner is a small garden tool designed to remove shoots and small branches when forming the crown of small trees and shrubs. In this article, we will consider the types of garden pruners, their design, mechanism of operation, as well as features of operation and maintenance.
Scissors type
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the design of the cutting system. Depending on the age of the plant and the general condition of the crown, a tool with a certain type of blade is chosen.
There are two main types:
- Plane pruner – equipped with two parallel blades. The first is cutting, the second is stubborn. During the cut, the working surface slides along the supporting surface, due to which only the cut-off part of the branch is deformed. This tool is ideal for cutting young branches and works like a scissor.
- Contact pruner – consists of a movable cutting and a fixed thrust surface. The so-called anvil is made from durable plastic with a ribbed surface and is placed in the center of the cutting line. The principle of operation resembles cutting with a knife on a kitchen board. Thanks to this design, the device can accurately process thick dry branches, leaving an even cutting line.
Scissors design
When choosing pruning scissors for tree processing, special attention should be paid to the design and ergonomics of the handles. The efficiency and convenience of working with the tool depend on these factors. Let’s consider the main varieties.
The pruner with telescopic handles allows you to increase the working length of the instrument up to 2 meters. The tall tree pruning shear is designed for branches up to 6 meters high. Pruning shears with extra long handles are ideal for cutting thick branches. The longer the handles are, the more force they transmit to the linkage. As a rule, the instrument is used at low altitudes.
Moreover, pay attention to the material of manufacture and coating of the pruning shears. It can be high carbon steel and medium carbon steel. In the first case, the blade lasts longer and retains its sharpness. High-carbon steel is used to produce professional-type pruners with a higher cost. Medium-carbon steel is more affordable and cheaper, therefore pruning shears made of such steel are cheaper, less reliable, but available for purchase by many.
