Best 10 Loppers

Do you have trees, shrubs and flower plants in your garden? Are you looking for something a bit more substantial than a pair of secateurs or pruners to look after twigs and branches? While those may be suitable for smaller flower beds or mini shrubs, investing in a more durable tool will make the biggest difference when you're pruning. That's where the best garden loppers come in to save you time, money and effort.

Loppers are fantastic heavy-duty gardening tools that make any trimming job around your backyard a walk in the park. Pruning your trees is an essential garden chore for your plant’s healthy growth. If you're new to landscaping and tending for your garden, don't worry; our buying guide goes in-depth to help you better understand these neat tools so that you can work more efficiently and quicker with less strain. Read below to find all the information you will need to make the most beneficial purchase for your needs. 

What is a lopper? 

A lopper is a larger and more robust alternative to a hand pruner that trims tree branches and plants with higher efficiency. They are longer, making them better to control as a branch cutter that a secateur could not go through. Most people take on pruning during autumn and winter to remove dead or dry wood from their plants to improve their help and reinforce their growth. 

They have extendable telescopic handles that make reaching higher areas effortless and come in two types, anvil or bypass loppers. We go further in detail about the difference between the two down below, so keep reading! 

How do loppers work? 

Lopping works in four different ways, depending on what type of tool you pick. The options are the standard, compound or ratchet action and geared loppers. Let’s have a look at how they’re different in their mechanism. 

• Standard

The standard ones have a very straightforward mechanism; they require a bit more manual strain when you close the sharp blades around the branch. To cut through the branch, you have to use some extra muscle as they don't offer you as much strength assistance. 

• Compound Action

Compound action loppers work by using a pivot-point method with a special lever design which gives you that extra pressure you seek that the standard ones don't have. These are also known as lever-action loppers. They are some of the most heavy-duty loppers out there.

• Ratchet Action

These loppers give you superior performance and strength as they click when you shut the handles down for extra pressure. These are excellent for those who don't have too much arm strength or work with thicker branches. 

• Geared

If you have enough space around your garden and you want something that can help you adjust the cutting power, geared loppers come with a gear set under the blades. Some people like these because they grip the blades more firmly, but they require you to open the handles wider than the other working mechanisms. 

What to look for in a lopper? 

Do you want to get to pruning your wisteria plants, rose bushes, or even cherry trees like a pro? Are you interested in learning more about the lopper’s top features? We’ve added a list of the things to look for so you can select the right one, even if you’re a newbie. 

1. Blade Quality 

The first thing you should consider is the blade quality so that you can purchase one that has excellent cutting capacity. The most common blade types are either heat-treated carbon steel or non heat-treated steel. The heat-treated ones are some of the most sturdy and robust types built to last for many years to come. The non heat-treated steel blades come with a protective coating that makes them rust-resistant. Their one downside compared to the carbon steel ones is that they cannot handle hard branches as finely without running the risk of breaking. Whatever you pick, you should spend time sharpening them along with your other pruning tools so that they can be a worthy long-term investment. 

2. Handle 

You must purchase a lopper that comes with an extendable or long handle so that you can cut through taller areas effortlessly. The handle length depends on your garden work, but if you plan on using them, say, for a magnolia tree or buddleia, extendability is a must-have. Many tree loppers come with telescopic handles that you can adjust to fit your needs. Handles can range from less than 50cm to over 90cm, giving you the versatility to tackle small bushes to large trees comfortably. 

3. Comfort Grips

Maintaining a steady grip while you're working is critical in terms of safety and comfort. The best models come with ergonomically designed grip handles, anti-blister padding that gives you improved control and a non-stick coating and sweat-resistant materials for less chance of slips. Reviewing the available options is important so you can pick the one that gives you the most secure handling while you’re using it. 

4. Cutting Depth 

There is a wide range of cutting depths when it comes to loppers that can help you tackle any narrow or thick branches in your garden. If you're someone who tends to their garden frequently, then a cutting capacity between 2.5-3 cm will get the job done well. If you want to take on more persistent branches, dry wood or dead wood growth, choose one of the sturdier models with a cutting depth of up to 5cm. Also, opting for a compound action or gear lopper will be less physically straining.

5. Maintenance

When it comes to upkeep, loppers require some tender care on your end to prolong their lifespan. Read through the manufacturer’s description to see how easily repair parts for that model and brand are available. Purchasing a more premium model will be a worthy investment as you are more likely to find parts for them; low-cost models are less likely to have repair parts as their build is meant for replacement after a few years of use. A warranty will also be handy so that you can save money on costly repairs.

What are the lopper types available? 

There are two different types of loppers available in the market, bypass loppers and anvil loppers. Each is suitable for a specific job type, so reading about their differences is recommended so that you can select the one that matches your job needs. 

• Bypass 

Among the two, bypass loppers are the most popular ones. These models include a cutting edge whereby the upper blade slides over the lower jaw to cut through branches, which is how they get their name. If you're using them on live plants and trees, these are more suitable for the job as their cutting is precise and clean without damaging the plants. The one downside is that it is more difficult to manoeuvre the jaw when handling smaller branches if it jams. 

• Anvil

Anvil loppers are better suited when working with tough materials as the upper blade and the jaw connect directly on top of each other, giving superior cutting power. Their one downside compared to bypass loppers is that they don't give as clean and straight a cut. But, they are reliable and sturdy, especially when working with dry wood. 

How much do loppers cost? 

Loppers are affordable everyday gardening tools that anyone can include as part of their gardening kit. There are various options available in the market fit for any pocket, from low-cost to high-end. They may have different blade styles or cutting mechanisms, but all work fantastically in getting the job done. 

Affordable 

The most inexpensive models can start from just £19.50 to £30. These are compact options with a shorter handle than their more expensive counterparts. The most common working mechanism will be the standard one, but you may also find ratcheting loppers within this price range. You will still find high-quality choices with the finest carbon steel blades, but the one drawback compared to the higher-end ones is their handle length.

High-End

Premium lopper models cost from £30 to over £60. They have extendable telescopic handles that can reach over 90cm, giving you more functionality for taller areas. You can find all four working mechanisms for the upper price. Also, both anvil and bypass lopper blade styles are more easily accessible within this price range. 

Closure

Cut all branches hassle-free with the best loppers. Reach the tallest and most distant areas without strain by investing in a high quality, sturdy and hard-wearing lopper. Take some time and review our top choices to find that one that matches your wants.

We are optimistic that our buying guide has helped you better understand what to look for in a lopper. With our expert review, you can select a heavy-duty product that will make your life easier when trimming thick branches. Are you ready to take on pruning like a professional?