The Tropical Fruit Forum
Tropical Fruit => Tropical Fruit Discussion => Topic started by: zephian on February 04, 2019, 11:45:45 AM
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Hello all,
I just wanted to know your personal recommendations on pruning tools.
I'm in need of some tools and wanted to know what you guys recommend.
I have some overgrown citrus and persimmons to trim as well as a shade tree in my front yard.
I'm fairly limited by a budget right now but I'd like to hear what works for you for:
Polesaw (Manual or powered)
Pruning shears
Loppers
Pruning saw
as a side note I will be getting a Ryobi 12in 18v chainsaw, has anyone tried this out before? I have only .2 acres and already own multiple ryobi tools so this sounded the most conveniant.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-12-in-18-Volt-Brushless-Lithium-Ion-Electric-Cordless-Chainsaw-4-0-Ah-Battery-and-Charger-Included-P549/300450480 (https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-12-in-18-Volt-Brushless-Lithium-Ion-Electric-Cordless-Chainsaw-4-0-Ah-Battery-and-Charger-Included-P549/300450480)
Thanks,
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For a hand saw, Silky is my brand.
Hand clippers I use Felco, although I have a very good Japanese set that I don’t remember the name right now.
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Vaca Shears makes awesome loppers.
Felco is my favorite shear brand.
Neither are "budget" tools, but they will last a lifetime, so the amortized cost is lower than the cheaper tools.
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I use this.
https://castellari.us/prodotto/lady/ (https://castellari.us/prodotto/lady/)
And this.
http://www.silkysaws.com/Silky_Saws/Folding-Straight_2/Gomboy-Folding-Saw-685#sthash.T9DV6yHH.dpbs (http://www.silkysaws.com/Silky_Saws/Folding-Straight_2/Gomboy-Folding-Saw-685#sthash.T9DV6yHH.dpbs)
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I use this.
https://castellari.us/prodotto/lady/ (https://castellari.us/prodotto/lady/)
And this.
http://www.silkysaws.com/Silky_Saws/Folding-Straight_2/Gomboy-Folding-Saw-685#sthash.T9DV6yHH.dpbs (http://www.silkysaws.com/Silky_Saws/Folding-Straight_2/Gomboy-Folding-Saw-685#sthash.T9DV6yHH.dpbs)
Where is it sold?
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I just did a quick search by rating on amazon and this looks great for little over $7
https://www.amazon.com/Mockins-Professional-Trimmers-Secateurs-Stainless/dp/B075QP897Z/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1549346232&sr=1-1&keywords=pruner#customerReviews (https://www.amazon.com/Mockins-Professional-Trimmers-Secateurs-Stainless/dp/B075QP897Z/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1549346232&sr=1-1&keywords=pruner#customerReviews)
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I agree with the Vaca loppers.
I have bought so many different kinds of loppers and cutters. I have a collection here. In my experience nothing that costs less than about $25 is going to be worth working with. And there is a difference in quality and longevity that would be worthwhile for the serious grower that justifies spending $50-60 for a better quality tool.
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Vaca Shears makes awesome loppers.
Felco is my favorite shear brand.
Neither are "budget" tools, but they will last a lifetime, so the amortized cost is lower than the cheaper tools.
I agree with Jeff's recommendations I have used Felco hand pruners for years and love them. I now for two years I'm a proud owner of a pair of Vaca loppers and i love them best I've ever owned in 50yrs of gardening!!! Biggest tip I can give folks is keep your tools clean they will stay sharp longer and work the way they were designed too!!
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I use Samurai Ichiban 13" saw and Okatsuna XL bypass pruner, both available on Amazon. I picked them up from my past experience with Japanese made kitchen knives. For loppers, I am using an old Lowes one.
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I bought the Silky from Amazon and the Castellari is from the the legendary Maurice Kong but I think that he is selling off the last of his backstock. He was also selling some incredible Castellari loppers but I didn't have the funds to buy them. My friend has some and they are really incredible.
I also use a very similar Due Buoi double cutting blade pruner at my friends farm which seems to be similar quality.
I use this.
https://castellari.us/prodotto/lady/ (https://castellari.us/prodotto/lady/)
And this.
http://www.silkysaws.com/Silky_Saws/Folding-Straight_2/Gomboy-Folding-Saw-685#sthash.T9DV6yHH.dpbs (http://www.silkysaws.com/Silky_Saws/Folding-Straight_2/Gomboy-Folding-Saw-685#sthash.T9DV6yHH.dpbs)
Where is it sold?
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"Where it is sold?"
Castellari pruner:
https://www.oescoinc.com/castellari-b12-fermarami-anvil-pruners.html (https://www.oescoinc.com/castellari-b12-fermarami-anvil-pruners.html)
Another seemingly good choice for quality double cut blade pruner - Also made in Italy - is "Vesco", this is the one being use by the lady from Youtube's Truly Tropical; I've got my finger on the trigger to get this one for myself...:
https://www.vescousa.com/en/pr/a2_-_double-cut_pruning_shears_size_ml/2663.html (https://www.vescousa.com/en/pr/a2_-_double-cut_pruning_shears_size_ml/2663.html)
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Thank you all, I really like the idea of the double cut shears, I will add it to my shopping list :-)
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I like cheap tools, I like expensive tools.
Like Cookie said...superior pruning shears can be loppers for good thickness (branches up to three quarters inch or one inch) plus leave one hand free for grabbing down branches that loppers do not.
But loppers allow you to reach up higher.
as a side note I will be getting a Ryobi 12in 18v chainsaw, has anyone tried this out before? I have only .2 acres and already own multiple ryobi tools so this sounded the most conveniant.
lol $169 at HD. Get a straight electric non- Rechargeable via Harbor freight for $40 or Craigs list. You will not be using it that often. Invest in extension cords for your size property
My fave all in all are the loppers that Aldis has on sale each spring for $10.
Polesaw (Manual or powered)
On a pole you have a very strong lopper. I have the chain saw type too. (non battery powered) I have both kinds and use both. Start with the manual type is my advice and get the electric chainsaw type later on.
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Thank you all for the recommendations I appreciate it.
As for getting a $40 chainsaw at harbor freight... I will use my chainsaw frequently (I have a wood fireplace) but not 'heavily' and I'd rather not have a chainsaw that will catch fire. :)
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plus one for felco shears. i see they also make loppers, anybody tried them?
for the chainsaw, i have an oregon 16'' cordless that's about all i use these days. it has a built in chain sharpener. pull up on the lever and in 3-5 seconds you have a sharp chain again. supposed to be good for 8-10 sharpenings but i've certainly gone beyond that. you have to replace the chain with one from oregon that comes with a new sharpening stone (about $30?).
great for anything up to 8-10'' although i've gone through a 15'' mahogany with it.
https://www.amazon.com/Oregon-Cordless-CS300-A6-Chainsaw-572625/dp/B011NWVS90 (https://www.amazon.com/Oregon-Cordless-CS300-A6-Chainsaw-572625/dp/B011NWVS90)
about the only time i bring out the gas powered stihl is after a hurricane.
for a cutlass, i really like the tramontina machete from brazil.
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Thank you all for the recommendations I appreciate it.
As for getting a $40 chainsaw at harbor freight... I will use my chainsaw frequently (I have a wood fireplace) but not 'heavily' and I'd rather not have a chainsaw that will catch fire. :)
yeah right.......battery powered chainsaw for firewood.......zzzzzzzzzzz..... Circa 1988 I used to cut firewood for a heating stove with a circular saw....
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Haha. I have mostly 1-2 inch diameter limbs from trees that I use for my firepit and the indoor fireplace. My larger diameter wood I split and cut out in my family's pasture an hour away. (we've collected probably 20+ chords over the years and are still working through it... :) )
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For chainsaws, if the budget permits, Husqvarna makes the best battery powered chainsaws. The top handle variant is my favorite. There are some videos online of the Husq battery unit whipping a gas powered saw's behind (as well as kicking the butt of the equivalent Stihl model).
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=husqvarna+t536li+xp (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=husqvarna+t536li+xp)
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I cheaped out and ordered this chainsaw - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007AQZ9QC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007AQZ9QC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
It's amazon so if I hate it, I'll return it. Still may get the Ryobi kit later on down the road but this one will do the trick for now... I'll let you guys know if it's a decent saw or not. Should work for felling the trees I need to drop (Except my giant palm tree)
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Haha. I have mostly 1-2 inch diameter limbs from trees that I use for my firepit and the indoor fireplace. My larger diameter wood I split and cut out in my family's pasture an hour away. (we've collected probably 20+ chords over the years and are still working through it... :) )
Same diameter wood I cut for a wood stove with an old Black and Decker circular saw.
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I cheaped out and ordered this chainsaw - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007AQZ9QC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007AQZ9QC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
It's amazon so if I hate it, I'll return it. Still may get the Ryobi kit later on down the road but this one will do the trick for now... I'll let you guys know if it's a decent saw or not. Should work for felling the trees I need to drop (Except my giant palm tree)
Return if you don't like. Bezos can afford it after blowing 70 billion on an upcoming divorce. I have a Ryobi non-recharge circular saw bought $12 at a garage sale. This was sad. I could tell her man had taken off and she was selling off his stuffs for whatever!
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One addition to this thread. My wife, while in the UK, got me some Japanese clippers that I hadn’t heard of before. I don’t have any complaints about the Felco ones I’ve used for years but the Niwaki is lighter, feels really nice, and seems to have the power of the heavier Felco. A very nice tool.
Peter
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Spammer
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Hand pruner Chris uses in TT youtube vids look great. What are they?
Cheap cordless saws i got for light work i do is black&decker 20v.
The pole saw i love, it's light & gets the job done, the sawzall is more then enough for me, the chainsaw is so-so, hedge clipper work too for minor trimming. I use all 4 from wheelchair.
Aftermarket 3000ma battery under $20 lasts much longer then o.e. 2000ma.
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Best hand pruner is Felco....NOT Japanese.
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Who bring this post back? I thought I won't spend anymore money on Black Friday, but after I read this post. I spent money on this Felco F6 Pruner.
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Spammer
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In order of how crucial they are>>
1-My pruning tool MVP is electric pole saw. I have two, one is more lightweight with shorter bar. These are AC/ not battery powered.
2-Then comes manual pruner on a pole.
3-Loppers... I have anvil for heavy duty (one inch branch and more) and bypass lopper too
4- Hand pruners of various qualities. I have two favorites that can cut through thick branches. When they cannot make that cut, the next step up is my bypass lopper.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La8f6ux-6YQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La8f6ux-6YQ)
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In order of how crucial they are>>
1-My pruning tool MVP is electric pole saw. I have two, one is more lightweight with shorter bar. These are AC/ not battery powered.
2-Then comes manual pruner on a pole.
3-Loppers... I have anvil for heavy duty (one inch branch and more) and bypass lopper too
4- Hand pruners of various qualities. I have two favorites that can cut through thick branches. When they cannot make that cut, the next step up is my bypass lopper.
I've heard a lot about Fiskars products. Their loopers seem to be too heavy for me. Which models and brands can you recommend as an alternative?
Thanks in advance
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I was gifted this electric chainsaw
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-12-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-6-in-HATCHET-Pruning-Saw-Tool-Only-2527-20/313506666 (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-12-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-6-in-HATCHET-Pruning-Saw-Tool-Only-2527-20/313506666)
It works really good
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The Milwaukee M12 looks nice! Btw, speaking of Milwaukee, the Sawzall works great for roots.
Last Christmas, I scored on woot for a corded pole saw for ~$50+tax, free prime shipping. Have mowed down a dying narly 30 year old weeping willow , only the trunk and some 6+inch limbs awaits the chain saw. Spent more time being careful on the cuts vs sawing. The 12awg cord is a hassle but a lot easier than the manual pole saw that ironically cost more 15+ years ago.
Sun Joe Electric Multi-Angle Pole Saw https://sellout.woot.com/offers/sun-joe-electric-multi-angle-pole-saw-1?utm_medium=share&utm_source=app
Felco and 2 if the $8 pruners Zands posted about last year. $8 to prune sappy stuff, as "loaners" or left in the truck for as needed.
I keep eyeing the Cordless chainsaws but if I didn't already have both red and yellow lines , they'd be even far too expensive. Maybe a good black friday deal this year?
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Spam
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Are you pruning limbs out or cutting down trees ?
With a battery chainsaw, watch the battery life. You don't want to run out of charge mid cut on a big trunk or hanging limb.
Ok well you can stall or can't start a petrol chainsaw too.
Good saw blades on hand tools are just as good as a chainsaw for small limbs and branches.
Yes a chainsaw can cut faster, but you also have to clear out what you cut from the tree.
A D handle bush saw is a good tool.
A curved blade pruning saw is good for tricky spots.
Strong loppers are good for trimming up smaller side branches.
Using these will save your battery life.
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Battery pole saw works great, and an extra battery is all you need to deal with running out of charge on the job. Ego pole saw and extensions have been great. Gave away my gas powered chainsaw, and use the Ego chainsaw as well. Have to admit, the gas one has more power, and was happy when my neighbor helped me with my old chainsaw in taking down some out of control areca palms. We mess with each other, and talk shmack about gas vs electric, and he always finishes with, "I love the smell of gas fumes." Cannot argue with that.
Rob is right, Felco is the best of any of the tools I've bought.
On that note how do you sharpen a Felco or whatever brand hand pruner or lopper?
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There are two ways to sharpen the Felco. You can disassemble it and sharpen the blade on a nice stone. The way that I do it is to use a steel sharpener sold by Corona. You pass the steel about 5 times on the beveled side then turn the blade over and get the flat side two times. Works really well.
I have 4 Felco hand pruners. It’s a great tool and I keep one in my car. But my two all purpose, everyday hand pruners are Japanese. Japanese know cutting tools. But I use the Felco too. What I haven’t found any comparable quality to is the Silky saw. I haven’t found any other pruning saw that I would pick up to use.
For loppers we use the US made Vaca.
We use both gas and battery chain saws. What worries me about the pole mounted chain saw is that occasionally the saw gets stuck in a branch and you have to work it out one way or another which is not such a challenge. But what if you can’t reach it which is why you’re using the pole in the first place.
Peter
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Thanks Peter, that helps.
You are correct, the pole saw can get stuck, and it can be challenging to free up when stuck up high. So far, if I pull down on a branch, it will loosen up enough to come right out. Doesn't happen much, and technique has a lot to do with not getting stuck.