Think of tree loppers as heavy-duty pruning shears on two sticks. It’s those long handles that allow you to reach beyond arm’s length and to cut much larger branches.
They will cut from 1 to 2.5 inches than hand pruners could manage. Though, like hand pruners, loppers are either anvil or bypass and compound or ratcheting.
There are so many anvil and bypass models with either compound or ratcheting actions, which can make your selection quite overwhelming.
Whatever the style, you can make sure yours are the best tree loppers by taking into account all the important features you would want them to have.
The Best Tree Loppers Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Tabor Tools GG12A Anvil Loppers |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Fiskars PowerGear2 Bypass Loppers |  |
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| 3. Spear & Jackson 8290RS Ratchet Anvil Loppers |  |
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| 4. Corona FL 3420 Compound Action Anvil Loppers |  |
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| 5. Kings County Tools Ratcheting Steel Anvil Loppers |  |
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| 6. Flora Guard 26-Inch Bypass Loppers |  |
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1. Tabor Tools GG12A Anvil Loppers — Best Overall
Chop through two-inch branches and limbs effortlessly with the dynamic compound action of Tabor Tools GG12A Anvil Loppers.
Specs
- Anvil blade
- Hardened carbon steel
- 30-inch handles with comfort grip
- Compound action system
These loppers are made of anvil blades, which is great because the blades produce a powerful crushing action that cuts through branches easily.
The blades are engineered from hardened carbon steel that features a non-stick low friction coating for superior rust and corrosion prevention.
I really appreciate the 30-inch long handles, considering the leverage and extra strength they offer for easy navigation around higher limbs.
Another good feature is the compound lever system, which has multiple moving parts and pivot points that increase the cutting force applied to the blades.
But beware, but the nuts holding the anvil in place may loosen when cutting thicker branches due to the excessive cutting force applied.
Pros
- Produce a strong cutting action, making them ideal for dry branches
- Non-stick, low friction coating helps to prevent rust and corrosion
- Long handles offer more strength and leverage
- Compound lever creates an impressive cutting force
- Ergonomic molded grips allow for consistent hand placement
Cons
- It’s possible for the anvil screws to loosen up
- It’s a little bit pricey compared to similar products
Conclusion
The dynamic compound action of these loppers make them ideal for cutting through small and larger branches. They make precise cuts with almost no resistance.
Overall Rating – 4.8
2. Fiskars PowerGear2 Bypass Loppers — Best Bypass Design
The Fiskars PowerGear2 Bypass Loppers bring you the brand’s patented gear technology that will ensure you are able to maximize leverage where it’s needed the most.
Specs
- Bypass blade design
- Power gear drive action
- 32-inch long handles
- 2-inch cutting capacity
- Low friction coating
The loppers use bypass blade technology, which is great because the blades cut like scissors and produce very clean and precise cuts when cutting live branches.
The blades of these pruning scissors are made of fully hardened steel with a low friction coating that improves rust and gumming resistance for a smooth cutting experience.
I appreciate the power gear technology that generates an impressive compound action, considering that it gives three times more cutting power.
Another good feature is the long handles, which not only help you to maximize leverage, but they’re also equipped with oval shaped grips for unmatched comfort.
All the cutting power comes at a price, though. You have to move the handles a wide distance apart, which can affect maneuverability when cutting higher branches.
Pros
- Bypass blades produce clean, precise cuts
- Low friction coating offers superior rust and gum resistance
- Compound action gives three times the power you need
- Long handles help maximize leverage for easy cutting
- Oval shaped grips provide comfort during extended use
Cons
- Can be challenging to maneuver the handles when cutting higher branches
- Could perform better with a ratcheting system
Conclusion
The performance of this model warrants the manufacturer’s claims. But you should be prepared to open the handles almost 180 degrees in order to get 3X cutting power.
Overall Rating – 4.7
3. Spear & Jackson 8290RS Ratchet Anvil Loppers — Best Ratchet Action
With the Spear & Jackson 8290RS Ratchet Anvil Loppers, even thick limbs don’t stand a fighting chance. They come equipped with razor sharp SK5 carbon steel blades for precision cutting.
Specs
- SK5 carbon steel blades with PTFE coating
- Ratchet action
- Lightweight aluminum telescopic handles
- Soft-feel handle grips
- Locking catch for safe storage
The Spear & Jackson 8290RS are made of anvil blades that use ratchet action for cutting, which is good because it delivers greater cutting power than a single action system.
This product comes with lightweight aluminum telescopic handles that you can easily stretch from 15 to 31 inches to increase leverage.
I appreciate the soft-feel easy grip handles on the bottom end, they are molded for comfort and continuous hand placement when you have a lot of pruning to do. The blades are made of SK5 carbon steel and coated with PTFE. So, they offer resistance to rust, reduce friction, and deliver long-lasting sharpness.
Another amazing feature is a locking catch, which ensures the blades are locked when you are not using them for safe storage.
But the thing is, these loppers use a ratchet action system with more parts, and there is more to go wrong with them.
Pros
- SK5 carbon steel blades are razor sharp and precise
- Ratchet action makes deep cuts with each stage
- Telescopic handles extend up to 3i inches long for more leverage
- Very comfortable soft-feel easy grips
- Locking catch ensures the blades stay locked during storage
Cons
- May not capable to cut branches that are exactly 2 inches
- Many included parts may end up causing problems
Conclusion
These heavy-duty telescopic ratchet anvil loppers are ideal for cutting thicker branches up to around 1.5 inches in diameter.
Overall Rating – 4.6
4. Corona FL 3420 Compound Action Anvil Loppers — Best Extra-Long Foam Grips
The Corona FL 3420 Compound Action Anvil Loppers are designed to withstand wear and tear due to heavy use, season after season.
Specs
- 32-inch long handles
- Extra-long 8-inch foam grips
- Replaceable blade and anvil
- 1-1/2-inch cutting capacity
- High carbon steel blades with PTFE coating
This product has 32-inch long handles, which is good because they provide you superior leverage and reach and let you get into hard to reach places.
The loppers are made of high carbon steel blades that are PTFE coated for strength, rust resistance, sharpness, and greater cutting power. The blades have a good cutting capacity of up to 1-1/2-inch for tackling thick branches and limbs. They are also easily replaceable.
Another good thing about this model are the extra-long 8-inch foam grips, which provide you with a larger gripping surface for more control and comfort.
The only problem with it is, to exert a powerful force that will cut thick wood with ease, you have to spread the handles far apart and that can be weird for some people.
Pros
- Longer hands translate to more leverage
- Compound action generates superior cutting power
- Blades are rust and gum resistant
- Easy to tackle thicker branches with a wider gap
- Extra-long foam grips offer more control and comfort
Cons
- Handles have to be widely open to exert a greater cutting power
- May not be a suitable choice for delicate live branches
Conclusion
These loppers are expertly built, fairly priced, and super easy to handle. But they could be better with a ratchet action system.
Overall Rating – 4.6
5. Kings County Tools Ratcheting Steel Anvil Loppers — Best Double Ratchet System
The Kings County Tools Ratcheting Steel Anvil Loppers are more adequate for chopping through hardwood branches that are up to 2 inches thick.
Specs
- Anvil blade design
- Telescopic handles
- Contoured rubber grips
- Jaw size of 2 inches
This Kings County Tools loppers are made of cutting and anvil blades, which means they generate incredible power for crushing branches. It uses a ratchet action system that allows you to cut branches in stages. So, the cutting blade digs into the branch with each push of the handle.
I appreciate the design of the telescopic handles, which effortlessly extends from 26 to 40 inches and can be locked in six different positions.
The oversized handles are fitted with contoured rubber grips, which allow for precise and consistent hand placement when you’ve got so much pruning to do in your backyard.
But the thing is, too many parts are included in the ratchet action system. So, it is easy for a few parts to wear out.
Pros
- Anvil blade design crushes dry branches with ease
- Ratchet mechanism allows for step by step cutting
- Telescoping handles stretch up to 40 inches for increased leverage
- Wide jaw size allows you to tackle branches of up to 2 inches
Cons
- Design includes too many parts that can easily wear out
- May fail to produce clean cuts with live branches
Conclusion
This is a great tool for the job. It offers a remarkable reach for cutting hard to reach branches by squeezing the handle repeatedly.
Overall Rating – 4.6
6. Flora Guard 26-Inch Bypass Loppers — Most Comfortable Grip
Your tree branches and shrubs will tremble in fear in the presence of Flora Guard 26-Inch Bypass Loppers. A tool that holds sharpness pretty even after a session of heavy pruning.
Specs
- High carbon steel blade material
- 26-inch long handles
- Cutting capacity of up to 1.25 inches
- Comfort grips with shock guard
This product features a bypass design, which is great because it cuts like a pair of scissors to produce precise and clean cuts that will not risk the health of your live plants.
It comes with 26-inch long handles that provide more leverage and strength when cutting hard to reach branches, limbs, and shrubs.
The high carbon steel blade material is coated for rust and gum resistance; while the 1.25-inch cutting capacity allows you to attack small branches with ease.
Another great feature is the rubberized grips with shock guard, which are sufficiently thick and contoured for comfortable handling.
The only issue I had with this tool is its jaw size. The marketed cutting capacity of 1.25 inches was way too small for most of my branches.
Pros
- Produces very clean cuts to promote plant health
- Long handles increase leverage and cutting power
- Rubberized grips allow for comfortable operation
- Locking mechanism ensures the blades stay closed
- Ilaflon coating enhances anti-rust and antibacterial features
Cons
- Could be better with a larger jaw size
- May not be strong enough for dead branches
Conclusion
The Flora Guard 26-Inch Bypass Loppers are ergonomically engineered for effortless gardening. Not to mention that the bypass blades are the best for pruning small live branches.
Overall Rating – 4.6
Buying Guide
More and more tree loppers are seen in the market with newer innovations and craftsmanship. But can they do that task at hand?
Here are the things that I urge you to consider during your selection:
Anvil or Bypass
The basic choice in choosing the best tree loppers is design: bypass or anvil. Bypass loppers have one curved blade sharpened on its outside edge that slips past a thicker unsharpened hook.
They make close, neat cuts when pruning live branches. These loppers are the best for gardening because they help promote the health of your plants. On the other hand, anvil loppers have a blade that closes against an anvil on the lower jaw. The anvil is a softer metal than the blade.
Compound or Ratchet Actions
The next important thing that should linger in your mind is the blades’ opening and locking mechanism. There are two main types of mechanisms you will come across: compound and ratchet action. Compound action loppers are the most popular choice out there. With this system, you have to fully open the handles in order to grab and cut a branch.
Loppers with a compound action system may seem easy to use, but they may become challenging when pruning overhead branches in tight places. I consider the ratchet action system the easier option to use between the two. This system is made up of a six-step ratchet drive mechanism.
Ergonomic Handles
The operation of any tree loppers depends entirely on the handles. Most handles have a fixed length, but a few loppers come equipped with telescoping handles. The superior choice between the two is normally fixed length handles because the telescopic ones may fail at some point.
Final Thoughts
Among all the tools we’ve covered, Tabor Tools GG12A are our overall best tree loppers. This model was made with functionality and comfort in mind, featuring coated blades for long-lasting durability.
The compound action lever increases the force needed by the blades for precision cutting; while the anvil blade design makes it the perfect choice for trimming tough or dry branches.
The tool is extremely reliable with its long handles and ergonomic grips. They allow for repeated hand placement when you have a large pruning job to do in your yard.
