You’ve finally had enough and can’t take it anymore: the overgrown shrubs, hedges, and weeds. They’re getting out of control and need to be tamed immediately. You need a lopper that is both strong and sturdy but unsure about whether you want to spend a lot of money. Are STIHL loppers worth it?
You can get the best value for your money by purchasing quality STIHL loppers. They may cost more upfront, but they will certainly last longer than cheaper models – saving you money in the long run. STIHL loppers offer the best bang for your buck.
STIHL was founded in 1926 with a commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. In this article, we will talk about the factors to consider when choosing a lopper and why you should consider STIHL loppers for your next pruning job.
Why You Should Buy a STIHL Lopper
There are several reasons why you should buy a STIHL lopper. They are made with quality materials and are designed to last. You can expect to get the best quality for the price with STIHL loppers.
Can handle thicker stems
STIHL loppers are heavy-duty tools and can cut through branches up to 1-inch in diameter—a task that would take several passes with pruners.
They can be used to cut branches and stems that are too thick for pruners to handle but too small for pruning saws.
Time-saving
STIHL loppers can be invaluable when you have a lot of hedges or bushes that need trimming. They are larger and longer than most loppers and can save you a lot of time and energy when pruning.
Comfortable to use
You don’t have to bend over as much as you would with pruners, making them much easier on your back and shoulders.
Easy to operate
They also don’t require the kind of precision required by hedge shears or small hand saws; all you need is enough force behind each swing so that the blades cut through your target branch cleanly without getting stuck in it (which could break them).
They are easy to use, lightweight, and durable.
Warranty
All STIHL hand tools, such as their axes, loppers, pruners, pruning saws, and hedge shears are warranted for the life of the product while they are owned by the original consumer.
Since STIHL loppers last longer and offer more value than most other products, they are definitely worth the initial investment. Furthermore, their price is affordable compared to other brands on the market.
Are STIHL Bypass Loppers Better than STIHL Anvil Loppers?
Anvil loppers have a straight blade that presses down onto a flat edge, rather like the blade of a knife against a cutting board. Bypass loppers use a scissor-like motion to cut through stems and branches.
That said, bypass and anvil loppers are two different tools that are more suited for different kinds of projects. One works well where the other doesn’t. Anvil loppers work best for hard, dead wood and for cutting through large limbs or trunks. Bypass loppers are best for cutting green, living growth.
When Bypass loppers are used on live wood, they usually make the finest cuts, allowing the plant to recuperate faster. However, they bend the blade and get jammed, when used on dry woods.
On the other hand, Anvils are designed to cut thicker branches and make great cuts on dead woods.
Bypass loppers are usually used by gardeners who maintain their living plants regularly. Anvil loppers work best for removing thick dead growth where precision is not critical but power is.
How much do STIHL Loppers Cost?
STIHL makes different products for different gardening needs. STIHL loppers can cost a premium, but they are not as expensive as some other brands. You should expect to pay somewhere between $60 and $100 for a pair of STIHL loppers depending on the model you choose.
STIHL loppers have replaceable parts, unlike cheaper, lower-quality loppers. These replacement parts can be bought from your local authorized STIHL dealer.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lopper
Price
Your budget is a major consideration when choosing a lopper. You shouldn’t have to break the bank to buy a good lopper but you don’t want a cheap but flimsy lopper either. What you need is a perfect blend of cost and function; a lopper that is affordable and does the job.
Type
It’s important to choose the correct type of loppers for your needs before you make a purchase. There are two main types of loppers: bypass and anvil loppers. Each has its benefits and drawbacks that you’ll want to consider before making your final decision. Let’s go through each one.
❖ Anvil
Anvil loppers are stronger than bypass loppers. They are designed like a knife and are perfect for cutting thick limbs and stems. A little caution is advised when using these loppers. Applying too much force can lead to injury from blunt force trauma caused by hitting rocks hidden within the greenery.
❖ Bypass
Bypass loppers have two sharpened blades that function much like scissors. These are great if you only need to cut small branches once or twice because it’s fast and easy; however, their cutting action isn’t very strong and they can break easily when working with thicker material such as saplings or small tree limbs.
Bypass loppers are better when the task requires precision.
Cutting Mechanism
There are three different types of cutting mechanisms that can be found in loppers: ratcheting, geared, and compound action mechanisms. Let’s get to understand each mechanism:
❖ Geared
Just as the name suggests, these loppers have a gear mechanism at the fulcrum to increase power and leverage while cutting.
❖ Ratcheting
Ratcheting loppers are ideal for gardeners with less arm strength. They work by latching when the handles are squeezed, allowing more pressure to be added without exertion.
❖ Compound Action
When you’re buying a lopper, you’ll find two main types: compound and non-compound. The difference between the two is that a compound lopper has an additional lever that expands the spring mechanism, which makes it easier to cut tougher branches.
Compound action loppers work much like ratcheting loppers, but with multiple pivot points and several moving parts. They are more efficient at cutting thicker branches.
Quality of Blades
High-quality blades will save you time and effort, and will also last for much longer than low-quality blades. Blades made from hardened or carbon steel are less likely to bend and chip, and are therefore usually the best option.
Handle Length
Loppers come in a variety of handle lengths, ranging from 15” to 32” or longer. Handle length decides how high you can reach into the trees and shrubs. Longer handles also give you more leverage and allow you to cut thicker branches than shorter handles.
You can also choose loppers with telescoping handles which offer some sort of middle point between shorter and longer handles.
Grip Design
There are various kinds of grip designs for loppers, ranging in shape, size, and type. Ultimately, you should select whatever feels comfortable to you.
Weight
A lopper should be too heavy to use. However, ultra-light models can turn out to be too weak. Steel loppers are usually heavier while loppers made from aluminum are often lighter while still being sturdy enough to use. Non-compound loppers are also slightly lighter than their compound loppers.
FAQs
What is the Difference Between Pruners and Loppers?
Pruners are smaller, one-handed tools used to cut small branches and stems around half an inch or less, while loppers are two-handed and are used to cut medium-sized branches, generally less than two inches in thickness. Pruning saws are used to trim branches that are too large for loppers to handle.
The main difference between the two tools is that a pruner cuts smaller plants, while a lopper cuts larger plants.
Are Compound Loppers Better than Non-Compound Loppers?
Non-compound loppers are just as effective at cutting wood but require more effort from the user; they’re also slightly lighter than their compound counterparts. Compound loppers are heavier because of the extra levers needed.
Compound loppers cost more than non-compounds due to their increased complexity and construction materials like carbon steel (which increases strength). A compound lopper will handle any type of work but it’s more expensive.
Conclusion
You can rest assured that STIHL loppers offer great value for their prices, and are guaranteed to last for much longer than most other products in the market. So, if you’re ready to get started on this garden pruning project that has been calling your name for a while now, go ahead and get yourself some STIHL loppers. You’ll be glad you did!
