Which Long-reach Tree Lopper?

LunarSea

My existing one has given up the ghost so I need to find a new one. It's 5' long, extending to about 9' with a bypass cutter operated by a long cord. 

I've seen three brands so far: Wolf, Darlac and Kent & Stowe. The former seems to be the top-end option probably due to it being part of a multi-change system and I'm prepared to go for that if it can be justified.

I'd be grateful for any recommendations. Particular areas of concern for me are:

1. How heavy is it when used fully extended and in a horizontal orientation (such as when you're up a ladder and reaching for branches across the top of the tree?

2. How is the cord restrained? My current one isn't at all and is constantly getting tangled around the spring mechanism or looped around the pole.

Thanks.

B3

Have a look at friskars too.

LunarSea

Thanks @B3. Whilst looking online at the Fiskars I also came across the Gardena one, so that's another two possibles on the list 

Plantminded

I have the Wolf lopper with extendable pole.  There are two different lopper sizes/weights - I have the larger one.  I found it easy to use and not too heavy when I used to use it on a plum tree, now gone due to age.  The cord hangs freely from the loppers but I did not find it problematic.  You could always attach a home made sleeve lower down the pole to secure it but that might weaken the pulley action.

The poles are available in different lengths, they are made from aluminium and plastic and light to use.  My main current use of the extendable pole is with the window cleaning attachments.  It was also handy recently when I attached a garden hose to clean the gutters! 

This supplier is offering the two Wolf loppers at good sale prices at the moment:  Wolf Garten Multi-Change Tools | Over 60 Heads To Choose From (worldofwolf.co.uk)  Hope this helps.

LunarSea

Thanks @Plantminded. Those are indeed very good prices compared to our GC. 

LunarSea

In the end I plumped for the Gardena solution.

Gardena Branch Pruners StarCut 410 plus

It is light & very well made and addresses the issues I had with my previous one. The pull-cord is internal (with both an end-pull & a shaft-pull) and the geared cantilever is also housed internally so very little to get snagged in the branches.

I discovered this one on-line. I've not seen it stocked in any garden centres. Amazon are selling it for £135.80 but I got mine for £84.24 click & collect from Chelford Farm Supplies. I've driven past this place hundreds of times and always thought it was just for farmers. It's like an Aladdin's Cave. Almost an entire floor set up for professional gardeners but loads of top quality stuff that keen amateurs can benefit from. It'll certainly be my go-to place from now on.

Thanks for your replies anyway.