Telescopic lopper handles can be extended to increase the height a lopper can reach.
For example, a lopper which measures 665mm (26in) unextended might reach up to 955mm (37½in) when extended. This offers the substantial advantage of more height and more leverage, and requires no extra storage space.
Lopper ratchet mechanism
A ratchet mechanism comprises a round, toothed gear and a pivoting, spring-loaded finger known as a ‘pawl’.
As the handles of a ratchet lopper are closed, the gear turns anticlockwise, allowing the pawl to slide easily over the teeth’s sloping edges.
If the handles begin to reopen, the gear is turned clockwise, causing the pawl to jam against the teeth’s vertical edges and prevent the lopper handles from being opened any further.
This allows stems and branches to be cut gradually. Each time the handles on a ratchet lopper are closed, and a cut begun, the ratchet mechanism prevents them from opening again, allowing the user to make cuts in small increments, rather than all at once.
This minimises wrist strain, and is ideal for those with limited strength or ability.
When the user wishes to open the handles, a button is pressed to release the pawl, allowing the gear to turn freely.
Loppers with ratchet mechanisms are sometimes referred to as ‘PowerGear’ loppers.
Pole lopper with pruning saw
Some pole loppers come with pruning saws attached, allowing the user to saw through branches which can’t be cut with the lopper, without having to buy an additional tool.
