The best telescopic branch cutters in the UK 2023

The telescopic branch cutter is an essential tool for any good gardener. It comes in handy for pruning as well as for trimming. If you need to maintain your fruit trees or preserve the shape of your trees, discover our selection of the best telescopic branch cutters and read our guide to choose the model best suited to your needs.

Gardena StarCut 160 plus
9/10

Best value for money

Gardena StarCut 160 Plus

The best telescopic trimmer in 2021

The Gardena StarCut 160 Plus telescopic branch cutter is efficient and simple. Thanks to its 160 cm handle, maintaining your garden becomes a pleasure. High precision and simple cuts are among its advantages.

58,69 £ on Amazon

The Gardena StarCut 160 Plus is equipped with a high quality hardened steel blade and can handle branches up to 3.2 cm in diameter. Thanks to its 160 cm length, you no longer need to use a stepladder or ladder to reach high trees and hedges. Pruning is effortless due to its clean and powerful cut.

This telescopic tree trimmer comes with a 200° tilting cutting head that is as thin as it is closed. The inner traction band prevents branches from getting tangled. It has a T-shaped handle with rounded tips for easy handling. Note that this German-made model comes with a 25-year warranty.

Westfalia GartenMeister
7/10

Best value for money

Westfalia GartenMeister

The best entry-level telescopic trimmer

This is a telescopic branch cutter that stands out in particular for its discount price. This gardening tool offers the assurance of a professional work thanks to its exceptional resistance and its very sharp blade.

27,19 £ on Manomano

The Westfalia GartenMeister is not a simple tree trimmer as the picture might suggest. It can reach high branches without the need for a ladder. Its practicality makes difficult places more accessible. The tool has 2 telescopic handles that can be extended from 68 to 100 cm depending on the needs.

With its non-stick coating, it is easy to hold. Also note the hardened steel cutting blade of incomparable efficiency. Thanks to it, you will enjoy a maximum cutting thickness of 40 mm. The lightweight aluminum frame ensures optimal user comfort and a perfectly welcoming garden.

Fiskars UPX86
9/10

Best value for money

Fiskars UPX86

The best high-end telescopic trimmer

Its design quality, performance and cutting capacity largely explain the price of this telescopic branch cutter. The effort involved will be reduced to a minimum. Of course, this model can withstand intensive use.

92,80 £ on Amazon
Gardena 08779-20 650 BT Comfort
8/10

A great choice

Gardena 08779-20 650 BT Comfort

A performance model

Do you want to prune small branches without buying a chainsaw? We offer you the Gardena 08779-20 650 BT Comfort telescopic branch cutter. Its 42 mm cutting diameter will be useful.

85,60 £ on Manomano

We are sure that you will appreciate the easy adjustment of the telescopic handle of the Gardena 08779-20 650 BT Comfort. However, it is the cutting diameter of 4.2 cm that is the strength of this trimmer. You can make clean and precise cuts with its sharp curved blades. This means that you will have to make very little effort.

In order to reach tall trees and hedges, the telescopic tree trimmer is equipped with a telescopic aluminum handle with a length ranging from 65 to 90 cm. Its lightness is perfect for all gardeners, landscapers and private individuals who wish to maintain their green space in good conditions. The ergonomic handles with non-slip stops combined with the finger rest make it even easier to use.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best telescopic branch cutter

Any specific needs?

The best telescopic trimmer in 2021

The best entry-level telescopic trimmer

The best high-end telescopic trimmer

A performance model

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best telescopic branch cutters

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Gardena StarCut 160 plus
9/10
Westfalia GartenMeister
7/10
Fiskars UPX86
9/10
Gardena 08779-20 650 BT Comfort
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Gardena StarCut 160 Plus
Westfalia GartenMeister
Fiskars UPX86
Gardena 08779-20 650 BT Comfort
The Gardena StarCut 160 Plus telescopic branch cutter is efficient and simple. Thanks to its 160 cm handle, maintaining your garden becomes a pleasure. High precision and simple cuts are among its advantages.
This is a telescopic branch cutter that stands out in particular for its discount price. This gardening tool offers the assurance of a professional work thanks to its exceptional resistance and its very sharp blade.
Its design quality, performance and cutting capacity largely explain the price of this telescopic branch cutter. The effort involved will be reduced to a minimum. Of course, this model can withstand intensive use.
Do you want to prune small branches without buying a chainsaw? We offer you the Gardena 08779-20 650 BT Comfort telescopic branch cutter. Its 42 mm cutting diameter will be useful.
Extension length
160 cm
68 to 100 cm
2.4 to 4 m
65 to 90 cm
Number of handles
1
2
1
2
Cutting diameter
32 mm
40 mm
32 mm
42 mm
Branch type
Fresh wood
-
Fresh wood
Green wood
Material
Hardened steel blade, non-stick coating
Rugged aluminum oval tube frame, hardened steel blades, non-stick coating
Heavy-duty steel blades and aluminum handle
Steel blades, aluminum handle, non-stick coating

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Buying guide - telescopic branch cutter

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How to choose your telescopic branch cutter

Depending on your needs, there are some more or less important criteria to consider when choosing a telescopic tree trimmer.

#1 - The length of the handles

Your comfort and efficiency with your lopper is determined in part by the length of its handles. For high cutting power that doesn't require much effort on your part, look for a trimmer with telescoping handles that are long enough. A good handle length creates leverage that multiplies the cutting force, which is even more important if you have an average build.

#2 - The quality of the blades

The cutting power of your lopper also depends on the quality of its blades. Pay particular attention to their characteristics, especially the material they are made of. It is highly recommended to choose only a telescopic tree trimmer with steel blades, which are more resistant and durable. They provide a clean and easy cut, while being less susceptible to wear. Also, make sure they receive a special non-stick coating so you don't have to wipe them down after each cut.

#3 - The cutting mechanism

Most telescopic tree trimmers have a mechanism that increases their cutting power in parallel with their longer handles. Ratchet trimmers provide a smooth, but clean cut. They allow you to make successive cuts without tiring your hands. Those with a geared mechanism also have the advantage of further enhancing the leverage effect, contributing to the reinforcement of the cutting force.

#4 - The ergonomics

Because

you are required to exert frequent pressure on the handles of your telescopic branch trimmer, it is important to take into account their specificities. They must offer good comfort while providing a firm grip. Choose handles made of soft, non-slip material, or better yet, with a more ergonomic shape that improves their grip. That way, your tool won't slip out of your hands and you can work with confidence.

#5 - The weight

A telescopic tree trimmer requires some handling that can tire you out quickly if its weight is not adapted to your body type. Prefer a model that is light enough and easy to handle to perform your cutting gestures more comfortably. Beyond the size of the lopper, its weight can influence its handling.

Materials

The characteristics of the other materials used to manufacture the telescopic branch cutter must be taken into account. Aside from the blades, check that the handles and telescopic handles are strong and able to withstand the stresses of use. A quality lopper has handles made of rigid aluminum, a material that is both strong and lightweight.

How to use a telescopic branch cutter?


Easy to use, the telescopic branch cutter is an adequate tool for cutting tree branches, even those located high up. You can choose between two ways of cutting, either you use the central handle or you use the end pull handle. If you choose the center handle, you must pull it toward you to operate the jaws.

To reach the high branches, simply activate the sleeve handle or the end handle with a very high height. You can also access them by activating the handle extension system. To do this, you must lift the small latch and then pull the sleeve until you get the length you want.

Be careful not to exceed the maximum level, which is often marked in red, otherwise you risk extending the trimmer too far. Indeed, the head of this tool is adjustable, which allows you to cut easily in all positions according to your needs. All you have to do to orient it is operate the jaw system.

It is also essential to maintain your telescopic tree trimmer. You must regularly take care of your blades to prolong their life, but especially to avoid any risk of oxidation which deteriorates them too quickly. In addition, it is advisable to use alcohol to clean the blades because diseases can be transmitted from one tree to another.

It is also necessary to regularly sharpen the cutting edges for more precise cuts, and above all to save time because the work will be finished more quickly.

Telescopic branch cutter with one or two handles?

Telescopic branch cutter with single handle

The single-handled telescopic tree trimmer is characterized by its long length of up to 4 m. Despite its size, this tool is still very powerful, with a cutting force as high as that of a two-handled lopper. It has a transmission mechanism using steel elements, capable of increasing the cutting power up to 12 times.

But the major advantage of a single-handled telescopic lopper is its ability to reach great heights. If you plan to prune tall trees, this is the equipment you need, as you will easily reach the highest branches without using a ladder.

Telescopic branch cutters with two handles

The most common type, the two-handled telescopic branch cutters have the advantage of being less cumbersome. In addition, they are suitable for all body types. All you have to do is adjust them to the right extension to obtain the ideal cutting angle and according to the force you want to exert on the handles. However, you should know that to cut branches effortlessly, the handles should be extended to the maximum.

Verdict

If you need to prune tall trees, the telescopic single-handled tree trimmer is the tool for you. It allows you to easily reach branches up to 6 m high from the ground.

The two-handled telescopic trimmer, on the other hand, is recommended for cutting branches at ground level. Whether for winter pruning or for cutting dead branches on the ground, it is versatile and easy to handle, not to mention economical.

Spare parts

Consider choosing a telescopic tree trimmer that is available with spare parts. This will allow you to replace worn parts, especially the blades. Gear mechanisms, such as the rack and pinion, are also available as spare parts.

Why use a telescopic tree trimmer?

Pruning a tree may be necessary in several cases:

  • Winter pruning.
  • Decorative cutting.
  • Preventive cutting against falling branches.
  • Trimming branches to prevent leaves from falling onto the roof and into the gutters.
  • Removal of dead branches.
  • Trimming branches to eliminate shading that could damage the roof.

When pruning a tree or fruit tree, the branches can easily exceed 2 or 3 cm in diameter. In this case, the pruning shears become useless, as they are not able to provide enough cutting power to deal with the thicker branches. In order to be able to work safely, you must therefore equip yourself with a branch cutter or lopper, sometimes also called long-handled pruning shears.

However, the presence of handles is not enough to properly trim a tree with a lopper. When the branches are between 4 and 6 cm in diameter, a more powerful lopper is required. Telescopic handles give the trimmer a higher cutting force. And if you need to reach high branches, you can opt for a lopper with a single telescopic handle. It is important to note, however, that telescopic tree trimmers are only designed to cut branches up to 6 cm in diameter. Beyond that, other tools are required.

In addition to their practicality, telescopic branch cutters have other advantages:

  • They are environmentally friendly and quiet.
  • They are versatile.
  • They are economical.
  • They require little physical effort.

Tips

Remove dead branches

Before pruning your trees, remove the dead branches first and put them in a separate place. This will make your pruning job easier.

Moderate the cut

Unless it is

a winter pruning, do not force the cutting of branches too much in order to preserve the natural appearance of your trees or shrubs. It is recommended to cut only one third of the branches at most.

Choose a telescopic tree trimmer with a gear ratio

Think about

choosing only a telescopic lopper with a gear mechanism. This way, you won't have to exert much effort when cutting.

Clean the blades after cutting

If

you are cutting diseased branches, be sure to clean the blades of your telescopic lopper with a mixture of bleach and water before moving on to healthy branches or another tree

.

Maintain the blades of your lopper

Lubricate

the blades of your telescopic branch trimmer for maximum performance, but also to keep them from wearing out early. Also take care to wipe them down after each cut to remove sawdust and sap.

FAQ

What is the best telescopic tree trimmer?

The best telescopic tree trimmer depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide for the best products out there.

What is the price of a telescopic tree trimmer?

The

price of a telescopic tree trimmer varies depending on its features, brand and range. Entry-level models cost between 25 and 30 euros. The mid-range ones have a price between 35 and 50 euros. Top-of-the-line telescopic tree trimmers exceed 60 euros, with prices reaching 150 euros for some products.

Can I replace the parts that make up my telescopic tree trimmer?

Yes,

many models are available with spare parts for replacement of wearing parts. The blades and the gear mechanism are among them. Be aware, however, that they are compatible with tools of the same brand.

What type of blades should I choose for my telescopic tree trimmer?

If

you plan to cut green wood, opt for a model with sharp, straight blades, on which both blades have a cutting function. Anvil telescopic loppers have a sharp blade and an anvil. They allow you to cut hardwood by activating the 3-step cutting mechanism.

Who can use a telescopic tree trimmer?

Anyone

can use a lopper by choosing the right product. Whether you are pruning fruit trees or pruning shrubs in the garden, this is the tool to have.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. How to choose your branch trimmer, Conseil.manomano.fr
  2. Trimming fruit trees: choose your GARDENA branch trimmer well, Gardena.com
  3. 5 Best Loppers Nov. 2020, Bestreviews.com
  4. Choosing your branch trimmer 2/2 Pruner and branch cutter, Ladepanne.fr
  5. Tips for choosing your Jardiland pruning tools well, Jardiland.com
  6. 7 tips for pruning your branches effortlessly!, Monjardinmamaison.maison-travaux.fr
  7. Choosing your pruning shears, Gammvert.fr
  8. Opt for a precise and efficient rack branch trimmer!, Lejardinsuisse.com
  9. Telescopic branch cutter with Smartfit blade, Truffaut.com
  10. Telescopic branch cutter at the best price | Leroy Merlin, lefigaro.fr
  11. Telescopic branch cutter at the best price | Leroy Merlin, leroymerlin.fr
  12. Amazon.co.uk : telescopic branch cutter, leroymerlin.fr
  13. The 6 Best Telescopic Branch Cutters - Test ..., amazon.co.uk
  14. The Best Telescopic Branch Cutters. Comparative ..., ecomparatif.fr
  15. Telescopic branch cutter + saw - Brico Dépôt, jardinaddict.com
  16. Telescopic branch cutter at the best price | Leroy Merlin, bricodepot.fr
  17. Amazon.co.uk : telescopic branch cutter, leroymerlin.fr
  18. Trimming tools : shaker, branch cutter, pruner ..., amazon.co.uk
  19. Telescopic branch cutter at a mini price - ManoMano, castorama.fr
  20. Trimming tool, pruning shears, branch cutter | Bricomarché, manomano.fr
  21. Multifunctional Telescopic Branch Cutter FISKARS PowerGear™X ..., bricomarche.com
  22. Telescopic Branch Cutter | Truffaut, leroymerlin.fr
  23. Telescopic Multifunctional Branch Cutter UPX86 PowerGear ..., truffaut.com
  24. Gardena Echenilloirs Telescopic Branch Cutter StarCut ..., fiskars.com
  25. Amazon.en : branch cutters, gardena.com
  26. Best Telescopic Branch Cutter 2021 [Comparative], amazon.co.uk
  27. Telescopic Branch Cutter - ManoMano, selectos.eu
  28. Telescopic Rack Branch Cutter Lifetime Warranty, manomano.fr
  29. Telescopic Branch Cutters and Delimbers - GARDENA, jacklumber.fr
  30. GARDENA StarCut 410 Plus Telescopic Branch Cutter Package ..., gardena.com
  31. , gammvert.fr
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Gardena StarCut 160 plus
Gardena StarCut 160 Plus
Westfalia GartenMeister
Westfalia GartenMeister
Fiskars UPX86
Fiskars UPX86
Gardena 08779-20 650 BT Comfort
Gardena 08779-20 650 BT Comfort

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