Overview of pruning shears and what to consider before buying

Master the tool that makes cutting easier and more precise
Renovation
Renovation
5 min
There are many types of pruning shears, from compact models to powerful telescopic shears. In this article, you’ll get an overview of the types, functions, and considerations so you can choose the pruning shears that best suit your needs.
Ben Harris
Ben
Harris

Overview of pruning shears and what to consider before buying

Master the tool that makes cutting easier and more precise
Renovation
Renovation
5 min
There are many types of pruning shears, from compact models to powerful telescopic shears. In this article, you’ll get an overview of the types, functions, and considerations so you can choose the pruning shears that best suit your needs.
Ben Harris
Ben
Harris

Good pruning shears are an essential tool for every garden owner who wants to keep trees and shrubs healthy and well maintained. Whether it’s cutting thin branches or thick shoots, there are many different types of pruning shears that vary in size, gearing, and grip. Therefore, it can be useful to know the differences before deciding which model best suits your needs.

In this article, you’ll get an overview of the different types of pruning shears, their functions, and what to consider before investing in a new gardening tool.

The article presents a selection of pruning shears in different price ranges and designs – from compact models to powerful telescopic shears. The aim is to provide an overview of the many options so that you can assess which type best suits your cutting tasks. The product information is based on publicly available descriptions from manufacturers and retailers, summarised to provide a neutral and informative overview.

1
Cordless garden power
Gardena Cordless Pruning Shears EasyCut 110/18V, set
A complete set of Gardena cordless pruning shears that combine cordless freedom and powerful cutting force for branches up to 28 mm in diameter.
Why it was chosen: The EasyCut 110/18V was selected as an example of a user-friendly and efficient cordless pruning shear that offers good performance and flexibility for garden work without a cable.

The Gardena EasyCut 110/18V is an electric, cordless pruning shear designed for easy cutting of shrubs and small trees. It comes as a complete Ready-To-Use set with both battery and charger, so it is ready for use immediately.

The shears operate with an 18 V lithium-ion battery that provides stable power and flexibility without a power cord. The maximum cutting capacity is 28 mm, making it suitable for most common garden tasks.

The ergonomic design and comfortable handle ensure a pleasant working position, and the LED indicator shows the current battery level. The blades with a non-stick coating reduce friction and make cutting more precise.

The EasyCut 110/18V is part of the Gardena POWER FOR ALL system, which means that the battery can be used with other compatible tools in the same range.

  • Cordless operation: Provides freedom of movement during cutting without a power cord.
  • 18 V lithium-ion battery: Stable and efficient power source, includes charger.
  • 28 mm cutting capacity: Suitable for cutting branches and shrubs in the garden.
  • Ergonomic handle: Ensures comfortable use for longer periods.
  • POWER FOR ALL compatibility: The battery can be used in several Gardena products.

Pros and cons

  • Delivered as a complete set with battery and charger
  • Cordless and flexible in use
  • Ergonomic design with LED battery indicator
  • Compatible with the POWER FOR ALL system
  • The 2.3 kg weight may feel heavy during prolonged use
  • The 28 mm cutting capacity may be limiting for thicker branches

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Delivered as a complete set with battery and charger
  • Cordless and flexible in use
  • Ergonomic design with LED battery indicator
  • Compatible with the POWER FOR ALL system

Cons

  • The 2.3 kg weight may feel heavy during prolonged use
  • The 28 mm cutting capacity may be limiting for thicker branches

Pros

  • Delivered as a complete set with battery and charger
  • Cordless and flexible in use
  • Ergonomic design with LED battery indicator
  • Compatible with the POWER FOR ALL system

Cons

  • The 2.3 kg weight may feel heavy during prolonged use
  • The 28 mm cutting capacity may be limiting for thicker branches
Pros: The product is delivered as a complete set with battery and charger, is cordless and flexible in use, has an ergonomic design with LED battery indicator, and is compatible with the POWER FOR ALL system.
Cons: The 2.3 kg weight may feel heavy during prolonged use, and the 28 mm cutting capacity may be limiting for thicker branches.
Pros: The product is delivered as a complete set with battery and charger, is cordless and flexible in use, has an ergonomic design with LED battery indicator, and is compatible with the POWER FOR ALL system.
Cons: The 2.3 kg weight may feel heavy during prolonged use, and the 28 mm cutting capacity may be limiting for thicker branches.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Gardena
  • Model: 14772-20
  • EAN: 4078500065498
  • Product type: Pruning shears (electric, cordless)
  • Battery type: Lithium-ion
  • Battery voltage: 18 V
  • Charger: Includes charger (AL 1810 CV)
  • Battery included: PBA 18 V/36 P4A
  • Maximum cutting capacity: 28 mm
  • Features: LED battery level indicator, ergonomic handle, blades with non-stick coating, POWER FOR ALL compatibility
  • Weight (incl. battery): 2.3 kg
2
Professional cutting power
Milwaukee pruning shears M12 BLPRS-0
Cordless pruning shears from Milwaukee with a brushless motor that can cut branches up to 32 mm thick and provides the user with better control and less physical strain.
Why it was chosen: The Milwaukee M12 BLPRS-0 was selected for its combination of power, ergonomics, and flexibility. It represents a modern cutting solution where efficiency and user-friendliness are prioritised in professional and demanding environments.

The Milwaukee M12 BLPRS-0 is a brushless pruning shear designed for efficient cutting without manual force. It operates on Milwaukee’s M12 battery system and can cut branches with a diameter of up to 32 mm.

The shears are equipped with technology that makes the blades follow the trigger movement, giving the user better control during work. A special function allows the tool to be locked at half capacity (16 mm), increasing speed for lighter cutting tasks.

With an M12 B2 battery, the tool can make over 1,000 cuts in 1.25 cm branches, making it suitable for long-term use. It comes with a wrist strap and attachment point for better handling and safety.

The pruning shears are compatible with all MILWAUKEE® M12™ batteries but are supplied without battery, charger, and carrying case.

  • Brushless motor: Provides high efficiency and longer service life.
  • Cutting capacity: Up to 32 mm at full capacity and 16 mm at half capacity.
  • Adjustable speed trigger: Offers precise control during cutting.
  • Flexible battery system: Compatible with all M12 batteries.
  • Ergonomic design: Supplied with a wrist strap for better handling.

Pros and cons

  • Powerful cutting force up to 32 mm
  • Option for half capacity for faster cutting
  • Does not require manual force – reduces strain
  • Compatible with existing M12 batteries
  • Lightweight and well-balanced design
  • Supplied without battery and charger
  • Requires M12 batteries to operate
  • May be oversized for very small cutting tasks

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Powerful cutting force up to 32 mm
  • Option for half capacity for faster cutting
  • Does not require manual force – reduces strain
  • Compatible with existing M12 batteries
  • Lightweight and well-balanced design

Cons

  • Supplied without battery and charger
  • Requires M12 batteries to operate
  • May be oversized for very small cutting tasks

Pros

  • Powerful cutting force up to 32 mm
  • Option for half capacity for faster cutting
  • Does not require manual force – reduces strain
  • Compatible with existing M12 batteries
  • Lightweight and well-balanced design

Cons

  • Supplied without battery and charger
  • Requires M12 batteries to operate
  • May be oversized for very small cutting tasks
Pros: This model has powerful cutting force up to 32 mm, the option for half capacity for faster cutting, does not require manual force and thus reduces strain, is compatible with existing M12 batteries, and has a lightweight and well-balanced design.
Cons: It is supplied without battery and charger, requires M12 batteries to operate, and may be oversized for very small cutting tasks.
Pros: This model has powerful cutting force up to 32 mm, the option for half capacity for faster cutting, does not require manual force and thus reduces strain, is compatible with existing M12 batteries, and has a lightweight and well-balanced design.
Cons: It is supplied without battery and charger, requires M12 batteries to operate, and may be oversized for very small cutting tasks.

Specifications

  • Model: M12 BLPRS-0
  • Product number (SKU): 4933480114
  • Blade material: SK5 steel
  • Max. cutting capacity (full): 32 mm
  • Max. cutting capacity (half): 16 mm
  • Adjustable speed trigger: Yes
  • Weight without battery: 1.3 kg
  • Weight with battery (M12 B2): 1.5 kg
  • Battery system: MILWAUKEE® M12™
  • Supplied without battery, charger, and carrying case
3
Easy cutting at height
Gardena telescopic pruner StarCut 410 PLUS
Gardena telescopic pruner with adjustable aluminium handle, precision-ground blades and 12x gearing, allowing precise and powerful cutting of branches at height.
Why it was chosen: The Gardena StarCut 410 PLUS was selected for its combination of long reach, lightweight design and efficient gearing. It represents a typical choice for users who want to prune tall trees and shrubs without a ladder.

The Gardena telescopic pruner StarCut 410 PLUS is designed for cutting high branches and allows the user to work from the ground. The telescopic aluminium handle can be adjusted between 230–410 cm, giving a total reach of up to about 6.5 metres including the user's height.

The shears have a 12x gearing that increases cutting power and allows cutting of branches up to 32 mm thick. The internal pulley prevents the cord from getting caught in branches during work, and the narrow cutting head makes it easier to reach into dense foliage.

The cutting angle can be adjusted individually from the ground so that the cut can be adapted to different angles and branch thicknesses. Precision-ground blades with a non-stick coating reduce friction and make cleaning after use easier.

The T-shaped handle and anti-slip pull sleeve ensure safe and comfortable handling. The product is made in Germany and constructed from aluminium and stainless steel, ensuring light weight and high durability.

  • Telescopic reach: Adjustable handle 230–410 cm allows access to high branches.
  • Efficient gearing: 12x gearing increases cutting power during pruning.
  • Precision blades: Non-stick coating reduces resistance and makes cleaning easier.
  • Adjustable cutting angle: Enables precise cutting from the ground.
  • Lightweight design: Aluminium handle and compact cutting head make handling easier.

Pros and cons

  • Long reach without a ladder
  • Efficient gearing for powerful cutting
  • Lightweight and durable aluminium construction
  • Adjustable cutting angle for flexible pruning
  • Non-stick coating on blades makes cleaning easier
  • May feel heavy during prolonged use at full length
  • Requires some technique to achieve precise cutting at height

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Long reach without a ladder
  • Efficient gearing for powerful cutting
  • Lightweight and durable aluminium construction
  • Adjustable cutting angle for flexible pruning
  • Non-stick coating on blades makes cleaning easier

Cons

  • May feel heavy during prolonged use at full length
  • Requires some technique to achieve precise cutting at height

Pros

  • Long reach without a ladder
  • Efficient gearing for powerful cutting
  • Lightweight and durable aluminium construction
  • Adjustable cutting angle for flexible pruning
  • Non-stick coating on blades makes cleaning easier

Cons

  • May feel heavy during prolonged use at full length
  • Requires some technique to achieve precise cutting at height
Pros: The tool has a long reach without a ladder, efficient gearing that enables powerful cutting, lightweight and durable aluminium construction, adjustable cutting angle for flexible pruning, and a non-stick coating on the blades that makes cleaning easier.
Cons: It may feel heavy during prolonged use at full length and requires some technique to achieve precise cutting at height.
Pros: The tool has a long reach without a ladder, efficient gearing that enables powerful cutting, lightweight and durable aluminium construction, adjustable cutting angle for flexible pruning, and a non-stick coating on the blades that makes cleaning easier.
Cons: It may feel heavy during prolonged use at full length and requires some technique to achieve precise cutting at height.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Gardena
  • Model: 12001-20
  • Product number: 2594548
  • EAN: 4078500028332
  • Cutting system: Bypass
  • Handle, material: Aluminium
  • Handle, colour: Black and orange
  • Blade, colour: Stainless steel
  • Length: 2300 mm (telescopic up to 4100 mm)
  • Cutting capacity: 3.2 cm
  • Made in: Germany
4
Efficient and precise cutting
Gardena Battery-powered telescopic pruner HighCut 360/18V, set
The Gardena battery-powered telescopic pruner allows you to cut high branches precisely and comfortably from the ground. Delivered as a complete set with battery and charger.
Why it was chosen: The HighCut 360/18V was selected for its combination of reach, battery operation, and user-friendly design. It represents a modern solution for gardeners who want efficient cutting without ladders.

The Gardena HighCut 360/18V is a battery-powered telescopic pruner designed to cut high branches without a ladder. The integrated extension pole allows a reach of up to 3.6 metres, giving a total working height of around 5 metres.

The pruner has a detachable handle for easy transport and storage. The narrow and pivoting cutting head can be tilted up to 60 degrees, allowing you to cut branches from different angles and maintain a good view during work.

Hardened steel blades with a non-stick coating ensure clean cuts in fresh wood with a diameter of up to 28 mm. The ergonomic design and LED battery status indicator provide a comfortable and controlled working experience.

The set comes ready to use with an 18V POWER FOR ALL battery and quick charger. The battery is part of the POWER FOR ALL ALLIANCE collaboration, meaning it can be used with many compatible garden and household products.

  • Long reach: Telescopic function up to 3.6 metres allows cutting of high branches.
  • Efficient cutting: Cuts branches up to 28 mm in diameter with hardened steel blades.
  • Battery-powered: 18V lithium-ion battery provides cordless freedom and up to 400 cuts per charge.
  • Ergonomic design: Detachable handle and LED battery status indicator.
  • Tiltable cutting head: Pivoting head up to 60 degrees for precise cutting.

Pros and cons

  • Allows cutting of high branches without a ladder
  • Delivered as a complete set with battery and charger
  • Non-stick coating reduces friction and sticking
  • Compatible battery system with other POWER FOR ALL products
  • Ergonomic and flexible design
  • May feel heavy during prolonged use at full length
  • Battery life depends on branch thickness and wood type

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Allows cutting of high branches without a ladder
  • Delivered as a complete set with battery and charger
  • Non-stick coating reduces friction and sticking
  • Compatible battery system with other POWER FOR ALL products
  • Ergonomic and flexible design

Cons

  • May feel heavy during prolonged use at full length
  • Battery life depends on branch thickness and wood type

Pros

  • Allows cutting of high branches without a ladder
  • Delivered as a complete set with battery and charger
  • Non-stick coating reduces friction and sticking
  • Compatible battery system with other POWER FOR ALL products
  • Ergonomic and flexible design

Cons

  • May feel heavy during prolonged use at full length
  • Battery life depends on branch thickness and wood type
Pros: The product allows cutting of high branches without a ladder, is delivered as a complete set with battery and charger, has a non-stick coating that reduces friction and sticking, uses a compatible battery system with other POWER FOR ALL products, and is ergonomically and flexibly designed.
Cons: It may feel heavy during prolonged use at full length, and battery life depends on both branch thickness and wood type.
Pros: The product allows cutting of high branches without a ladder, is delivered as a complete set with battery and charger, has a non-stick coating that reduces friction and sticking, uses a compatible battery system with other POWER FOR ALL products, and is ergonomically and flexibly designed.
Cons: It may feel heavy during prolonged use at full length, and battery life depends on both branch thickness and wood type.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Gardena
  • Model: 14776-20
  • Product number: 3154515
  • EAN: 4078500065573
  • Maximum branch thickness: 2.8 cm
  • Maximum length: 3.6 m
  • Power source: Battery
  • Battery voltage: 18 V
  • Battery technology: Lithium-ion (Li-Ion)
  • Blade material: Hardened steel
  • Non-stick coated blade: Yes
  • Product colour: Black, Silver
  • Ergonomic handle: Yes
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