I'm very badly disabled so my limits are without a doubt significantly lower than the full capabilities of these loppers and all I could manage was a single test cut to take a photo. I managed to cut through a branch roughly 43mm (1.7 inch) despite the digital calipers claiming 45mm. But, I still wouldn't be able to use them myself in any capacity. I just can't stand and work with tools as it's far too painful for me with severe spinal issues and I need to use walking sticks or crutches for support as well. What I can very occasionally and briefly help with is shortening the serious branches already on the floor that others have cut down with these loppers to fit them into the gardening bin. Obviously, said branches are considerably thinner towards the middles and ends so I use a set of smaller bladed, lighter Draper heavy duty telescopic anvil loppers I also have here. These Spear & Jackson heavy duty ratchet loppers are for the seriously thick and tougher stuff and they easily cope with it and they are surprisingly well balanced when the handles aren't extended. Branches of 50mm (2 inch) are not a problem for these ratchet loppers and even those getting longer in the tooth who are still relatively fit and healthy can quite easily cut through 40-45mm (1.5 - 1.7 inch) branches and still find these loppers reasonably easy to work with. The fit, young and healthy could very easily cut through 50mm (2 inch) and more, although this is at the top end of their intended use and repeatedly cutting much more than 50mm branches would seriously increase the wear and tear or end up damaging them, ideally a pruning saw or chainsaw would be better there. If you only need to tackle a handful of the considerably thicker branches however, and for the most part you're lopping off annual growth that you keep on top of, these loppers are absolutely ideal.
I'm completely reliant upon the help of family, friends and neighbours to help with my gardens so the least I could do was make their lives easier by having these tools available here for them to use. They've done so well that they're frequently borrowed now too and earn high praise every time. It's bad enough having to be so reliant upon others for help as it is without them having to struggle to actually help me too, these loppers are complete game changers and have certainly made life much easier for those that so graciously help me out. The lock is also very handy for storing these loppers with the handles closed. The twist mechanism for locking and unlocking the telescopic handles are a little small and fiddly, but to my mind if your hands can't cope with them then chances are you're not really going to want to be working with these loppers period!! All in all, excellent tools.
*** EDIT. I've noticed from observing others that the handles need to be almost fully opened to engage the ratchet and continue cutting, making them quite awkward to use in a cramped or confined space. To disengage the ratchet and fully re-open the blade, the handles need to be opened to the maximum. With the handles extended both actions require a lot of travel. It's a shame they couldn't set the ratchet to engage without the handles having to travel as far. In most cases this shouldn't be an issue but if you're specifically purchasing these loppers for use in an area where your arms may be cramped for space you may struggle. This is the ONLY drawback I can find with these loppers however!!
5/5. I've been told to highly recommend them by those that are really using them to their full potential on my behalf. For their price too, excellent tools to have when required.
| Product Dimensions | 70.51 x 20.5 x 0.25 cm; 1.91 kg |
|---|---|
| Part number | 8290RS/SIOC |
| Item display height | 3.5 centimetres |
| Item display length | 70.5 centimetres |
| Item display width | 25 centimetres |
| Item display weight | 1.91 Kilograms |
| Material type | Mixed Materials |
| Power source type | Hand Powered |
| Manufacturer | Neill Tools T/A Spear Jackson |
| Item model number | 8290RS |
| ASIN | B004N9BSQE |
