Testing geared bypass loppers that make pruning large branches easier

BEST LARGE LOPPERS Stanley Loppers Bypass, £42.10

These robust loppers feature a titanium-coated blade, which easily sliced through branches up to 5.5cm (2¼in) in diameter. This cu ing power is created by Geardrive, producing more force with reduced effort, and curved handles, which increase leverage. Large, shock-absorbing bumpers and non-slip, ergonomic grips made them comfortable to use. These are meaty loppers, measuring 77cm (30¼in) long and weighing 1.5kg (53oz). Supplier: Toolstation, 0808 1007 211, www.toolstation.com.

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT LOPPERS Bulldog Tools Compound Bypass Lopping Shears, £23.30

These loppers are much lighter, 955g (34oz), thanks to their profiled, coated aluminium handles, and measuring 73cm (28¾in) long. They use a compound cu ing action, which cut cleanly through branches up to 4cm (1½in) in diameter. The teeth on the lower blade helped to grip and hold the branches steady during cu ing, ensuring clean cuts. They feature very comfortable soft rubber grips. Supplier: Bulldog Tools, 01279 401570, www.bulldogtools.co.uk.

BEST COMPACT LOPPERS Gardena Comfort Pruning Lopper 500BL, £44.99

If you prefer something smaller and more compact, then these are perfect, measuring just 50cm (20in) long and weighing 680g (23oz). Despite the short, plastic-fibre handles, the gear transmission provides 38 per cent more cu ing power, and they easily cut through branches up to 3.5cm (1¼in) in diameter. Ground, non-stick coated blades made good, clean cuts. They feature good shock absorbers and comfortable grips. Supplier: Gardena, 0344 844 4558, www.gardena.com/uk.