I've been looking for something like these ever since collecting pear scions from the repository in Corvallis.
Typically decent ones run over $100 plus shipping.
These are on clearance for $74 delivered:
http://www.drpower.com/shop-by-category ... pruner.axd
That is a smoking deal.
I usually have bought old ones at garage sales that are cheaper, but more beat up and usually don't work as well. I adapted and used my really old non working one as a fruit picker.
I don't have all dwarf trees. I think there is a fine line between the increased productivity/nature benefit per land of semi-dwarf and the ease of dwarf. I don't hardly use dwarf rootstocks.
John S
PDX OR
To be clear, these are loppers, not shears. So you use both arms with some decent mechanical advantage.
These are a superior design to some because only one of the arms is hinged. So when you position the cutter and pull the handle, you don't have to compensate for the distance changing as you complete the stroke.
I purchased the ones at lowes that have red PVC with a rope and wooden handle to pull. I forget the price, but it was way cheaper. I've had mine at least 18 years and nothings broke, just the label is wearing off on it. It is adjustable, expanding and contracting for desired length. When it's fully extended it is very sturdy and extends out as far as these pruners. I've attached a five gallon bucket to the top end where the pruners are to catch a bee swarm that are high up in trees. It handled this with no problems. It's very sturdy. You can't beat the price. have a great day
I got an email, they are on further sale today, and additional 10% off. I resisted ordering another set until now, but can't hold out.
use coupon code: 81646X or perhaps this direct link: [url:qvkycx88]http://www.drpower.com/shop-by-category/hand-tools/telescopic-long-reach-pruner.axd?src=HL81646XI33B0000&utm_source=DR+Power+Equipment&utm_campaign=20131127_V1_MA_BurnCage&utm_medium=email[/url:qvkycx88]
$53 plus shipping. Shipping per unit is better if you order more than one. Savings is supposed to be good until Dec 4th if I read the email correctly.
I've received my first order and they work great. They came sharp enough to cut baling twine that i had used to train some branches high in a plum tree.
These have the mechanical advantage of two-handed loppers and I prefer the action to tugging a rope.
I have absolutely no affiliation with DR Power Equipment, other than recently becoming a customer, and would have never seen their site other than searching for these type of loppers this summer.