Electric pruning shears have become very useful tools for farmers, making their work easier, improving efficiency, reducing costs and increasing the quality of pruning. The latter has a positive effect on the quality of the fruit (size, color, uniformity, etc.). Although there are many brands and models from different origins, mainly from China and France, they all share the goal of alleviating the effort of the pruner.
However, the key differences between them lie in safety, weight, cutting capacity, accessories, durability, and technical support.
Advantages of electronic scissors
1. Safety and Comfort: Only a few brands of electronic scissors have intelligent systems to ensure the safety of the pruner, reducing the risk of injury.
Ergonomics and light weight make it easy to handle during long work days. There are lighter scissors and heavier ones (which have the battery attached to the scissors).
In general, the lighter scissors with safety systems are the more valuable.
2. Cutting Capacity and Performance: These power tools allow for larger and faster cuts, increasing work performance. A single electric shear can replace two or three pruners with conventional shears.
There are models that can replace the shears and even the saw with clean cuts of up to 5.5 cm in diameter. The latter are the ones that have been used in the forestry industry for several years.
3. Inclusion of Female Labor: The ease of use of electronic shears has allowed the incorporation of women in a sector historically dominated by men. Women have proven to be highly competent in following pruning guidelines, performing a neater and more responsible job.
4. Selecting Better Pruners: By needing fewer pruners, farmers can select the best professionals, those with good pruning judgment and responsibility in their work. A well-done pruning noticeably affects the quality of the fruit. And good quality fruit results in good returns for the producer.
5. Health in the orchard: Pruning with only a small group of pruners or avoiding the entry of external pruners reduces the possibility of contamination with fungi or bacteria in the cuts. On the other hand, pruning done with a good tool leaves well-defined (clean) cuts that help prevent the entry of pathogens.
Criteria for choosing the ideal scissors:
There are many brands and models, just search on the internet and the offer is very large.
Option A: Professional Use.
High quality, safety, low weight, power, multiple options and technical support.
The 100% scissors, made in France, are renowned for their professional use. They were the pioneers in inventing this equipment in the 1980s. Widely used in both the forestry and agriculture industries.
They have the most reliable safety systems and are designed for heavy-duty use. Designed with high-power systems, they have the highest cutting capacity. They offer different knife sizes, optional for cutting at height (replacing ladders). Due to their professional use, these machines have a wide range of spare parts and technical service, including on-site technical service. They have values around $1,700 USD.
Option B: Economic Option Medium Use.
For those looking for a slightly more affordable tool with some safety features, medium durability, and some basic technical support, European brands made in China or Europe are an excellent choice. These scissors are priced between $$500 and $$1,200 USD.
Option C: Low Cost and Temporary Use
If you are looking for a low-cost, one-season pruning shear, a Chinese tool for home use (gardening) may be the ideal option. These shears, priced between $100 and $300 USD, are very functional although with less cutting power and durability. They generally do not have spare parts or technical service.
Two points to keep in mind:
A safe and comfortable working environment for the employee is one of the areas that has become very important in recent times. It is part of the company's image in front of fruit importers in many markets.
The economic benefit obtained by using electronic shears is not found in paying less per pruned plant, but in the selection of a small group of good pruners, work done in less time and well-done pruning that results in higher quality fruit and better returns.
