Electric Secateur Review. Best Electric Secateurs? Let's find out!

This week I try out some of the best Electric secateurs in several different market niches. From the consumer market, budget Ryobi, through to the professional level Bahco and the Contractor grade Felcos I explore the performance features and usability of all in a range of settings from orchard to vineyard.
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My Channel / @farmlearningtim

[@normalguy7898]

Great review. So glad found your channel, there are a lot of people who get answers and learn from you. Thank you for your efforts.

[@geoffreyschmidt]

Another great review, Tim. I learn so much more from your videos than anywhere else. Keep up the great work.

[@andreashjort8944]

Thank you so much for your upload. Your experience and perspectives really help navigating to find what I need

[@piousminion7822]

I've never in my life heard of pruning shears referred to as "secateurs". You learn something new every day.

[@FarmLearningTim]

Good on you mate, yes, we use English terms a lot here in Australia. Shears mean the things you cut wool or cloth with.

[@tinman1955]

@@FarmLearningTim In the U.S. we call them pruners. I just bought the DeWalt - similar to Ryobi but way faster.

[@scottj9773]

Great review... helped me make a decision to purchase the Bahco Secateurs. I have a job lined up in two days time to prune 30 massively overgrown old-world roses. Based on my practicing on dormant fruit trees in my garden - "I can't wait to get stuck into it". Many thanks for your good work keep the reviews coming they are a fantastic resource!!

[@terryryan1441]

I have the ryobi, I have 30 rose bushes and this year they where brilliant. Stops that forearm pump! Highly recommend.

[@Smokie1969]

As a hobby gardener I have to disagree and say that the Ryobi is a superb tool for the money. I already have a plethora of other Ryobi 18v tools and batteries so when I saw this come out in the market last year it was a no-brainer to purchase. Yes it's not a sprinter, but very capable. I also purchased the Ryobi mini electric saw for anything larger in diameter. It takes the same blade as a recip saw but the shorter ones. Again it fits the same battery and is super efficient with such a small blade. Add to this the 6 year warranty on all Ryobi 18v tools it's worth buying and swapping over in a couple of years should it die or get slower. Otherwise, love the channel and videos 👍👌

[@StefanSobkowiak]

Nicely done Tim. Thanks

[@paulnorman7023]

Really great review. So much better than than all the faux "best of" videos that just repeat seller's marketing language.

[@rossfletcher4362]

Thanks mate, nice comparison and helpful info.

[@aldogiucci7601]

Thanks Tim. I have 300 chest nut trees that need constant pruning

[@samuelsfoodgardens8836]

you know... most people always go for the videos from the largest accounts. I've been trying to find an actually good comparison field review of the ryobi vs professional brands... AND YOU DID THAT PERFECTLY! Thank you fellow gardener. I am going to go for the Bahco!

[@samuelsfoodgardens8836]

i forgot to ask, can you share a link to where i can buy a bahco set from? thanks

[@FarmLearningTim]

Thanks mate. Much appreciated. The Bahco guys sell through major retailers. Try landmark and CRT If you want online, Mobishear sell the same product and have outstanding customer support www.mobishear.com.au/ and tell Arnd I said Hi.

[@jbonbelair5484]

I will have to get one of these, we have a never ending battle with evasive bamboo in our soft alley behind the house. My wife and I managed to clear the yard of 20 foot stalks, hand cutting and poison and finding the roots but the neighbors don't do anything in their yard so it grows back. This would make that job so much easier. At 67 years of age I am looking for easy...lol

[@kittyunderwood5520]

Very clear & helpful info.Thanks

[@fsoileau]

I love it when a tradesman gives an honest review comparing professional and homeowner tools, without the snobbery. After seeing your review I would love for you to review the new MILWAUKEE pruning shears.

[@FarmLearningTim]

Certainly will if I get the opportunity

[@sfbyrnes69]

Bloody great review. Thankyou.

[@keithpetersen4264]

Good job Tim. Thanks

[@wilsonchen4978]

very nice review, thank you very much!

[@rossthefiddler5890]

Good to see those compared, but TTI the makers of Ryobi (20mm cut) also make the AEG secateurs too with a 30mm cutting capacity ($399 skin), however I also appreciate the Ryobi loppers & pole loppers too.

[@amandapeters3124]

Great video Tim. Nice to see the smiling faces of Hoogies Rural 😁. Would have liked to have seen Infacos in your comparison. And would love to see you try foot paring sheep with them!

[@FarmLearningTim]

Infaco is more than welcome to reach out. I’ up for anything (within reason !) glad you liked the video.

[@tjinnes]

Good job. Thanks.

[@wadekendall2799]

Used a set of felco’s for vineyard pruning back in 04 and they were scarily fast. But if you’re doing 100 or less, just use secateurs

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

The cable on the falco's would do my nut in!! If I were to buy something like this, I'd probably go for the Milwaukee's

[@shyamananda5818]

Nice review. Still want the Felcos

[@seihaz]

bahco looks impressive in getting the job done.

[@NorthernBCFlyGuy]

when watching some pros in an orchard with the corded backpack style, they wore a light long-sleeve shirt over the backpack and ran the cord down the sleeve to the shears.

[@zaneiken07]

I have the Bosch blue secateurs. Similar size and speed as the Bahco, just doesn't have the jaw adjustment. But at about AUD350 shipped with a 3Ah 12V battery, it's not too bad.

[@moichi2957]

Recently a farm worker in northen victoria lost his finger using a corded type, the cable got tangled in the branches and he cut the finger in the process. I suggest anyone using a similar one to practice keeping your other arm away, better still ditch it for cordless and use extra batteries instead!

[@victorykicksass]

Quickly double tap the trigger on the felcos for the proportional jaw adjustment feature.

[@carljensen5730]

I just bought a budget electric pruner. We have nearly 200 trees and I realized after the first day that manual pruners just don't cut it.

[@MANGOGLEN]

Tim Thanks found this video very informative, also AEG have just released a pair of cordless secateurs, would like to see a review/ comparison with these ones as well

[@FarmLearningTim]

If the team from AEG are up for it, so am i

[@dmaifred]

AEG(ridged in can/us) are the same company as Ryobi but usually better materials. All owned by Techtronics (TTi) they also make Milwaukee in Aus.

[@bdfloresa]

Saves my hands

[@PCKid32]

We did buy the more powerful Ryobi $215 brushless ones. We took back the $149 ones and got a refund. Big difference.

[@mossytrail]

Can't wait to get a set to relieve the stress on my pruning hands. 1100 is a steep price to pay though.

[@FarmLearningTim]

You won’t regret it

[@viseshseernam39]

French company Infaco make great cable secateurs they are in two size depending on branches sizes and a pole option

[@gregpalmer9949]

Excellent review, I have a smallish vineyard in Oregon. I think the slow speed of the Ryobi, Scotts, or SunJoe means that I will not cut as thoroughly through my fingers (or the wire). Using a machine lets you keep working longer which has a bigger effect on the time to do a row than the speed of the jaws.

[@jamiedempster4358]

you must have a lot of fun, testing equipment

[@FarmLearningTim]

Can’t complain!

[@kieranrichardson7929]

I was waiting to hear the price since I wanted the fancy battery one and I instantly changed my mind after hearing the 1100 dollar price tag 😂

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

Check out Kebtek shears - FAR less money and do an excellent job.

[@dianneleetham4895]

Could you please do a test on reciprocating saw- versus pruners and versus secateurs and mini saws and saws. Brand versus brand and prices please Chargers and batteries and hours on cordless Blades can be replaced with or without sharpening Using on different thicknesses to cut fruit trees and to cut green branches and dead branches on trees and shrubs Cutting roses and anything else in garden with different blades and interchangeable blades. I need it to be very versatile for branches-roses and other things in the garden with cordless using the same tool Buying in a package. Is it cheaper to buy it separately with the batteries and charger. Thankyou and you are doing a great job with your work.

[@julianalderson3938]

They are great not just for orchards.

[@BrendonHoppy]

Thankyou

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

You gotta try the Kebtek shears. 25mm version and a 45mm commercial version for FAR less money. At first, I thought the Barco's were Kebteks (same orange color). The 25mm Kebteks (US$125) will put that s l o w Ryobi to shame for the same money (and includes case, two batteries and charger). The commercial 45mm version (US~$250) has an optional 6' extension that lets you reach high up into trees or deep bushes. I don't have the commercial version but can say the smaller shears are a pleasure to use. I'd recommend them to any homeowner or small orchard owner.

[@FarmLearningTim]

Sounds like you work for them matey. If so, send some to review eh?

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

They are pretty awesome I agree.

[@seansfc]

Sweet

[@pashabulker12]

I wish the fencing industry had something similar for cutting wire.

[@FarmLearningTim]

So do I. So do I..... I have suggested this to a couple of guys.....

[@DS-zj2on]

"If you really love instructions, you'll love the Felcos."

[@FarmLearningTim]

😎

[@danielreynolds6498]

Makita new 12 volt ones look nice.

[@brendanmueller49]

Really wishing the ryobi was available in the US. My moms got bad thumbs and just needs to use it around the house. We can import one from Japan but it doesn’t have swap-able batteries.

[@Smokie1969]

Can't you get one from Australia sent over? We've got the 18v one it's brilliant!

[@pete3011]

Maybe you've found out by now, but you can get them at home depot

[@markc1828]

If you put a bigger battery on the Ryobi it will give it loads more power

[@user-xb2ip1fh3p]

Hello, would you like to review this model bosch pro pruner, and if possible some cheaper models

[@FarmLearningTim]

Depends if I can get my hands on them mate!

[@rl3898]

Not having a vinyard that Ryobi looks an ace tool. Do you really cut all the branches off te crown ?

[@FarmLearningTim]

No. Leave 2/3

[@ianrobertson2282]

That injury on your hand looks like Dupuytren's contracture.

[@FarmLearningTim]

Never officially diagnosed but dad had it too. I reckon you are right. Manual labor doesn’t help. Moral of the story is never enter into a contract with a bloke called Dupuytren. Dodgy bloke!

[@terryryan1441]

I have it on both hands, referred to as rong finger lock, not a lot of fun after a big day 😳

[@ianrobertson2282]

@@FarmLearningTim LOL, a lovely play on words Tim. I have it too and I am descended from Celtic and Viking stock so you probably are as well.

[@julianalderson3938]

Yer got ryobi pole pruner. Was laughed at abit. Cos do trees mainley big hedges. But for 300. I love it. But bahco looks great

[@FarmLearningTim]

Yep…. Let ‘em laugh…. With the money saved you can go on a holiday.

[@bungabening3530]

I just bought the Ryobi secateurs but I'm not sure about maintenance. What parts need lubricating, how often and what type of oil do I use? Thanks

[@FarmLearningTim]

Use light machine oil. You can get this in a small bottle with needle applicator. This presses into the small bearing in the centre of the pivot.

[@bungabening3530]

@@FarmLearningTim Thanks Tim

[@kipetrovitchi]

Use 812 for tree and 802 for vine

[@PeterEmery]

$60 more gets you a brushless Ryobi version that cuts up to 23mm dry or 28mm green vs 20mm dry and 25mm green for the version tested.

[@FarmLearningTim]

The big issue was not the diameter of the ryobi but the speed. As described, this is an ideal solution for home gardens and small acreage but is not suitable for commercial use.

[@PeterEmery]

@@FarmLearningTim The more expensive one is part of the Ryobi HP range, offering, according to the Bunnings website, greater battery life and extended operation time through the use of brushless technology, etc. Its cycle time of one second is much faster than the 2.5 seconds of its cheaper stablemate.

[@dmaifred]

Is there anything in between the cheap Ryobi and the $2000 bahcos?

[@FarmLearningTim]

Not really. The pro kits (Felco, Bahco and Mobishear) all have quality components and carry fully spare parts inventory. That costs money.

[@raphaelg8801]

The Ryobi HP brushless. Lot quicker than this brushed one.

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

Check out Kebtek brand.

[@hapaboy42]

Are these good for dead dry branches?

[@FarmLearningTim]

Yep

[@markanson2801]

What model was the Bahco pls Tim

[@FarmLearningTim]

Mate, I just looked through their website and they don't even have them listed! So I went out to the shed to have a look and can confirm that they are the BCL201B Hope that helps.

[@clinicallyinterested]

@@FarmLearningTim ...and only A$1,585

[@altairtonielo7573]

Como fazer para comprar uma, muito interessante.

[@FarmLearningTim]

Obrigado. Links para os produtos estão na descrição

[@rv-eb3wu]

Have you used them on sheeps feet.

[@FarmLearningTim]

Not yet......

[@rudders641]

Would be keen to hear how that goes. Our rams feet take some getting through with the manual trimmers!

[@erikas974]

Ryobi 👎 as I have mentioned in another video can not get the battery off easily. Too wide can not grip it and push the buttons together. Stuck with it now but I am not happy. Love to know the price of the recomended one.

[@FarmLearningTim]

At the time of this comment, in Australia. About 1100 depending on the resellers. Watch out for another option in a week or two

[@Smokie1969]

You're not 'stuck' with the Ryobi. Take it back to Bunnings (the only retailer) and get a replacement in case it's faulty, or get a refund. That's why they're so popular, 6 year homeowners warranty......... regardless if the home is on 409 acres 😂😁

[@vilsan.r.9875]

Are those fig trees?

[@FarmLearningTim]

Some were yes

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

Bahco looks identical to Kebtek. Pretty sure it's made by the same company and rebranded.

[@johnbailey2034]

You bought the cheaper ryobi they make a larger one as well .

[@FarmLearningTim]

The three secatures were about the same distance apart in terms of price and features. You can always add more. The larger Ryobi is not available near me, plus the super cheap option made a good counterpoint to the super expensive one. If Ryobi want to provide a better option, happy to chat.

[@johnbailey2034]

@@FarmLearningTim I just know the 1 inch model does a good job and it’s very affordable not like the others at a very high price .

[@SuperCatt0-Boss]

Ryobi has another level of this pruner which is quicker and more powerful.

[@FarmLearningTim]

Good to know. Haven’t seen it in Australia

[@SuperCatt0-Boss]

@@FarmLearningTim It is in RYOBI HP group, Ryobi ONE+ 18V HP Pruning Secateurs. Should be found in The Bunnings.

[@FarmLearningTim]

@@SuperCatt0-Boss Do you work for Ryobi? If so, I reckon you guys should sponsor me!

[@SuperCatt0-Boss]

@@FarmLearningTimI like using Ryobi, and I agree that they should support you :D

[@abdulhaleemkakar3950]

In pakistan

[@FarmLearningTim]

Lovely country. Iqbal, friend of mine from uni keeps sending me amazing photos of your hill country.

[@Bullebock]

Somethings wrong with your ryobi! Its not that slow normaly.

[@FarmLearningTim]

Yeah nah. Brand new.

[@johnbailey9682]

Well do not like the falcon stupid cord . And you have the cheapest ryobi they make a larger ryobi pruner they work well . And for the price ryobi definitely wins.

[@floorskin1]

Run the cable up your sleeve and out the collar of your top. I thought everyone did that already.