Branch shears

Choose electric if you perform 200+ cuts per day or mainly work with branches 25–35 mm. The DeWalt battery-powered electric pruner reduces fatigue by 60% and doubles cutting speed on high volumes.

Choose a manual hydraulic model for occasional interventions, limited budgets ($150–300 vs $400–600 electric), or when there is no electricity/batteries on remote sites. Manual hydraulic pruners also excel on 40–50 mm branches, where their 25:1 leverage ratio outperforms some entry-level electric models.

Consider your annual volume: more than 15,000 cuts per year pays back the electric model in 6–8 months through productivity gains and reduced health and safety costs.

Expect to invest $350–700 for a professional electric pruner including battery and charger. DeWalt 20V Max models are typically $450–550 in a complete configuration, offering industrial-grade robustness and a 3-year warranty covering intensive use.

Quality manual hydraulic pruners range from $180–350 depending on capacity and build quality. Be wary of models under $200 (electric) or $100 (manual): lifespan divided by four, blades dulling within weeks, and plastic housings cracking in Québec cold.

Calculate cost per cut over 5 years: a quality pruner at $500 = $0.01/cut vs an economical model at $200 requiring annual replacement = $0.04/cut. The professional equation also includes avoided costs: injuries, downtime, and repeated repairs.

The transition typically occurs at 45–50 mm diameter depending on species. Beyond this, the pruner risks motor jamming, imprecise cuts that tear bark, and premature blade wear. Repeated 40+ mm cuts with a pruner also overheat the motor, reducing its lifespan.

Use a chainsaw for: removal of main branches, felling entire shrubs, hardened deadwood of 35+ mm (higher density than green wood), and post-storm interventions where speed is critical. Professional rule: pruner for selective pruning and precision, chainsaw for volume and thick sections.

Used intelligently together, both tools optimize efficiency: prune secondary branches 20–35 mm quickly, then saw trunks/main sections. For orchards and vineyards, the pruner covers 95% of needs. For municipal pruning and forestry, plan for 40–60% chainsaw time vs pruner.

Look for lithium-ion batteries with integrated thermal protection operating down to -15°C (DeWalt guaranteed specification). Brushless motors withstand cold better than traditional brushed motors, delivering consistent torque at low temperatures.

Magnesium or anodized aluminum housings outperform ABS plastic, which becomes brittle below -20°C. Nitrile rubber O-rings maintain minimum IP54 sealing against melting snow and de-icing spray. Verify certification for all-season outdoor use and warranties explicitly covering winter conditions.

Essential winter practices: store batteries at 40–60% charge at room temperature, pre-warm them in the cab for 20 minutes before use, and immediately clean ice/salt buildup to prevent corrosion. Québec professionals also keep a manual backup tool for extreme days below -25°C, when even premium equipment loses 50% performance.

Clean immediately after each session: spray degreaser on blades, scrub with a soft wire brush, rinse with water, dry completely, and apply anti-corrosion lubricant. Maple and pine sap hardens within 2–3 hours, becoming nearly impossible to remove without damaging abrasion. Sharpen every 2,000–3,000 cuts or as soon as resistance increases: 15–18° angle with a 600-grit diamond stone followed by 1200-grit, using one-direction strokes following the original bevel.

Signs sharpening is needed: bark tearing instead of clean cuts, increased force required, or unusual vibrations. Tighten pivot bolts monthly (8–12 Nm depending on model) as vibration gradually loosens them. Replace blades if cracks, deep chips, or wear exceeding 20% of original width appear.

A properly maintained DeWalt blade lasts 5–7 years in daily professional use vs 18–24 months without maintenance. Invest in a quality sharpening kit ($80–120): pays for itself by the 3rd sharpening vs external services at $40–60 per session.

DeWalt offers a limited 3-year warranty covering material and manufacturing defects in commercial use, with a 30-day no-questions-asked exchange policy if unsatisfied. The warranty extends to 4 years with online registration after purchase. DeWalt’s certified service program in Québec includes 45+ authorized centers offering warranty repairs and genuine parts.

Typical repair time: 5–10 business days depending on parts availability. At Équipement Industriel Polar, we facilitate warranty management as an intermediary and maintain inventory of common wear parts (blades, seals, triggers) for immediate troubleshooting. Batteries carry a separate 3-year warranty, replacing any unit that loses more than 50% of original capacity.

Keep proof of purchase and photographed serial numbers: claims require this information. DeWalt’s Trade-In program also allows exchanging used tools for credit on renewal, maximizing residual value. For professionals purchasing in volume (3+ units), negotiate extended warranties and priority service contracts including loaner equipment during repairs.