This is a beautifully designed and solidly constructed tool. The ratcheted cutting head is unique, in my experience. It allows the jaws to separate enough to accommodate really thick branches (1 5/8", the manufacturer claims). Then, as one closes the jaws, the ratcheting mechanism allows the gap between the cutting blades to narrow as the cut is made. It's really trick.

The handles are extendible via a clever mechanism. Simply push down on the buttons on each of the two arms and slide the handles away from the cutting head. There are several detents to choose among to achieve your preferred arm length. This allow you to accomplish two different things. (1) You can increase the distance between your hands and the branch you're cutting, and (2) you can get the increased leverage you'll need to cut through thick branches.

I have confirmed that it can handle a branch that's 1 1/8" thick (see accompanying photo). I used the maximum handle length and a little assist from my foot (pushing down on the upper handle) to make this cut. I find this performance to be very impressive, but I have my doubts about whether it can handle the 1 5/8" the manufacturer claims. (Maybe it can cut this diameter in a vine, or something non-woody like that.)

Still, this is an amazing tool, with very impressive performance. It's a real winner.

The TURBRO 41 in. SK5 Steel Garden Bypass Lopper is a dandy addition to one’s set of outdoor tools. We have two anvil loppers but not a bypass lopper. Since a bypass lopper is best for pruning live branches, this tool provides a better solution for those branches. This lopper really is turbo. It has a huge cutting head and handles that can be placed in any of six positions to make it just right for whatever the task. And yes, it can cut branches up to 1 5/8" since it has the long handles and uses ratcheting to add force to the cut. One of the photos shows the branches that were cut in only a few minutes. With its handles collapsed, it stores easily. The only limitation may be that because of its large cutting head, it may be difficult to cut a branch in an area with congested branches. It has a one-year warranty and is made in China.

The handles are surprisingly easy to adjust; just press the button and the telescoping parts glide easily in your hand. However, even with the handles at their longest setting, it took some effort to open and close the blades until I lubricated the moving surfaces with a Silicone Spray that I had on hand; now they open and close smoothly and easily. They are replacing an old lopper that I have been proud to own for decades. The old lopper is not a bypass cutter; it has a blade and an anvil. The bolt that holds the anvil, but it is too worn to hold it firmly so it no longer makes clean cuts. Therefore, I ordered this new lopper. I will miss the down-to-earth feel of the solid wood handles on my old tool, but the new one feels light in my hands and has many useful features. In addition to the telescoping handles, the inside of one blade is serrated . The serrations are not sharp, they are almost like waves. However, they will help lock a branch in the blade to keep it from rocking and wiggling which should make cuts easier and quicker. It also has a ratcheting feature. At first I didn’t even notice the ratchet because it goes very smoothly both when opening and when closing. However, I believe the ratcheting feature allows the blades to open much wider. This will allow me to take advantage of the extra power provided by the compound action blade and the extra long handles. However, after making less than 20 cuts, the shiny coating has chipped a little on the lower blade (see photo). Also, the handles on this lopper not close as far as on my old pair so they take up more space on my pegboard (see photo).

First pair of loppers lasted 40 minutes.
Company quickly replaced them. Still cutting lots of brush and branches with new loppers. Running the product hard and it's holding up. Thanks!

These tree trimmers are amazing! The blades are big and heavy duty and can handle some serious branches with not much pressure. They extend to much longer handles to reach 12-18" higher and they're super easy to adjust, just press a button and slide the bar longer. Then the same action to make it shorter. The grips on the trimmers are comfortable. I used them all afternoon and didn't get any blisters. These trimmers are fantastic and I highly recommend.