Yeoman Telescopic Tree Pruner

This is generally a well designed implement and has a good sturdy cutting blade and saw. But the telescopic handle doesn't extend for long. It should just twist to lock it in the extended position. But it doesn't stay tightly locked and so, after a few seconds, the handle slides back to the non-extended position. We have had it 3 years but we'll have to get another brand to replace it. Anyone know of one which has a extendable handle that actually locks into place?

There are number of issues with this item. The pull cord is not long enough when the pole is fully extended. The cutting head has a tendency to come away from the handle. The wing nut holding the saw blade vanished very quickly. Finally a rivet snapped meaning the end of the tool. I got my money back and will not be replacing what felt like a very flimsy piece of equipment.

The Yeoman telescopic puner is a useful tool, fairly easy to use - slow work, patience is needed! and the longer the extension the heavier it gets - and evidently safer than using a step ladder or climbing. But a design fault: the bolts holding the saw blade and the pruning mechanism come loose. They have dropped off twice during my use, the second time into undergrowth so impenetrable that I had to write off to get a replacement. Hats off to Solus who provided one by return of post. However, re-assembling the thing is like re-inventing the Chinese box. Suggestion to the makers: fit the sort of bolts that only come undone if they're intended to.

I found the Yeoman Telescopic Pruner by means of a newsletter from Gone Gardening. It was totally unexpected but very welcome as it also happened to be a special offer that particular week meaning that it was cheaper than its usual price. In fact, I paid £24.99 which included delivery and a gift of three pairs of gardening gloves in various weights! This pruner (or lopper) had the added incentive of also having a saw attachment (often an optional extra) - although, at that time, I could not see myself using it. How wrong I was!

The Yeoman Telescopic Pruner was much better quality than the previous one. The normal length including the blade is around 1.5 metres but when fully extended the reach is 2.7 metres. It locks and unlocks with a twist action and, although I am inclined to not turn it too tightly for fear of it sticking, so far it has been very successful. The cutting blade is approximately 8cms and is worked by means of a pulley. This is a curved blade and will cut through quite substantial branches. However, for the thicker or dead wood the saw should be used.

My first task was to tackle the old Holly tree as for some time this has been blocking the light from part of the garden. I had managed the lower part of the tree before but there was one particular branch just out of reach. There was nowhere to rest a ladder and the problem was, as you might say, growing! This, I thought, was where the saw attachment might be useful. The saw itself is approximately 35cms long and is really simple to attach. I found that with the pruner fully extended I could reach the branch from the ground. The whole operation took a matter of minutes - and I didn't even drop the branch on my head - which has been known to happen! So far this has been the only time I have used the saw, but I have seen other places where it will come in handy. I should perhaps add that the offending branch was about 8 or 9 cms in diameter.

For the most part the ordinary blade will suffice as it is, after all, for pruning trees not felling them. My family would probably disagree with this as they tend to think I am unstoppable once I get started!

Generally speaking, this tool is ideal for anyone who has trees in the garden as, sooner or later, there will be something that needs trimming or shortening or cutting out. I have found it to be a very useful item and it will be in full use in the coming weeks when the fruit trees have to be pruned.

I hope this has been of interest, and I thank you for reading.