How to Choose Loppers for Thick Branches

When regular pruning shears are no longer enough, loppers are used for cutting thicker branches. Long handles provide more leverage, allowing you to cut wood with less effort. However, choosing the right model based only on its maximum cutting diameter is not enough.

A good pair of loppers should match the diameter of the branches, the type of work, the available space, and the amount of physical effort you can comfortably apply. For some tasks, a compact tool is more convenient; for others, a longer lopper with greater leverage is the better option.

Kenzan Kiev offers several Japanese lopper models that differ in length, construction, weight, and intended use. Below, we will look at what to consider when choosing and compare the Kanenori A-12, ARS LPB-30S, ARS LPB-30M, ARS LPB-30L, Chikamasa LP-450, Chikamasa LP-650, and Chikamasa LPWA-470 Tuccano.

What Type of Lopper Do You Need for Thick Branches?

The first thing to determine is the diameter of the branches you need to cut most often.

If your main task is cutting branches around 20–25 mm in diameter, there is no need to choose the longest or heaviest tool. Control, accuracy, and comfortable handling are more important for this type of work.

For example, Kanenori A-12 is designed for cutting branches up to 25 mm. Its overall length is 605 mm and its weight is about 1030 g. The blade is made from carbon tool steel, while the handles are made from Japanese oak. This is a specialized model designed for thick, including split and dry, branches. (kenzan-kiev.com)

When branch diameters are noticeably above 25–30 mm, it is worth considering the ARS LPB-30 range. It includes three sizes, allowing you to choose not only by cutting diameter but also by handle length.

25 mm Loppers: When Is a Compact Model Enough?

The search query "25 mm lopper" usually refers to a tool for fairly thick branches, but not necessarily for heavy-duty cutting of larger wood.

In this case, Kanenori A-12 is worth considering. It is designed for branches up to 25 mm and has relatively long handles that provide the necessary leverage without requiring excessive hand pressure. (kenzan-kiev.com)

It can be useful when you regularly work with thick branches on fruit trees, shrubs, as well as dry or partially split branches.

At the same time, a 25 mm rating does not mean that every 25 mm branch must be cut with exactly this tool. Wood hardness, branch position, cutting angle, and working conditions also affect the result.

ARS LPB-30S — Compact Loppers for Limited Space

ARS LPB-30S is the most compact model in the ARS LPB-30 range.

Its overall length is 482 mm, weight is about 860 g, and the stated maximum cutting capacity is up to 34 mm. The tool features a fully forged blade and a double damper that reduces impact when completing the cut. (kenzan-kiev.com)

The main advantage of a smaller tool is maneuverability. This type of lopper is easier to use in dense tree crowns, between branches, and in places where long handles make movement more difficult.

That is why the principle "the longer, the better" does not always work. In confined spaces, a compact model may be more practical.

ARS LPB-30M — A Versatile Balance of Length and Leverage

ARS LPB-30M has an overall length of 627 mm and weighs about 940 g. Its stated maximum cutting capacity is up to 32 mm.

The product page specifies a fully forged Japanese steel blade, precision sharpening, a slim cutting head, and a double damper. This design is intended to provide a clean cut and comfortable handling. (kenzan-kiev.com)

Compared with the shorter LPB-30S, the longer handles provide more leverage. This makes the model worth considering when you regularly cut thicker branches but do not need the longest possible lopper.

ARS LPB-30L — When Maximum Leverage Matters

ARS LPB-30L is the longest model in this range.

The product page lists a length of 778 mm, a weight of about 1090 g, and a cutting capacity of up to 38 mm. It also specifies high-carbon steel, precision sharpening, reinforced aluminum handles, and a shock absorber. (kenzan-kiev.com)

The longer handles provide greater leverage, making this model particularly interesting for thick branches where extra mechanical advantage is important.

However, a longer model is not always more convenient. It requires more working space in dense crowns, and its weight becomes more noticeable during extended work.

How Are ARS LPB-30S, M, and L Different?

The main difference between the models is their length:

Model	Length	Weight	Maximum Cutting Capacity
ARS LPB-30S	482 mm	860 g	up to 34 mm
ARS LPB-30M	627 mm	940 g	up to 32 mm
ARS LPB-30L	778 mm	1090 g	up to 38 mm

The maximum cutting diameter should not be treated as a universal working limit. The thicker and harder the wood, the more important access to the branch, leverage, cutting position, and the user's physical ability become. Model specifications are listed on the Kenzan Kiev product pages. (kenzan-kiev.com)

Chikamasa LP-450 — Lightweight Anvil Loppers

Chikamasa LP-450 is noticeably different from longer traditional loppers.

It weighs only about 400 g, with a 43 mm blade. The blade is made of carbon steel and has a fluorine coating that helps reduce sap and resin buildup. (kenzan-kiev.com)

The LP-450 uses an Anvil design: the cutting blade works against a flat supporting surface. This concentrates force in the cutting area and can be useful for harder plant material and wood.

The key feature of this model is its very low weight. This makes it interesting for users who need to work with loppers for extended periods, including overhead pruning.

Chikamasa LP-650 — More Power Without Excessive Weight

Chikamasa LP-650 has a length of 610 mm and weighs about 600 g.

The manufacturer specifies a Double Force design, increased rigidity thanks to its ribbed construction, and a fluorine coating on the blade. The blade is 53 mm long and made from high-quality carbon steel. (kenzan-kiev.com)

The combination of length and low weight makes this model suitable for working with more substantial branches without being a particularly heavy lopper.

When long working sessions are involved, the weight of the tool can be just as important as its maximum cutting diameter.

Chikamasa LPWA-470 — When You Need a Clean Cut on Live Branches

Chikamasa LPWA-470 Tuccano is a bypass lopper with an overall length of 410 mm and a weight of about 590 g.

Its stated cutting capacity is up to 35 mm, with a 60 mm blade. The upper blade has a fluorine coating that helps reduce resin buildup and makes cleaning easier. (kenzan-kiev.com)

The bypass design is particularly suitable for clean cuts on live branches: the cutting blades pass by each other instead of working against an anvil.

That is why it is important to consider not only branch thickness, but also what exactly you are going to cut.

Bypass or Anvil — Which Is Better for Thick Branches?

Loppers can generally be divided into two main types.

Bypass loppers are designed for clean cuts on live branches. This cutting principle is especially useful for pruning fruit trees, ornamental shrubs, and other plants where cut quality matters.

Anvil loppers use a cutting blade and a flat supporting surface. This design helps concentrate force and can be useful for harder wood and dry material.

Therefore, the question "which lopper is best" does not have one universal answer. A more useful question is: which lopper is best suited to my branches and working conditions?

For more information about choosing pruning tools, see How to Choose Japanese Pruning Shears for the Garden — 7 Important Parameters.

How to Choose Loppers by Length

All else being equal, longer handles provide greater leverage. This makes cutting thick wood easier.

However, greater length also means a larger tool and, in many cases, more weight. As a general guide:

around 400–500 mm — convenient when compact size and maneuverability are important;

around 600–650 mm — a useful range for general work with fairly thick branches;

around 750–800 mm — worth considering when maximum leverage and access to thicker branches are the priority.

That is why the ARS LPB-30 S/M/L range allows you to choose a tool not only by cutting capacity but also by the type of work.

What Else Should You Consider?

1. Branch Diameter

You should not constantly use a tool at the limit of its capabilities. If your typical branches are 20–25 mm, there is usually no need to use the most powerful lopper every time.

2. Type of Wood

Dry, hard, and old branches require a different approach from young live wood. The design of the cutting head can make a significant difference.

3. Handle Length

The longer the handles, the greater the potential leverage, but the more space you need to operate the tool.

4. Weight

A difference of several hundred grams becomes noticeable during long pruning sessions or overhead work. For example, Chikamasa LP-450 weighs about 400 g, while ARS LPB-30L weighs about 1090 g. (kenzan-kiev.com)

5. Maintenance

After use, clean the cutting head from plant sap and other contaminants. For maintaining Japanese garden tools, [garden tool cleaning and maintenance products] can be useful.

Sharpening should be done without changing the original blade geometry. More details will be covered in [How to Sharpen Japanese Pruning Shears Properly].

For protecting metal surfaces after cleaning and sharpening, [Camellia Oil: How to Care for Garden Tools] can be useful.

Which Lopper Should You Choose for Different Tasks?

If you need loppers for branches up to 25 mm, consider Kanenori A-12.

If compact size and work in dense crowns are important, consider ARS LPB-30S.

If you want a versatile balance of length and weight, consider ARS LPB-30M.

If maximum leverage for thick branches is the priority, consider ARS LPB-30L.

If you need very low weight and an Anvil design, Chikamasa LP-450 is an interesting option.

If you want a lightweight but powerful longer lopper, consider Chikamasa LP-650.

If you need a bypass tool for clean cuts on live branches, consider Chikamasa LPWA-470.

In other words, the best lopper is not simply the one with the largest stated cutting diameter. It is more important to match the tool's length, weight, cutting design, and actual branch diameter to the work you do.

When choosing Japanese loppers, consider not only the maximum cutting capacity, but also how comfortable the tool will be for regular use.