Last Updated: October 28, 2026
Quick Summary
This article does not declare a winner between ArborGreen and ForestryTools, because verified product specifications, independent test results and 2026 survey data for either brand were not available. Instead, it offers a method for comparing pruning gear on blade quality, cutting capacity, warranty terms and total cost of ownership.
- Match the tool to the job, from small stems to thick limbs and high branches.
- Request a written specification sheet for each model, including blade steel, hardness and cutting capacity in millimetres.
- Compare quotes only when they state the same currency, GST treatment and delivery terms.
- Read warranty terms closely to see which parts are covered, what voids cover and who honours claims.
- Check spare-part availability, because downtime is a major cost for commercial users.
Table of Contents
- Choosing Pruning Gear by Job and Branch Size
- Build Quality, Cutting Performance and Ergonomics Compared
- Pricing, Warranty and Total Cost of Ownership
- Professional Pruning Tools for Florists, Growers and Nurseries
- Sharpening, Maintenance and Access to Spare Parts
- Which Pruning Gear Suits Your Work
- Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing between ArborGreen and ForestryTools for pruning gear is harder than it looks, and most comparison pages gloss over the details that matter in daily use. Toolpro sources and supplies professional pruning tools for florists, growers, orchid enthusiasts, vineyards and nurseries, so we have a stake in getting this right. Our aim here is to help you judge pruning gear on the criteria that actually decide the purchase.
Here is the honest starting point: the research available for this comparison is thin. We could not verify product-level specifications, independent test results or 2026 survey data for either brand. So this guide does not declare a winner on performance numbers. Instead, it gives you a method for comparing any two brands side by side, and it flags the questions you should put to each supplier before you buy.
Choosing Pruning Gear by Job and Branch Size
The right tool depends on the job and the thickness of the wood you cut.
Hand pruners and bypass versus anvil cutting
Hand pruners, often called secateurs, suit small branches and stems. Two cutting mechanisms are bypass and anvil. Bypass blades pass each other like scissors. Anvil blades close onto a flat surface.
Loppers, pruning saws and pole pruners for thicker limbs
As branch diameter grows, hand pruners may not be enough. Loppers, pruning saws and pole pruners are options to consider for thicker limbs and higher branches. When comparing ArborGreen and ForestryTools, check which lineup covers each of these categories and whether the blade capacity is stated in millimetres.
Build Quality, Cutting Performance and Ergonomics Compared
When comparing pruning gear, consider blade steel and hardness, pivot and spring design, handle material and geometry, and whether wear parts can be replaced. Learn how to identify high quality shears before trusting any brand's claims. Ask each supplier to confirm these in writing, then compare the answers line by line.
What to verify on the blade
- Steel type and hardness. Ask whether the blade is carbon steel, stainless steel or a coated alloy, and whether a hardness figure (typically expressed on the Rockwell C scale) is published.
- Blade profile and coating. Check whether a coating is on the cutting edge or only the blade face.
- Replaceability. Confirm whether replacement blades are sold separately and whether they are model-specific.
Pivot, spring and handle
- Pivot design. Ask whether the pivot is riveted or screwed and whether it can be adjusted.
- Spring type. Ask what type of spring the model uses and whether it is available as a spare part.
- Handle geometry. Consider handle material (wood, alloy, composite) and shape. Note whether the grip suits gloved or bare hands.
Cutting performance and ergonomics in practice
When comparing tools, consider the wood you cut and check the stated maximum cutting capacity in millimetres against your largest regular branch.
When considering ergonomics, look for:
- Rolling handles or angled heads to consider for overhead or angled cuts.
- Weight distribution, consider the tool's weight distribution.
- Replaceable grips where handles wear.
Matching the tool to the user and the job
Build quality should be judged against the job, not in isolation:
- Occasional garden work: a mid-range bypass pruner with a replaceable blade and a comfortable grip is sufficient; heavy-duty forged construction adds cost without benefit.
- Florists and orchid growers: prioritise lightweight bypass pruners with fine tips and coated blades for precise stem work.
- Arborists and orchard maintenance: prioritise adjustable pivots, replaceable springs, and loppers or pole pruners with stated capacities that exceed regular cut sizes.
- Larger-scale brush clearing: prioritise saws and heavy loppers with robust blades and confirmed spare-part supply, because downtime is the real cost.
The same brand may offer different product lines and spare-part support to consider for different jobs.
Pricing, Warranty and Total Cost of Ownership
Total cost of ownership considers what a tool costs to buy, maintain, repair and replace over its service life. Find out why professional secateurs cost more before deciding whether the price gap is worth it.
What drives the purchase price
When comparing pruning gear pricing, consider the following factors:
- Tool category. Compare the tool categories you are considering, such as hand pruners, loppers and pruning saws.
- Construction. Compare the construction details of the tools you are considering.
- Quantity and delivery terms. Ask for a quote that states the price in AUD and any applicable delivery costs.
- Currency and tax. Confirm the currency and tax treatment of quotes so they can be compared.
Warranty terms to read closely
When comparing ArborGreen and ForestryTools, ask for any written warranty terms and check:
- What is covered. Confirm which parts, if any, are covered and for how long.
- What voids cover. Check the written terms for any exclusions.
- What is required to claim. Check the written terms for any claim requirements.
- Who honours it. Check the written terms for who handles any warranty claim.
Total cost of ownership: the calculation that matters
Build a simple comparison for each candidate tool:
- Purchase price in AUD, noting any applicable taxes and delivery costs.
- Consumables, consider any replacement blades, springs and sharpeners relevant to the tool.
- Maintenance, consider the maintenance the tool may require.
- Downtime, consider whether a spare tool is needed while a tool is unavailable.
- Service life, consider the tool's expected service life for your use.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission guidance on consumer guarantees
Repairability as a cost factor
Repairability is one factor to consider. Ask whether spare parts are available and whether the supplier offers a repair service. For nurseries and growers, spare parts may be relevant when comparing tools.
The article lists the main cost factors to compare across pruning gear quotes and warranties.
| Cost factor | What to check | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Quote currency | AUD | Confirm the price is stated in AUD |
| Tax treatment | GST | Do not compare a quote excluding GST with one including it |
| Delivery terms | Delivery costs | Confirm delivery terms before comparing unit prices |
| Warranty coverage | Parts and duration | Confirm which parts are covered and for how long |
| Warranty exclusions | Written terms | Check what voids cover |
| Warranty claims | Who honours it | Check who handles any warranty claim |
| Consumables | Blades, springs, sharpeners | Include in total cost of ownership |
| Downtime | Spare tool | Consider whether a spare is needed while a tool is unavailable |
Professional Pruning Tools for Florists, Growers and Nurseries
Professional users may have different tool requirements from occasional gardeners. Florists, growers and nurseries can consider the tools and spare parts relevant to their work. Explore alternatives to ForestryTools for nursery operators suited to professional commercial use.
Toolpro offers professional-grade secateurs, loppers, snips and saws, along with sharpeners and spare parts.
Sharpening, Maintenance and Access to Spare Parts
Tool maintenance may include sharpening, cleaning and oiling the pivot. See how to sharpen professional garden shears step by step. Read how to maintain professional pruning secateurs over time.
When comparing tools, consider whether spare parts are available.
Which Pruning Gear Suits Your Work
Use this short method to decide:
- Small stems and flowers: consider a hand pruner.
- Medium branches: consider loppers suited to the work.
- Large limbs: consider a pruning saw.
- High branches: consider whether a pole pruner is suitable for the work.
- Commercial volume: consider durability, warranty terms and spare-part availability.
Ask each supplier for available specifications, warranty terms and spare-parts information. Then compare the answers against the list above. Browse the Toolpro range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ArborGreen and ForestryTools?
When comparing pruning gear, consider the product specifications, warranty terms and spare-parts information available from each supplier. The right choice depends on your work.
Which supplier has the best range of professional pruning gear?
The tools to consider depend on your work. Toolpro supplies secateurs, loppers, hedge shears, snips, saws and sharpeners.
How do I know which pruning shears to choose?
Consider the diameter of the wood you cut most often, along with the tool's handle size and weight. Check the product information for the tool's features.
Are professional pruning tools worth the extra cost?
Whether professional pruning tools are worth the cost depends on your needs. Consider the product features and whether spare parts and sharpeners are available. Pricing depends on quantity, dates and delivery, so check current prices or request a quote from Toolpro.
