Fiskars PowerGear X Lopper LX98

I wish I bought these first – The project that forced me to buy better loppers, was removal of 40 clumps of bamboo. The loppers I used before were a cheaper set from Aldi. I thought that due to size of the project, that what I really needed was a reciprocating battery saw. Soon after laying out hundreds of dollars for the battery saw, I saw the Fiskars LX90 loppers on the shelf. Someone suggested they might be handy too. I thought they wouldn't get used, that the reciprocating saw would make them redundant. I was wrong. It's the battery reciprocating saw that's sitting on the shelf and the LX98 loppers that is doing the bulk of the cutting. For thick bamboo stems, the LX98 loppers are faster than using the battery saw, without the excessive vibration. Effort is approximately the same.

Compared to other loppers, the mechanism is simple. The Aldi loppers I used had extendable handles. The catches that locked the handles in place on the Aldi loppers ultimately broke. This happened on three different sets! The LX98 loppers have long one fixed handles, and for the task I had for them, were ideal.

Another problem I had with the Aldi loppers was that one of the bolts in the gearing mechanism broke. I replaced it once on one set, and twice on another. The LX98 loppers don't appear to have any small parts in critical areas to break.

When it comes to reviews, I'm far more a reader than writer. I felt compelled to write this time, because these loppers are so worth the money. I'm nearly finished the bamboo removal project, and no small thanks to the Fiskars LX98 loppers. I saved thousands of dollars by taking on the project myself, and I have the LX98 loppers to use for tomorrow's project.

I should probably mention that assisting the performance of the LX98 loppers, is the fact that I regularly lubricate them using deoxit contact cleaner. I call this my "magic spray". Cutting effort and oxidation are both reduced. The lubrication effect lasts around four times that of silicon spray.

Good product but spares hard to get – I ordered a new blade for my loppers in June but I'm told I will have to wait months for the replacement blade. Shame because it's a good product to have such poor customer service

Great tool – I now own now own 3 Fiskars loopers all bought from Bunnings - L72 small size (good for bushwalking), LX92 medium and LX98 large. They are all magnificent. All have the same gear system and are a pleasure to use!

Great Tool – I bought this lopper after two bad experiences with a Cyclone Telescopic Ratchet bypass lopper (see my product review of the Cyclone Lopper). I have used it once to cut up quite few branches and was really impressed with the way it performed compared to the two Cyclone Loppers I returned to Bunnings.The Fiskars Lopper cost more but is a far superior product (you get what you pay for). It is geared and cutting is effortless (unlike the unreliable ratchet system on the Cyclone lopper. I recommend this product to anyone looking for a good lopper.