Milwaukee Brushless Pruning Shears

Pruning can be one of the most time-consuming and physically demanding tasks in garden maintenance, especially when dealing with a variety of shrubs, trees, and bushes. I recently had the opportunity to test out Milwaukee’s Brushless Pruning Shears (model 2534-20), and it’s clear that this tool is designed to tackle the challenges of pruning head-on. Here’s a detailed look at my experience using these pruning shears and why they might be a game-changer for your garden maintenance routine.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about the Milwaukee pruning shears was their solid build. The tool feels robust in hand, with a weight of around 3 pounds, including the battery. While the weight might seem a bit on the heavier side, it actually contributes to the tool’s balanced feel. The brushless motor operates smoothly, providing consistent power throughout the cutting cycle. The overall construction exudes quality, which is something I’ve come to expect from Milwaukee tools.

Cutting Capacity and Performance

These pruning shears are designed to cut branches up to 1-1/4 inches in diameter, which is quite impressive for a cordless tool. In practice, I found that it handles branches up to 1 inch with ease, but it does require a bit more effort for branches closer to its maximum capacity. For thicker branches, it occasionally took a couple of trigger pulls to complete the cut, but it never felt like the tool was struggling.

One of the standout features is the mode select option, which allows you to switch between full and half cutting capacity. This is particularly useful for smaller branches where you need quicker cuts. In half capacity mode, the cutting cycle is significantly faster, saving time and reducing the strain on the tool.

Ergonomics and Usability

Using the Milwaukee pruning shears with one hand is a breeze, freeing up the other hand to position and feed branches into the cutter. This single-handed operation is a huge time saver compared to traditional two-handed loppers. However, the tool is a bit bulky, and the grip might be too large for those with smaller hands. I found that adjusting my grip by placing my index finger in front of the firing trigger guard helped balance the tool better.

The safety features are well thought out, with a lockout and trigger mechanism along with an on-off switch. These features ensure that the tool is safe to handle, especially when not in use. The sharp blades come with a cover, adding an extra layer of safety during storage.

Battery Life

Equipped with the M12 battery system, these pruning shears offer impressive battery life. I used a 3.0 Ah battery and was able to make hundreds of cuts before needing a recharge. Even with a smaller 2.0 Ah battery, the tool performed admirably, only using one bar after a few hundred cuts. This long battery life means you can tackle extensive pruning tasks without frequent interruptions to recharge.

Practical Applications

I tested these shears on a variety of plants, including overgrown mulberry trees, holly bushes, and even some hardwood branches. The tool performed exceptionally well across different types of wood, making quick work of both green and dried branches. The active blade control system is particularly useful, allowing you to stop the blade mid-cut if needed, preventing any accidental damage.

For those who maintain large gardens or farms, the Milwaukee pruning shears can significantly reduce the time and physical effort required for pruning. The ability to cut larger branches without switching to a saw or loppers streamlines the workflow, and the tool’s durability ensures it can handle repeated use over time.

Areas for Improvement

While the Milwaukee pruning shears have many strengths, there are a few areas where they could be improved. The weight and bulkiness of the tool can be a drawback for extended use, particularly for those with smaller hands or less upper body strength. Additionally, the grip could be more ergonomic to reduce hand fatigue.

Another minor issue is the battery removal process, which can be a bit challenging compared to other battery-operated tools. A more straightforward mechanism for inserting and removing the battery would enhance the overall user experience.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee Brushless Pruning Shears are a powerful and efficient tool for anyone with significant pruning needs. Their ability to cut through thick branches with ease, combined with the convenience of one-handed operation, makes them a valuable addition to any gardener’s toolkit. The long battery life and solid build quality further enhance their appeal.

Despite the minor drawbacks related to weight and ergonomics, the overall performance and practicality of these pruning shears make them a worthwhile investment. If you’re looking for a tool that can handle a wide range of pruning tasks while reducing physical strain, the Milwaukee pruning shears are highly recommended. They offer the quality and reliability that Milwaukee is known for, making them a smart choice for both amateur gardeners and professional landscapers alike.