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Comparison of security systems for secateurs:
How do I choose?
Pruning vines, orchards or green spaces requires high-performance tools, but the power of electric pruning shears means that the utmost care must be taken. To prevent accidents, manufacturers are competing to develop ingenious active and passive safety features. Safety systems for pruning shears are designed to minimise the risk of accidental hand injuries whilst pruning.
Passive protection: half-open position and progressive mode
In entry-level and mid-range models, safety relies primarily on mechanical and electronic control of the trigger. The progressive mode brings the blade to an immediate halt as soon as the trigger is released, whilst the half-open position adapts the tool to smaller diameters. These features improve manoeuvrability, but they do not prevent human error if the opposite hand is in the path of the cut.
The electronic anti-cut-off system with a switch
The wired system with a glove
The user must wear a conductive glove connected by a specialised cable to the pruning shears’ housing. As soon as the cutting head comes into contact with the glove, the blade reopens instantly. The optionalwired device promises to protect the pruner whilst reducing accidental re-opening when cutting damp wood, wood with sap, or wood close to the ground.
Wireless safety, on contact
Fitted as standard on the Infaco F3020, the Wireless system uses the body’s natural conductivity to instantly reopen the blade upon contact with the opposite hand. As conductivity varies from person to person, wearing suitable gloves is strongly recommended and is particularly advised for:
- Increasing the conductivity of the safety device;
- Ensure consistent responsiveness across the entire surface of the hand, even on areas with little or no conductivity (such as fingernails, for example);
- To reduce false triggers on damp wood and/or wood that is too close to the ground.
The innovation of contactless safety
Revolutionary contactless technology creates a ‘protective bubble’ without any physical connection. Thanks to a transmitter in the glove and a receiver on the pruning shears, the tool anticipates danger and refuses to close if the fingers are too close. For employers and gardeners alike, this promises maximum protection and a drastic reduction in time off work.
For occasional use, a well-adjusted progressive pruning shears is more than sufficient. On the other hand, for professional pruners, who spend entire days pruning, the investment in electronic anti-cut technology (wired or contactless) quickly pays for itself through the physical safety and peace of mind it provides on a daily basis. Furthermore, in a sector where recruitment is challenging, the importance of workplace comfort and health protection must remain paramount: employees who feel comfortable and protected will work with greater peace of mind.
Get in touch with your nearest distributor to test and try out the F3020 professional electric pruning shears.
See the table below for the differences between the various models of INFACO professional electric pruning shears:
Comparison table
No
No
Must be used with a connecting cable
No
No
The security system may be triggered 5 to 10 times a day
Security system likely to have been triggered
Yes
Yes
Optional but recommended
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
❓frequently asked questions❓
The three safety systems currently available on the F3020 pruning shears. Here are their specific features:
- The DSES wired system uses a conductive glove connected to the pruning shears by a wire.
- The Wireless system does away with this wire, but requires the use of a specific conductive glove. It is highly dependent on external factors such as humidity, for example.
- The Contactless system, on the other hand, is wireless and requires no gloves. It automatically detects the proximity of the opposite hand using innovative built-in technology. It overcomes all the limitations of the other two systems: there is no wire and no dependence on external conditions.
- The wired system (excluding gloves) costs €64.50 excluding VAT. Additional gloves are available from €17 excluding VAT.
- The wireless system comes as standard with the F3020 professional electric pruning shears.
- The Contactless option is priced at €195 excluding VAT, without a glove. Allow at least €13 excluding VAT for the additional mitten or glove.
The F3020 works equally well for both right- and left-handers: it is ambidextrous. Its centrally positioned counter-blade ensures the same level of comfort and ergonomics for both. The Contactless option is suitable for both right- and left-handers.