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How to choose a forestry shear
What matters most is the diameter to cut, the weight of the mini excavator and the hydraulics.
1. How it works
The shear cuts the tree at the base with a hardened steel blade and, at the same moment, the grapple holds it. You can then lift the cut tree, move it and stack it safely, without it falling uncontrolled.
2. Cutting diameter and machine weight
The smaller shears cut trees up to 9–12 cm and fit mini excavators from 1 to 2 t; the larger ones reach 11–13 cm on machines from 2 to 3 t. The actual diameter also depends on the species: dry hardwood needs more force than green wood.
3. With or without rotator
With the hydraulic rotator you turn the shear around its axis: you line up on the tree without moving the machine and lay the cut trunk exactly where you want, for example already aligned on the pile. Versions without a rotator are lighter and cheaper.
4. Hydraulics
Shears work at higher pressures than grapples: from 150–210 bar for the small models up to 230–260 bar for the large ones, with flows from 8 to 50 l/min. Before buying, check the pressure and flow of your mini excavator's auxiliary circuit; the rotator needs an extra hydraulic function.
5. Where it is used
It is ideal for clearing banks, ditches, field edges and embankments, for grounds maintenance in parks and along roads, for thinning woodland and for cutting biomass trees or firewood, even where working with a chainsaw would be awkward or dangerous.
| Type | Cutting diameter | Opening | Weight | Mini excavator | Hydraulics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small forestry shear | 9–12 cm | about 54 cm | about 52 kg | 1–2 t | 150–210 bar, 8–22 l/min |
| Small forestry shear with rotator | 9–12 cm | about 54 cm | about 72 kg | 1–2 t | 150–210 bar, 8–22 l/min |
| Large forestry shear | 11–13 cm | about 65 cm | about 97 kg | 2–3 t | 230–260 bar, 25–50 l/min |
| Large forestry shear with rotator | 11–13 cm | about 65 cm | about 132 kg | 2–3 t | 230–260 bar, 25–50 l/min |
Can a forestry shear replace a chainsaw?
For shrubs and trees up to 10–13 cm in diameter, yes: you cut, move and stack from the driving seat, away from the falling tree. Larger trunks and delimbing still need a chainsaw.
Which mini excavator does it fit?
The small shears fit mini excavators from 1 to 2 t and the large ones machines from 2 to 3 t, of all makes. Check the required oil pressure and flow and the type of arm connection on the product page.
With or without rotator?
The rotator makes work faster, because you line the shear up on the tree and set the trunk down where you want without moving the machine. Without a rotator the shear is lighter, cheaper and needs one hydraulic function less.
Can it be fitted to forestry cranes and loaders?
Yes, as long as the hydraulics deliver the required pressure and flow and the connection is compatible. If in doubt, tell us the model of your machine.
Forestry shear or mulcher?
A mulcher shreds the vegetation on the spot. A forestry shear cuts the whole tree and moves it: it is the right choice if you want to recover firewood or biomass, or stack the material to take it away.
Products marked with the Italian flag and the Made in Italy indication are designed and manufactured predominantly in Italy; products without these indications are essentially manufactured abroad.