How a Tree Shear Works
A tree shear is a hydraulic jaw with a blade along one side. Close it around a stem and the jaw grips first, then the blade cuts through in one motion. Because the shear is still holding the stem when the cut finishes, you can lift it clear, swing it round and lay it where you want it, then move straight on to the next tree.
The shears in our range use a single hydraulic ram, which makes the cut forgiving if the blade isn't lined up perfectly, and each cycle takes seconds. The bolt-on Hardox® HB500 blade can be removed and replaced when it wears.
What Tree Shears Are Used For
- Clearing scrub, saplings and overgrown land
- Cutting back trees along boundaries, fences and tracks
- Site clearance before groundworks and development
- Forestry thinning and woodland management
- Clearing vegetation along ditches, drains and verges
- De-limbing branches, with a side bracket or rotator
- Moving cut timber, positioning poles and placing fence posts
Choosing the Right Size
Start with your excavator's operating weight, then check the stems you'll be cutting against the shear's capacity:
Never try to cut a stem thicker than the shear's rated capacity. If most of your trees are near the limit, go up a size if your machine can carry it, or have the bigger trees felled by a qualified tree surgeon.
Fixed or Rotating Tree Shear?
A fixed shear cuts with the blade running horizontally, which suits most clearance work and costs considerably less. A rotating shear adds a bolt-on, piston-driven 360° hydraulic rotator, so you can match the blade to leaning stems, work in tight spots and lay timber in line without repositioning the machine. Our guide on how to use an excavator tree shear explains when each makes sense.
Side Brackets for De-Limbing
Fixed shears can be ordered with a single or double side bracket welded on. This lets you mount the shear with the blade running vertically rather than horizontally, which is ideal for taking branches off cut stems.
Hydraulics and Fitment
Each shear is a single-service attachment that runs off a double-acting hammer circuit, with a maximum working pressure of 320 bar. The rotator on the rotating models also needs a hydraulic supply, and how that's arranged depends on your machine. To confirm fitment, send us:
- Your excavator make, model and operating weight
- Your quick hitch make and model, if fitted
- Pin diameter, pin centres and dipper width
- Photos of your hammer circuit connections
Our guide on how to measure an excavator for a new bucket shows how to take the pin measurements.
Before You Fell: Licences, Protected Trees and Wildlife
In England, you usually need a felling licence from the Forestry Commission to fell more than 5 cubic metres of growing trees in a calendar quarter. There are exceptions, including trees in gardens, orchards, churchyards and public open spaces, and trees 8cm or less in diameter measured 1.3m from the ground. See the Forestry Commission guidance on tree felling for the full list.
Trees under a Tree Preservation Order need council consent, and in a conservation area you must give the council notice first. It's also an offence to damage or destroy an active bird's nest, so check carefully during the nesting season. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tree shear do I need for a mini digger?
The 2–3.5 tonne tree shear suits mini diggers in that class and cuts stems up to 170mm in diameter. It's also available with a 360° rotator.
How thick a tree can an excavator tree shear cut?
It depends on the size. Our shears have maximum cut diameters from 170mm on the 2–3.5 tonne model to 450mm on the 18–30 tonne model, which cuts hardwood up to 440mm thick in one motion.
What hydraulics does a tree shear need?
The shear runs off a double-acting hammer circuit, with a maximum pressure of 320 bar. Rotating models also need a hydraulic supply for the rotator. Send us your hydraulic details and we'll confirm the setup.
Can a tree shear be fitted to a telehandler or skid steer?
The manufacturer says the range can be adapted to fit telehandlers and skid steers as well as excavators. Send us your machine details and we'll check.
Can I use a tree shear as a grab?
Yes. The jaw doubles as a hydraulic grab for moving cut timber, positioning poles and placing fence posts.
How long does delivery take?
Usually 7 to 10 working days, as each shear is supplied to suit your hitch or pins. Ask us if you need one sooner.
