Efficiency, function, and weight of fruit-tree pruning devices are scrutinized very closely by the purchasing end user. Efficiency, being the most valuable quality to focus on; an efficient cutting device can lead to smaller batteries and lighter materials on the tree pruner. The objective of this project was to produce a cutting head that surpassed the benchmark device by 10% in four categories: Axial cutting “green-wood,” Axial cutting “dry-wood,” Axial cutting energy, and Handle twisting torque.

The benchmark’s use of the “scissor-type” design was changed to a single anvil design, to eliminate blade clearance issues. The parabolic profile and varied rake angles of the blade concentrated on minimized cutting force. The jaw-to-blade relationship was manipulated to locate the axis of the wood tangent to the handle axis, thus addressing rotating force.

A jig was built as part of the project and able to be fitted with both the benchmark cutting head and the new design head. The Tinnius–Olsen tensile testing machine in Hogue 127 was used to measure positive and negative axial force measurements. The force needed to close the device, due to blade design, was reduced by 12.43%. The dry fruit-wood test gave a similar ratio as a result. The energy  needed to operate the cutter has been reduced from an average of 1.96 watts to 1.61 Watts. The results were clearly better than the benchmark.