Having decided to design and develop automatic secateurs, we conducted a market research to see what kind of similar products where available to the buyers. The general products for pruning can be divided in two major categories, one consisting of simple hand pruners and the other consisting of pruning power tools.
Hand pruners
The general characteristics of the first category are:
- They have similar operation as common scissors
- The tool is usually operable by one hand, although for heavy tasks the tools might need to use both hands
- Usually small in size
- Made by lightweight materials
- The prices range from £5 to £200
http://www.philipmorris.uk.com/prdf.php?pid=3428
http://www.worldoffelco.co.uk/menu/301/Felco%20Secateurs.html
Pruning power tools
The general characteristics of the second category are:
- They have power assisted movable parts, such as blades and saws
- The tools usually need to use both hands
- Rather large in size
- Heavyweight tools
- Safety issues are in hand
- The prices range from £100 to £1500
