Top mistakes to avoid when using power pruners

Power pruners like the INFACO F3020 are transforming how American growers prune vineyards, orchards, and olive groves. But even the best electric pruning tools come with a learning curve—and common mistakes in the field can lead to poor cuts, unsafe practices, and tool damage.

This article breaks down the top mistakes to avoid, with real-world examples and solutions to help your team stay safe, efficient, and productive.

Safety first: don’t skip the basics

Mistake #1: ignoring personal protective equipment (PPE)

Even though electric shears reduce physical strain, they still involve a sharp, high-speed blade. Operators should always wear:

• Cut-resistant gloves (especially the INFACO safety glove with DSES system)
  
  

• Protective glasses when pruning near the eyes or face
  
  

• Boots and arm protection in tight or uneven terrain
  
  

Many accidents come from assuming that battery-powered equals “low risk.” That’s not the case with high-torque pruners.

Mistake #2: disabling safety systems

The DSES safety system on the F3020 is designed to instantly stop the blade when contact is made with skin. Some users bypass or don’t wear the glove, which strongly reduces or disables the safety. Always test the security system at the start of the day, and make sure your crew is trained not to override this system.

→ Learn how to benefit from the safety glove here

Misuse of blades or heads

Mistake #3: wrong head for the job

Choosing the wrong blade head leads to:

• Poor cuts on oversized limbs
  
  

• Damaged vine or tree bark
  
  

• Excess battery drain
  
  

Example: using a Standard head in an olive orchard with 1.5” thick limbs will strain the motor and cause slower cuts. The Maxi head (55 mm) would be the right choice.

Mistake #4: failing to calibrate blade opening

The F3020 allows you to set blade opening width to match the material you’re cutting. If left too wide, it reduces speed and drains power. If too narrow, it risks incomplete cuts or pinching.

Best practice:

• Adjust blade opening for each plot
  
  

• Use the Bluetooth app for precise configuration
  
  

• Train operators to adjust on the fly based on branch type

Mistake #5: skipping blade maintenance

Dirty, dull, or chipped blades increase cut resistance and stress the motor. Always:

• Clean the blade after every session
  
  

• Lubricate the pivot and gear
  
  

• Sharpen weekly during high use
  
  

• Replace worn heads before performance drops
  
  

Crew training gaps

Mistake #6: handing the tool with no training

Electric pruning is intuitive—but not foolproof. New hires should:

• Watch at least one real-time pruning demo
  
  

• Practice on test branches before working the row
  
  

• Understand basic settings and how to change heads or battery
  
  

A rushed training equals poor cuts, tool abuse, and injury risk.

Mistake #7: not standardizing technique across the team

Even when everyone uses the same tool, bad habits sneak in:

• Cutting at poor angles
  
  

• Slamming blades closed
  
  

• Skipping wound evaluation
  
  

Solution: Assign a “crew lead” to check cut quality and enforce method consistency during the first week of pruning.

Field case: what not to do

📍 Tulare County, CA

 Farm: 100-acre mixed orchard (citrus + olive)
Mistake: 2 crew members using wrong blade type and improper tension on older trees
Result:

• 2 tool breakdowns due to overuse
  
  

• Branch wounds too wide—risk of disease
  
  

• 8% productivity loss over 2 weeks
  
  

Fix:

• Re-trained on crop-specific head use
  
  

• Set blade opening via Bluetooth or directly on the pruning shears
  
  

• Implemented visual guide laminated per crew zone
  
  

Best practices checklist

Before starting the day:

• ✅ Calibrate blade opening
  
  

• ✅ Test safety glove &/or DSES safety system
  
  

• ✅ Clean and inspect blade
  
  

• ✅ Assign zones and crop types per head
  
  

• ✅ Review cutting angles and safety rules with team
  
  

FAQ

Can power shears be used in wet weather?

Yes, but with caution. The F3020 is IP54-rated, but it’s recommended to cover the battery with a waterproof vest or poncho to prevent moisture damage.

How often should blades be replaced?

Typically every 2–3 pruning seasons, or after 10,000+ cuts, depending on crop hardness. However, if you undergo the annual maintenance, blades are automatically changed and replaced by new ones. 

Is it dangerous to prune near wires or trellises?

Only if not careful. Use smaller blade openings in tight areas, and slow down. The F3020’s precision is excellent, but it’s not immune to mistakes caused by rushing. With the wireless safety system, it’s not possible to cut through wire or metal. Since metal conducts electricity, the blade remains open.

Should each worker use their own settings?

Yes. With the Bluetooth box, workers can personalize blade speed, opening size, and DSES sensitivity—reducing user error and improving comfort.