BLACK+DECKER GK1000 Alligator Powered Lopper, 550 W
A name you can trust
Over the past century, Black and Decker has become a household name, famous for high quality and innovative products.
Making the job easier has always been at the forefront of Black and Decker’s mission. As a brand it constantly strives to simplify the world of DIY and create tools and products that make the task quicker and easier to perform.
During the last 100 years, Black and Decker has seen many ‘firsts’, bringing power tools and household appliances to the everyday consumer and changing the world of DIY, a tradition that continues to this day.
Black and Decker GK1000-GB 550w Alligator Powered Lopper
The 550w Alligator powered lopper from Black and Decker is a revolutionary cutting tool with chainsaw cutting performance in an easy to use and much less intimidating form. Designed like a manual lopper the GK1000 is lightweight and easy to use, whilst the unique jaws and operating handles offer controlled cutting. The lopper’s scissor action allows for fast, easy cutting and is great for pruning trees and shrubs.
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Power and PerformanceThe Alligator Powered Lopper jaws offer the ultimate in controlled cutting. This cutting tool has a large cutting capacity (10cm jaw length) which makes light work of branches and logs up to 4″/10cm. The rugged metal guard protects the jaws from damage, whilst the auto oil feature ensures a fully lubricated chain reducing any chance of breakage. | Innovative DesignThe design allows the user to use the tool in the same way as a manual lopper but with the added power and cutting performance of a chainsaw. The lopper style dual switch handles provide optimal control and comfort. The lightweight design and fully enclosed bar and chain makes it much easier to handle compared to a standard chainsaw. The rugged metal guards that cover the jaws protect you from the cutting chain and immediately cover the blades once the cut is complete. | Main Uses and ApplicationsThe Alligator Powered Lopper works like a manual lopper however its chainsaw likeness expands its capabilities. The tool can be used to easily prune trees back and remove stubborn branches. The jaws also allow the user to safely cut larger branches down to a smaller size, these logs can then be used for wood burners or just for easier disposal. | SafetyIt is important to remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment such as approved safety gloves or goggles (available separately). This ensures full protection for the user against any loose debris that may move towards you. Remember to make sure the branch or log you want to cut is not too big for the lopper as this may damage the jaws. Avoid stretching for out of reach branches to cut as this also may cause injury. |
| Weight: | 1 kg |
| Dimensions: | 23.8 x 20.8 x 62.99 cm; 1 Kilograms |
| Model: | B/DGK1000 |
| Colour: | Orange |
| Manufacture: | Stanley Black & Decker |
| Colour: | Orange |
Brilliant, suddenly no large bush or small tree is safe! Got rid of some ugly bushes (not bird friendly either) and replaced with something wildlife friendly – brill. The ultimate mini chainsaw – safe for even a lady to use!
The chain guards work well and feel like they improve the safety, especially if the chain broke (which commonly causes injuries) – I had been thinking of getting a standard chain saw, but am much happier with this.
It can be used to cut through thicker branches, if you cut from one side, then turn the branch over and cut the other side.
I used it all afternoon – cutting a barrow full, storing the logs and cutting the next barrow full. I checked the motor for heat and it never got hot. In the end I did about 7 or 8 barrows piled high, with no problems.
Two issues (1) you *must* oil the chain and mustn’t use it without oil being applied first, but no oil was supplied with mine – some people seemed to have got oil with theirs, some not!!! so I had to run out to the local DIY to get some – NOTE, chain saw oil is thick – thicker than motor oil, so don’t think you can use WD40 or 3-in-1 its just not thick enough.
(2) putting the oil into the oiling hole, is a messy and confusing procedure – as some have said, its probably easier to just apply it directly to the chain.
The chain guards work well and feel like they improve the safety, especially if the chain broke (which commonly causes injuries) – I had been thinking of getting a standard chain saw, but am much happier with this.
It can be used to cut through thicker branches, if you cut from one side, then turn the branch over and cut the other side.
I used it all afternoon – cutting a barrow full, storing the logs and cutting the next barrow full. I checked the motor for heat and it never got hot. In the end I did about 7 or 8 barrows piled high, with no problems.
Two issues (1) you *must* oil the chain and mustn’t use it without oil being applied first, but no oil was supplied with mine – some people seemed to have got oil with theirs, some not!!! so I had to run out to the local DIY to get some – NOTE, chain saw oil is thick – thicker than motor oil, so don’t think you can use WD40 or 3-in-1 its just not thick enough.
(2) putting the oil into the oiling hole, is a messy and confusing procedure – as some have said, its probably easier to just apply it directly to the chain.
This replaces one used heavily for 4 yrs
I would not be without this in my shrubby garden. Much easier than bowsaw for which narrow spaces are awkward.
After lopping off small branches it is quick to then cut thicker part of branch ready for drying in woodstore.
Very very pleasing.
I have only used this once, so I can only say it went well and did the job I wanted to do.
This is an amazing tool, works well on medium size branches, very useful but wished I’d got the cordless one as cut though the cord on my first use! Woops. Luckily no damage to me or machine as it stopped instantly so at least safe. Just take care, I was using safety goggles but I didn’t see the cord get in my way in my enthusiasm, as this lopping lark gets addictive. Good product though, Just the human at fault.
One thing I have learnt though,and this is down to my own stupidity..When cutting stuff down to size that will fit in a garden waste bin for burning..drag it nearer the bin before you do your cutting..otherwise bits will be all over the garden..
Marvellous bit of kit,as they say.
An excellent addition to my garden tool chest. Easy to use and does what it says in the tin!
My son has one of these and I’ve borrowed it a couple of times. It is very good and I’ve been looking round the garden, particularly at the apple tree that definitely needs a good haircut, so decided to treat myself, specially as it was offered at a good price.
A very good tool but the same cannot be said for the oil bottle used to top up the reservoir. It is virtually useless because of two main problems. The first is that the plastic is very rigid so you cannot squeeze it to get the oil out and the nozzle is small so it won’t run out by itself. The second is you have to push the tip of the nozzle in to open the seal in the alligator but the cap twists off and as soon as you press it in it rotates and closes itself.
Used one of these before when a neighbour lent me one, it’s excellent & is much safer than a chain saw. It does exactly what it claims. It would have been nice if Black & decker had included a sample of chain oil just to test the machine. The empty bottle provided is useless, as when filled with oil it does not fit through the hole provided so I use a can instead. However that is a minor complaint.
PROS: Light, fast, powerful motor.
CONS: Oil required frequently. Small oil reservoir access and stiff plastic bottle not ideal. No instructions for required oil quantity. Power lead is quite short (only 3m long). Chain guards quickly fill up with cuttings, so need lots of clearing. Frequent chain re-tensioning required, with new chain.
SUM-UP: Superb tool, but remember to keep oiling and re-tensioning the chain!
I haven`t tried these yet, but they were well wrapped up when they came and look and feel well made. I trust Black and Decker anyway, so i`m quite confident they will do the job.
brilliant tool but my insurance company have informed me as to the fact that i am not insured to use this item on my large fallen tree
as i have to have a licence to use machanical lopper under health and safety rules and any accidents invalidates my insurance
I have used this to cut up smaller branches and logs and it does this in no time. It is so much safer and quicker than using a chainsaw…Very Pleased.
Easy to use, easy to clean, seems safe, fun to use.
I am using vegetable oil in it so re-oil every 8 minutes or so.
It is ideal for branches/logs that are more than 5cm and upto about 12cm. It is far too powerful for smaller stuff. It will cut larger stuff as well by moving the branch around and cutting from both sides.
Good piece of kit. Does a decent cutting job on medium sized branches. Much safer than a standard chainsaw.
Excellent product for the jobs intended for. Put to work straight away and so far can only express my satisfaction for its simplicity and safety features.
Squeeze,grip,cut and you’re done! Fabulous, I have had my monies worth 4 times over with this piece of equipment. It’s durable if cared for properly. Make sure you oil regularly and unscrew the two nuts to clear out the shavings. Once done you are ready to go again. Makes light work of tree pruning and lopping.
Tip: Bite into several sides of thick stump. This way you are able to fell much wider thicker girth than looks possible from the jaws. Just be careful, obviously. Easy to use, don’t be put off thinking that the machine is too unwieldly. Used properly with safety instructions in place, this is a good tool. See Ya Later Alligator, I’m off to cut some more branches.
Very good product – however, as it needs chain oil before use and every ten minutes why is none included !!!
Having needed a chainsaw I came across these JAWS as an alternative. Now I’m scared of a chainsaw having watched so many 999 programs and felt that the ability to have a guard, while restricting movement, was more important.
Having not used a chainsaw before also this process was so easy. I removed all the trees in my garden with ease and if anything, have made the Jaws redundant. A great purchase. Only minor difficulties Would be to get the oil in. Didn’t feel like I succeeded properly.
This is a great tool,i had the cordless version previously but eventually the batteries died-replacement batteries are so expensive compared to the original cost and you know the batteries are going to fail again in the future so went for the corded version this time.It works just as well if not better as it has obviously got a bit more power being mains drive
Fantastic for those pruning jobs where a full size saw is either too awkward or potemtially in a dangerous location.
Works well but not so convinced about the chain oiling process hence drops a sta
Love the feel and heft of this tool but it hasn’t been tested yet. The oiling instructions are not as clear as they could be but it does ensure you read ALL the instruction booklet. And then check out the web.
I’ve had a rechargeable alligator for many years but the disadvantage was always the short charge life in working conditions; this outweighed the advantage of working cable free on the many trees and shrubs in my garden. This mains version of the alligator is much more practical with its constant power and I’ve soon got used to taking due care of the cable. Alligators are easy to maintain and very effective in lopping then cutting up branches up to around 3-4 inches more safely than a conventional chain saw and with less effort than a bow saw.
Bought a while ago – but only used it last week – this is a proper mini-beast – took down and chopped 5 x 30 foot Eucalyptus trees without missing a beat…. now just wished i had more trees to go at…! Easy and safe to use, like cutting through butter with a warm knife…
Safer alternative to a conventional electric chainsaw, works really well on smaller branches and a brilliant addition for the medium sized garden’s tool kit. Cuts like a knife through butter, it’s a great bit of kit from B&D. It’s well made and very easy to use and I’ve chopped up a loads of small branches for our woodburner in the 4 months of ownership with no signs of wear, I wish I’d bought one earlier.
It easily cuts up to about 10cm thick wood, but will do twice that if you turn the wood over and cut back from the other side. Maintenance is easy with the self adjusting guide, and the oil reservoir just needs regular top ups.
I’ve never wanted a full on chainsaw as I want to keep my fingers and don’t trust myself to be safe with one. The enclosed design if this one though, and the fact it requires both hands to be on the handles before it’ll start, mean it’s as safe as it can be but obviously you should still wear gloves and glasses as a fair amount of sawdust is kicked up.
It easily cuts up to about 10cm thick wood, but will do twice that if you turn the wood over and cut back from the other side. Maintenance is easy with the self adjusting guide, and the oil reservoir just needs regular top ups.
I’ve never wanted a full on chainsaw as I want to keep my fingers and don’t trust myself to be safe with one. The enclosed design if this one though, and the fact it requires both hands to be on the handles before it’ll start, mean it’s as safe as it can be but obviously you should still wear gloves and glasses as a fair amount of sawdust is kicked up.
Well, the Alligator made such short work of the whole hedge that nobody watching could believe what just happened.
Positives: Very easy to use and does exactly what it says in the product description.
Negatives: One small one … the oiling system is not wonderful. I’ve used plenty of chainsaws in the past and they all thrive on copious lubrication. Good oil flow helps the cutting process and ensures longevity for the actual chain and guide bar. My solution was to fill a small lever oilcan with chainsaw oil and purposefully lubricate the chain at regular intervals… maybe every few minutes of use.
Highly recommended – you just won’t believe what this device can do until you try it.
Well, the Alligator made such short work of the whole hedge that nobody watching could believe what just happened.
Positives: Very easy to use and does exactly what it says in the product description.
Negatives: One small one … the oiling system is not wonderful. I’ve used plenty of chainsaws in the past and they all thrive on copious lubrication. Good oil flow helps the cutting process and ensures longevity for the actual chain and guide bar. My solution was to fill a small lever oilcan with chainsaw oil and purposefully lubricate the chain at regular intervals… maybe every few minutes of use.
Highly recommended – you just won’t believe what this device can do until you try it.
Excellent tool. Bought for my pensioner father who has used them a lot to look trees and stoke his fire! Only downside is heavy after using a while
Have yet to use mine, but I bought it after seeing a friend using hers. Amazing product.
EDIT: Have just used it for the first time to trim some dead branches on an old apple tree. Yes its still amazing. Trimming the thick branches once they were on the floor though was a little tricky unless the part of the branch one is cutting is a reasonable height above ground – like in the photos accompanying the ad. Do remember to use good goggles, as the sawdust goes everywhere.
Yes a Good buy. Plastic oil bottle useless as cannot be squeezed. Just oil the chain lightly. However a good cutter. Easy to operate.
This tool is absolutely brilliant and it was about 40 cheaper than elsewhere. I bought it because I needed a chain saw but was apprehensive about the dangers of a conventional chainsaw. This one is absolutely safe – first use was up a 20ft ladder to lop some trees – no problem!
While I have yet to use it in anger for any period of time, this is exactly what I wanted. The item is very good value for money and very easy to use. It helps if you don’t try to rush it but otherwise works a treat. My only negative would be that for use up a ladder lopping off tree branches it becomes heavy after a while (that may be down to my age and lack of fitness and I have no doubt a strong and agile male would have no problems.
Wow!!! How easy is this to use. I am female and sometimes find these kind of tools a little daunting but this is so light and easy to use. It cuts through branches with ease. I had a problem with the chain coming off one time after it snagged on a piece of wood. I followed the instructions and got the chain back on very easily. I am very happy with this product and would definitely recommend it.
When I first opened the box……….I nearly sent it straight back! Looked bigger and felt heavier than I was expecting. Calmed myself down and gave it a go. Very impressed! Wish I’d bought the cordless version. But hey ho, nothing an extra long extension lead can’t cope with.
I’ve had a battery operated version for a few years and found it very useful but if not used regularly the battery does lose efficiency and replacements aren’t cheap, so as the mains version was discounted I bought this one as well. It seems more powerful and made short work of some mature hawthorn tree trunks even though they were a bit bigger than the recommended max diameter. This is definitely a serious piece of kit. I’ve always thought B&D motors were good and this is no exception – good quality, good value (especially with the discounted prices!). the only disadvantage is the obvious restriction of the cable but I believe it can be used with quite long extensions. Great for those who have a natural fear of chainsaws!
Great machine, I would buy it a full price if I had too.
The amount of work it saved me was unreal. Spent 5 hours using it after it arrived on day 1. it does not come with any chain oil so buy some if you have purchased this product.
Only thing I noticed small little branches get lodged in the jaw mouth. This not a major problem as you only get 1 or 2 every 10mins.
If you follow the 10 min check procedure you will be fine
Had one of these for 5 years or more “worth their weight in gold! very handy tool for the home gardener. my mistake that it got broken, put the new chain on wrong way round so put to much pressure on the motor .
Excellent lopper.We bought this for cutting tree branches for our wood burner,as over the year we had collected alot of fallen/chopped branches and needed to cut them all.After borrowing a chainsaw from neighbor and not having alot of luck with it(chain coming off,just plain scary) I looked for an alternative.This has proved brilliant,chopped a basic fall of logs in no time,and It feels so much safer than chainsaw,will also be great for keeping under control the apple,bay trees in our garden,good price too.
Eats through branches very effectively, but the tool is awkward to hold comfortably as the weight of the motor makes for an awkward balance during operation.
Brilliant tool! This is ideal for branches that are too thick to cut by hand if you are trimming to log size, yet too small are irregular shaped to safely use a chain saw with.
Well its an impressive tool, a bit like a huge pair of scissors which will grip and cut just about anything. I attacked my pile of fallen branches and it just whizzed through everything from 100mm diameter down to twigs.
It is just so easy to use because it grips while it cuts so you don’t need a saw bench or trestles.
The only negative point is the oiling system for the blade – its absolutely useless.
Would I buy again – a huge yes
Excellent tool so easy to use and very safe , my husband whizzed through a small tree that was getting too big in the garden and now its gone!!!
I have to thanks a previous reviewer who mentioned about the poor self oiling function. It is absolutely diabolical and is the only drawback of this tool. I bought an old fashioned oil can and oil the chain and bar every 15 cuts or so. It takes about 10 seconds to oil and I am sure it is why this has lasted so long and is still going strong. (I tip the saw on its side so the chain bar is horizontal and squirt 2-3 squirts on to the bar and it runs on to the chain. I started using biodegradable chainsaw oil but read another review about using vegetable oil and that is all I now use for this and my main chainsaw. I haven’t noticed any difference in wear. I think it is probably better for the tool as I am not worried about how much oil i use both in terms of cost and how much sprays over the garden so I use a lot more than I would otherwise use. The inbuilt oil reservoir just doesn’t seem to work and the filler they provided is next to useless.
Just the job! Cut through tree prunings with ease up to the thickness stated. Only one slight drawback was that oiling was a bit fiddly so I wasn’t sure whether the oil was getting through sufficiently. Generally very pleased with this purchase though.
I really wasn’t expecting much with it being mains powered, but this thing goes through branches like a hot knife through butter! Even if it just lasts for the job in hand it’s still worth the money for me!
The concept of the jaws gripping the wood to be cut is excellent but some of the spares are now unobtainable (specifically the ratchet which controls the lower jaw). I bought a replacement as I was so pleased with the original – until the ratchet failed – but this was returned after a couple of sessions as the jaws came loose so I gave up. Black and Decker told me that they were discontinuing the model which is a pity as it was a very clever design.
Wow- I happened to read about this in an article when I was wondering if there was something that would be easier on the shoulder than my pruning saw on a long hedge. Unfortunately I had done about 80% of the hedge before buying. This tool is amazing if only I had it before. The instructions are poor and although using it is intuitive oiling less so so any advice on that would be appreciated. Good job it started raining before I got too carried away!
Cracking bit of kit..really safe and can cut surprisingly large logs..makes loping a breeze. Only slight problem is that the oil dispenser is not one you can squeeze and it has a pumping mechanism …not that obvious if any oil is being dispensed and cant see the plastic dispenser working long. Otherwise its one of the best tools I have bought for a long time
I bought this a couple of months ago, and only used it recently – I was amazed at how easy it was to use. The instructions are good, it’s easy to prepare and oil, and not too heavy to use – though it’s not exactly lightweight. I’m looking for other things to use it on now!
As I get older and tools feel heavier and the wrists hurt I bought this hoping it would help with all the pruning in my garden. I was right. Its great and so much easier to use than a common chain saw. It feels safe, lighter and with the ability to grasp the branch between the jaws easier to slice through wood of quite thick dimensions Tears a bit on twiggy stuff but cuts like a knife in butter on bigger bits..
I found this machine very easy to use and very safe. Used it to cut tree branches for my log burner stove. The machine cut them up as easy as going through butter. Very impressive. The clamping device is useful for small branches. Found this to be better than a chain saw. I did cut branches up to 5 inch thick, no problem. I would recommend this product for any garden work. Its also useful to buy a spare chain and the chain oil at the same time. My rating is five star+. Thank you for reading this review.
Great tool, As most of the other owners of this tool will say the thought of using a chainsaw to me is a little scary. This tool however is very easy to use and takes away some of the risk of using a chain saw.
It states on the instructions not to use the item on ladders but if your sensible (as with any tool) I used it to prune an out of control pear tree.
I managed to cut through sections of the tree that measured 4inchs (10cm) just let the chain do the work.
Once all the tree sections are on the ground this tool is great making light work of cutting sections and even cutting up small twigs and branch’s which are hard to do with a chainsaw. With the chain being protected via the jaws your much less likely to damage it and it protects the chain from dulling which happens if your chain hits soil on the ground.
Before I purchased I did a bit of research and I was also looking at the worx WG307E Jawsaw but I was struggling to find one in the uk competitively priced.
All in all a great tool that is very versatile and much safe to use and maintain over a chainsaw for the DIY gardener.
Great tool, As most of the other owners of this tool will say the thought of using a chainsaw to me is a little scary. This tool however is very easy to use and takes away some of the risk of using a chain saw.
It states on the instructions not to use the item on ladders but if your sensible (as with any tool) I used it to prune an out of control pear tree.
I managed to cut through sections of the tree that measured 4inchs (10cm) just let the chain do the work.
Once all the tree sections are on the ground this tool is great making light work of cutting sections and even cutting up small twigs and branch’s which are hard to do with a chainsaw. With the chain being protected via the jaws your much less likely to damage it and it protects the chain from dulling which happens if your chain hits soil on the ground.
Before I purchased I did a bit of research and I was also looking at the worx WG307E Jawsaw but I was struggling to find one in the uk competitively priced.
All in all a great tool that is very versatile and much safe to use and maintain over a chainsaw for the DIY gardener.
This is a fabulous tool. We use it to cut logs up to about 6 inches in diameter but that is absolutely its maximum and involves a wife rotating the log a few inches away from the cutting jaws. So far, she still has arms and that is because this is like a chainsaw with protection. We can use it without the kind of terrifying scenarios involved in turning round to thank the wife for a cup of tea and, to be honest, you can use it without a lot of padding and protection (although obviously I couldn’t recommend that). The chain tensions itself automatically when you just undo a couple of nuts and is easy to oil once you get the knack of not putting too much oil in the oil bottle as you have to squeeze it to push it through the rubber seal on the saw. If you like scavenging for logs you can carry, this will keep the wood burner happy.
This is a fabulous tool. We use it to cut logs up to about 6 inches in diameter but that is absolutely its maximum and involves a wife rotating the log a few inches away from the cutting jaws. So far, she still has arms and that is because this is like a chainsaw with protection. We can use it without the kind of terrifying scenarios involved in turning round to thank the wife for a cup of tea and, to be honest, you can use it without a lot of padding and protection (although obviously I couldn’t recommend that). The chain tensions itself automatically when you just undo a couple of nuts and is easy to oil once you get the knack of not putting too much oil in the oil bottle as you have to squeeze it to push it through the rubber seal on the saw. If you like scavenging for logs you can carry, this will keep the wood burner happy.
Just needed getting used to as it was inclined to work loose but learnt to adjust. but service especially by driver who offered to carry it to where it was to be stored instead of just “dumping” at front door – an offer which was declined as another person was in house to assist, but appreciated as elderly person opened door.
Excellent piece of machinery. I’ve started a large scale gardening project and this helped dispose of a lot of unwanted branches/trees which otherwise would have taken a long time to cut up. Well worth the money.
Very handy & effective lopper. Used to have the cordless one which was great but no longer available in the UK. Obviously we now have the nuisance of an electrical lead trailing behind but it is more powerful and makes cutting back shrubs and branches very easy. Essential kit for the gardener.
It is superb, two small jaws that open surprisingly wide, enough to tackle small trees. Enough power to cut without sticking and easy to clean after use. Highly recommended for amateur lumberjacks. My only note of complaint is that it should come in a proper case, or one be available as an after purchase option, because the cardboard box soon becomes bashed about.
I love these loppers, make light work of any branch and a lot of trees. Only the trunk width will stop this looper from cutting it down.
Do make sure you register the product as I have had the motor burn out on these. But if you register it they will fix during this period.
Chainsaw oil;
The instructions say that the oil must be used before cutting for the first time so I was also disappointed that no chainsaw oil was supplied. I then had to go out to by some. Do not be tempted to start using without first oiling.
Cutting
If used correctly, it is perfectly safe. Do not be tempted to over exert pressure when cutting, it will overload the motor and slow down the cutting. The chain should always be above the branch being cut to throw the chippings away from you. Do not use above your head height unless you are wearing full face visor and helmet and that you are properly secured in position and be aware that the branch could potentially fall on to you. I would also recommend that gardening gloves are used and eye protection as quite a lot of shavings are thrown out. If someone else is standing close by ensure they also have eye protection. If you are cutting up branches that have already been lopped from the tree, this should be secured before making the cut as it can be thrown around which could cause injury.
As with all chain saw cutting lots of big wood chips are thrown out which makes quite a mess. I found it useful to cut up the branches on the patio or pathway as it is easier to sweep up after.
Great for medium size jobs, although it is quite heavy due to the motor being placement. I didn’t find that an issue as it’s so fast to do the job I only had to hold it for a short period. Feels very safe for a chainsaw. Oiling mechanism is a bit messy and I was never quite sure if the oil was really getting where it was meant to be.
Brilliant safety chainsaw. Got a wood burner and need to cut some wood down to size, pallets etc. This is quick comfortable and relatively safe and the chain is easy to refit if it comes off.
Excellent piece of kit! Purchased to cut up small logs for my log burner. Loads faster tthan an hand saw and safer than a chainsaw. Theres no need to use a saw bench, cutting can be done safely on the floor.
Very impressed up to now, cut some overhanging branches easily, just the remainder of the garden to sort now. With the weight after a while you have to rest but the pros outweigh tha
This is an incredibly useful garden tool which polishes off tree branches in seconds. It’s fairly light-weight and very easy to handle too. Ideal if you have a garden with bushes and trees or if you need to dramatically cut back a privit hedge
This made short shrift of some annoying stumps and branches in our garden. It feels safer than any chain saw should be, being as the chain is enclosed. You have to force the blades open, and then it grips branches firmly as it cuts.
Read the instructions though, and wear goggles and thick clothing just in case. And remember that the largest branches this can cut through will be very heavy when they fall!
This is a chainsaw for everyone, but only for use at ground level.
Way better than I expected. Easy to use and far safer than a chainsaw. Taken down a few trees and it even managed some that were larger than the recommended maximum. Would have been even better if it came with some oil to get you going.
This is a great piece of kit, my second alligator, the first I used for over 3 years and took down medium size trees and lopped and trimmed the garden trees, and the neighbour and the family,s and friends with no problems. Should have remembered to oil it regularly hence it gave up the ghost
I have bought this again and it’s as good as a chain saw but safer, cuts like butter and I feel comfortable using it when up a ladder or up the tree. Have to cut back the eucalyptus tree can’t wait to start lopping the big branches (oil?).
The chain fell off after about an hour of use, but fitting it all back together again is pretty simple. And it may well have been that I was asking to much of the machine. I had a few logs that were significantly larger than the 4″ quoted in the text… to some extent it will work – if you can rotate the jaws around the log it will cut further. I think it was this action that caused the chain to pop off. But, like I said, refitting was straight forward, once I’d read and then ignored the instructions.
The clamping jaws are very handy, eliminating the need to set up a saw horse for the smaller logs. The ‘Dead-Man’s-switch’ works well too, making the whole kit feel very safety oriented. The cable is of a decent length, though I’d personally like a little more thought about how to keep it way from the jaws when whizzing through piles of logs!
Overall this is pretty snazzy, and has kept the log pile form getting overwhelming. Great for feeding the fantastic (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Landmann-28335-Moons-Stars-Fire/dp/B00CI4HMMU/ref=pd_sim_sbs_lp_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=19DKSQJNFF7X6SECDZRC) fire pit – which is a hungry mistress!
The chain fell off after about an hour of use, but fitting it all back together again is pretty simple. And it may well have been that I was asking to much of the machine. I had a few logs that were significantly larger than the 4″ quoted in the text… to some extent it will work – if you can rotate the jaws around the log it will cut further. I think it was this action that caused the chain to pop off. But, like I said, refitting was straight forward, once I’d read and then ignored the instructions.
The clamping jaws are very handy, eliminating the need to set up a saw horse for the smaller logs. The ‘Dead-Man’s-switch’ works well too, making the whole kit feel very safety oriented. The cable is of a decent length, though I’d personally like a little more thought about how to keep it way from the jaws when whizzing through piles of logs!
Overall this is pretty snazzy, and has kept the log pile form getting overwhelming. Great for feeding the fantastic (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Landmann-28335-Moons-Stars-Fire/dp/B00CI4HMMU/ref=pd_sim_sbs_lp_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=19DKSQJNFF7X6SECDZRC) fire pit – which is a hungry mistress!
I bought this as I was coming across an increasing number of branches that were too thick for hand loppers but too thin for a conventional chainsaw as they would bend and controlling the chainsaw could become a lottery. These have proved to be an inspired purchase they quickly cut through thickish branches with no effort at all. There are one or two minor gripes that might help others they are not the lightest of machines so may not suit everybody if you are using them at around shoulder height or above, the spanner provided is of a very poor quality and was stripped and useless during the assembly stage (luckily I had a spanner that fitted so no loss to me) and finally the chain oil is pumped into a little hole using a plastic bottle (similar to an optrex dispenser) but as the end is down the hole and it only needs a couple of drops you have no idea if it has worked or not B&D really should rethink this. The gripes though are minor issues and if you have a lot of middling cutting to do these will breeze through and as you need two hands operate them and the chain is concelaled they are very safe
I bought this as I was coming across an increasing number of branches that were too thick for hand loppers but too thin for a conventional chainsaw as they would bend and controlling the chainsaw could become a lottery. These have proved to be an inspired purchase they quickly cut through thickish branches with no effort at all. There are one or two minor gripes that might help others they are not the lightest of machines so may not suit everybody if you are using them at around shoulder height or above, the spanner provided is of a very poor quality and was stripped and useless during the assembly stage (luckily I had a spanner that fitted so no loss to me) and finally the chain oil is pumped into a little hole using a plastic bottle (similar to an optrex dispenser) but as the end is down the hole and it only needs a couple of drops you have no idea if it has worked or not B&D really should rethink this. The gripes though are minor issues and if you have a lot of middling cutting to do these will breeze through and as you need two hands operate them and the chain is concelaled they are very safe
We bought one of the GK1000 “Alligator” loppers because we needed to deal with a hedge that had become overgrown and a number of self set trees had start to grow in and around it.
It’s a great tool that sits roughly midway between an all out chainsaw and a large pair of manual loppers/pruners or small tree saw.
The design means that it’s much safer to use than a normal chainsaw, light enough (and small enough) to slip in between the branches of a hedge, and because it takes little effort you can trim down large branches etc a bit at a time working your way into the hedge.
In the space of about 15 minutes it did more than we had managed in a couple of hours by hand.
You also suddenly find you can get a lot more in the boot of the car or in the green bin because cutting branches down to smaller sections is no longer hard work that takes a lot of time.
My one minor complaint, which I think others have mentioned, is that whilst it comes with an empty applicator bottle for oil, it does not however come with the oil itself so before you use it you need to buy some chainsaw oil, which is an irritant if you don’t already have some handy.
We bought one of the GK1000 “Alligator” loppers because we needed to deal with a hedge that had become overgrown and a number of self set trees had start to grow in and around it.
It’s a great tool that sits roughly midway between an all out chainsaw and a large pair of manual loppers/pruners or small tree saw.
The design means that it’s much safer to use than a normal chainsaw, light enough (and small enough) to slip in between the branches of a hedge, and because it takes little effort you can trim down large branches etc a bit at a time working your way into the hedge.
In the space of about 15 minutes it did more than we had managed in a couple of hours by hand.
You also suddenly find you can get a lot more in the boot of the car or in the green bin because cutting branches down to smaller sections is no longer hard work that takes a lot of time.
My one minor complaint, which I think others have mentioned, is that whilst it comes with an empty applicator bottle for oil, it does not however come with the oil itself so before you use it you need to buy some chainsaw oil, which is an irritant if you don’t already have some handy.
This is an amazing tool. I have used this extensively around my garden, it cuts easily through branches and best of all it is so much safer than a conventional chain saw. The chain adjustment is also very easy. I can thoroughly recommend this tool.
We have some pesky Laurel hedges that have grown ‘out-of-control’ I used a Black & Decker Scorpion but the trunks havde now exceeded 3″ so the going is tough! With the Alligator it makes short work of cutting them down to size.
I am always cautious on reading reviews, whether it’s about products or places, since you will nearly always get bad reviews as well as good. I always try and guess if it may be the person who is being biased one way or another, to balance the reviews as a whole. On reading various reviews on this B&D tool, they were all positive, not one bad review. So I took a chance and made the purchase. The task was to cut seven tall trees in the garden, which had grown to about thirty feet tall. I was amazed at how easy it was to cut though branches — 4 inch branches were cut through in about 3 seconds! The main motivation on using this tool was not just ease of cutting but also safety. I can definitely say that it was extremely safe, since the blade is covered, and you only start cutting once you have the jaws round the branch. I was able to move the tool around with one hand to get position, then grasp with both hands to cut — taking seconds.
I can absolutely recommend this B&D Alligator; it is well worth the money!
I would recommend that you also purchase the lubricant and spare chain, since I always top up the lubricant before each use, just to be sure the reservoir is full; and in a few years the spare chain may come in handy, since they don’t last forever, rather than searching the net to buy a suitable chain for what may well be an outdated model by then.
I am always cautious on reading reviews, whether it’s about products or places, since you will nearly always get bad reviews as well as good. I always try and guess if it may be the person who is being biased one way or another, to balance the reviews as a whole. On reading various reviews on this B&D tool, they were all positive, not one bad review. So I took a chance and made the purchase. The task was to cut seven tall trees in the garden, which had grown to about thirty feet tall. I was amazed at how easy it was to cut though branches — 4 inch branches were cut through in about 3 seconds! The main motivation on using this tool was not just ease of cutting but also safety. I can definitely say that it was extremely safe, since the blade is covered, and you only start cutting once you have the jaws round the branch. I was able to move the tool around with one hand to get position, then grasp with both hands to cut — taking seconds.
I can absolutely recommend this B&D Alligator; it is well worth the money!
I would recommend that you also purchase the lubricant and spare chain, since I always top up the lubricant before each use, just to be sure the reservoir is full; and in a few years the spare chain may come in handy, since they don’t last forever, rather than searching the net to buy a suitable chain for what may well be an outdated model by then.
The thought of using a chainsaw frightened me, so i have been cutting with a saw by hand through thick hedge bases. when i saw this Alligator lopper it looked ideal. When it came i couldn’t wait to use it. The only thing was there was no oil with it so it was lucky i ordered some at the same time. All i had to do was put some oil in, plug it in and away i went. It felt safe to use and once my wife got hold of it i just stood back as she loved using it as she felt safe because of the grips that covered the blade and couldn’t get it back off her. Followed the rules and kept adding oil every 10 minutes as you can’t see how much oil is in there. I haven’t needed to adjust the chain yet but you do get the spanner to do the job so dont have to go looking for a spanner to fit it. I would and have recommended it to friends.
he alligator is easy to use and not too heavy. it is a replacement for a chain saw which kept refusing to start!!
you wouldn`t take a tree down with the alligator, but for rogue branches and cutting up wood once down. very good.
Despite protective gloves, leggings and helmet with visor, I still winced as I clasped it around the most offending tree-limb in the over-grown garden and squeezed the triggers. Brrrrrr… straight through in 2 or 3 seconds. I then proceeded to fight every errant growth on the plot, accompanied by whoops of delight. I laughed demonically as each offending arboreal intruder was felled without a fight. My (famed) Dalek “Exterminate” and “Destroy” imitations rang out
in the garden. A truly wonderful afternoon – with just me and my new Alligator.
No “instructions” necessary when you’re having fun.
Alas, the only problem now, is getting rid of what I’ve cut down. The professional Shredders are fully booked until the end of May. Anyone got links to a Military-Grade Flame-Thrower for sale?
A great little power tool- cuts through wood like butter. That said, the spring went in the jaw after a few uses, but B&D have replaced with new so I’m not complaining. My sister and parents have the same tool and have never experienced any problem- after years of use.
Bought for my Brother in law who has had the same product before. Surely that speaks volumes! Why must I have to use more words than I want to in order to place a review??? It puts me off and I may not use this system in future!
I can’t believe i never bought one of these years ago. I have a few trees which are beginning to become unmanageable. Not anymore with this nifty little tool. Easly went throught branches upto 10cm, and with a bit of manoeuvering, went through far bigger!
Easy to use, reasonably light considering its power, and does the job!
One use, and its paid for itself based on how much landscapers/gardeners/ tree loppers, wanted paying to do the job i did in one afternoon!
Very clever tool for safe cutting of smaller trunks/branches.Unit did throw off it’s chain twice, but is fairly easy to reset back onto the(auto tension) carrier…must admit i have yet to read the instruction’s for it,so i’ve no doubt they proberbly mention chain bedding in/stretching when first new.Comes with very small bottle of chain oil to get you going.
Easy to clean too – if something does get snarled up inside, releasing the two bolts and taking the cover off gets you straight to where the problem will be, soon unblocked and off you go.
Well worth the cost.