If you have hand trouble (arthritis, carpal tunnel, muscle weakness, etc....), a battery powered pruner is a Godsend.

The first one I got was a battery powered pole pruner. I didn't get it to prune branches/growth overhead up high, but to prune branches down low...spring pruning. This was when arthritis in my hands coupled with recovering from back to back hip replacements 5 yrs. ago, made the need to have a tool that could do major cuts, to 1.2" diameter canes, close to the ground without me having to bend down.

The one I got, on Amazon, was not expensive, < $100.00. It was not a well known name brand...but it works great. The pruner separates from the pole and can be used by hand. The battery is enclosed in the tool, not removable.

The only thing I can add is, "Get used to the weight of the pole pruner in use and even using the hand pruning section, separately." The weight of the tools is a little annoying at first, but becomes inconsequential as skill develops.

Last season I purchased a second hand pruning only unit, that has removable battery packs. Same as before, it was an Amazon generic brand, <$50.00, that works great. I can do all aspects of spring pruning having both the pole pruner and hand pruner there in the garden with me.

The cuts made by these battery powered tools are powerful, absolutely amazing. It is 100% crucial to keep your free hand away from the cutting blades at all times. When your hand holding the tool depresses the cut button, the tool cuts on command immediately and quickly....no time to get fingers out of the way AFTER the button's depressed!!! These power tool, battery pruner units must be respected for the power they have. Always keep your free hand clear of the cutting blades.

Moses.