It reportedly takes significantly less effort (up to 110% mechanical advantage) to trim/prune trees or vines with a Ratcheting Lopper than with a standard lopper. Rather than trying the lop off a thicker and/or harder branch with a single squeeze of the handles, the tool's ratcheting mechanism requires the user to open and close the handles multiple times, each time cutting deeper into the branch until it falls off. Most makes/models feature telescoping handles; non-slip, cushioned, ergonomic grips; and alloy-steel cutting blades.