Hi
The proper name for your pruner is a tree prop, they have come in various guises over the years, most horticultural tool manufacturers sold them as part of their range.
As long as the wood is sound, they work fine. The modern versions, have ropes instead of the wire from the handle to the cutter.
There are many different lengths, ours are from 3 feet to 25ft(the latter takes practice to use)We still use these in our buisness today for commercial apple tree pruning, in which we can do a far superior job than anything with an engine strapped to it
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