Frequently Asked Questions

For decades, Superior Fruit Equipment has been the trusted name behind some of the most reliable horticultural and agricultural cutting tools in the industry. As our product lines have grown — and as we've expanded well beyond the fruit industry into arboriculture, landscaping, and home gardening — we recognized that our name no longer told the full story of who we are.

Hickok Tools has always been our flagship brand, built on American-made steel and a reputation for professional-grade quality. By bringing Hickok to the forefront — alongside our other manufactured brands Wells & Wade, Fanno, and VACA, and our trusted partner brands ARS, Manzana and Antonini under the "Family Brands" umbrella — we're creating a brand identity that better reflects the full range of world-class tools we offer and the markets we serve. Our brands represent over five centuries of combined expertise in cutting tool design and manufacturing.

This transition is about clarity and growth: making it easier for professionals and home gardeners alike to find and trust our tools, while honoring the heritage and quality standards that Superior Fruit Equipment built over the years.

The key message: Same quality. Same people. A bigger, better brand.

This is an evolution, not a disruption. The tools customers rely on are still made to the same exacting standards, by the same team, with the same commitment to professional-grade performance. What's changing is how we present ourselves — unifying our brands under one roof so it's easier to discover the full range of tools we offer, whether managing an orchard, maintaining landscapes, or pruning in a backyard.

• One destination for all brands — find Hickok, ARS, Fanno, Wells & Wade, VACA, Manzana and Antonini tools in one place at hickoktools.com.
• Easier product discovery — our new website helps customers quickly find the right tool for their application, whether tree lopping, precision pruning, or fruit harvesting.
• Direct-to-consumer access — professionals and home gardeners can now purchase directly from us, with manufacturer-level product knowledge and support.
• Expanded content and support — better product information, maintenance guides, and customer resources.

Hickok Tools is our flagship brand — the one we're most widely known for, and the name that now leads our company identity. Hickok represents our American-made heritage, particularly our professional tree loppers crafted from American-made steel.

"Family Brands" is our umbrella term for the portfolio of brands we manufacture — Wells & Wade, Fanno, and VACA — and the trusted partner brands we are proud to import and distribute: ARS, Manzana and Antonini. Each brings specialized expertise — from Japanese-engineered precision pruners (ARS) to professional-grade saws (Fanno) to purpose-built fruit clippers (Manzana) to hand-finished Italian blades (Antonini).

Together, Hickok Tools and Family Brands represent a complete toolkit for anyone who works with plants, trees, and crops — from the orchard to the backyard.

Each brand in our family has a distinct role and specialty:

ARS — Engineered and manufactured in Japan by ARS Corporation, ARS tools are known for their precision and innovation. Their product line includes hand pruners, multi-purpose shears, pruning saws, and telescopic long-reach pruners. ARS is a favorite among arborists, landscapers, and horticulturists who demand razor-sharp, reliable cuts. We are proud to be a USA Importer & Distributor of these high-quality tools.

Fanno — We manufacture Fanno saws with USA and international parts. The name professionals trust for saws, Fanno produces curved pruning saws, pole saw blades, and folding saws featuring their signature Tri-Edge tooth pattern for fast, clean cuts. From 13" curved saws to 19" pole saw blades, Fanno has been a staple in orchards and tree care operations for over 100 years.

Wells & Wade — Professional harvest equipment for over 100 years. Used in orchards and gardens around the world by those who want the best from their fruit. We both manufacture here in the USA and import some of our items to ensure top quality and fair prices.

VACA — We manufacture VACA loppers here in the USA with the same quality and standards that we use for Hickok loppers. VACA loppers are a bit heavier and can withstand a little more abuse. Made in the USA since 1918.

Manzana — Purpose-built for the fruit industry. Manzana specializes in fruit clippers — including their popular orange/apple clipper and mandarin clipper — as well as girdling tools. These are the tools that keep harvest crews efficient and fruit damage-free. Hickok Tools has been the North American Importer and Distributor of Manzana Clippers for over 15 years.

What's staying the same:

• The same high-quality tools you've always relied on — no changes to product lines, materials, or manufacturing.
• The same team behind the scenes, with the same deep knowledge of the industry.
• The same commitment to customer service and standing behind every tool we sell.
• All existing warranties, orders, and relationships are fully honored.

What's new:

• A refreshed brand identity led by Hickok Tools.
• A new, modern website at hickoktools.com — designed to make it easier to browse, learn about, and purchase our full range of tools.
• Direct-to-consumer purchasing — you can now buy straight from us in addition to our dealer network.
• Better online resources, including product guides, maintenance tips, and expert content.

Hickok is our most recognized and best-selling brand, made in the USA since 1928. More importantly, Hickok embodies what we stand for as a company:

• American-made steel — Our professional tree loppers are crafted from American-made steel, a point of pride and a mark of durability.
• Professional heritage — Hickok loppers have been the go-to choice for orchard workers and tree care professionals who need tools that perform day in, day out.
• Broad appeal — While rooted in the professional market, Hickok tools are increasingly sought after by serious home gardeners and landscape professionals alike.

By leading with Hickok, we're building on our strongest foundation — a brand that stands for quality, durability, and American craftsmanship — while bringing our full family of brands along for the journey.

Our tools are built from premium materials chosen for performance and longevity:

Hickok: Our professional tree loppers feature blades and hooks forged from American-made steel, designed for heavy-duty cutting in orchards and tree care. Handles are available in durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction (available in sizes from 14" to 36") and American-made hickory (available in sizes from 18" to 36").

ARS: ARS tools have been manufactured in Japan for over 150 years using high-carbon steel and stainless steel blades, depending on the model. Their blades are precision-ground and heat-treated for exceptional edge retention and clean cuts. Select models feature chrome plating for corrosion resistance.

Fanno: Fanno saws utilize high-carbon steel blades with Japanese-style Tri-Edge tooth patterns, engineered for fast, clean cuts. USA-made handles include laminated hardwood for traditional models and ergonomic designs for folding saws.

Manzana: Manzana clippers are built for precision fruit harvesting, featuring stainless steel blades and durable construction designed to withstand the demands of commercial harvest operations.

Our product line covers the full range of professional cutting methods:

• Bypass cutting — Used in our Hickok loppers and ARS hand pruners. The blade slices past a hook (like scissors), producing clean cuts that promote healthy plant healing. Ideal for live wood and green growth.
• Needle-nose precision — ARS needle-nose pruners (300L series) feature a narrow, pointed blade profile for detailed work in tight spaces — thinning fruit clusters, deadheading flowers, and precision trimming.
• Tri-Edge saw teeth — Fanno's signature technology. Three cutting edges on each tooth allow the saw to cut on both the push and pull stroke, dramatically increasing cutting speed while producing a clean kerf.
• Telescopic reach — ARS long-reach pruners extend from 6' to 10', allowing overhead cuts without ladders — safer and more efficient for tree maintenance.
• Fruit clipping — Manzana and Hickok clippers are designed for single-hand operation with leather straps, letting harvest crews clip fruit stems quickly without bruising the fruit.

Quality is the foundation of everything we do. Every tool that carries our name — whether Hickok, ARS, Fanno, or Manzana — meets rigorous standards:

• Hickok loppers are made in the USA with American-made steel, aluminum, and other parts, ensuring consistency and traceability in our materials. We heat-treat all parts in-house to ensure the proper toughness and edge retention. Constant inspecting and testing throughout the manufacturing process guarantees our products will do the job right.
• ARS tools are manufactured in Japan under ARS Corporation's renowned quality control processes, with precision grinding and heat treatment for every blade. All ARS tools are tested for at least one year before we will import them into the USA market.
• Fanno saws are built to exacting specifications that have been refined over generations of professional use. Most blades are produced in Japan and must pass strict testing here in the USA before they get the Fanno trusted name put on them.
• We stand behind every product we sell — if a tool doesn't perform, we make it right.

At Hickok Tools and Family Brands, our commitment is simple: we provide professional-grade tools that professionals and serious gardeners can depend on — season after season.

Our promises:

• Quality without compromise — We choose materials, manufacturing partners, and designs that prioritize performance and durability over cost-cutting.
• Expert knowledge — With deep roots in the horticultural and agricultural industries, our team understands the demands of the work and can help customers find exactly the right tool for the job.
• Standing behind our products — We honor our warranties, support our customers, and make things right when issues arise.
• Supporting the industry — We're committed to the professionals who grow, harvest, and care for the plants and trees that sustain our communities.

Sustainability Commitment:

We recognize that the growers, orchardists, and arborists who rely on our tools are stewards of the land — and we take that responsibility seriously in how we design, manufacture, and distribute our products.

• Durability over disposability — We design tools to last for years, not seasons. Replaceable parts mean you repair, not replace.
• Domestic manufacturing when possible — Hickok and VACA products are manufactured right here in the USA. Most Wells & Wade, and Fanno Saws are made in the USA with USA and imported parts.
• Responsible materials sourcing — We choose quality materials from trusted suppliers with traceable supply chains.
• Packaging reduction — We're working to minimize unnecessary packaging while ensuring products arrive safely.
• Supporting sustainable growing practices — The right tools, properly maintained, help growers work more efficiently and reduce waste.
• Continuous improvement — We're always looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint across our operations.

• We ship from our factory in East Wenatchee, WA, using several different carriers to ensure the best rate, transit time, and service level.
• Most orders are shipped within 1 business day from the date received.
• Estimated delivery times: 3–5 business days standard, 1–2 days expedited.
• Special handling for large items like pole saws and long-reach pruners may apply.
• *INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING CHARGES BILLED IN SEPARATE EMAIL- YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING ANY CUSTOMS, DUTIES, AND TAXES*
  
  

• Returns must be made within 30 days from purchase.
• Returned items must be unused and in original packaging.
• Customer is responsible for return shipping charges.
• Refunds will be issued to the original payment method.
• Please email sales@hickoktools.com or call 509-662-6065 to initiate a return.

We stand behind the quality of every tool we sell. All products come with a useful life warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If your tool fails under normal use, contact us and we'll make it right — whether that means a repair, replacement, or refund.

Normal wear or incidental damage to the tool from use or maintenance is not covered. Misuse or abuse is not covered. To make a warranty claim, please contact our support team using the information below.

Customers can reach our team through:

• Phone: 509-662-6065
• Email: sales@hickoktools.com
• Website: hickoktools.com (contact form)
• Business hours: Monday–Thursday 8 AM – 5 PM PST, Friday 8 AM – 4 PM PST

Our team has decades of hands-on experience with our products and the industries they serve. Whether you need help choosing the right tool, ordering replacement parts, or getting maintenance advice, we're here to help.

• Clean blades after each use — wipe with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol or a mild solvent to remove sap and debris.
• Oil the pivot point and blade regularly with a light machine oil or camellia oil to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
• Sharpen blades periodically using a fine whetstone or diamond sharpener, maintaining the original bevel angle.
• Store in a dry location. For extended storage, apply a thin coat of oil to all metal surfaces.
• Replace worn parts promptly — replacement blades, hooks, springs, bumpers, and centerbolts are available for most models.

• Brush sawdust from teeth after use to prevent buildup and corrosion.
• Wipe the blade with an oiled cloth to protect against rust.
• Replacement blades are available for all Fanno saws — when teeth dull beyond sharpening, simply swap in a new blade rather than replacing the entire saw.

• Keep blades clean to prevent sap transfer between cuts.
• Replace springs when tension weakens — replacement springs are one of our top-selling items because they're easy to swap and extend the life of your clippers.
• Check the centerbolt tightness periodically and adjust as needed for optimal blade alignment.

See "Service" for helpful videos on tool maintenance and care.