A selection device for pruning machines is designed to select branches or sprouts for pruning performed by the pruning machine. The selection device includes at least one fixing portion adapted for removably fixing to a pruning machine. The selection device includes at least one actuator designed to exert a force upon the branches and sprouts, thus moving them to cause the branches or sprouts selected for the pruning to be arranged in correspondence to cutting elements provided in the pruning machine, hence at least partially preserving the other branches or sprouts from pruning. A frame is designed to at least partially support the at least one actuator. At least one regulating mechanism is fixed to the frame, is associated with at least one actuator, and is designed to regulate at least the direction along which a force is exerted by at least one associated actuator.