WORKING TECHNIQUES
•To fell to the left, the bottom of the tree should be pushed to the right. Tilt the blade and bring it diagonally down to the right, exerting firm pressure. At the same time push the stem using the blade guard. Cut with the area of the blade between 3 o’clock and 5 o’clock. Apply full throttle before advancing the blade.
•To fell to the right, the bottom of the tree should be pushed to the left. Tilt the blade and bring it diagonally up to the right. Cut with the area of the blade between 3 o’clock and 5 o’clock so that the direction of rotation of the blade pushes the bottom of the tree to the left.
•To fell a tree forwards, the bottom of the tree should be pulled backwards. Pull the blade backwards with a quick, firm movement.
•Large stems must be cut from two sides. First determine which direction the stem will fall. Make the first cut on the felling side. Then finish cutting the stem from the other side. Adjust the cutting pressure to match the size of the stem and the hardness of the
wood. Small stems require more pressure, while large stems require less pressure.
•If the stems are tightly packed, adapt your walking pace to suit.
•If the blade jams in a stem, never jerk the machine free. If you do this the blade, bevel gear, shaft or handlebar may be damaged. Release the handles, grip the shaft with both hands and gently pull the machine free.
Brush cutting with a saw blade
•Thin stems and brush are mown down. Work with a sawing movement, swinging sideways.
•Try to cut several stems in a single sawing movement.
•With groups of hardwood stems, first clear around the group. Start by cutting the stems high up around the outside of the group to avoid jamming. Then cut the stems to the required height. Now try to reach in with the blade and cut from the centre of the group. If it is still difficult to gain access, cut the stems high up and let them fall. This will reduce the risk of jamming.
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