WORKING TECHNIQUES
•Work systematically to and fro across the area, clearing a width of around
•Clear a strip around 75 m long. Move your fuel can as work progresses.
•On sloping ground you should work along the slope. It is much easier to work along a slope than it is to work up and down it.
•You should plan the strip so that you avoid going over ditches or other obstacles on the ground.You should also orient the strip to take advantage of wind conditions, so that cleared stems fall in the cleared area of the stand.
Forestry clearing using a saw blade
•The risk of kickback increases with increasing stem size. You should therefore avoid cutting with the area of the blade between 12 o’clock and 3 o’clock.
•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.
22 – English
