English – 23
WORKING TECHNIQUES
• Start at whichever end of the area is easiest, and clear an
open space from which to work.
• Work systematically to and fro across the area, clearing a
width of around 4-5 m on each pass. This exploits the full
reach of the machine in both directions and gives the
operator a convenient and varied working area to work in.
• 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.