Working methods >>

• To fell a tree forwards, the bottom of the tree should be

pulled backwards. Pull the blade backwards with a quick,

firm movement.

• Before you start clearing, check the clearing area, the

type of terrain, the slope of the ground, whether there are

stones, hollows etc.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

Forestry clearing using a saw blade

• Thin stems and brush are mown down. Work with a

sawing movement, swinging sideways.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.