Operators Manual

English – 21
WORKING TECHNIQUES
Working methods
• 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.
• 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 blade thrust 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.
!
WARNING! Sometimes branches or grass
get caught between the guard and cutting
attachment. Always stop the engine before
cleaning.
!
WARNING! Machines fitted with saw blades
or grass blades can be thrown violently to
the side when the blade comes into contact
with a fixed object. This is called blade
thrust. A blade thrust can be violent enough
to cause the machine and/or operator to be
propelled in any direction, and possibly lose
control of the machine. Blade thrust can
occur without warning if the machine snags,
stalls or binds. Blade thrust is more likely to
occur in areas where it is difficult to see the
material being cut.
Avoid cutting with the area of the blade
between the 12 o'clock and 3 o'clock
positions. Because of the speed of rotation
of the blade, blade thrust can occur if you
attempt to cut thick stems with this area of
the blade.