23
NOTE
Do not use a weed blade to cut brush or trees which exceed
a diameter of 1/2 to 3/4 inches.
Scything can be done in both directions, or just in one way which
results in the debris being thrown away from you. That is using the
side of the blade that it is rotating away from you. Tilt down the blade
slightly on this same side. You will be hit by some debris if you
scythe in both directions.
SAWING. This must be done when weeds are too thick and strong
for scything. Cut only with the side of the blade that is moving away
from you.
If kickout keeps happening, the blade may be dull, or the material so
thick and hard that you should use a Brush Blade instead of the
Weed Blade.
USING BRUSH BLADES
WARNING
DANGER
Brush Blades must be sharp. Dull blades require replacement
or professional resharpening. Do not try to sharpen Brush
Blades yourself.
There are two ways to cut with a Brush Blade: scything and sawing.
The way you should choose depends on the hardness and size of
the brush or trees to be cut down. Only very small, thin brush should
be scythed. Never hack at brush or trees.
NOTE THAT OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR CUTTING WITH
BRUSH BLADES IS THE OPPOSITE OF THAT DESCRIBED FOR
WEED BLADES.
Growth up to 3-inches in diameter, which is too thick for scything,
may be cut by sawing. Sawing requires judgment on your part
whether to cut on the side where the blade pulls away from you but
throws back the debris, or on the side where the debris is thrown
away from you but the reaction is a push which could become a
kickout (blade thrust).
Always cut on the side of the tree which will cause the tree to fall
away from the unit. A kickout or bind may result if the tree falls
toward the unit and pinches the blade.
Do not force the blade to cut. Do not change the angle of cut after
cutting into the wood. Avoid using any pressure or leverage which
could cause the blade to bind or crack.
SHUT OFF ENGINE IMMEDIATELY if the blade binds fast in a cut.
Hold up the unit to keep side pressure off the blade. Reach forward
and push the tree to free the blade.
SAWING SAPLINGS
BINDING
1. SHUT OFF
ENGINE
3. PUSH TREE TO FREE
BLADE
2. HOLD UP UNIT TO
KEEP WEIGHT OFF
BLADE
HOW TO FREE A BOUND BLADE
DO NOT HACK
LARGE TREES
