about tree removal from an ecological perspective, the woodland edge supports more species than the centre, so creating rides actually encourages diversity by extending the area of woodland edge. Dead trees have considerable ecological value, with log piles providing a home for invertebrates, fungi and even small mammals. Standing dead wood is also useful and ‘weed’ trees such as sycamores could be treated with bark ringing to kill the tree, leaving it in situ for maximum ecological benefit. Greenkeepers should consider
replanting too, looking at suitable sites to
restock. New trees should ideally be native species, of local provenance, and planting in single species groups, possibly in multiples of three to replicate how trees seed and spread naturally. Closer planting at woodland edges than in the centre also helps to give a natural ‘domed’ effect to the woodland. There is a wide range of species to choose from, including understory trees such as field maples, hawthorn, rowan, goat willow and holly. Tall canopy trees would include birch, Scots pine, oak and beech, whilst crab apple is another important woodland tree. Remember,
SawPoints - What’s new?
CHAINSAWS have become sophisticated machines with a range of specialist designs for large timber or climbing work. But, many of the developments have been geared towards improving the health and safety record of tree work and to making operation easier for occasional users.
Stihl is now incorporating much of its advanced technology, first developed for foresters, into general purpose chainsaws such as the new MS 391, designed to tackle anything from fallen trees to fence posts. The company suggests that this would be an ideal choice for a golf course, with its 64.1cm3
choice of 16-20in guide bars. These include the 2-Mix engine designed to offer fuel consumption savings of up to 20 percent compared to a conventional two-stroke engine, lower emissions and improved performance. The engine’s four-port
technology optimises fuel combustion to improve efficiency, while stratified scavenging reduces the scavenging losses typical of two- stroke engines, where unburned fuel emissions are emitted to the environment with the exhaust. The new technology injects a layer of clean air
engine and
between the burned charge in the combustion chamber and fresh mix in the crankcase. What escapes as the scavenging loss with the exhaust emission is not fresh fuel mixture, but air. The exhaust, therefoe, contains fewer pollutants. A new long life air filter reduces maintenance by incorporating a pre-separation system that extends the service life of the air filter. The pre- separation system uses centrifugal force and a three- dimensional air flow to remove larger, heavier particles of dirt and route them away from the intake air, before they even get to the physical air filter. The largely particle-free air is then directed to the filter via a pre- separation channel. Stihl’s anti-vibration system uses a combination of Cellasto AV elements and special springs between the engine unit and handles to reduce the vibration caused by the engine and saw chain, even at high speeds. This is said to offer comfortable operation as well as improved guiding of the saw bar, enhanced by low vibration Stihl Comfort Saw chains fitted as standard.
developments include TrioBrake and AutoTune.
setting function. This avoids wasting time on carburettor adjustments, as the saw automatically adjusts for different fuels, altitudes, humidity and temperature. It also compensates for clogged air filters, will regulate idle, low and high speed settings and comes with diagnostic technology. The heavy duty 576XP AT
In addition to the usual inertia mechanism and the front kickback guard, the chain brake can be triggered in a third way with Trio Brake. A new guard, which be activated by the user’s right hand, has been added to the rear handle. Together, the three different modes form a brake system that can prevent injury in certain kickback and fall situations. Trio Brake is said to be ideal
An option is the Picco Duro (PD3) saw chain with a drive link thickness of 1.3mm and 3/8in pitch. This carbide tipped low profile saw chain is said to stay sharp up to four times longer than a standard saw chain while offering low vibration and low kickback properties. Stihl suggests that this chain is also ideal for the less experienced chainsaw user, or someone working with dirty wood such as fence posts or railway sleepers. Husqvarna’s latest
for occasional users and those who have not used a saw before. It can also encourage a more ergonomic working posture, because if the user doesn’t bend their knees when working and, instead, bends their back, the right hand is likely to trigger the chain brake. The brake may be activated manually or automatically (during a kickback and during improper or dangerous use). Users have commented on benefits from improved safety, improved work techniques and efficiency, productivity and a reduction in physical strain, says Husqvarna. AutoTune is a new technology
that provides the saw with improved engine performance through an automatic engine
chainsaw is the first of Husqvarna's chainsaws to feature Auto Tune, although it will be introduced as an option on other models in the future. As well as AutoTune this saw
that not all trees may be appropriate on all golf courses - for example, white beam drops white leaves which can make balls hard to find! Sentinel trees can add interest, with horse chestnut, ground fir or noble fir working well, as can cedar, but remember the spreading habit of this species. Any tree nursery can supply suitable stock, and specialists attend the major events, such as BTME, offering a good source of advice and information. Where the ground permits, extra heavy
rootball trees can be sourced from suppliers if immediate impact is needed,
features an X-Torq engine, designed to produce high torque over a wide rpm range, combined with low fuel consumption and reduced emission levels. Its low emissions technology is designed to use fuel more efficiently than a conventional two-stroke engine, the company suggests, with 20 per cent fuel savings and a 60 per cent reduction in emissions. Makita says that chainsaw
safety is a fundamental element of the design and manufacturing
its saws with three key safety factors: an efficient chain brake, a new easy-start system and low vibration levels. Saws feature a forward finger
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