Page 26 -

Stihl hedge trimmers have a throttle
palm lock as well as a safety switch
on the front handle. Some models
also have an additional thumb
switch that needs to be activated
in order for the machine to start.

Stihl brushcutters also have
a throttle palm lock for safe
operation

• hedge trimmers – these have a throttle the purchase of any of our commercial
palm lock as well as a safety switch on products. There is one operator for every
the front handle. Some models also machine purchased and training includes
have an additional thumb switch that operation of the machine, safety and
needs to be activated in order for the maintenance.
machine to start; maintained. We therefore place a lot
• brush cutters - these also have a throttle AS: Stihl servicing dealers are required to of emphasis on safety items and the
palm lock as well as stone guards to advise customers on the safe use of their maintenance of products during training.
protect operators and those around product on handing over. They can also
them from stones. arrange informal training, either at the AS: Yes they can. They need to be serviced
workshop or in-field. However, certified at the recommended intervals and safety
Q: What type of training is provided training can only be done by an accredited devices need to be checked daily for
to ensure that the machinery handler training provider. correct functioning. If they have failed
is aware of safety devices on the then the machine should not be used
equipment, and how they operate? Q: Can safety devices ever fail? and should be taken immediately to an
H: Free operator training is provided with H: Safety devices can fail if not properly accredited Stihl servicing dealer. LSA

Over and above the standard fitted manual chain
The Stihl Quickstop® chain brake is designed to stop brake and throttle palm lock, some Stihl chainsaws
the rotation of the chain within fractions of a second if come equipped with a Stihl Quickstop® chain brake
activated by the operators hand or by inertia if the saw designed to reduce the risk of injury in certain kickback
kicks back with sufficient force situations

24 Landscape SA • Issue 94 2020