PRECOMMERCIAL THINNING "PRODUCTION" TIPS

Copyright 2002 Silvi-Crew Ltd.

1. Keep your head up and from a distance, select 2 to 3 crop trees at one time, then focus on purposefully and accurately felling the remaining undesirable trees. Do not think about which trees you will cut next, rather think about those you willsave, and cut everything else.

2. When a crop tree has been selected, look for little trees and cut everything, working to get the crop tree behind you. As you get the crop tree behing you, cut everything you can reach, (use the length of the tube as a spacing guide.). Don't think about the next crop tree unless you encounter a big, dominant potential crop tree whch may be variably spaced (left a little closer).

3. If you are uncertain of your next crop tree, turn to your last known crop tree and start cutting off of it. Do not back up.

4. Keep your blade perfectly sharp (but not too sharp) and attain fastest blade speed just prior to putting the blade into the wood. Always endeavor to pick up the pace. This cannot be done with a dull blade.

5. Always cut to the easiest next decision. Avoid lengthy wrestling with cut trees, or difficult cuttings. Cut only those which will fall easily out by themselves. Cut back and forth to your gas. This is commonly done with two gas jugs at different sides of your strip.

6. You gotta get good before you can get fast, so concentrate on quality first, production will come.

7. Get lots of rest through the week and eat good, regular meals. Get to work as early as possible and stay away from the people and things that waste your time. Work hard because that's what it takes, atleast 6 hours of actual cutting per day. Wear light clothes and do not get over heated so that you are no good for your final 2 to 3 tanks.

8. Remember to pump the trigger and maintain steady walking speed. Slow trigger means slow feet.