PROLINE A PUBLICATION FOR CANADIAN PROFESSIONALS

1515 Sise Road P.O. Box 5666 London, ON N6A 4L6

See page 14 for contest details.

Simply register at www.STIHLCLUB.ca and have a chance to WIN a $5,000 trip voucher and $1,000 in spending cash.

THE STIHL® PROLINE HAS GONE GREEN.

F A L L 2 0 13 • IS S U E 10 LANDSCAPING » Tough Machines. Easy Cleaning. - STIHL Handheld & Backpack Blowers » OPA Article - Investing in our Green Infrastructure » NEW MSA 200 C-BQ Battery Powered Chain Saw » NEW AP 180 Lithium-Ion Battery

TIMBER » NEW - MS 261 C-M Chain Saw

ARBORIST » Arboriculture Article - Holding on the Right Way » 2013 STIHL Tour des Trees Highlights » MS 150 C-E & MS 150 T C-E Chain Saws

CONSTRUCTION » Build on our Expertise...Diamond Cutting Wheels & Synthetic Resin Cutting Wheels » Discover a whole new kind of cutting with STIHL Injection - TS 480i & TS 500i Cutquik® Plus, many NEW items...MotoMix ®Premium Premixed Fuel, Hedge Trimmer Blade Cleaner, special interest stories, accessories and loads more!

*

Special thanks to our Canadian customers. Canadian professionals and homeowners trust their independent STIHL Dealer every day for product demonstrations, straight talk and expert advice. Over 1,000 STIHL Dealers coast to coast are committed to fast on-site service and to stand behind every STIHL product. Not at The Home Depot® - Not at Canadian Tire®. Thanks to your support of the servicing dealer, STIHL is the Number 1 Selling Brand in Canada.

www.stihl.ca

* #1 Selling Brand in Canada is based on an independent market share analysis of imported gasoline powered handheld outdoor power equipment for the year 2012. The Home Depot® and Canadian Tire® are registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Sales & Service

#1 SELLING BRAND IN CANADA Dear Professional Customer, With the expansion of our consumer line of products and their growing homeowner popularity, STIHL has become the #1 selling brand of outdoor power equipment in our country; something we are most proud of. Despite our growth in the consumer market, the professional segment remains the largest and most important to the success of our company. Today, we have six (6) Technical Services and Training Managers and a Field Application Manager working in partnership with; i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) vii) viii)

Universities & Community Colleges The Canadian National Landscape Association, its provincial affiliates and Landscape Professionals Hydro Services Construction Trade Associations Golf Course Superintendents, Parks & Municipalities Forestry Cooperatives & Silviculture Workers Firefighters; and Canadian Rental Association Members

to ensure their satisfaction with our products and help enhance their productivity.

The STIHL PROLINE is now entering its fifth year of publication.

Regards, STIHL Limited

Greg J. Quigg, CA President, STIHL Limited

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

The STIHL PROLINE is now entering its fifth year of publication and, as is the case in this addition, features articles and stories from these valued partners. We hope you enjoy reading these pieces in addition to hearing about our product innovations.

1

TOUGH MACHINES. EASY CLEANING.

1 STIHL anti-vibration system Locking throttle lever 5 with stop button

2 HD2 filter

Dirt, sand, wood shavings, leaves or debris – nothing can stop our blowers. A wide range of tools are available in various performance classes to help you really clean up. Whether you use them all the time, or just now and then, you can always count on outstanding comfort thanks to their ergonomic design and extensive equipment features. Not to mention an exceptionally clean result. • For landscape professionals and gardeners, parks and recreation departments and municipal workers • Extremely powerful; even suitable for clearing wet leaves • Ideal for cleaning large areas and venues • Ergonomic operation provides user comfort

Sound damper 3 STIHL Easy2Start™ 4

i

BG 66 Handheld Gas Blower The BG 66 is STIHL’s quietest gas-powered handheld blower, featuring stratified charge engine technology that cuts fuel consumption by 20% and exhaust emissions by 50%, a semi-automatic choke, a stop switch to simplify the starting procedure and a two ringed piston for extended life. This powerful unit is ideal for working in noise sensitive areas.

1. STIHL anti-vibration system Reduces vibrations to a minimum, guaranteeing comfort even after prolonged use. 2. HD2 filter The HD2 filter, made of polyethyline filter material, has pores that are up to 70% finer than those of fleece and polyamide filters. It eliminates even the finest dust and is easy to clean. 3. Sound damper The sound damper built into the blower tube ensures a relatively low noise level even with the engine at high performance. 4. STIHL Easy2Start™

279

LANDSCAPING

$

The STIHL Easy2Start™ system means that starting the engine is easy as 1, 2, 3. It supports the starting process with a dual spring technology between the crankshaft and starter cord, reducing the force needed to start the machine. The engine starts easily even when you pull the starter cord slowly.

95 MSRP

Displacement Power Output Weight* Decibels Air Volume

5. Locking throttle lever with stop button

27.2 cc 0.6 kW 4.4 kg / 9.7 lb 65 dB(A) 418 cfm

A flick of the thumb shuts off the engine. The blower is immediately ready to start again.

i

Please note that not all products are equipped with the same features. Only the most important functions are described.

i

BG 86 Handheld Gas Blower

The BG 86 professional handheld blower is powered by stratified charge engine technology that cuts fuel consumption by 20% and exhaust emissions by 50%. Ideal for clearing leaves and grass cuttings from large areas. It comes equipped with a throttle lock and stop switch, along with a semi-automatic choke for smoother function, and a four-spring anti-vibration system for operator comfort. It features both round and jet nozzles for added versatility. Also suitable for use in very dusty areas, thanks to the HD2 filter.

Did you know that using a gas-powered blower helps to clear light snow? For light powdery snow accumulation, pulling out a snow blower can be a lot of work. Why not try a gas-powered STIHL blower? Within minutes, you’ll be able to clear cars, walkways, decks and driveways all the way down to the stone, concrete, wood or asphalt. In addition, the blower will be able to clear what a big snow blower can’t, the front steps.

279

$ 2

* Without fuel

95 MSRP

Displacement Power Output Weight* Decibels Air Volume

27.2 cc 0.8 kW 4.4 kg / 9.7 lb 70 dB(A) 459 cfm

When the temperature starts climbing towards and above 0°C (32°F) after it snows, everything gets wetter, and a blower will not be as effective. Also, remember to inspect the air filter and the air-intake grid for snow and ice buildup when using a gas blower. NOTE: We advise against using an electric blower even for dry, powdery snow.

STIHL Professional Tip: When working in noise-sensitive areas, make sure to use a quiet blower model. The STIHL BR 500, for example, was designed especially for use in noise-sensitive areas. The noise reduction perceived by the human ear is considerable – up to 59% compared to the BR 420. Despite its relatively low acoustic emissions, the BR 500 remains a reliable tool with exceptional blowing power.

i

BR 430 Backpack Gas Blower

The BR 430 is designed with the landscaper in mind, featuring a fuel-efficient, low-emission 2-stroke stratified scavenging engine, a larger fuel tank for greater run times, with comfortable back padding and rubberized grip for better comfort on all landscaping tasks.

449

$

95

MSRP $499.95

Displacement Power Output Weight * Decibels Air Volume

63.3 cc 2.9 kW 10.1 kg / 22.3 lb 76 dB(A) 500 cfm

i

BR 500 Backpack Gas Blower The BR 500 professional backpack blower is a low-noise unit, producing only 65 dB(A). Powered by the fuel-efficient STIHL 4-MIX® engine and a simplified starting procedure for single-handed operation, and an ergonomic mount for operator comfort, this unit sets new standards in the industry for a powerful yet ‘low-noise’ backpack blower.

529

$

95

MSRP $579.95

Displacement Power Output Weight * Decibels Air Volume

64.8 cc 2.3 kW 10.1 kg / 22.3 lb 65 dB(A) 477 cfm

i

BR 550 Backpack Gas Blower

499

$

95

MSRP $549.95

Displacement Power Output Weight * Decibels Air Volume

BR 600 MAGNUM ® Backpack Gas Blower

LANDSCAPING

The BR 550 is a light powerful professional backpack blower, featuring the fuel-efficient quiet STIHL 4-MIX® engine with lower vibration levels, and a simplified starting procedure. Fitted with a rounded tube design and ergonomic build, it offers a tremendous value for the demanding landscaper or grounds maintenance crew. 64.8 cc 3.0 kW 9.9 kg / 21.8 lb 73 dB(A) 530 cfm

i

The BR 600 MAGNUM® professional backpack blower is one of the cleanest-running in its category, thanks to a fuel-efficient, quiet STIHL 4-MIX® engine delivering increased durability and longer life. It offers an impressive power-to-weight ratio with many enhancements including a new nozzle with extended wear area to prolong equipment life, and a specially designed nylon harness for high wear resistance. This is STIHL’s most powerful backpack blower for the landscaping professional.

549

$

95

MSRP $599.95

Displacement Power Output Weight * Decibels Air Volume

64.8 cc 3.0 kW 9.8 kg / 21.6 lb 75 dB(A) 712 cfm

* Without fuel

3

INVESTING IN OUR

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE For over 30 years now I have had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of product and equipment suppliers to our parks and green infrastructure sector. I have seen trends in products come and go as companies try very hard to come up with new and innovative ways to help conduct our work in a safe, efficient manner with a strong environmental conscience. As our parks and living green infrastructure become much more popular for leisure, active recreation, fitness and exploring nature in its entire splendor, it is essential that we maintain a high level of respect for its value to our health and well-being. In Ontario alone approximately 329 Ontario parks are being visited by an estimated 10 million people a year and that does not include all the users of the thousands of municipal parks within the 444 municipalities in Ontario. Now do the math and you will find that across Canada over 100 million people are counting on us to provide them with an educational, safe leisurely experience. People from all over the world come to Canada to see our parks systems at work.

LANDSCAPING

I am sure you can now begin to see the importance of keeping these outdoor classrooms, fitness stations, trails, beaches, sports fields and passive areas well maintained and in a safe condition for use. Having grown up on a farm myself, I had many chances to experience nature through walks in the forest, along the river and in the open fields. All this was readily available to me and my brothers and sisters; however that is not the case for most families and or children growing up today. Often the park which is freely accessible to all users is the place where our children see their first worm, fish, fox, deer, birds, and have a chance to explore far beyond their backyard or balcony. It is for this reason that we must continue to understand, appreciate and support all partners who participate in sustaining this treasured natural resource. We here at Ontario Parks Association (OPA) applaud the efforts of the many volunteers and businesses who help keep these green open spaces clean and healthy. One of our great partners has been STIHL Canada who has invested millions of dollars over many years to not only meet, but exceed industry noise and fuel emission standards. Not only has their research and technology shown great commitment to the environmental health in emission standards, they have been able to incorporate ergonomic design principles into all their products. Thus, increasing user comfort, productivity while reducing costly injuries due to repetitive strain, prolonged use and poorly balanced equipment.

STIHL MSA 200 C-BQ

Introducing the STIHL MSA 200 C-BQ Battery Powered Chain Saw

The MSA 200 C-BQ is the latest addition to the lithium-ion technology product family. It is the ideal tool for professionals and homeowners to complete their landscaping needs, cutting firewood, pruning fruit trees and sawing in enclosed spaces. • • • • • • • • •

Powered by the new 36 V lithium-ion STIHL AP 180 battery 15% more power and endurance, with 20% more torque Lightweight, zero emissions and extremely quiet Compact, ergonomically designed chain saw runs for up to 40 minutes on a single charge - approximately 180 cuts with AP 180 battery Surpasses its sister model, the MSA 160 C-BQ with the AP 160 battery, by 20% or 30 cuts Outstanding cutting power with the low kickback STIHL ¼” PICCO™ Micro™ 3 (PM3) saw chain Equipped with the 10”, 12” or 14” STIHL ROLLOMATIC® E Mini guide bar No tools required to adjust the chain, as it comes standard with the side-mounted Quick Chain Adjuster Refilling the oil tank is made easy with a large opening and STIHL’s patented flip lock cap

324 95

$

SPECIFICATIONS

36 V Bar 84 dB(A) 3.3 kg / 7.3 lb

* Without battery

AP 180 LITHIUM-ION BATTERY

Work Longer Not Harder with STIHL’S POWERFUL LITHIUM-ION BATTERY • Up to 20% increased run time compared to AP 160

on MSA 200 C-BQ • Effortlessly capable in powering the complete line up of STIHL battery powered products with no reduction in output performance • Can be charged using both AL 100 and AL 300 charger units • Same price as AP 160

199

$

NE W

SPECIFICATIONS Weight Battery Energy Voltage

CHARGE TIME AL 100 AL 300

1.7 kg / 3.8 lb 180 Wh 36 V 210 minutes 70 minutes

95

STORAGE TIP

4

with 14” bar MSRP

Rated Voltage Sound Pressure Level Weight *

As OPA travels the province visiting municipalities, daycares, conservation authorities, campgrounds, cemeteries, waterfronts, etc., I see increased demands for top quality parks maintenance practices. At the same time, I see requests to limit or reduce budgets on equipment and supplies, including reductions in staffing as well. The only way our parks staff can succeed in meeting these increased demands is by taking advantage of quality MSRP products supplied by reputable and visionary industry leaders who value our parks, environment and most of all, the residents of this country who depend on us to make visiting our parks an enjoyable experience. We at OPA are proud to partner with STIHL as we recognize and appreciate their commitment to Protecting Tomorrow Today. With the growing quantity of battery-powered outdoor Paul Ronan, Executive Director Ontario Parks Association

NE W

power equipment purchases, a commonly asked question is how to properly store the battery and charger during the winter months.

HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS: BATTERY • Take the battery out of the power tool or the charger. • Do not store in a garage or a shed. Store indoors in a dry and safe location off of the floor. Keep it out of the reach of children and other unauthorized persons and protected from contamination.

Maximum Battery Life • Store at temperatures between 50ºF (10ºC) and 68ºF (20ºC). Do not subject to extreme cold or hot weather. • Store with a charge of about 30%. CHARGER • Remove the battery. • Disconnect the plug from the wall. • Do not store in a garage or a shed. Store the charger indoors in a dry and secure location off of the floor. Keep it out of the reach of children and other unauthorized persons and protected from contamination.

INTRODUCING

the new STIHL MS 261 C-M chain saw PERFECT ENGINE SETTINGS EVERY TIME. Compact, powerful and fitted with the M-Tronic™ (M) fully electronic engine management system as standard – the new STIHL MS 261 C-M chain saw delivers optimal engine performance at all times proving its worth when trimming branches, harvesting thin wood and felling trees in medium density stands. Thanks to its cutting precision and powerful torque, it also makes light work of thinning jobs . 6

The benefits of technical innovation.

5

Powerful, clean and efficient.

1

1. Delayed Stratified Scavenging. Powerful torque with lower emissions – now possible thanks to the STIHL delayed stratified scavenging engine with a 50.2 cc displacement and an increased output of 2.9 kW. This 2-stroke engine with delayed stratified scavenging technology combines a cylinder with four-channel technology and a stratified charge system. The result: high torque over a wide rpm range – with up to 50% lower exhaust emissions and up to 20% lower fuel consumption compared to STIHL two-stroke engines of the same performance class without delayed stratified scavenging technology.

Excellent handling and optimum manoeuvrability.

4

2. Professional anti-vibration system. The MS 261 C-M runs noticeably smoother thanks to its precisely adjusted anti-vibration system. This system features special springs between the engine block and the handles, which act as buffer zones and reduce the vibrations generated by the engine and the rotating saw chain to just 3.5 m/s², making your work less strenuous and tiring. 3. STIHL .325“ RAPID ™ Super (RS) low-vibration saw chain. The STIHL .325“ RAPID™ Super saw chain effectively dampens the transmission of surge energy to the guide bar, thereby significantly reducing the vibrations transferred to the operator. It also enables smooth incisions and cutting, is less prone to chatter and provides excellent cutting and plunge-cutting performance. 4. Die-cast magnesium housing and stainless steel muffler. The die-cast magnesium engine housing and stainless steel muffler give the tool a low weight of only 5.2 kg. The high quality of these materials also ensures a long service life. 5. Compact design. A compact chain saw with a solid housing, this model has smooth surfaces, round contours and lean dimensions, which prevent the tool from snagging or getting caught on clothes or twigs. It delivers excellent handling.

2 3

6. Ergonomic handle position. This allows you to manoeuvre the chain saw precisely and safely without unnecessary strain.

9

Optimal engine performance at all times. 7. M-Tronic ™ (M). The STIHL MS 261 C-M chain saw offers professionals superb performance right from the word go. No matter if you’re just starting work, are already on the job or restarting the chain saw after a break, the M-Tronic™ adjusts the ignition timing in all operating modes. It also precisely and electronically meters the fuel supply even when external conditions vary: e.g. fluctuating temperatures, change in altitude and inconsistent fuel quality. Optimal engine performance is achieved after just a few cuts. And to keep it that way, the M-Tronic™ continually monitors and electronically adjusts the fuel supply while the tool is in use. Manual carburetor adjustments via adjustment screws are a thing of the past. In addition, the M-Tronic™ saves your previous settings and restores them when you restart the chain saw. So when external conditions are the same, full engine performance is at your disposal after every new start – all without changing the settings or making other adjustments. Meaning that you save time and get the job done faster.

Quick and easy to start.

8

9. Decompression valve and ElastoStart ™. The decompression valve working in conjunction with an ElastoStart™ handle reduces the tractive force on the starter cord, making it easier to start the engine. This is due to the fact that the decompression valve reduces the compression when the tool is started.

Low maintenance. 10. Long-life air filter system with air routing and HD2 filter. The MS 261 C-M chain saw comes equipped with a long-life air filter system which uses air routing to remove larger particles of dirt, meaning the actual filter has less to do and lasts longer. The HD2 filter is made of polyethylene (PET) and its pores are up to 70% finer than those made of fleece or polyamide so it can stop even the most minute particles of dust. Furthermore, it is oil and water resistant, which makes it very easy to clean. The HD2 filter can be fitted and removed in seconds without any tools.

TIMBER

8. Combi-lever with a stop button function. Thanks to the M-Tronic’s™ ability to electronically distinguish between a cold or warm start, there is only one start position ( ) on the combi-lever. The exact amount of fuel needed for each kind of start-up is provided automatically. So you don’t have to worry about what operational mode your chain saw is in – with this unique feature you can power up to full speed straight away, even after a cold start. When you stop the engine, the stop switch automatically flips back to operating position (I) which facilitates starting the machine again after brief interruptions. 7

14

10

Just one look under the hood. Simply open the three quick locks, take off the one-piece hood and you’re ready to carry out three different maintenance jobs on the chain saw: you can clean the air filter, check the spark plugs and clean the cylinder fins.

11 12

User-friendly. 11. Captive nuts. It’s impossible to lose the sprocket cover nuts when you’re swapping cutting attachments, as they are attached to the actual sprocket cover. 12. STIHL side-mounted chain tensioning. The saw chain can be tightened effortlessly using the side-mounted chain tensioner while avoiding contact with the sharp saw chain. 13. STIHL filling system. Both the fuel and oil tanks have large openings, making for easy refilling without spilling. And the fuel tank is transparent, so the fuel level is always visible. The patented STIHL special caps on the tanks can be easily opened and closed without the need for tools. 14. STIHL Ematic™ chain lubrication system. The oil pump can be adjusted to deliver just the right amount of oil to suit the cutting attachment you’re using or the kind of wood with which you are working. A precisely measured amount of chain lubricant is delivered to exactly where it’s needed. This reduces the amount of chain lubricant used by up to 50%, depending on the type of wood and the actual cutting attachment.

649

$

13

95

with 16” bar MSRP

Displacement Power Output Weight * Decibels * Without bar, chain or fuel

50.2 cc 2.9 kW 5.2 kg / 11.5 lb 104 dB(A)

RECEIVE A

FREE WOOD-PRO KIT ™

WITH THE PURCHASE OF THIS SAW - AN $85 VALUE!

5

HOLDING ON THE RIGHT WAY Would you operate a gas powered hand tool without holding on to the handles? Most motorized equipment comes with handles for the operator, and it is important to keep a hold of those handles when operating any machine, like a car, motorbike or chain saw. A wise person once told me that chain saws are designed so your right hand has a job and your left hand has a job. A chain saw has two handles and they are designed to be held onto at all times. In fact your right hand has a specific and important job and your left hand has a specific job also. Your right hand holds onto the rear handle and operates the throttle interlock and trigger, your left hand holds on to the top handle of the saw. The saw is designed so that the bar or blade is on the right side of the saw. This way it keeps the blade away from your body (refer to image 1). This is why it is less safe to hold the saw in a left handed manner, as doing this puts the blade much closer to your body and significantly increases the risk of personal injury from a cut. To hold a chain saw correctly, your left hand holds on to the top handle and right hand on the rear. Imagine trying to operate your gas pedal with your left foot and the brake with your right…if attempted it would surely lead to an accident. Always keep a firm grip of your chain saw with your fingers fully encircling the handles (refer to image 2). So often I see operators slide their left thumb up along the top handle. Studies have shown that gripping in this way provides 50% less grip than with the thumb encircling. I think it is important to keep a good grip on a chain saw, don’t you? If your hands are not on the handles with a good grip and your thumbs fully encircling the handle, your hand could slip off very easily. It is also a human reaction that when the saw drops or slips, that you will reach quickly to grab it. If this happens while you are cutting, a serious accident could result. A chain saw chain spins around the bar at several thousands of feet per minute and each cutter is capable of cutting and chiseling

whatever is in their path. The reaction forces and inertia generated from this rotation are great, and as such, the saw needs to be held with a firm grasp. Chain saws have many design features - most of which are there to help protect you the operator and improve your safety. The modern chain saw has the top handle angled to reduce wrist fatigue. More recent innovations include making the handles thicker and contoured to fill your hand better. All of this in the name of ergonomics. However, the common design feature since the beginning was to keep the saw blade away from your body by placing the bar on the far right side of the saw. Also, by holding onto the top handle with your left hand and onto the rear handle with your right hand (refer to image 3). This puts you in the safest position possible when operating one of the most powerful gas-powered hand saws ever made. Remember that a chain saw bar or blade has no protective barriers or guards, only a chain brake, which also must be used wisely as I explained in a previous issue of ‘STIHL PROLINE’. I want to encourage you to hold onto your chain saws firmly at all times by remembering to do these things: • Use two hands at all times - remember your right hand has a job and your left hand has a job • Keep your left hand on the top handle and your right hand on the rear • Always fully encircle your thumbs to give yourself a good grip One thing I can guarantee…that it is impossible to cut your hands when they are holding on to the saw handles the right way!

www.arBorcanada.com

IMAGE 1

IMAGE 3

ARBORIST

IMAGE 2

STIHL Tour des trees 100 Cyclists Raise Half-Million Dollars to Save Urban Forests

Cyclists from across the World Pedaled a Week-long Journey to Help Support Mission of the TREE Fund The 2013 STIHL Tour des Trees proved to be a successful event with more than $505,000 raised, so far, to support tree research and education. During the 585-mile ride around Lake Ontario ending in early August, participants stopped at communities starting in Niagara Falls, ON, throughout the state of New York, back to Kingston, ON and ending on Toronto Islands to showcase the importance of trees with tree plantings and educational programs. Since the ride’s inception, the STIHL Tour des Trees has raised more than $6.5 million for the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund). The ride kicked off from Niagara Falls on July 28th and ended on August 3rd on Toronto Islands, exploring urban centers and local favorites including Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in New York, Lake Ontario Park in Kingston and several communities in Ontario’s Prince Edward County. During the event, veteran Tour cyclist and park supervisor for Toronto Islands Warren Hoselton, known to many as Professor Elwood Pricklethorn, engaged local children with fun, interactive educational programs that got kids on their feet, learning about the benefits of planting and providing trees with proper care. Additional stops along the New York route included an emerald ash borer protection demonstration by Arborjet in Rochester, a first responder tree dedication in West Webster and an American chestnut tree dedication in Syracuse. “We were so impressed by the dedication and effort that these riders exhibited. The money that they raised will help ultimately lead to safer, more effective and more efficient tree care practices,” said Janet Bornancin, the

6

president and CEO of the TREE Fund. “The TREE Fund is indebted to our Tour riders for funding our research and education programs and helping to educate the public about the important role that science-based treecare plays in sustaining the urban forest.” The TREE Fund is dedicated to sustaining the world’s urban trees by providing funding for scientific research, education programs and scholarships related to arboriculture and urban forestry. The STIHL Tour des Trees directly supports research around the world, advancing the science that arborists rely on every day. The TREE Fund recently awarded a grant to an international team of scientists working with NASA engineers to discover the weakest areas in trees and how to more accurately predict breakage and failure from stress. The riders also cultivate public awareness, teaching people about the many irreplaceable services that trees provide for our society on a constant basis. On a special note, there was one rider from our dealer network, Ron Robinson from Chain Saw Clinic in Toronto, ON. He bravely endured the ride for two days. Thanks Ron for having participated and representing STIHL Canada. Congratulations! For more information on the STIHL Tour des Trees visit www.stihltourdestrees.org .

Justin Espry, STIHL Dealer in Virginia Beach, Virginia, left, and Ron Robinson, a STIHL Dealer in Toronto were along for the ride.

Lower weight. Greater precision. Same old dependable. MS 150 C-E Gas Chain Saw

Sound Pressure Level * Without bar, chain or fuel

23.6 cc 1.0 kW MS 150 C-E 2.8 kg / 6.2 lb MS 150 T C-E 2.6 kg / 5.7 lb 97 dB(A)

499

MS 150 T C-E Gas Chain Saw

449

$ 1 High performance, high-quality cut

95

with 12” bar MSRP

2 Fuel-efficient engine

95

with 12” bar MSRP

3 Light and compact 4 Starting made easy Low-maintenance 5 air filter system

Side-mounted 8 chain tensioning

Eight intelligent features that make your job easier. And eight more reasons for buying the MS 150 T C-E.

7 Intelligent filling system

EXPERTS TO-BE AT WORK! Stephen Anderson, STIHL Limited’s Field Application Manager, trained students from Humber College about chain saw cleaning, tuning and overall proper maintenance.

6 Retractable carry ring

THE BENEFITS Powerful, precise and environmentally friendly 1 High performance, high-quality cut: Perfect match: the low-vibration, low-kickback ¼” PICCO™ cutting attachment is designed to perfectly suit the engine of the STIHL MS 150 T C-E. The engine’s output is transformed into powerful cutting performance, which guarantees a finer, more accurate cut. 2 Fuel-efficient engine: The difference is in the mix: the 2-stroke engine with 2-MIX technology combines a four-channel cylinder and a stratified charge system. Equipped with this technology, the STIHL MS 150 T C-E saves up to 20% fuel, produces up to 70% fewer emissions and meets all required emission standards.

ARBORIST

Displacement Power Output Weight *

$

Easy to use 3 Light and compact: Lightweight champion: weighing in at just 2.6 kg, the STIHL MS 150 T C-E is the lightest chain saw in the STIHL range. Special components such as the stainless steel muffler make the tool particularly light and less tiring to work with. And thanks to its flat surfaces, rounded contours and compact dimensions, this machine is a pleasure to handle. 4 Starting made easy: Ready, set, saw! Using the innovative STIHL Easy2Start™, the STIHL MS 150 T C-E starts effortlessly – the secret is an additional spring between the crankshaft and the starter cord reel, and a purger that reduces the number of pulls required to start the engine. Additionally, a microprocessor ignition prevents irritating kickback.

Effortless operation and maintenance 5 Low-maintenance air filter system: Clean air: the carburetor can be accessed without tools, so you can clean the air filter in a single step. 6 Retractable carry ring: Powerful grip: a retractable carry ring allows the chain saw to be lowered to the ground or attached to a safety rope. 7 Intelligent filling system: Refilling made easy: the fuel and oil tanks feature large openings and STIHL’s patented special caps, so they can be refilled without tools and without spillage. And thanks to the transparent fuel tank, you’ll always know how much fuel you have left. 8 Side-mounted chain tensioning: No more sagging chains! The saw chain can be tightened safely and effortlessly using the side-mounted chain tensioner.

7

build on our expertise As the world’s best-selling cut-off machine brand, we know that a perfect match between your cut-off machine and its cutting wheel is essential. That’s why STIHL invests so much expertise in developing heavy-duty diamond cutting wheels. And the results are crystal-clear: outstanding handling, a long service life and unbeatable cutting performance – factors that can make all the difference on a construction site.

STIHL DIAMOND CUTTING WHEELS

CONSTRUCTION

STIHL’s diamond cutting wheels last up to 400 times as long as synthetic resin cutting wheels, making them extremely cost-efficient, plus they deliver top cutting performance in even the toughest conditions. Other features include: • Highest-grade diamonds • Special segment manufacturing process (HDS sintering) • Designed to perfectly match STIHL cut-off machines • Tensioned main blade for optimum smoothness

VITAL STATS

The labels on STIHL cutting wheels show all the key data you need when working with a cutting wheel and cut-off machine. Clear information tells you at a glance what applications the cutting wheel can be used for. Abbreviations indicate the material(s) that can be cut and figures show the wheel’s performance class. The diameter of the wheel, the size of its spindle hole and its maximum permissible wheel speed are also clearly displayed. This labeling helps you select the right wheel for each job, ensuring optimum performance.

SMOOTH OPERATOR

The main blade of each diamond cutting wheel is made of hardened heat-treatable steel, and is specially tensioned, as can be seen by the roller marks. The result is a stable cut through the toughest materials. Engine power is transferred directly to the cutting segments which in turn enables smooth and precise cutting, and a high removal rate.

HEAVY DUTY, ULTRA-HARD

8

Only the highest-grade industrial diamonds are used in the segments of STIHL cutting wheels. A specially developed segment manufacturing process (HDS sintering) ensures that the diamonds are uniformly distributed and firmly embedded in each segment. This guarantees outstanding cutting performance, fast cutting progress through the material and long cutting wheel service life. In nearly all our cutting wheels the segments themselves are laser-welded to the main blade. So the cutting wheel can stand up to the toughest challenges at a reliable top speed of up to 100 m/s.

diAMond cuttinG WHeels ASPHALT (A)

CONCRETE/ASPHALT (BA)

CONCRETE (B) 00

A 5 | A 80

3

0

A 5 | A 80

35

0

A 80

40

3

35

40

Cutting wheel for asphalt, fresh concrete, abrasive concrete and sandstone.

00

B 5 | B 10 | B 60

30

0

B 5 | B 10 | B 60

35

0

B 10 | B 60

40

0

BA 80

0

BA 80

0

BA 80

Universal cutting wheel with a wide area of applications and long service life. With its specially aligned segments this wheel cuts through reinforced concrete and concrete blocks just as easily and cleanly as through softer materials like asphalt.

Cutting wheel for concrete, clay bricks, exposed aggregate concrete, as well as, reinforced concrete, and general construction materials.

HARD STONE/CONCRETE (SB) 0

30

SB 80

0 35

SB 80

Applications for diamond cutting wheels ø 300 ø 350 ø 400 Asphalt (A)

A5 A 80

Concrete (B)

B5

–

B 10 0 40

SB 80 Concrete/Asphalt (BA)

Extremely fast cutting wheel for cutting everything from brick, concrete and clinker to granite and ductile cast iron pipes. The extremely robust and temperature-resistant material composition of the wheel means it’s capable of cutting construction steel with a thickness of up to 10 mm and makes it suitable for emergency clearing jobs.

–

B 60 BA 80

Hard stone/Concrete (SB) SB 80 highly suitable reasonably suitable

Asphalt

Material quality

Fresh concrete

Abrasive concrete

soft

Brick

Concrete

Reinforced Concrete concrete blocks

Clinker

Natural Ductile cast Structural stone iron pipes steel*

hard

* Construction steel up to 10 mm thick (not suitable for continuous use)

sYntHetic resin cuttinG WHeels CONSTRUCTION

STIHL synthetic resin cutting wheels are suitable for a wide range of applications including cutting through building and construction materials such as steel, asphalt and stone. Features: • High-quality grit materials for super-fast cutting • Optimized bond matrix for consistent performance • Multi-layered fiber-glass reinforcement for increased strength and durability

STONE

STEEL

ASPHALT/DUCTILE CAST IRON

00

3

0

35

0

40

3

35

40

Cutting wheel for general construction use. Cuts all stone material, as well as, aluminum and other non-ferrous metals.

00

30

0

35

0

40

Tried-and-tested, extremely sturdy cutting wheel for use in construction or in metal processing operations. Cuts construction steel, structural steel, reinforcement bars and steel girders.

0

0

0

Special cutting wheel for road construction and pipeline engineering. Cuts asphalt, as well as, ductile cast iron pipes.

9

A GlobAl First: stiHl injection

Proven Technologies

Discover a whole new kind of cutting, with STIHL Injection. At the heart of this revolutionary technology is the electronic engine management system. These saws ignition timing are defined not only by the engine speed, but also the load. The ideal settings for ignition and fuel injection are calculated constantly while these tools are in use, so you can rely on an optimal performance at all times. Thanks to this advanced technology, you won’t have to compromise when it comes to the engine settings: it makes the carburetor and all manual settings redundant. The fully automatic engine setting guarantees optimized performance and fuel consumption, and first-class power delivery for any kind of cutting job.

Delayed stratified engine with STIHL Injection The STIHL delayed stratified engine with STIHL Injection features the world’s first electronically controlled fuel injector, which supplies exactly the right amount of fuel directly into the crank chamber. It truly sets new standards, with greater performance, fewer emissions and high torque over a wide rpm range.

The Benefits for STIHL Users

If you work on a construction site, you’ll know that delivering a fast, quality result is what really counts. The STIHL TS 480i and TS 500i with STIHL Injection are the most reliable workmates you could hope for. They combine precision, efficiency and user-friendliness with cutting-edge technology. So you can focus on what matters most – your work.

TS 480i

1279 95

$

MSRP

Displacement

72.2 cc

Power Output

3.9 kW

Weight

10.0 kg / 22.0 lb

*

Max. Wheel Size

305 mm / 12"

Max. Cutting Depth

102 mm / 4"

CONSTRUCTION

TS 500i “I thought I should send you a note to say “well done” to STIHL. I recently bought a new TS 500i cut-off machine and immediately was impressed with its amazing power and ease of starting. First pull…vroom. It’s great not to have a choke to worry about and the fuel injection on this machine also makes it very responsive to the throttle. In addition, I was blown away by the smart water control you have developed that shuts the water off as soon as you let go of the throttle. This has cut the mess down substantially. You make my day a little easier. Keep up the great work!”

-Peter Grose, Landscaping Construction, Keswick, ON

1349 95

$

MSRP

Displacement

72.2 cc

Power Output

3.9 kW

Weight

10.2 kg / 22.5 lb

*

Max. Wheel Size

350 mm / 14"

Max. Cutting Depth

125 mm / 4.9"

* Without fuel and cutting wheel

LIMITED TIME ONLY

FREE

†

10

DIAMOND WHEEL

WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY

STIHL CUTQUIK SAW ®

† Receive a STIHL B10-12” diamond wheel valued at $99.99 with the purchase of a TS 410 or TS 480i a STIHL B10-14” diamond wheel valued at $131.95 with the purchase of a TS 420, TS 500i or TS 700, and a STIHL B10-16” diamond wheel valued at $164.99 with the purchase of a TS 800.

Electronic water control The electronic water control is now governed by the intelligent STIHL Injection control unit. It delivers perfect dust suppression at the push of a button. The electronic water control allows you to precisely meter the water supply – simply by pressing the plus and minus buttons – for a more convenient, more efficient and safer cut. Long-life air filter system with cyclone air routing The long-life air filter system with cyclone air routing increases the service life of the filter by up to a year, depending on the working conditions. You also won’t have to worry about cleaning the filter regularly and you’ll benefit from long-lasting performance and extremely long service intervals. ElastoStart™ Plus STIHL ElastoStart™ Plus makes the saw even easier to start. This special shock absorber grip on the starter cord ensures jerk-free starting without load peaks. The integrated damping element smoothes the force generated during start up. Plus the wear-resistant starter cord means you’ll enjoy smooth starting for a long time to come. Semi-automatic belt tensioning Light and uniform re-tensioning increases the service life of the belts and shaft bearings. That means less time spent on maintenance and less money spent on operating costs.

Managing Exotic Invasive Species in Ontario’s Hardwood Forests:

How landowners and woodlot managers can protect their forest ecosystems. Exotic invasive species (EIS) are plants, insects or pathogens that, either intentionally or not, have been introduced to a new habitat where they have the ability to cause harm to the environment, the economy and/or society. A variety of EIS are detrimental to the hardwood forests of Ontario. For example, invasive plants can alter forest integrity through rapid population expansion. They can out-compete many native species and cause shifts in species abundances, thereby altering the forest ecosystem. Invasive insects and pathogens can severely damage hardwood trees, reducing timber value and potentially causing large-scale hardwood mortality. There are several strategies, techniques and control options to be aware of when dealing with EIS. Prevention is the most efficient and cost effective approach to management. Creating a prevention plan and keeping a diverse and healthy forest can reduce the risk of invasion. When planning any type of forest management woodlot owners should include a plan to prevent the spread or introduction of EIS. For example, soil disturbance will make an area prone to invasion, especially if there are invasive plants in the vicinity. As a mitigation strategy, plant native species in areas where soil disturbance is unavoidable and monitor the area frequently to ensure that invasive plants do not establish. It is important to keep all equipment such as tractors, skidders and all-terrain vehicles free of mud and debris that can harbour seeds and plant fragments. Clean and inspect equipment in a designated area that can be monitored for suspect invaders. Invasive insects and diseases caused by pathogens can also be prevented through keeping up-to-date with quarantines that restrict the movement of firewood and other wood related products. Keep trees healthy and prevent bark damage as wounds can increase susceptibility to pathogen infection and weaken resistance to insect attack. Early detection and rapid response is the next best thing to prevention. Having the ability to detect newly established EIS at the initial stage of invasion is important. Invasive species are much easier and cheaper to control in these early stages and being able to respond rapidly after a new invasion is detected will minimize the overall damage to the woodlot. Learn how to properly identify EIS that are prominent in the area and become familiar with the species in your woodlot. Although managers may already have an inventory of tree species as part of their woodlot management plan, it is a good idea to also include understory species. Afterwards, if any new EIS appear they will be readily detected, decreasing the likelihood of new invasions. Visual surveys and monitoring activities are important in the detection of invasive insects and pathogens. Look for multiple signs of invasion to help properly identify the causative agent. Effective invasive species management requires an understanding of the biology of the trees and other living things in the hardwood forest, including the EIS. Management options should take into consideration the environmental and social context. Management and control options for EIS that affect hardwood stands should

be based on maintaining a healthy forest. This requires planning, commitment, effort and money. Forest managers and woodlot owners should choose methods that are well aligned with their objectives and goals for the present and future use of the woodlot.

Hand-pulling gar lic mustard (Alliar ia petiolata) in the forest understor y

Physical control is the manual removal or destruction of the invasive species. Depending on the species to be controlled, hand-pulling, digging out roots, removing flower heads or mulching may be effective. Biological control involves releasing living organisms that feed upon, parasitize or infect the unwanted species. These programs are coordinated nationally or regionally and are beyond the ability of individual landowners, but the results of successful programs are cost-effective and long lasting.

Chemical control with pesticides can be part of an effective control program. Pesticides are most effective when they focus on vulnerable life stages, and when they weaken or kill the EIS, and give a selective competitive advantage to desired species. Many pesticides require a licensed exterminator to be applied. Refer to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, or provincial environment or natural resource ministries for more information on pesticide use. The Invasive Species Research Institute published “A guide to the identification and control of invasive species in Ontario’s hardwood forests” last year, funded in part by the Invasive Species Centre (ISC). This richly illustrated guide is packed with information about 25 species invading Ontario’s forests, and includes information about identification, look-alikes, effects and control strategies. You can view this guide online at (http://www.isri.ca/current-projects/invasive-species-guidebook.html), or buy a copy at Amazon.com (www.amazon.com/dp/0929100212). Lisa M. Derickx, B.Sc., is a Research Associate at the Invasive Species Research Institute (ISRI) in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. She has a B.Sc. Honours Degree in Environmental Science from Carleton University and a diploma in Fish and Wildlife Conservation from Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology. As primary author, she recently published “A Guide to the Identification and Control of Exotic Invasive Species in Ontario’s Hardwood Forests”. Email: [email protected]

NEW

MotoMix Premixed Fuel ®

SILVICULTURE

Stephen Anderson, STIHL Limited’s Field Application Manager, trained Hydro One workers in Burks Falls about brushcutter usage and maintenance.

New ethanol free, fully synthetic and highly biodegradable premixed engine fuel.

NEVER WORRY ABOUT MIXING AGAIN! • Right mix: Perfect 50:1 mixture of 92 high-octane fuel and the protection of STIHL HP Ultra two-cycle engine oil • Longer shelf life: 2 years once seal is broken* • Environmentally Conscious: Non-aromatic fuel; fully synthetic, highly biodegradable engine oil • Extended Warranty: Two year warranty with purchase of 3 cans of MotoMix® (ask a STIHL Dealer for details) * Store in a cool, well ventilated area to avoid vapour build up. Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures in excess of 120˚F /48˚C.

9

$ 49 per can MSRP

Official fuel of

11

Hedge Trimmer Blade Cleaner / Resin Remover

Provides superior cutting performance & longer blade life.

Clear Visor Helmet Systems

• Effective solvent for cleaning hedge trimmer blades and removing resin • Removes resin and gum buildup, even between the blades, resulting in smoother, cleaner cuts, and less potential for damage to the plant • Contains a lubricant, which not only serves to keep the blades lubricated, but also acts as a light corrosion inhibitor, to counter act the corrosive effect of plant sap on the blades • Reduces the risk of blade damage and engine wear from resin buildup

9

$ 95

Get a Clear View with the New Clear Plastic Visor • Same quality head and ear protection with the new feature of a high quality clear plastic visor • Ideal face protection for construction and grass/brush knife cutting applications • Polycarbonate transparent visor meets CSA Z94.3 Standard • Designed and manufactured by Peltor

59 79

$

MSRP

‘B’ System (Peltor) H9/V1A ANSI Helmet with Clear Plastic Visor 7002 884 2401

75 29

$

per can MSRP

106 79

$

MSRP

Deluxe “A” Helmet System with Clear Plastic Visor 7002 884 2400

ACCESSORIES & SPECIAL INTEREST STORIES

12

At the same time, Eastern Rookie Champion Ben Cumberland faced Western Champion Lukas BrownJohn who eliminated local hopeful Brock Colliver and Nick Bjornson from Calgary in an intense competition the day before. Mitch Hewitt dominated springboard chop followed by Stirling Hart. In the next event – STIHL Stock Saw, Mitch took a great advantage given that this event could be won by anybody in the pack and beat Donald Lambert and Cecil Starr who after this, were always in the chase. Mitch won the standing block event which is his best discipline and secured a position in the Canadian Team early in the game. Donald Lambert gained some points back and remained in the chase for the championship after the 4th event – Single Buck where he took the event over JP Mercier. The most intense time in the competition came with the underhand event where Mitch Hewitt faced new competitor Marcel Dupuis from Memramcook, NB. Up to this point, Mitch had completely dominated this

event in the past, but this time Marcel Dupuis made sure to send Mitch a strong message: “I am coming after you!” Marcel took the event comfortably with 2 seconds over Mitch but it could have been 4 to 5 seconds as Marcel’s block remained attached by a tiny string and he had to uncomfortably get back on the two ends to finish the chop to get an official time. This secured Marcel his spot in the Canadian Team. With only one event to go, JP Mercier and Donald Lambert took the first two positions in the Hot Saw and Donald guaranteed a second place finish behind Mitch Hewitt. Cecil Starr finished in third place followed by Marcel Dupuis, Stirling Hart, JP Mercier, Karl Bischoff and Nick Russell. In the Rookie Division, the title was for Keswick Ridge, NB native Nathan Cumberland who completely dominated all 4 events over the Western Rookie Lukas Brown-John. Nathan is only 17 years of age but at 6’1’’ he already has the top Pro’s with an eye on him. The Canadian Team was picked based on the athlete’s performance on each event by a committee with Dave MacLeod (President CANLOG), Rod Cumberland (representing the MLA) and Gerry Rozo (STIHL Ltd.). Team Canada will be: 1. Mitch Hewitt – Standing Block Chop 2. Donald Lambert – STIHL Stock Saw 3. Marcel Dupuis – Underhand Chop 4. JP Mercier – Single Buck 5. Nathan Cumberland – Rookie Champion competing with the International Rookie Team and an alternate for Team Canada

MSRP

Peltor ‘A’ System CSA Class 2 “North” Helmet with Clear Plastic Visor 7002 884 2402

WESTERN QUALIFIER AND CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP We reached the last official competitions in our 2013 tour with the Western Qualifier and the Canadian Championship. The beautiful town of Chase, BC along the shores of Lake Sushwap hosted the best 10 competitors from the West who tried their best Friday for one of the 4 spots available to move on to the Canadian Championship the following day. In the end, it was Nick Russell, Karl “The Godfather” Bischoff, Stirling Hart and Mitch “The Widowmaker” Hewitt who passed on to the finals against Eastern Athletes Donald Lambert, Cecil Starr, Marcel “The Beast from the East” Dupuis and JP Mercier.

7002 871 1468

Chase BC – July 12 & 13

Finally the presentation of the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS ® Peter Colliver Memorial Trophy was an amazing and emotional moment that brought the whole town of Chase together around the memory of a great Athlete in the sport and the celebration of Mitch’s fourth consecutive title. Peter was an athlete in our series, competed in the Canadian Championship in London 2008 and still holds an underhand chop world record. Before the Championship I was able to do an interview with the family which you can see by scanning the QR Code below : We are ready for the World Championship and though our Championship is over, we are still running competitions until September in the East and the West with the MLA and CANLOG Divisions. It has been a very successful year and we look forward to finishing 2013 with a great performance at the World Championship. Gerry Rozo STIHL Marketing

Why don’t our employees get better? For most grounds managers, the most vexing part of our job is people, customers and bosses we can understand: expectations are high, competition is fierce, and people want quality and value. But our employees work for us, shouldn’t they be easier to handle? Why are they making senseless mistakes, being hard on equipment and not doing what you want, when you want it done? Well, there is a right way and a wrong way to handle employees. If you have underperforming employees, you probably haven’t been clear enough about what you expect from them. It starts with hiring, then goes to training and ends with performance management. Do all three well, and you’ll have high-performing employees running your equipment safely and efficiently, taking care of it, getting the most out of it and getting the job done right. This thinking is the essence of the ISO certification process: standardize procedures, techniques, behaviours and you’ll win the business game. Get the right person doing the right job, the right way. It can seem trivial to put so much emphasis on every little detail. But the devil is in the details, just ask your dentist: is there a right way and wrong way to brush your teeth? Well of course there is. And when you don’t do it, we know the outcome – pain, discomfort and cost.

Hire, train and then manage performance. You need to standardize all 3. Start with hiring: who should I hire (you need a profile of the ideal employee), what will they be doing (job description), when will they work for me (length of employment, address seasonality) and job goals (the ‘why’ part). Give them a mission. So if you are hiring a mowing tech for a golf course, his mission is to “maximize the experience and value for the golfer”, not ‘cut the grass’. It’s a subtle but important distinction. Training doesn’t have to be a trip to the dentist; you just need to create a training system. A good system will identify the parts of every machine, operating techniques and hazards. Teach it, test it, and have a checklist verifying what you taught, and that the employee showed competency. Show the employee every little detail. For example, a trimmer: how to transport it, fuel it, clean it, add trimmer line, where to store it after work, how to hold it, what speed to run it at, how close to trim the grass -- every little detail. Then, manage performance. Hold employees accountable, let them know that you’ve taken time to hire the right person (them), show them the right way to do things and that you expect it to be done right. This doesn’t make you a dictator; it makes you a good manager. Now, coach employees until they are doing it 100%, reward good behaviour and have some fun. Everyone likes clear expectations, but no one likes a little dictator. There you have it, good equipment, used by a good employee = the right outcome. Written by Jay Murray, CLP, Certified Horticulturist, President at LS Training System. Thanks to STIHL for giving us exposure to outdoor professionals like you. We have the best online training system in the world, made exclusively for the green industry, used by 40,000 green industry workers. If you need a good training system that employees will embrace, check us out at, www.LSTraining.com.

An egg contains every vitamin except vitamin C.

PAGE 15 REBUS PUZZLE ANSWERS

Thanks Geneviève Villemure from Oka, QC for submitting this picture!

PUZZLE 1: IN BETWEEN JOBS • PUZZLE 2: TRAIL MIX

“A man and his STIHL on a cold snowy day...dedication at its best!”

s the Enamel i e substanc hardest body. in your ‘Bookkeeper’ and ‘bookkeepi ng’are the only 2 words in the Englis h language with three co nsecutive do uble letters. t A duck can’t walk withou bobbing its head. peanut a fear of s i a i b o h p ro r mouth. Arachibuty oof of you r e h t o t cking butter sti

ACCESSORIES & SPECIAL INTEREST STORIES

Has outdoor power equipment ever come a long way! STIHL, for example, now has a line of surprisingly powerful battery powered tools (the battery even holds a charge for weeks when idling); also a fuel injected cut-off saw with auto water shut-off. In the outdoor power equipment world, change brings improvement: lighter, stronger, faster and less cost.

13

TE

CORNER CH

Seasonal Preventative Maintenance Tips By Scott Clarke | Regional Manager for Vancouver Island & Sunshine Coast of BC.

Find out more on How To Start Your Chain Saw with Tech Chat with Chad!

One of the most commonly asked questions regarding outdoor power equipment is “How do I store my chain saw/grass trimmer/blower for winter?”. Whenever STIHL equipment is going to be stored for a long period of time (3 months or greater), there are some steps that have to be taken to protect the engine from damage and to ensure proper performance when the time comes to put it back into service. A few easy steps will ensure that your STIHL is ready for action when you are.

CORNER CH

TECH CORNER

TE

Before attempting any of the following procedures, be sure to familiarize yourself with the information found in the owners manual and to wear the appropriate protective apparel (work gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, etc). STEP 1: Drain the fuel from your STIHL. It is important to drain the fuel from your STIHL equipment because in as little as 60 days, fuel will deteriorate. As fuel ages, the chemical properties change, the gasoline becomes corrosive and residue will begin to form inside carburetors and fuel tanks. The ethanol content now commonly found in fuels further complicates the process; prolonged exposure to ethanol is detrimental to elastomers in fuel lines, carburetor diaphragms, oils seals, etc. Ethanol can also absorb water from the atmosphere, which can cause phase separation (formation of layers of fuel, water, ethanol inside your fuel tank). Draining fuel from the system eliminates all of these scenarios. This is also a great opportunity to wash out any debris that may be present in your fuel tank. Any dirt or debris left in the fuel tank will collect at the fuel filter, and eventually plug up the filter. Please discard or dispose of any left over fuel in an environmentally responsible manner. Any fuel left in your portable storage container should also be discarded at this time. STEP 2: Start and run the engine at idle speed until the engine stops. This step will eliminate any fuel that is left in the fuel system and prevent varnish from forming inside the carburetor. Never operate an engine at wide open throttle with no load on the engine as damage may result. Set the choke and restart the engine to ensure that the fuel system is completely emptied. STEP 3: Thoroughly inspect and clean your STIHL. This is the opportune time to check your STIHL for any loose or missing screws and fasteners, check the condition of the starter cord and handle, make sure that all engine housings, guards and deflectors are in place and properly secured. Any damaged components should be repaired or replaced before using your equipment. In order for the engine to cool properly while running, it is important that adequate airflow around cylinder fins be maintained, remove any dirt/debris that is built up on the starter housing and around the cylinder fins. The cutting attachment (guide bars and chains, brushcutter line heads or blades and hedge trimmer blades) should be disassembled, cleaned, sharpened and prepared for use the following spring. Metal parts should have a film of lubricant applied to prevent rust from forming.

14

STEP 4: Clean and/or replace the sparkplug. After servicing the cutting attachment, the engine should be cool enough for you to remove the sparkplug. Excessive carbon built up on the sparkplug can be removed with a stiff wire brush and the electrode gap can be reset to .020” or 0.5 mm. If you choose to replace the sparkplug, keep in mind that different types of equipment require different types of sparkplugs (heat range, electrode reach and thread size).

All STIHL equipment requires a resistor style sparkplug. If in doubt, contact your servicing dealer for the correct type of sparkplug. Before reinstalling the sparkplug, put a couple of drops of 2-cycle oil down the sparkplug hole and gently pull the starter rope to spread the oil around the inside of the cylinder. Reinstall the sparkplug and reconnect the ignition lead. STEP 5: Clean and/or replace the air filter. Air filter maintenance varies depending on your type of equipment. Generally speaking, the air filter can be removed and cleaned by lightly tapping the edge of the filter or by using a soft bristle brush to remove any dirt on the surface. Before attempting to remove the air filter, turn the choke shutter on to prevent any dirt from entering the engine. When cleaning the filter, inspect the inside of the air filter housing. Any dirt or debris present here, indicates that the air filter should be replaced. Avoid using fuels, solvents or compressed air when cleaning the air filter. Consult your servicing dealer or operator’s manual for specific instructions on proper filter maintenance for your STIHL. STEP 6: Proper storage. STIHL recommends storing your equipment in a dry and elevated secure location out of reach of children or unauthorized persons. STIHL power equipment should never be stored near a source of heat or ignition. Following these instructions for storage will ensure that when you are ready to go to work, your STIHL will be ready too!

JOIN THE CLUB THAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT!

Register at www.STIHLCLUB.ca for a chance to WIN a

$5,000 TRIP VOUCHER AND $1,000 IN SPENDING CASH. PLUS $100 cash giveaway to be won every month. Visit www.STIHLCLUB.ca for full contest details.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS Let us know what you think of STIHL PROLINE at www.STIHL.ca/PROLINE. Tell us the types of product information or resources you have found most helpful or would like to see more of. Do you have a tech question? Send it to us and we will get it answered by one of our tech experts.

Riddle: What vegetable do you need a plumber for? Answer: A leek.

STIHL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS...

I also have a giant pine tree in the centre of my front lawn. You know what that means. A pine tree is a water hog that starves everything around it and wages chemical warfare on any green thing by shedding highly acidic needles all around it, turning the dirt into a wasteland.

Grand battles. Epic battles. The Battle of Marathon. The only reason anybody ever remembers the Battle of Marathon (Greece: 1 Persia: 0) is because after the fight, a guy named Philippedes was told to run back to Athens. His job was to tell folks they could quit burying the family silverware in the backyard and dressing their daughters like boys, because the Persians weren’t coming. Why he just didn’t turn it into a day-long hike is lost to history. He was probably one of those annoying overachiever suck-ups. Anyway, he ran the 26 miles so fast he got to Athens, gasped out the good news and … died.

Come spring, between the giant roots that erupt from the ground and the dirt all around it, my front lawn looks like the backdrop to a scary scene in Lord of the Rings. You fight that by treating the dirt with dolomite which counteracts the acidity. And by reseeding. Year after year after year. And after all that effort, the grass around my pine tree still looks like the top of a bald guy’s head after he gets those hair implants. And that’s as good as it gets.

The lesson I take from this is: Don’t run 26 miles in one go. Other people thought: You know what sounds like fun? Doing the thing that killed poor Phil.

Why am I going through this — particularly when I own a perfectly good chain saw?

Adding insult to injury? Do they say, “Sunday, I am competing in the Toronto Philippedes?” No. They say, “Sunday, I am competing in the Toronto Marathon”. They wouldn’t even name it after him.

So the pine tree stays because … well.

There’s also the Battle of Waterloo — the only major battle that ever inspired a love song by Scandinavian super-group Abba. The Battle of the Bulge is also famous. Not to be confused with the television show The Biggest Loser in which overweight people volunteer to be yelled at on television until they get slimmer. Watching The Biggest Loser makes me want to eat nachos. And bacon. While drinking gravy topped with sour cream, kind of like a high-fat latte of cardiac destruction. And I don’t know why. What I do know is that if you want to sell a boatload of fried chicken, you should advertise on The Biggest Loser. One battle over land that won’t make the list, but probably should, is this one: Me versus my front lawn. It has gone on longer than the Second World War, cost more than a new pick-up truck, and isn’t over yet. All of this for a postage-stamp chunk of land about 22-feet by 30-feet. The problems started before I even bought the house. In terms of anything resembling horticulture, the house is situated poorly. It’s not that it’s on a toxic dump site or anything. It’s that my front lawn is located in Alberta. W.O. Mitchell once wrote a novel set in Alberta called Roses Are Difficult Here.

My wife loves the pine tree. And I love my wife. There’s this book written a couple thousand years ago by a guy named Sun Tzu. It’s called The Art of War. It’s about how to win battles. One of his rules is this: He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. And if I’m already getting outwitted by a pine tree … what chance do I have against my wife? A REBUS is a picture representation of a name, work or phrase. Each “rebus” puzzle box below portrays a common word or phrase. Can you guess what they are? Puzzle 1

Puzzle 2

JOBINJOB

COFFEE BREAK

A lot of battles have been fought over land.

By: Ian Robinson

TAILR RIALT AIRTL Answers on page 13.

Well no kidding. So’s grass, dude. The importance of keeping your mind sharp cannot be overstated. TRY SHARPENING YOUR MIND WITH THESE REBUS PUZZLES

STIHL CANADA

@STIHLCANADA

All product weights are without fuel and cutting attachment. All prices will remain in effect until November 29, 2013. The goal of STIHL Limited is to produce truthful and accurate advertising materials. In the unlikely event of a printing error, the local STIHL Dealer has the final authority to set product pricing. Pricing valid at participating Dealers only.

15