Shaping Topiaries with Trimmers
Densely growing plants, such as yews or box-trees are best for so-called topiaries. Thick branches, which divide into finer and finer twigs, form the main axes of the desired shape. In order to train the branches in the desired directions, you can fix the flexible twigs with wire.
Geometrical shapes such as pyramids are best trimmed by tying string along the desired edges, or by using a wooden frame. Fit the frame around the plant and cut off all protruding shoots. In this way, you can achieve many different shapes, such as cubes, globes or pyramids:
Major wear on the rear running face of the cutting teeth and on the opposite tie straps
Cause: Blunt cutting edge dropping too steeply to the rear, chain too slack, depth gauge possibly also too low.
Prevention: Sharpen cutting teeth correctly, tension chain correctly.
Major wear on the running face of all chain links
Cause: Chain tensioned excessively, depth gauge too high, blunt cutting edge with excessively small filing angle and therefore excessively high pressure on the guide bar.
Prevention: Sharpen cutting teeth correctly, tension chain correctly.
Cracks under the rear rivet hole of the cutting teeth and of the opposite tie straps
Cause: Blunt cutting edge dropping too steeply to the rear, with the result that too much pressure is applied when cutting.
Prevention: Sharpen cutting teeth correctly, tension chain correctly.
Battered bar rails at the inlet at the top and at the end of the sprocket nose at the bottom; underside of bar is wavy. Chain does not run smoothly, wear increases rapidly.
Cause: Chain too slack for a long time, unserviceable.
Prevention: Retension chain regularly.
For advice and service, you can of course also consult your STIHL dealer.