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Brush-Clearing Head Evaluated

After large wildfires, the natural regeneration of some pine species can produce extremely thick stands of immature lodgepole and ponderosa pine. Because the stands are so dense, they grow slowly and are susceptible to disease and insects. The stands will naturally thin themselves over time, but that process takes many years. Thinning these stands is an important step in producing and maintaining sustainable ecosystems. MTDC was asked to investigate tools that could be used to thin these stands of immature pine.

A market search uncovered a new brush-clearing attachment for brush-clearing saws that was supposed to eliminate the problems associated with using circular saw blades in dirt and rocks.

This commercial tool, called the Tuff Kutt, is an attachment with an aluminum housing and three replaceable steel blades that make up a flail-type cutting mechanism. The attachment can be used to cut below the ground and around rocks to remove brush and trees smaller than 11/4 inches in diameter. The main benefit of this brush-clearing head is its ability to strike the ground and rocks repeatedly without affecting its performance. The blades are designed to shorten as they wear, but do not require sharpening.

The Tuff Kutt was field tested extensively for 2 years. The results are reported in the tech tip, Brush-Clearing Head Evaluation (0324–2336–MTDC, http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/t-d.php?link=php/library_card.php?p_num=0324 2336).

For more information on the brush-clearing head, contact Andy Trent, project leader (phone: 406–329–3912; e-mail: atrent@fs.fed.us).

To order the tech tip, contact Cailen Hegman, MTDC publications (phone: 406– 329–3978; fax: 406–329–3719; e-mail: cahegman@fs.fed.us)

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