MOWING PERFORMANCE OF BUSH CUTTER EQUPPED WITH A FIXED BLADE DEVEOPED TO PREVENT BODILY INJURIES IN OPERATION

In order to prevent bodily injuries frequently suffered in using bush cutters, especially from spattered stones, we developed a unique new cutting system equipped with a fixed blade on top of the rotary blade, and checked into the mowing performance of the cutter. From experimental test of mowing efficiency and measuring test of physical stress (O$_2$ consumption and heartbeat rates) , the new cutting system with a fixed blade proved that it keeps good cutting performance with lower peripheral speed of the rotary blade(22m/sec), compared to that of ordinary cutting blade, yielding more safety in operation. Weight of the cutter head is, however, heavier than that of ordinary machine by about 70% which increased a physical stress on the operator with slightly faster heartbeat rates. In mowing along edge of concrete wall, the operator enjoyed using the cutter with no anxiety , owing to function of the fixed blade.