(Photo: Thrive PR)
March 10, 2020
Blackbutt axeman Mitch Argent just missed out on another national title when he came third in the prestigious Stihl Timbersports 2020 Australian Trophy competition at the weekend.
The Stihl Timbersports knockout competition involves competitors chopping and sawing their way through four disciplines back-to-back in the quickest time.
Competitors cut through a block using a chainsaw, then run to the next block (underhand chop), then the next (crosscut saw) and finally tackle a standing block.
The 2020 competition was held before a large crowd at St Kilda in Victoria on Saturday.
Mitch came in third place in the gruelling competition after being beaten by just 0.03 seconds in Heat 9.
The eventual winner was Laurence O’Toole, from Doncaster.
O’Toole will now represent Australia at the 2020 world competition to be held in Vienna in May.
Mitch won the Australian trophy in 2018 and then went on to come third in the Champions Trophy held in France.
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Stihl Timbersports Champion Trophy Disciplines
Saw – Stock Saw
Athletes use the Stihl MS 661 C-M Magnum Chainsaw. They must cut one disc, called a cookie, from a 40cm diameter log, within a 10cm mark. Top competitors can cut one downward and one upward cut in less than 10 seconds.
Axe – Underhand Chop
In the past, the underhand chop technique was used to cut a felled tree down to size. Standing on a horizontal log, the athletes cut with an axe through a 30cm log. The log has to be worked from both sides. Top athletes will aim for 10-12 hits in the front and then 10 or less in the back in a time of 12-20 seconds
Saw – Single Buck
The single buck is a massive 2 metre long one-man saw. With this, the athletes cut off a complete disc from a 40cm log. The perfect mix of rhythm and strength are key to success. All competition single buck saws are hand filled, and cost in the region of $2000-$4000 depending on the filler. Saws will last approximately 10 competitive runs before they will need to be re-sharpened.
Axe – Standing Block Chop
For the standing block, the felling of a tree with an axe is simulated. A vertical log with a diameter of 27cm has to be cut through from both sides. This discipline calls for both power and precision. Top athletes will aim for 8-10 hits in the front and then eight or less in the back in a time of 12-20 seconds.
