Stihl FS460 bodged.

In a context where you are undertaking paid work, bodging a machine to get through a day could rebound on you if there is an accident. This is especially true if you are working on a site which requires you to have risk assessments, method statements and maybe their own supervisors and safety representatives. In this case the mulch blade is knackered and has been used like this for a considerable time. Two screws have fallen out (can&have been checked at each fuelling), one with its reinforcing piece and one has been replaced with some bent wire. The loose (rattly) guard has been contacting the blade and has taken heavy damage and is now un-usable. The operator should have: 1) Replaced the blade long before it got to this stage. 2) Replaced the first screw when it came out. 3) Monitored the screws and the first screw may never have come out and the second screw may never have come loose. Working with a knackered blade is much less efficient and requires much more effort than working with a blade in good condition. Take a spare machine to site or a spare (new) blade, the tools to maintain the machine (angle gear locking bar, multitool and T27 torx) and spare guard screws. The tools and correct screws are not expensive, and as a trained professional, you should have them with you. In this instance someone has deliberately bent some wire into position to &a manufacturer&part. In case of an accident, this could be viewed as a deliberate act contrary to all the RAs, etc...