In designing and fabricating synchronous motors to drive woodcutting machines allowance must be made for several particular features of their service. This applies primarily to the significant frequency of startups (3-4 each shift) owing to the necessity of replacing and regrinding the cutting-machine blade. In addition, when logs fall from the conveyor into the cutting-machine hopper from a height of 3-4 m, impact loads are generated with a significant axial component. This paper discusses these mechanical factors and loads on woodcutting machines.