Work apparatus having an electromagnetic brake assembly

A work apparatus has a work tool driven by a combustion engine. A brake assembly has a brake element for braking the work tool as it slows down. In a braking position of the brake assembly， the work tool is braked， while， in a stand-by position of the brake assembly， the brake element enables the movement of the work tool. The brake element is held in the stand-by position by a holding force from an electromagnet supplied with energy by an electric generator driven by the engine， for which purpose， in the stand-by position of the brake assembly， a holding current is supplied to the electromagnet. To extend the holding time as the engine slows down， an operating parameter of the engine is monitored and， after a limit value of the operating parameter is reached， the holding current supplied to the electromagnet is reduced.