Slippery When Cut

June 1, 2002
Although hydraulic technology has been around for decades, it has been largely ignored for handheld concrete cutting and demolition equipment until rather

Although hydraulic technology has been around for decades, it has been largely ignored for handheld concrete cutting and demolition equipment until rather recently. Currently, hydraulic hand tools are being recognized for their impressive power, ability to provide constant cutting speeds and torque, low maintenance and versatility. They can be operated in water and extreme temperatures and are quieter and more productive than their pneumatic, gas and electric counterparts.

Concrete-cutting saws are particularly noteworthy. Circular saws are now available in sizes ranging from small cut-off saws up to huge floor and pavement cutting models. Many can perform wet or dry cutting and accept a variety of blades that permit even greater sawing capabilities.

With the introduction of diamond-segmented chain saws cutting concrete can be a very precise and easy task. Chain saws are ideal for plunge and straight cuts, squaring off corners without over-cutting, trimming, notch cuts and for finishing cuts up to a 20-inch depth. A variety of chains are available to provide a means of cutting anything from green concrete, brick and cinder block to very hard concrete and aggregate with up to 5/8-inch rebar.

For maximum efficiency it is suggested that users make straight cuts with a circular saw and then continue the cut to a greater depth, or finish off and square up the corners with a chain saw. Make sure to use a saw blade the same width as the chain segments to prevent premature segment wear. Because circular saw blades are much more cost effective than diamond chains, most of the cutting should be done with a circular saw. Finally, use the chain saw to plunge cut holes for ductwork quickly and cleanly without wasteful over-cutting.

Hydraulic power sources and water booster pumps round out the total professional concrete cutting package. Some power packs are available in basic models that supply only one pressure and one flow setting, while other packs provide variable pressure and flow settings to handle a wider range of hydraulic tool requirements. A few models are even equipped with pressure, hour and volt meters and a choice of gas engines or electric motors. Most models can be carried in a pick-up truck and are cart-mounted with tires for easy transportation over rough or irregular terrain.

Booster pumps ensure that water pressure and flow are kept at optimal rates to prolong chain and bar life and most importantly to adequately flush slurry. Sufficient removal of slurry is critical to prevent excessive wear of both the chain chassis and the diamond segments. Without ample flushing the chain must continually work through the same abrasive slurry in order to cut concrete, thereby wearing away the segments at a more rapid pace.

The total cost of cutting with hydraulic tools is significantly less than the total cost of cutting with any other means of power. Hydraulic tools are simply more powerful, which reduces operator effort and fatigue. Internal parts are constantly bathed in oil resulting in less down time and less maintenance. Water and slurry do not damage or interfere with a hydraulic tool's ability to perform as they do with a gas tool where the engine and carburetor are exposed.

One hydraulic power source will run all your concrete tools. There's no need to haul an expensive compressor to run a breaker, carry fuel cans to fill gas saws every half hour and bring a generator to run an electric core drill. Today, a single hydraulic power source can operate saws, breakers, core drills, impact wrenches, trash pumps, drills and post pullers.

Dema Erbacher is tech support manager for RGC, Buffalo, N.Y.

Edco

More useful than ever for making contraction joints, repairing slabs or cutting asphalt, Edco's dual-arbor DS-16A street saw has been redesigned to accommodate 14- to 18-inch diamond blades. A larger screw-type depth control makes it easier to raise and lower the blade for cutting. Design improvements allow belt changes without blade shaft disassembly, so arbor alignment is not compromised. The DS-16A retains its heavy-duty box-frame construction for faster cutting and greater durability.
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Diamond Products

The CC6000D from Diamond Products features a patent-pending design with a differential drive system that allows for easy maneuvering by pivoting the saw on its rear wheels. It features a 65-hp Wisconsin gas engine, fits through a 30-inch door, has hydrostatic transmission with enclosed differential, provides positive drive to both rear wheels for maximum traction and has a maximum cutting depth of 14 3/4 inches with a 36-inch guard. The saw comes standard with quick-release bladeshaft/flange, slip-on blade guards, quick-release 10-inch rear wheels, double concave roller bearings, telescoping front pointer and 3 position handlebars. Other features include a bladeshaft tachometer standard on multi-speed saws, free wheel neutral on hydrostatic transmission for manual maneuvering and four-stage air cleaner with maintenance indicator for maximum engine protection.
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Partner

Partner Industrial Products launches the new gasoline-driven cutters, Partner K650 and K700 Active III. The filter system, active air filtration, the dust-sealed starter mechanism, dura Starter, and the robust design have made the K650 and K700 active durable. The saws have an easy start decompression valve and the smart carb carburetor with built-in filter compensation.
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John Deere

The John Deere 880MS multipurpose saw features an 88 cc engine and a 14-inch wheel. For cleaner air and prolonged cylinder life, the saw has a triple air filter system. For operator comfort, a 6-point vibration isolation system provides increased operator comfort. The right angle, semi-automatic belt tensioner helps prevent belt slippage and breakage.
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Multiquip

The FS2 Series of concrete saws from Multiquip have an outboard blade shaft bearing design. The saws offer vibratory suppression to the diamond blade, which means longer blade life and increased cutting efficiency. The series features two multi-positioning handle bars, more rugged blade guard assembly with quick disconnect water manifold valves and improved removable back console for easy servicing. Other improvements include a new frame design for better operator efficiency and comfort as well as an improved lifting bail, a console with easier control layout and a low-profile water on/off valve.
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Wacker

Wacker Corp.'s line of 12- and 14-inch portable cut-off saws is lighter and more comfortable to operate. Four models (BTS 930, BTS 935, BTS 1030, BTS 1035) offer two blade sizes and two engines. The series of portable cut-off saws use heavy-duty plastic to reduce the weight up to 33 percent compared to previous models. Features include electronic ignition, a new multiple stage filtration system, a large silencer muffler, fingertip throttle control, a special carburetor/fuel pick up system and a large, double wall nylon fuel tank.
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Stone Construction Equipment

Stone Construction Equipment offers a full line of concrete saws — the Stone saw devil. The concrete/pavement line consists of sizes and configurations for the professional contractor engaged in concrete and asphalt flat sawing of depths up to 7 5/8 inches. The line includes two manual models and one self-propelled with a wide variety of engine and blade size options. Saw Devil models CS1, CS2 and CSP3 feature vibration-reducing all-steel box frame construction; ergonomically designed adjustable handles with padded handgrips; and exclusive hip control bar, right/left cut versatility, non-corrosive dual-spray water system, heavy-duty blade guard and optional see-through 5-gallon polyethelene water tanks.
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RGC

The RGC HydraCutter C150 hydraulic chain saw cuts masonry, stone, concrete, reinforced concrete and other aggregates. Available with a 15-inch or 20-inch bar length, it is designed for plunge, bottom, trim and notch/corner cuts without over-cutting.
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ICS

The ICS 613GC cut-off saw weighs 21 pounds, plunge cuts to 12 inches and will cut a square opening with no over-cuts in material as thick as 10 inches. Powered by the new 80 cc, 5.7-hp, 2-cycle gas engine, the saw has an advanced air filtration system designed for wet-cutting aggregate materials and a compensating carburetor for a minimum of adjustments. Using a totally new power-head design and incorporating the advancements made in diamond chain technology over the last several years, it delivers the functionality of a concrete chainsaw at a price that is competitive with cut-off saws. The family of ICS diamond chains provides long life and fast cutting through a wide range of materials including rebar-reinforced concrete, masonry brick, concrete block, natural stone, abrasive concrete and many others.
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Dimas

Available engine options for the Automag portable flat saw from Dimas include a 20-hp Honda gasoline and 25-hp Kohler gasoline engine. An Eaton model 6-hydrostatic transmission provides infinitely variable travel speeds of up to 200 feet per minute in both forward and reverse, as well as dynamic braking. The transmission assembly disengages from the rear axle to allow freewheeling of the machine. It accommodates up to a 20-inch blade with maximum cutting depth of 7 5/8 inches.
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Stihl

Available with either 12-inch or 14-inch wheel guards, the TS 400 Stihl cutquik now comes with a water attachment as a standard feature, giving the operator the choice between wet and dry cutting. Other features include innovative filtration design, intellicarb compensating carburetor and a power-to-weight ratio of 64 cc engine to 19.6 pounds. Wet cutting controls dust emission at the source, providing for less clean-up and less maintenance of filters, starter ropes, pistons and cylinders. This procedure also provides for longer diamond-wheel life, as water acts as a coolant to help reduce diamond-wheel wear.
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USF

The Sawtec FS-150 and FS-60 walk-behind air saws for cutting concrete or asphalt are heavy-duty, portable saws that are lighter weight than comparable gas saws and offer lower maintenance because there are no gas lines or carburetors to clog. The units cut dry, wet or with a vacuum guard. A built in adapter enables either unit to be connected to a water hose for dust suppression or an optional self-contained water tank is available.
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Target

Target introduces two new models of the MC 18 small concrete saw. The saws feature improved weight distribution, which holds the blade in the cut and provides consistent depth at increased forward speed. The reinforced box type front axle assembly model strengthens overall structure, increases stability when raising and lowering, improves sawing performance and offers larger front wheels with bearings. The positive screw feed model raises and lowers the blade quickly and easily, has a spring assist feature that helps raise the blade out of the cut faster with minimum effort, provides a manual lock that keeps the blade at a fixed depth and has a stop switch on the handle.
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Makita

The new Model 5007FK and 5007FAK saws from Makita have many of the same features as the 5007NB, the main exception being the addition of an innovative LED light that illuminates the line of cut for increased accuracy. The light itself is built into the tool housing so as not to obstruct vision or interfere with the line of cut. A new 15 amp motor delivers 5,800 rpm, creating a high power-to-weight ratio for making crosscuts or ripping through dimensional lumber. All ball and needle bearing construction and a technologically advanced centrifugal fan for efficient cooling add to the life of these saws.
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Bosch

Until now, worm drive saws have only come with rear handles, best suited for users who make vertical cuts. The Bosch 1678 is the first top-handle saw to offer those who cut horizontally using sidewinder circular saws the accuracy, durability and power that are the hallmarks of worm drive technology. For professionals accustomed to rear-handle worm drive saws, Bosch now also offers the 1677M, which improves the industry standard to deliver the enhanced power and performance features today's professionals require.
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