Step Cutting is recommended when using a walk-behind saw for optimal blade and saw performance. Step cutting involves making multiple incremental cuts with your saw until the overall desired depth of cut is reached. The number of cuts taken to reach your desired depth depends on the material being cut, your saw’s horsepower, and the operator’s experience. Step cutting is a technique that will decrease saw and blade failure, leave a cleaner, straighter cut, aid in longer blade life, and dramatically increase efficiency.
Check out this video from EDCO demonstrating Step Cutting Technique.