Regardless of the Brand (ICS, Husqvarna, Stihl), concrete chain saws can be an effective tool for deep cutting through masonry and concrete walls for the installation of various openings such as egress windows and doorways.
A few points to consider when running concrete chain saws. • Chain tension is critically important to the longevity of your saw’s powerhead, as well as the life of your chain. Proper chain tension is checked by pulling the chain around the bar by hand. There should not be any tight spots as it moves past the nose of the bar and the drive sprocket. If you cannot easily pull by hand the chain is too tight and needs to be loosened slightly. ![]() If you cannot easily pull by hand the chain is too tight and needs to be loosened slightly.
• Periodically, an operator should stop the saw and check and adjust chain tension accordingly. If the chain is too loose it could come off the bar or allow the drive sprocket to spin without turning the chain and potentially chew up drive links. When the chain stretches to a point where the drive links are hanging approximately ½” to ¾” below the bar, it is time to tension the chain. ![]() When the chain stretches to a point where the drive links are hanging approximately ½” to ¾” below the bar, it is time to tension the chain.
• Concrete chain saws must be run with water. Dry cutting is not allowed. Water is the lubricant that is cooling the chain and preventing premature chain stretch. Following these few simple points will prolong the life of the powerhead and give you trouble-free operating hours when running your concrete chain saw. For service on your concrete chain saws, please give us a call and one of our qualified, ICS-trained mechanics will assist you in repairs or answer questions you might have. |
