I've used the hydraulic ICS saw to cut doorways in foundations, and it works great. The saw is quiet and gas fume free. The only problem besides the cost of blades (almost $600) is that you get soaking wet w/ the water jack hooked up. As for the blade wear i cut about 6-8 doorways and didn't notice any wear w/ a premium blade. When it comes to cutting thick concrete a circular saw with a 14'' blade only cuts a 5'' depth, there's no comparison between the two.

 

I have one. Thought it would improve my business.......for the most part mine just sits on a shelf. I am not a concrete cutter. I run equipment and that is where I make my money. It is more cost/time effective for me to sub out the work. As far as the saw goes, it is a sweet running saw and has met my expectations as far as a tool goes......

 

I have used both the hydraulic and two cycle versions and have to agree with Twitchy that the hydraulic unit kicks butt. BUT..........concrete chainsaws are suffer from severe bar wear which causes cuts to favor left or right. Of course this is solved by flipping the bar and re-squaring the wear surface. I have never purchased one outright but have always rented the saws from and industrial rental company. I could never justify the cost of the hydraulic saw and power unit.

I do own a Sthil 14" with a wetcut feed but I feel that extensive wall cutting calls for a track mounted self feed ring saw. Like the one that the concrete sawing company that I've been using for the past two years has ! Every walk thru that they have sawed for me has cost $500 and the job is left clean.....hole opened....and all water and cuttings vac'd and removed.

It's cheaper than a 3,500-4,000 hydraulic saw pack if you're not in the full-time sawing business.

Here's some additional info;

http://www.contractortoolsandsupplies.com/past/power_tools/ConcreteCuts.htm

Just my 2 cents

 

we were considering it until we saw what the blades cost and decided our stihls and partner and husky concrete saws would work just fine. the ics unit cuts like a mad man though!

 

I know it's a hard question to answer because conditions are always different on every job, but anyone know the chain life RANGE. Worst case scenario, toughest condition, will they last 10 hours at least? Anyone?

 

KC3 - Yes the chains will last 10hrs. BUt it all depends on what your cutting , old concrete, new concrete , aggregate size, rebar amounts etc. Remeber always pound the water to it. The saws cut great , we generally buzz the cut out 6" deep with a wet cut off saw and thick blade. Then finish off with a ICS saw which is a little slower. Good Luck. doug

 

Thanks Doug. Appreciate the info.
Rion