This is a recent development in response to requests from Councils concerned about the safety of those who have to work in trenches most of the time.  Working in even shallow trenches is inherently dangerous without adding a chainsaw or quick-cut to the equation.  Adding water underfoot compounds the problem. Working in these conditions with a Chainsaw or Quick-cut is an accident waiting to happen. For the peace of mind of those responsible for safety and ease of operation by those doing the job we have removed the power source from the actual work area.

The blade is well guarded and there are two control valves - one under the operator's foot and the other at the power-pack.  The saw will only run when the operator's foot is on the valve pedal and the other valve opened.  The council involved in this development do not want any electric controls at all which is the alternative to having two control valves.  This does have the advantage of being able to set two relief pressures facilitating the use of other hydraulic tools from the same power-pack such as a nut driver/drill and rock-breaker. A lower relief pressure can be set for the saw so that stalling the blade does not result in dangerous kickbacks.

The hydraulic version also makes it possible to have a widely varying speed as there is no clutch in the power train.  When cutting PE pipe the speed can be halved so generating far less heat while a much higher speed is required for cutting PVC pipe with the same blade. When using a toothed blade this is important. 

A acetyl/stainless chain is used for mounting the tool on the pipe once the blade has been sunk. The chain is very easily fitted and tensioned. No tools are needed.  Progress is made manually by restraining the progress on the down side of the pipe and pulling on the hoses to get the tool to pass under and up the other side of the pipe. The clearance under the pipe needs to be 200 -250mm. The force required to advance the tool is very light.  A single adjustment can accommodate pipes from 100mm to 500mm.The same adjustment also makes allowance for differing wall thickness.

If you already have a source of Hydraulic power we would need to know the pressure and flow rate so that we can get the hydraulic engineer to match these up for you.  Please click here to view our range of hydraulic power packs.