Unlike Surface Preparation Equipment, which is a broad term encompassing different machines for different applications, sawing equipment does one thing – Cutting. Yes, there are different kinds of cuts, (Dual-Line, Single-Line, Plunge, etc.) but, at a basic level, saws cut.
The particular saw needed usually depends on two simple things: Distance & Depth.
Here’s a brief description and what’s needed for Short-Distance and Long-Distance Cutting
Short-Distance Cutting
Definition – Shorter run concrete and asphalt applications, which include:
- Contraction joints in concrete slabs
- Patch repairs in asphalt
- Traffic-loop sensor installation
- Trenching for piping in homes and smaller commercial buildings
- Shallower cutting applications
What’s Needed – Short-Distance cutting can usually be solved with smaller, Walk-Behind Saws. These come in a variety of power options/sizes and are pushed by the operator. The largest walk-behind saws accommodate blades around 20 inches. This means the deepest depth achievable with smaller saws is approximately 7.75 inches.
Walk-Behind Saws are simple and homeowner friendly for do-it-yourself projects.
Long-Distance Cutting
Definition – Longer run concrete and asphalt applications, which include:
- Highway, road and bridge repair
- Utility installation
- Large commercial construction (warehouse, airport, etc)
- Contraction joints / trenching in wide spaces
- Deeper cutting applications
What’s Needed – Long-Distance cutting is solved with large, Self-Propelled Saws. These are significantly larger than Walk-Behind Saws. Self-propelled saws are propelled through cuts by drive systems and require higher horsepower motors/engines. A variety of depth capabilities are available including depths much deeper than those of walk-behind saws. Usually, the smallest Self-Propelled saw accommodates 20-inch blades, and then sizes/depths grow from there. EDCO’s 26″ Self-Propelled Saw can be fitted with a 30″ blade, qualifying the saw to cut up to a 12″ depth.
Self-Propelled Saws are more complex and used by experienced operators, however, those outside the construction profession can learn these machines with training material such as product training videos.