Finding the right ICS diamond chain

Combo Pack - Buy 2 Chains get a free Guide Bar

CESSCO Combo Packs
Buy 2 ICS Chains &
Get a Guide Bar FREE

Selecting the best chain for your job

The purpose of this information is to allow you to make informed decisions based on the science behind cutting rocks and concrete. By providing this information, CESSCO Inc. is not endorsing or recommending solutions to your specific job.

The Science of rock and concrete cutting.

Know your equipment: Diamond cutting tools are designed for the equipment they are meant to support. ICS utilizes different bond formula's and diamond mixtures for each line of chains sold.
What is being cut: Rocks and concrete consists of various minerals with specific properties. Understanding the Mohs Scale of Hardness allows you to more accurately select the best chain for your job and what to expect when cutting. The more you research this scale the more accurate your chain selection should be, a good place to start is About.com Additional information can be found in their Identification Key for Rock-Forming Minerals.

The easiest way to ensure getting the right chain is If you know the ICS Chainsaw Model you're using
Mouse over & Click on the link to your saw
to see all the genuine ICS diamond chains available for your saw
If you're not sure which saw you have
please call 800-882-4959 and ask for internet sales.

660GC
Chains

680ES
Chains

680GC
Chains

695F4
Chains

695GC
Chains

695PG
Chains

695XL
Chains

701A
Chains

814PRO
Chains

853PRO
Chains

880F4
Chains

880PG
Chains

890F4
Chains

890PG
Chains

RZ60
Chains

If you're not sure what model saw you own,
please call CESSCO Inc at 800-882-4959 for help.

Saws that end
in GC use TwinMAX
FORCE3

Chains used on
Gas Saws by
General Contractors

For a list of all
TwinMAX Chains
Please Click Here

Economical Concrete Cutting chains with segments designed for general or specialty use.

Saws that end
in F4 use
ProFORCE
FORCE4

Chains used on
Gas & Hydrualic Saws by
Pro Cutters

For a list of all
FORCE4 Chains
Please Click Here

Concrete Cutting for Heavy Professional Users. These Chains are the most durable chains available

Saws that end
in PG use
PowerGrit
for Ductile Iron

Chains used on
Gas & Hydrualic Saws by
Pro Cutters

For a list of all
PowerGrit Chains
Please Click Here

Utility Chain for
Ductile Iron Pipe Cutting
Safer - Faster - Easier
Perfect for Utility Work

Still not sure which chain type will fit your saw

Determine "type" of chain
- TwinMAX and FORCE3 Chains
  1. Are a .3/8" pitch chain with multiple layers of diamonds for cutting concrete and other natural materials.
  2. Use a guide bar that is grey or silver in color. You may have
    to remove the side cover assembly to see the color - the paint won't wear off under the side cover assembly.
    
    The most accurate way to measure any guide bar is to
    remove the side cover from your saw and measure tip-tip
    (this is mportant to get the overall length of the bar)
  3. TwinMAX chains are designed for Gas Saws
- FORCE4 also called ProFORCE Chains
  1. Are a .444" pitch chain with multiple layers of diamonds for cutting concrete and other natural materials. These chains are primarily used by Pro-Cutters.
  2. Use a guide bar that is Black in color. You may have to
    remove the side cover assembly to see the color - the
    paint won't wear off under the side cover assembly.
    
    The most accurate way to measure any guide bar is to
    remove the side cover from your saw and measure tip-tip
    (this is mportant to get the overall length of the bar)
  3. ProFORCE chains are designed for Gas Saws, Hydraulic Saws, and Pneumatic Saws
- PowerGrit Chains
  1. Are a .444" pitch chain with a single layer of large (clearly visable) industrial diamond - primarily used to cut ductile iron.. You'll also notice the diamond segments "wrap around" for side clearance. The diamond segments alternate the wrap from left to right.
  2. Use a guide bar that is Black in color. You may have to
    remove the side cover assembly to see the color - the
    paint won't wear off under the side cover assembly.
    
    The most accurate way to measure any guide bar is to
    remove the side cover from your saw and measure tip-tip
    (this is mportant to get the overall length of the bar)
  3. PowerGrit chains are designed for Gas Saws, Hydraulic Saws,
    and Pneumatic Saws.
If you know what type of chain you're using, you'll need to know the correct size to buy. Pro-Tip - if you know the saw model, buy a CESSCO Combo Pack - These Combo Packs give you added value - buy two chains and get the guide bar for free. Additionally for gas saws - Combo Packs include the correct drive sprocket free. When you click on the link to your saw model all of the Combo Packs shown will ensure you have the correct bar and chain to begin cutting.
- TwinMAX and FORCE3 chains
  1. Availble in three different bond specs
    - Standard or General Purpose are designed for medium grade concrete with light rebar.
    - Brick or Abrasive bonds are for cutting soft abrasive materials liek cinder block and brick
    - Premium or Plus bonds are for harder and heavier reinforced concrete allowi a more aggressive cut.
  2. Available in 4 different sizes.
    - 25 Segments - These chains provide a 10" cutting depth
      - Used on ICS 603GC, 660GC, and RZ60 saws with the 10" guide bar p/n 517869 (overall length 14.8").
    - 29 Segments - These chains provide a 12" cutting depth
      - Used on ICS 613GC, 680GC, 680ES-GC, Cardi and Edco electric saws with 12" guide bar p/n 71395 (overall length 17.5")
      - Used on ICS 623GC, 633GC, 695GC, 695XL-GC saws, also used on Husqvarna/Parner saws - these saws all use 12" guide bar p/n 553207 (overall length 17.4") however it's important to buy the correct combo pack as ICS and Husqvarna saws us differnet drive sprockets.
    - 32 Segmets - These chains provide a 14" cutting depth
      - Used on ICS 613GC, 680GC, 680ES-GC, Cardi and Edco electric saws with 14" guide bar p/n 513122 (overall length 19.7")
      - Used on ICS 623GC, 633GC, 695GC, 695XL-GC saws, also used on Husqvarna/Parner saws - these saws all use 14" guide bar p/n 73600 (overall length 19.9") however it's important to buy the correct combo pack as ICS and Husqvarna saws use differnet drive sprockets.
      - Used on Stihl RockBoss saws with ICS guide bar P/N 560807 and ICS Drive Sprocket P/N 562165
    - 35 Segments - These chains provide a 16" cutting depth
      - Used on ICS 623GC, 633GC, 695GC, 695XL-GC saws, also used on Husqvarna/Parner saws - these saws all use 16" guide bar p/n 71600 (overall length 21.7") however it's important to buy the correct combo pack as ICS and Husqvarna saws us differnet drive sprockets
- FORCE4 (also called ProFORCE) chains
- PowerGrit chains:
  1. Come in just the one bond specification designed for cutting ductile iron designed to cut a variety of materials from ductile iron to plastic pipe with far less excavation.
  2. Available in four different sizes:
    - 25 Segment chains
      - Provide a 10" cut when used on large hydraulic saws such as the 880F4 and 890F4 - These chains also provide a 10" cutting depth when used on converted 853PRO saws.
      - Provide a 12" cut when used on large gas saws such as the 623F4, 633F4, 695F4, and 695XL-F4 saws.
    - 29 Segment chains
      - Provide a 15" cut when used on large hydraulic saws such as the 880F4 and 890F4 - These chains also provide a 15" cutting depth when used on converted 853PRO saws.
      - Provide a 16" cut when used on large gas saws such as the 623F4, 633F4, 695F4, and 695XL-F4 saws.
    - 34 Segment chains:
      - Provide a 20" cut when used on large hydraulic saws such as the 880F4 and 890F4 - These chains also provide a 20" cutting depth when used on converted 853PRO saws.
    - 40 Segment chains:
      - Provide a 25" cut when used on large hydraulic saws such as the 880F4 and 890F4 - These chains also provide a 25" cutting depth when used on converted 853PRO saws.

Chain Life - Tips and reasonable expectations

ICS has published these factors that affect chain life:

Aggregate hardness
Concrete age
Amount of Reinforcement
Operator experience
Direction of cut

The primary factor that you can influence is operator experience. The best thing you can do to gain experience is research. To the right is the ICS Cutting Tip Sheet. Awareness of these factors and following the ICS recommended tips will help keep your overall costs down.

Always start with a Plunge Cut (insert the saw "nose" first into a wall)
Cutting downward is the most efficient way to cut. Insert the "Wall Walker" into the cut and use as a pivot to create force by pulling up on the handle.
Never start a cut from the top of a wall.
Listen for a reduction in RPM's - A 20% to 30% reduction in RPM's is the most efficient for cutting speed and chain life.
Keep steady firm pressure on the saw as the chain is cutting. This will prevent chain bounce and chattering and help extend the diamond life. Minimize arm motions.

Cutting Distance Expectations

Cutting distance is measured in Inch Feet. To calculate the inch feet of a given job first measure the distance to be cut in feet and then multiply by the depth of cut in inches:

Depth of cut in inches multiplied by length of cut.

Total Distance to be cut: 20 Feet
- The top cut is 3 Feet
- The bottom cut is 3 Feet
- The Left side cut is 7 Feet
- The Right side cut is 7 Feet
Total Depth on all sides: 8 Inches

8 Inch depth multiplied by 20 foot distance = 160 in-ft.

This information is for comparative purposes only. Not to be used to bid jobs.