ICS, Blount Inc. • 4909 SE International Way Portland, OR 97222 USA • Ph 800.321.1240 • Fax 503.653.4393
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© Copyright 2008 ICS, Blount Inc. Specifications subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. ICS, WallWalker, Redzaw, SpeedHook and SealPro are registered trademarks of ICS, Blount Inc. The best way to cut concrete,
Bestway, ProFORCE, PremiumPRO, TwinPRO, AbrasivePRO, SoftPRO, SpeedPRO, CornerPRO, PRK, TSS, Diamond Chain Technology, DCT, TwinMAX and FORCE4 are trademarks of ICS, Blount Inc. 1108
HOW TO TENSION
To tension the chain, first loosen the side cover nuts, then while holding the nose of the
bar up, use a screw driver to turn the tensioning screw clockwise until the chain drive
links hanging below the bar are just beginning to enter the bar groove. Continue to hold
up on the nose of the bar and firmly tighten the side cover nuts, (20 ft-lbs, 27 Nm). And
remember, it’s the side cover nuts that hold the bar in position.
HOW TO PREVENT CHAIN TENSIONER BREAKAGE
Do not attempt to adjust the tensioner without first loosening the side cover nuts. Do not
use the saw without making sure the side cover nuts are tight. If the side cover nuts are
not tight, the bar can slip backwards during cutting and break the tensioner pin.
PROPER CHAIN TENSION
If the chain is too loose, it could come off the bar, or it will allow the drive sprocket to spin
without turning the chain, which can chew up the chain drive links. If the chain is too tight,
a lot of the saw’s power goes into turning the chain rather than into the cut. In extreme
over-tightened cases, the saw may not be able to turn the chain at all. In addition, damage
can occur to the bar nose and premature stretch may occur.
WHEN TO TENSION
All chains have a tendency to stretch when used. Diamond chains stretch more than wood
cutting chains because of the abrasive materials they are cutting. When a chain stretches
to a point where the drive links are hanging approximately 1/2 in- 3/4 in (12 - 18 mm)
below the bar, it’s time to tension the chain.
HOW TO CHECK
Before cutting, check for proper tension by pulling the chain around the bar by hand.
If you cannot easily pull by hand, the chain is too tight and needs to be loosened.
IMPORTANT
A properly tensioned chain will optimize cutting performance. The tensioning rule of thumb
for a concrete cutting chain saw is that a properly tensioned diamond chain must not be
bowstring tight and can be pulled freely around the guide bar by hand easily without
binding.
CHAIN TENSIONING
