ICS 16" PowerGrit Chainsaw Chain

Product Specifications

Change the way you cut pipe

• 16" PowerGRIT chain
• Improves operator safety
• Single-point access
• Reduces excavation
• Reduces labor time
• Reduces operator effort
• Easier to control while cutting

Cuts Multiple Materials

• Ductile Iron Pipe
• Cast Iron Pipe
• PVC Pipe
• HDPE Pipe
• Insituform Pipe Lining
• Asbestos Concrete Pipe



Utility Chain

• PowerGrit Utility Chain is an exciting new cutting product designed to change the way the job gets done.  For use in Utility, Commercial Infrastructure, Fire & Rescue, Underwater adn general construction.  From ductile iron to plastic pipe, PowerGrit will get you in and out of the job faster, easier and safer than other methods.

Underground Pipe

• PowerGrit technology allows access to the entire cut from one position, which not only reduces the amount of excavation required, but also dramatically reduces the difficulty of doing this type of job.

F.A.Q.

What is PowerGrit and how does it work?

• PowerGrit is a patent-pending, diamond-coated Utility Saw Chain designed to grind through ductile iron, cast iron, PVC, HDPE, and other types of pipe as well as a broad range of other hard materials.

How fast will a PowerGrit Utility Saw Chain cut?

• Depending on teh saw and other factors, including pipe wall thickness, hardness, operator experience and others, a PowerGrit chain can cut through a 10" ductile iron pipe in as little as 3 to 5 minutes.

How long will a PowerGrit Utility Saw Chain last?

• PowerGrit chains can last as along as 30 cuts through 10" ductile iron pipe.  Note: The number of cuts will vary depending on many factors, including pipe diameter, pipe wall thickness and/or hardness, position of the trench, factors related to the saw, operator experience and more. PowerGrit chains being run on gas-powered saws may get as much as 50% less chain life than on hydraulic saws, depending on conditions. Cutting into materials surrounding the pipe can also reduce chain life, as can inadequate water supply to the saw.

How long does a guidebar last?

• A guidebar used with PowerGrit Utility Saw Chain should last through one to three chains depending on several factors including material being cut, operator experience, cutting into surrounding material, water pressure and others.

• Note: Guidebars being used with PowerGrit Utility Saw Chain should be checked periodically and replaced if worn.



What kind of saw do I need to use PowerGrit Utility Saw Chain?

• PowerGrit Utility Saw Chain cannot run on a traditional or regular chain saw. This is due to the amount of horsepower required, the requirement for water to be pumped through the bar, and the other components required to run PowerGrit chain including FORCE4™ guidebars and sprockets. ICS offers two systems that meet these requirements; the 94cc gas powered 695F4/PG, and the hydraulically powered 880F4/PG. 

Will PowerGrit Utility Saw Chain cut concrete or asphalt?

• It is not recommended that PowerGrit be used to cut concrete or asphalt. PowerGrit will cut concrete, asphalt and many other materials, but chain life may be reduced significantly compared to the life experienced when cutting ductile iron pipe. For best results, concrete and other aggregate materials should be cut with ICS diamond segment concrete-cutting chain. 

What is the "Pipe Clamp"?

• The PowerGrit pipe clamp was developed to take the weight of the saw from the operator, make the saw more stable and produce straighter, more accurate cuts. The clamp works on pipe from 4” to 12” (10-30 cm) in diameter depending on which saw and guidebars are used.  Currently the pipe clamp is available for the 880F4/PG only. While cutting with the clamp has distinct benefits, PowerGrit can be used “free hand” or with the pipe clamp. 

Does the chain require water?

• The chain requires approximately one gallon per minute (approx 4 liters) of water at 20 psi (1.5 bar) of water pressure. This can be supplied by a common home or building faucet, an on-site water truck or mobile tank. A small tank with a DC electric motor attached can be purchased inexpensively for the back of a pickup or ATV. 

Does the chain require water lubrication if there is already water in the pipe or trench?

• Yes. The chain is lubricated and cooled with water through the guidebar which is the only way to ensure adequate surface cooling. 

How fast will a concrete chainsaw cut?

• This also depends on the material being cut, chain type and operator experience along with the amount of rebar involved.  Gas saws will typically saw 1 foot x 6 inches deep in two minutes.  Hydraulic saws are faster than gas.

When does the chain need tightening?

• Diamond chains tend to run better when slightly loose.  It's normal for the drive-links to hang completely out of the bar.  Tighten the chain when the drive-links hang more than a half-inch below the bar.  But remember, you should be able to pull the chain around the bar by hand, otherwise it is too tight.

Is PowerGrit a directional chain?

• No, the chain can be mounted on the bar either direction. 

Is it okay to cut with the tip of the bar in the dirt?

• Cutting with the tip of the bar in dirt will significantly increase chain stretch, increase cut times and reduce chain life. Further, the operator should always try to avoid cutting in the dirt or beyond the visible cutting area due to the possibility of making contact with other buried utilites and obstructions. 

When does the chain need tightening?

• PowerGrit chains tend to run better when slightly loose.  It is normal for the drive-links to hang completely out of the bar. Tighten the chain when the drive-links hang more than 1/2 inch (12mm) below the bar. Remember that the chain should be able to be pulled around the bar by hand, otherwise it is too tight. 

Can I cut a pipe full of water under pressure?

• Yes, PowerGrit offer the distinct advantage of being able to make a cut through a pipe full of water and under pressure. The chain technology maintains a high cut speed, whereas competitive methods require the pipe to drain and pressure be relieved before continuing with cut. 

How long will the sprocket last?

• On average the sprocket will need to be replaced every 2-3 chains.