The 890 power cutter is designed to cut concrete, stone, and masonry when
used with the appropriate genuine ICS Diamond Chain. Ductile iron pipe may
also be cut but ONLY if using PowerGrit® Utility Chain. This is a professional
tool and is solely intended for use by trained and experienced operators. A rst
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time operator should obtain practical instruction before using the power cutter,
as well as reading and understanding this Operator’s Manual.
Local legislation and/or workplace standards may regulate the use of this
power cutter. Determine what regulations are applicable in the place you work
before using the power cutter.
This instruction manual contains translations of a manual drafted in English
and are provided to assist those who do not speak English as their rst
language. Being a technical writing, some terms may not have a like or
equivalent meaning as translated. Therefore, you should not rely on this
translation, and should cross-reference the English version, where relying on
the translated instructions could result in harm to your person or property.
Specications subject to change without notice. For most up-to-date
version of this manual, please visit:
Hydraulic uid is combustible or can become combustible.
Consult the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for the hydraulic uid being used for
ash point and auto ignition temperature ranges. When these uids discharge
under pressure in a ne mist, they ignite easily, burn rapidly, and emit large
quantities of heat. In fact, their heats of combustion, which are over 18,000
BTU/lb (2327 kJ/kg), are comparable to fuel oil.
CAUTION
Check for hydraulic leaks before starting the hydraulic power source.
Visually check for leaks from the hydraulic ttings, and lines and do not use if
any leaks are found.
WORK AREA SAFETY
Following are the basic instructions for work area safety.
WARNING
Drugs or alcohol can impair vision, dexterity, and judgment.
Do not operate the power cutter when tired or under the inuence of
any substance.
Do not operate this product during severe inclement weather.
CAUTION
Remove or control slurry to prevent slippery conditions while cutting.
This power cutter uses water and can cause slippery surfaces due to the slurry
produced and/or freezing temperatures.
Keep bystanders away from work area.
Set up a well-marked safety zone with a roped boundary and clear signs to
keep bystanders at least 6 m (20 ft) away.
Following are the basic instructions for personal safety.
WARNING
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Fluids escaping under pressure can penetrate skin and cause severe
personal injury.
Do not use hands to search for leaks. Before disconnecting lines, be sure to
relieve all pressure. Do not apply pressure to damaged lines, hoses or ttings.
If any uid is injected into the skin, seek medical attention immediately to
prevent gangrene. Consult supplied hydraulic uid SDS for additional
information regarding proper handling and use instructions.
Long-term exposure to noise can result in permanent hearing impairment.
Always wear approved hearing protection.
This power cutter can generate hazardous dust and vapors.
Determine the nature of the material you are going to cut before proceeding with the job. Be especially aware of cutting materials containing silica and
asbestos as inhaling dust can result in respiratory disease. Be sure to use
appropriate respiratory protection designed to lter out microscopic particles.
Be sure to use recommended water pressure to minimize dust generation.
Over-exposure to vibration can lead to circulatory and/or nerve damage to
the extremities, especially in cold temperatures (Reynaud’s Disease).
If you experience tingling, numbness, pain or changes in skin color, particularly
in your ngers, hands or wrists, stop using the power cutter immediately. If the
problem persists, seek medical attention.
Always wear protective clothing.
At a minimum always wear eye protection and/or face shield, hearing
protection, long sleeve shirt, long pants, closed toe shoes with non-slip soles,
and gloves. In many work situations, a hard hat and steel toed shoes may also
be required. Avoid loose tting clothing.
TRANSPORTING & STORING
WARNING
Hydraulic hoses are charged with uid when the power cutter is shipped.
See the icsdiamondtools.com website for SDS information on
Following are the basic instructions for safe use of the power cutter. Also read
and understand additional safety precautions specic to the operation and
maintenance of the power cutter throughout this manual.
DANGER
DO NOT operate the ICS power cutter with a saw chain or saw bar
designed to cut wood. Using wood cutting saw chain on the ICS power cutter
could result in severe injuries to the operator or a bystander! Use ONLY the
cutting attachments specied in this manual on this power cutter.
WARNING
DO NOT operate the power cutter with damaged, modied, broken, or
missing components.
Below safety features are designed to protect against contact with moving
parts, ejected debris, broken chain, thrown water, and concrete slurry.
• Side cover
• Bae drain
• Mud ap
• Mud ap bracket (Chain Catcher)
• Trigger interlock
Use only Genuine ICS replacement parts. Use of unauthorized aftermarket
parts may result in injury or damage to the power cutter.
DO NOT insert the guidebar into a slot narrower than the width of the chain.
Rapid pushback, kickback and/or chain breakage could result.
DO NOT operate the power cutter without an adequate water supply.
The integral water supply channels in the guidebar act to cool and lubricate
the cutting system as well as to suppress dust and debris generated during
cutting. Assure that the water supply is capable of delivering 1.5 bar (20 psi)
pressure to the power cutter at a minimum ow rate of 8 lpm (2 gpm).
Never attempt to cut ductile iron pipe or similar pipe materials with the
power cutter unless using PowerGrit® Utility Chain.
Using concrete cutting chain in these applications can cause the chain to
snag abruptly in the cut which may result in chain breakage, pushback
and/or kickback.
A device for controlling slurry and cutting debris in the side cover to
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reduce chain stretch and protect the operator from other projectiles.
Bar retaining plate
The plate between the guidebar and side cover that clamps the guidebar
to prevent movement during operation.
Bar slot
The slot feature on the guidebar that ts over the bar studs.
Bystander safety zone
A 6 m (20 ft) circle around the operator that must remain free from
bystanders, children and pets.
Chain catcher
A device for retaining the chain if it breaks or derails.
Chain pitch
The distance between any three consecutive rivets on the chain divided
by two.
Chain tensioning screw
An adjustment screw used to set proper tension on the chain and
compensate for chain stretch from normal use.
Front handle
The support handle located at or toward the front of the power cutter
intended to be gripped by the left hand.
Guidebar
A railed structure that supports and guides the chain. Sometimes simply
called the “bar”.
Kickback
The rapid backward and/or upward motion of the guidebar, occurring when
the chain near the top area of the nose of the guidebar contacts a foreign
object or snags in the workpiece.
Mud ap
A barrier to deect slurry, cutting debris and other projectiles from
The rapid backward motion of the guidebar, occurring when the chain on
the top straight portion of the guidebar contacts a foreign object or
snags in the workpiece.
Rear handle
The support handle located at or toward the rear of the power cutter
intended to be gripped by the right hand.
Rear hand guard:
A structural barrier at the bottom of the rear handle to protect the operator in
case the chain breaks or derails. Does not meet ISO 14982 Requirements.
Side cover:
The component on the powerhead that covers the drive sprocket and directs
debris away from the operator during use.
Side cover nuts:
The components on the side cover that secure the side cover, bar
retaining plate and guidebar.
Trigger lock-out
A device that prevents the unintentional operation of the throttle trigger until
manually released.
Trigger
A mechanism that controls motor operation.
WallWalker®
A device used as a fulcrum to provide mechanical advantage during
cutting.
Water shut-o valve
A mechanism that controls water delivery and ow to the guidebar and chain.
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.
WARNING
Improper chain tension can lead to breakage of the chain or derailing of the
chain o of the guidebar.
Check chain tension frequently and adjust if drive links of chain hang 18 mm
(3/4 in) or more below the guidebar.
IMPORTANT
When a chain stretches to a point where the drive links are hanging
approximately 12 mm (1/2 in) to 18 mm (3/4 in) below the guidebar groove, it is
time to tension the chain.
A tight chain may rob power reducing cutting performance and increasing
chain friction, resulting in chain stretch. If the tension is set too loose the chain
could be thrown o of the bar or allow the sprocket to turn without turning the
chain which will damage the drive links.
CONNECTING TO HYDRAULIC SUPPLY
Assure hydraulic hoses are connected to power cutter with the proper ow
direction. The chain should travel away from the operator on the top of the bar
and return on the bottom of the bar. If hydraulic motor does not turn when
trigger is depressed, this may be an indication that the hydraulic ow direction
is likely reversed. Refer to diagram on page 13 for more details.
Following are the basic instructions for correct water supply to the
power cutter.
CAUTION
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Insucient water supply will result in excessive chain stretch and may
cause chain breakage, damage to the guidebar, nose sprocket and drive
sprocket.
Never operate the power cutter with insucient water supply. In all cases,
assure that the water supply is delivering 1.5 bar (20 psi) pressure to the power
cutter at a minimum ow rate of 4 lpm (1gpm).
Inadequate water can result in increased potential for harmful airborne
particulates.
ICS® power cutters require a continuous water supply to the guidebar and
chain for the key purposes of cooling, lubrication and dust suppression. The
potential for airborne particulates depends on many factors including, but not
limited to, the material being cut, application and cutting environment.
NOTE: Local and/or regional regulation can vary widely. It is the responsibility
of the operator to wear appropriate dust protection applicable in their area and
suitable to the application.
Attach to water supply capable of delivering 1.5 bar (20 psi) pressure
to the power cutter at a minimum flow rate of 2 gpm/8 lpm. The single
most important factor an operator can control to increase chain life is
to use adequate water pressure.
• Assure proper chain tension: The chain should be easily pulled around
the guidebar by hand.
• Assure all safety devices are properly mounted and functional and that
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all controls are in proper working order.
• Be sure there are no obstructions (plumbing, electrical conduit, air
ducts, etc.) and no unnecessary people present
• Always wear protective clothing, including hard hat, eye protection,
hearing protection, non-slip safety boots, gloves. Avoid wearing loose
fitting clothing.
• Adequate water supply and pressure
Minimum flow: 2 gpm (8 lpm)
Minimum water pressure: 20 psi (1.5 bar)
• Proper hydraulic supply to the power cutter:
Maximum flow: 8 gpm (30 lpm) or 12 gpm (45 lpm),
depending on power cutter model
Maximum hydraulic pressure: 2,500 psi (172.5 bar)
IMPORTANT
The single most important factor an operator can control to increase chain
life is to use adequate water pressure. Insufficient water supply may result
in excessive wear to the chain, which can lead to loss of strength and chain
breakage, and/or damage to the guidebar nose sprocket.
Be sure that no part of the cutting system is contacting a solid object when
starting the power cutter.
The power cutter may react unexpectedly if the chain contacts a solid object.
WARNING
Sudden contact of the guidebar nose with a foreign object may generate
kickback.
Remove and/or avoid any obstructions (plumbing, water supply hoses,
electrical conduit, air ducts, etc.) that may interfere with the cut.
To avoid electrocution, check for live electrical wires.
Wires may be hidden within or behind walls and/or laying around the
workspace. Assure that any ancillary electrical equipment (fans, pumps,
vacuums, etc.) are properly grounded and certied for use in the intended
environment.
Always operate the power cutter with solid footing and both hands on the
power cutter.
Keep your left hand on the front handle and your right hand on the rear handle.
Wrap your thumbs around the handles to assure you maintain a secure grip on
both handles.
Always wear protective clothing.
At a minimum always wear eye protection and/or face shield, hearing
protection, long sleeve shirt, long pants, closed toe shoes with non-slip soles,
and gloves. In many work situations, a hard hat, steel toed shoes and a
respirator may also be required. Avoid loose tting clothing. Follow all local
regulations regarding PPE.
Cutting with the power cutter may generate sparks, especially when cut-
ting through metal (such as rebar), and may start a re in combustible
materials such as dry grass, wood and fuel.
Be sure to use adequate water pressure and have re ghting equipment
readily available.
To assure the best performance from your ICS power cutter, follow all safety
precautions and recommended techniques. Additional helpful information can be
obtained at icsdiamondtools.com.
CONCRETE/MASONRY CUTTING
Planning the Cut
1. Select the proper chain type for the material being cut. Refer to the chain
selection guide in this manual (page 32).
2. Outline the cut with a permanent marker for a visual cutting guide.
WARNING
3. Avoid pinching the guidebar and chain by using shims or
other anchoring devices to stabilize the workpiece. Always
plan to cut the bottom of an opening rst, then
top or sides. Save the easiest cut for last. (see
image at right)
4. Be sure cut concrete cannot fall and injure the operator
or bystanders. As the cut is being completed, assure that
appropriate bracing is in place to control the cut section
of the workpiece. Concrete is very heavy,
one cubic foot = 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm = 68 kg (12 in x 12 in x 12 in = 150 lbs)
• For the straightest cuts use the “Step Cut” method:
• First score the entire cut line approximately a half-inch deep using
the nose of the guidebar.
• Next, deepen the cut by about two inches
• Then plunge all the way through and complete the cut using the
WallWalker® as a pivot point and pull on the rear handle to rotate
the bar into the cut.
• When the WallWalker is extended in the mechanical mode, the Wall Walker
provides a 4:1 mechanical advantage.
• Always operate the concrete power cutter at full throttle. If too much force
is applied, the power cutter will lug or stall. The chain will not have enough
speed to cut eectively. If too little feed force is applied, the diamonds will
skid and glaze over.
• Plunge cut instead of starting at the top surface of the wall. This will
reduce chatter, extend diamond life, create a straighter cut and more
quickly enable the use of the WallWalker.
• When cutting heavy rebar, slowly “rock” the power cutter so that you’re
always cutting concrete as well as steel. This will help keep the diamonds
exposed. Also, expect less chain life when cutting heavy rebar.
• Expect more chain stretch when making nose-buried cuts for extende
periods of time, as the chain does not have a chance to “throw” the slurry
away from the nose of the guidebar (use step cut method).
• If the power cutter begins to cut consistently crooked, stop the power
cutter, remove the bar and chain and turn the bar over and use the other
side. Dress worn rails with a belt sander, at le or bar rail dresser.
Note: The normal life of a guidebar is two to three diamond chains (with
rotation after every chain). Heavy rebar can shorten guidebar life.
• The guidebar is solely a guide track for the chain. Never use the guidebar
to lift, twist or pry concrete material.
• When using a new chain, you can increase the initial cutting speed by
“opening up the diamonds”. This can be accomplished by rst making a
few cuts in an abrasive material such as a cinder block or brick.
To assure the best performance from your ICS® power cutter when cutting
ductile iron pipe or similar pipe materials, follow all safety precautions and recommended cutting techniques.
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WARNING
Never attempt to cut ductile iron pipe or similar pipe materials with the
power cutter unless using PowerGrit® Utility Chain.
Using concrete diamond chain in these applications can cause the chain to
snag abruptly in the cut which may result in chain breakage, pushback and/or
kickback.
Always assure that pipe is properly evacuated before cutting.
Pipes may contain sewage, gas or other hazardous materials.
Always support the pipe on both sides of the cut to assure the cut remains
open throughout the cutting operation, including when the cut is nished.
An improperly supported pipe can cause the cut to close, pinching the chain
and guidebar which may result in chain breakage, pushback and/or kickback.
Recommended Pipe Cutting Techniques
1. Make a small plunge cut into the lower quadrant
of the pipe to relieve internal pressure and allow
contents to drain from pipe in a controlled manner.
2. With pipe drained, cut from the top of pipe and
continue through bottom of the pipe.
3. To assure straightness of cut, guidebar should
extend completely through the pipe during the cut.
4. To assist with cutting, engage the WallWalker®
in the cut when possible to provide additional
leverage and alternate cutting between the near
• After cutting, run the power cutter for at least 15 seconds with the water on
to flush slurry and debris from diamond chain, guidebar and drive sprocket.
• Wash concrete slurry and debris from power cutter assembly.
• Remove guidebar and chain. Flush out the chain tensioner and side cover
with water. Lubricate tensioner with waterproof grease.
• After cleaning the power cutter, spray the entire power cutter body, chain,
guidebar, and drive sprocket with lightweight oil. Using lightweight oil on
the power cutter will minimize rust and help reduce slurry build up.
AFTER EACH USE
• Inspect drive sprocket for wear
• Inspect and tighten all fasteners as necessary.
• Flush and rinse the power cutter, guidebar and chain with water
• Check trigger function assembly
• Check mud ap for tears or damage
• Check guidebar and chain for damage or missing segments
• Check trigger cover bubble levels
• With power cutter disconnected from power source, check hose whips
for leaks or damage.
• Inspect drive sprocket for wear.
• Replace when the drive teeth are worn more than half way through.
Inspect chain segments and drive links for damage or excessive wear. Chains
with damage or excessive wear should not be used or repaired, they should be
replaced.
NOTE: Guidebars are designed to be used on both sides. If the cut is consistently
leading to one side, turn the guidebar over. It is recommended to turn the guidebar
over with every new chain.
• A table mounted belt, disc sander, at le or bar rail dressercan be used to
square the rails of a worn guidebar. A badly worn guidebar can quickly damage
the chain. If the chain is touching the bottom of the guidebar groove, replace
the guidebar.
• Check the guidebar for straightness.
• Proper chain tension will extend guidebar life.
• Under some circumstances, especially low water pressure, the sprocket nose
can wear out before the guidebar body. Sprocket nose assemblies may be
replaced by an Authorized Service Center.
• Periodically clean the water ports inside the groove of the guidebar using a
small diameter piece of wire or pipe cleaner.
• The guidebar is solely a guide track for the chain. Never use the guidebar to lift,
twist or pry concrete material.
• Prior to storage, spray the chain and guidebar with lightweight oil.
CHAIN TENSIONER
The chain tensioner can become clogged with concrete slurry during cutting.
• After each use thoroughly ush the chain tensioner with water and apply a
liberal amount of waterproof grease covering the chain tensioner screw.
All of the above, plus chain tension too tight. Chain should al ways be
able to be pulled around the guidebar by hand. It i s norm al for the drive
links of the chain to hang below the guidebar. See pages 15-19 for chain
tensioning instructions.
All of the above, plus d iamonds may be glazed over. Make a few cuts in an
abrasive material to expose the diamonds.
Chain or diamonds m ay be worn out.
Worn dr ive sprocket.
Init ial chain tension too tight.
Bar nose buried in cu t.
Not enough water pressure. The minimum water pressure required is 1.5
bar (20 psi).
Chain comes i n contact with ground, dirt, g ravel a nd/or sand.
Side cover nuts are not tight e nough. Torque to 27-33 Nm (20 -25 ft-lbs).
Tensioning with side cover nu ts already tight.
Tensioner pin not aligned and side cover tightened.
Water hose is kinked or water supply not turned on.
Water ports plugged with debris.
Damaged or worn water valve in power cutter.
Hydraulic lines connected backwards or power pack is set to reverse.
Chain tension is too tight.
Improper chain tension.
Insufficient water pressure.
Inserting power cutter into slot nar rower t han di amond chain segments.
Using chain that is a lready stretched beyond abilit y to tension .
Contact with exposed rebar or steel.
33
Page 34
Technical Speccations
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
890 Series 8 gpm (30 lpm)890 Series 12 gpm (45 lpm)
890F4 OPERATOR MANUAL
Weight w/out bar and
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chain (1' hose whips)
Length 23 inches (58.5 cm)
Height 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)
Width 9.5 inches (24 cm)
Hydraulic Supply
Hydraulic Fluid
Requirements (Type)
Water Pressure Minimum: 20 psi (1.4 bar)
Water Flow 2 gpm (8 lpm) minimum
Operating Speed
Torque(1)7.0 ft-lbs (9.6 Nm)10.0 ft-lbs (13.5 Nm)
Horsepower (1)6 hp (4.5 kW)8 hp (6.0 kW)
Guaranteed Sound Power
Level Lwa (2)
Equivalent Sound Pressure
at the Operator's E ar L
Vibration a
Vibration a
(1)Measured using 18HP hydraulic power pack (8 gpm/30 lpm and 23HP hydraulic power pack (12 gpm/45 lpm) at 2000psi/138 bar.
(2) Measured in accordance with ISO3744:2010
(3) Measured in accordance with ISO5349-1:2001