Six tips to maintain your demo saw
In this article we’ll outline some simple demo saw maintenance tips. We service a wide range of concrete and construction equipment at All States, including trowel machines, porta-vibes, and demolition saws. While most of the equipment our mechanics work on need a tune-up, occasionally we see ones that simply need a bit of TLC.
These tricks will help keep your equipment in good working order. While it’s important to have your equipment serviced regularly, spending a few minutes to maintain your demo saw will keep it running longer. It also might save yourself some time and money in the long run.
1. Keep your equipment clean
It sounds obvious, but it’s our number one tip for good reason. Our Mechanics repair a lot of demo saws. Almost all come into the workshop completely covered in dust and grime… they’re often so dirty they look like they’ve just completed a Tough Mudder course.
We’re not suggesting you have to spend hours polishing the chassis so you can see your own reflection, but keeping your machine free of dust and dirt will keep it running longer.
Pro Tip: Take a minute at the end of every day to wipe down the excess dirt from the chassis. Your demo saw (and mechanic) will pay you back in spades.
2. Check the air filter
The air filter is the unsung hero of your demo saw. While the blade is sexy and does the heavy lifting, the filter works tirelessly to make sure that dust particles don’t make their way into the motor and other parts of the saw.
Pro tip: Make sure to tap the filter, rather than blowing it, to remove any dust or particles. Blowing the filter can damage it by cause particles to get deeper into the filter material.
3. Check the water jets
The water jets are often overlooked when cleaning a demo saw. If they get clogged, it can reduce the amount of water being delivered to the blade. This limits the amount of dust generated and eventually finds its way into the filter.
Pro tip: Take a rag and wipe the nozzles once you’ve finished for the day.
4. Check the blade bolt
Chances are that you’ve changed a fair number of blades on-site. Have you ever given any consideration to the humble blade bolt?
If the bolt is loose it can cause the blade to wobble. This can limit the effectiveness of the demo saw and cause unnecessary wear on the blade. Should the bolt come off completely, the blade can detach from the demo saw. If that’s happens while the saw is being operated, it could injure someone or cause unwanted damage.
It goes without saying that safety is paramount on any job site. Take a few minutes every day to check and tighten the blade bolt on your saw.
5. Inspect belt cover and tensioner
The belt cover and tensioner are often overlooked during demo saw maintenance. It’s a good idea to keep the belt cover clean. If the belt cover gets dirty, it can indicate that dirt and concrete slurry have gotten into the drive belt. If that happens it won’t hold the correct tension, causing the blade to slip.
Dirt and debris can also get into the pulley, belt mechanism, and the clutch. If this happens, you’ll probably need to get your saw serviced.
Pro tip: Keeping an eye on the belt cover for signs of visible damage. If you find damage, make sure to have it replaced so dust and concrete slurry doesn’t get into the pulley and bet mechanism and clutch.
6. Fuel
Without the correct go-juice, your saw will be nothing but an expensive paperweight. It’s always a good idea to use fresh fuel when using your equipment. When adding new fuel, always keep two-stroke ratio at manufacturers specifications. This will ensure the engine stays in good condition between services.
Conclusion
Taking the time to do some basic demo saw maintenance may sound like a bit of a hassle, especially after a full day on-site. However a little bit of TLC can go a long way to make sure your equipment stays in good condition.
Do you have any tips? Let us know in the comments below.
