FAQ
Questions and answers
Questions collected from conversations about cutting pipes in the trench.
Pytania
What pipes does the HydraCut cut?
Cast iron, steel, PVC and PE. The diameter range depends on the model: the HPO600 cuts from 203 to 603 mm, the HPO1200 from 600 to 1200 mm.
How much room is needed around the pipe?
Thirty-five centimetres of clear space all round. That is enough for the chain to wrap the pipe and for the saw to travel around it.
Will the saw work while water is running from the pipe?
Yes. The drive is hydraulic, so the saw works even when flooded by water from the pipe being cut. That is the normal situation on water main failures.
How long does it take to cut through a pipe?
The manufacturer quotes 14 minutes for a Ø800 cast iron pipe. The time depends on the material, the wall thickness and the condition of the blade.
What is needed to power it?
A power pack with a flow of 23 to 26 l/min and a working pressure of 140 to 160 bar, with the relief valve set to 155 to 165 bar. The saw needs a three-line source: a separate line returns pump leakage, and not every power pack has that connection.
Does the cut meet itself at one point?
Yes. The guide chain keeps the blade in one plane, so there is no spiral and no missed line.
Which model, the HPO600 or the HPO1200?
The diameter range decides. The HPO600 cuts up to 603 mm, the HPO1200 from 600 mm upwards. The overlap is three millimetres, so outside it the pipe diameter picks the model.
Does the blade need water cooling?
On steel pipes yes, without exception. Water is fed from a pressure sprayer through the quick coupling on the blade housing, and a ball valve sets the amount. Without it, steel sparks enough to shorten the life of the guide belt.
How is the operator protected?
The adjustable blade guard covers the cutting zone all the way round, against sparks and fragments. Sound pressure at the working point is 93.4 dBA, but under full load noise can exceed 100 dBA, so ear protection is mandatory.
How many people operate the saw?
Two. One guides the saw around the pipe, the other controls the oil flow at the power pack. The manufacturer's manual requires a second operator at start-up and throughout the cut.
How much does the saw weigh?
Thirteen kilograms on the HPO600 and fourteen on the HPO1200. The saw itself is carried down into the trench by hand, the power pack stays at the top.
What does the HydraCut cost?
The price depends on the model and the configuration of the set. We give it in reply to an enquiry, usually within one working day.