While cutting, move the tool and blade in a slow “sawing” motion, which improves the cut-rate, reduces concentrated heat build-up, and evens the wear on the blades.
CAUTION: Do NOT allow the forward or rear end of the blades to hammer onto hard surfaces (shown in figs: 10, 11 & 13) as this will damage the blades and tool. If unintentional hammering occurs, stop the tool or withdraw it from the cut immediately. When using any of the blade types, avoid hammering the ends of the blades into the ends of the cut by using a slow rocking and sweeping motion. For best performance try to ensure that the teeth are the only part of the blade in contact with the work face.
CAUTION: Take care when setting the tool down to avoid chipping the tungsten carbide teeth.
The AS175 is supplied ready to use. However in some cases the blades may need to be changed to suit the application. Before changing blades, the guard around the blade mounts must be levered gently out of its groove at the front of the tool and swung away to give access to the cap screws. Then use the “Ian key” supplied to loosen and remove the cap screws securing the blades, and remove the blades.
Select the correct blades for the cutting task and mount each with their cap screws. Verify that the surfaces of the blade mounts, conrod thread and screws are clean and free of grit or lubricant before fitting. Ensure the guard can be closed before fixing the blades to the conrod.
NOTE: Always use matched pairs of blades. Never mix used blades with new blades. Use only the bolts supplied with the tool.
IMPORTANT: Use the “Ian key”, to tighten the blade mounting screws until the torque indicator coil deflects sufficiently so that the sides meet. The “Ian Key” will tighten the bolts to the required 18Nm.
CAUTION: Do not operate the tool if the blades are loose. Operation with loose blades will severely damage the blade mount & bolts requiring repair.
NOTE: Blades are a wearing part. In normal operation, blade life may vary with the hardness of materials cut. Check that the teeth of the blades are lightly contacting, or within approximately 1 mm of contacting each other.
If the gap between the blades is too large, remove and gently bend inward to adjust the gap. Ensure that both blades are aligned vertically to the tool.
CAUTION: If the blades rub against each other anywhere other than within 25mm/1” of the cutting edge, or contact force is high, it is possible to overload the tool and cause premature belt wear.
Swing the guard into its groove at the front of the tool and snap it into place.
Remove blade/s and bend slightly to correct.
Note: If the blades rub against each other anywhere other than within 25mm / 1″ of the cutting edge, or contact force is high, it is possible to overload the tool and cause premature belt wear.
This is normal in approximately the first hour that the new tool is operated or if new bearings have been installed. Leakage should reduce and stop thereafter.
Worn or damaged rubber bushes – replace.
With use, the blades will become dull and the cutting performance will decrease. This can be largely restored by re-sharpening the teeth with a fine grit diamond disc.
We recommend using heavy duty (12 or 14 gauge) extension cord up to 50 Feet.