Norton GC55 User manual

OWNERS
MANUAL
Multiple Application Concrete Saw
MODEL:
GC55 and GC25E
FORM <<GC55-GC25E rev 4/2010

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WARRANTY
Norton warrants all products manufactured by it against defects in
workmanship or materials for a period of one (1) year from the date of
shipment to the customer.
The responsibility of Norton under this warranty is limited to
replacement or repair of defective parts at Norton's Stephenville,
Texas factory, or at a point designated by it, of such part as shall
appear to us upon inspection at such point, to have been defective in
material or workmanship, with expense for transportation borne by
the customer.
In no event shall Norton be liable for consequential or incidental
damages arising out of the failure of any product to operate properly.
Integral units such as gasoline engines, electric motors,batteries,
tires, transmissions, etc., are excluded from this warranty and are
subject to the prime manufacturer's warranty.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied,
and all such other warranties are hereby disclaimed.
Important: Before placing equipment in operation, record the following
information.
MODEL:_________ SERIAL NO.___________
PURCHASE FROM: _____________________
ADDRESS: ____________________________
CITY_______ STATE ______ ZIP ________
TELEPHONE NO. ______________________
Before using this equipment, make sure that person using it
read and understand the instructions in this owner’s manual.

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Table Of Contents
CONTENTS PAGE
I. Preparation
A. Safety Precautions 4-6
B. Assembly 7
C. GC55 and GC25E Series Concrete Saw Specifications 8-9
D. Engine GC55 Models 10
E. Electrical Connections GC25E 11-12
Wiring Diagram GC25E 12
II. Operation
A. Installing The Blade 12-13
B. Starting The Engine GC55 13
C. Operating The Saw 13-15
D. Cutting Technique 15
E. Green Concrete Cutting 15-18
III. Maintenance
A. Engine 18
B. Bearings 19
C. V-Belts 19-20
D. Depth Control 21
E. Dust Removal System Adjustment 22
IV. Parts List Section
A. Ordering Information 23
B. Parts Drawing / Service Parts List 24-38
Blade Guard Assembly GC55 and GC25E 24
Cutting Head Assembly GC55 and GC25E 25
Blade Shaft Assembly GC55 and GC25E 26
Depth Control Assembly GC55 and GC25E 27
Engine Assembly GC55 Only 28
Motor Assembly GC25E Only 29
Frame Assembly GC55 Only 30
Frame Assembly GC25E Only 31
Front Pointer Assembly GC55 and GC25E 32
Main Assembly GC55 Only 33-35
Main Assembly GC25E 36-38
Read Owners Manual Before Use
Safety Alert Symbol: Information Following This Symbol Is
Very Important.
Use Only Norton Diamond Blades

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I. PREPARATION
A. Safety Precautions
Important! The following safety precautions must always be observed.
Hazard Symbols
Fuel (gasoline) is extremely flammable and its vapors
can explode if ignited. Store gasoline only in approved
containers, in well-ventilated, unoccupied approved
areas, and away from sparks or flames. Do not fill the
fuel tank while the engine is hot or running. Do not start
the engine near spilled fuel.
Never use the fuel as a cleaning agent
Engine components can get extremely hot from operation. To
prevent burns, do not touch the engine or related parts while the
engine is running or immediately after it is turned off. Never
operate the engine with any heat shields or guards removed.
Keep all guards in place when operating any piece of
equipment
Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from all rotating parts
Lethal Exhaust Gas use only in well ventilated areas. Engine
exhaust gases contain poisonous carbon monoxide, which is
orderless, colorless, and can cause death if inhaled. Avoid
inhaling exhaust fumes, and never run the engine in a closed
building or confined area
Never tamper with the governor components of settings to
increase the maximum speed. Severe personal injury and
damage to the engine or equipment can result if operated at
speed above maximum. Always obey the maximum speed
rating of blade.
DO NOT LIFT THE SAW BY THE HANDLE BARS

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Dust and Silica Warning
Grinding/cutting/drilling of masonry, concrete, metal and other materials can
generate dust, mists and fumes containing chemicals known to cause serious or
fatal injury or illness, such as respiratory disease, cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm. If you are unfamiliar with the risks associated with the
particular process and/or material being cut or the composition of the tool being
used, review the material safety data sheet and/or consult your employer, the
material manufacturer/supplier, governmental agencies such as OSHA and
NIOSH and other sources on hazardous materials and make certain to comply
with all product warnings and instructions for the safe and effective use of the
material being cut. California and some other authorities, for instance, have
published lists of substances known to cause cancer, reproductive toxicity, or
other harmful effects.
Control dust, mist and fumes at the source where possible. In this regard use
good work practices and follow the recommendations of the
manufacturer/supplier, OSHA/NIOSH, and occupational and trade associations.
Water should be used for dust suppression when wet cutting is feasible. When
the hazards from inhalation of dust, mists and fumes cannot be eliminated
through engineering controls such as vacuum and/or water mist, the operator and
any bystanders should always wear a respirator approved by NIOSH/MSHA for
the material being cut.
Use Approved:
Eye Protection Hearing
Protection Respiratory Protection Head Protection

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1. Before mounting any blade on the saw, the blade should be inspected for
any damage which might have occurred during shipment, handling or
previous use.
2. The blade collars and arbors should be cleaned and examined for
damage before mounting the blade.
3. The blade must be properly fitted over the arbor with the drive pin on the
outside collar projecting through the drive pin hole on the blade and
inside collar.
4. The blade shaft nut, which is a left-hand thread nut, must be tightened
securely against the outside blade shaft collar.
5. The blade must be operated within the specified maximum operating
speed listed on the blade.
6. The blade guard must be in place with the nose guard down and locked
when the saw is running.
7. The operator should wear safety glasses and any other appropriate
safety equipment.
8. When starting the saw, the operator should stand away and to the side of
the blade.
9. If for any reason the saw should stall in the cut, raise the blade out of the
cut. Check the outside blade shaft collar and nut for tightness. Inspect
the blade for damage before restarting the saw. Use caution when
resuming a cut. Be certain that the blade is in alignment with the
previous cut.
10.During cutting operations, do not exert excess side pressure on the
handles as a method of steering. Do not force the blade into the cut by
lowering the blade too fast or by pushing the saw too fast.
You Are Responsible For Your Safety!!!

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I. PREPARATION
B. Assembly
The GC55 and GC25E compact concrete saws are shipped completely
assembled and ready for use except for diamond blade, gasoline, oil, and
Handle Bar position for the GC55 and diamond blade, electrical extension
cord, and power supply for the GC25E. Inspect the saw for shipping damage.
If any damage is found, contact the shipper immediately and file a freight
claim. Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc. is not responsible for any freight-related
damages.
Adjust the Handle Bars Position:
1. Remove the GC55/GC25E from the box.
2. Remove the Quick Release Pin P/N: 241055 out of it’s retaining hole
3. Loose the Black Knob P/N: 241054.
4. Rotate the Handle Bar from the lowered storage position to the desired
position.
5. Align the hole in the Handle Bar with the holes in the frame.
6. Attach the Quick Release Pin P/N: 241055 by pushing it through the
hole in the Frame and then the hole in the Handle Bar. Make sure that
the Quick Release Pin passes all the way through both sides of the
Frame.
7. Tighten the Black Knob P/N: 241054.
Read and understand the remaining sections of this Owner's Manual. NOTE:
Do not install the blade until it is time to use the saw. ANSI regulations
prohibit the transportation of any concrete saw with the blade installed.
Part # Description QTY
241054 SCR 5/16-18 UNC X 2-1/2" CARRIAGE BOLT 1
241055 PIN QUICKRELEASE 5/16" X 2" GRIP LENGTH 1
241054 KNOB M8 X 1.25 ADJUSTABLE 1
232110 WASHER M8 DIN125 FLAT 1
241055 WASHER 3/8 WAVE 1

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C. GC55 and GC25E Series Concrete Saw Specifications
Dimensions/Weight GC55 GC25E
Length (Working) 42-23/32” (1,090mm) 42-23/32” (1,090mm)
Length (Transport) 32” (813mm) 32: (813mm)
Width 18-1/8" (460mm) 18-1/8" (460mm)
Height 42-23/32” (1,090mm) 42-23/32” (1,090mm)
Frame Width 18-1/8” (460mm) 18-1/8” (460mm)
Pointer Length 8-7/32” (209mm) 8-7/32”(209mm)
Blade To Wall 7-1/2” (190mm) 7-1/2” (190mm)
Wheel Base Length 19” (483mm) 19” (483mm)
Blade Shaft Maximum Height 9-41/64” (245mm) 9-41/64” (245mm)
Weight Created 135 lbs (61 kg) 155 lbs (71 kg)
Weight Uncreated 115 lbs (52 kg) 135 lbs (61 kg)
Power Source
Engine/Motor Mfg. Honda Gangfon Motor
Spec No. GX160K1QXC Totally Enclosed Air Cooled Thermal
Protection
Power Source Single Cylinder 4 Cycle Gasoline Electric
Maximum Horse Power* 5.5 HP (4.1 kW) 2-1/2 HP
Net Horse Power 4.5 HP (3.4 kW) 2-1/2 HP
Max Torque 7.6 lb-ft (10.3 Nm) @ 2500 rpm -NA-
Power Source RPM 3,600 RPM 3450 RPM
Model GX160 Dual Voltage
Cooling System Forced Air Forced Air
Oil Capacity 0.6 liter (0.63 US qt) -NA-
Fuel Capacity 3.1 liter (3.28 US qt) -NA-
Fuel Type Unleaded Gasoline (86 pump octane) -NA-
Low Oil Sensor Yes -NA-
Air Filtration Four Stage Cyclone -NA-
Voltage -NA- 115-230 volts
Cycles/Current/Phase -NA- 60Hz/AC/1
Full Load Amps (115/230 volts) -NA- 15/7.5 Amps
Starting Amps (115/230 volts)2-NA- 45/22.5 Amps
Displacement 9.9 in3(0.16 l) -NA-
Bore x Stroke 2.7” (68mm) x 1.8” (45mm) -NA-
Starter Manual Capacitor
Characteristics
Max Blade Ø10" (254mm) Ø10" (254mm)
Depth of Cut 10” (254 mm) 3.5" (88mm) 3.5" (88mm)
8” (203 mm) 2.5" (63mm) 2.5" (63mm)
Arbor Bore 5/8" 5/8"
Blade Shaft Flange Diameter 3-5/64” (78mm) 3-5/64” (78mm)
Blade Shaft Speed 2905 rpm 2905 rpm
Depth Control Hand Wheel With Screw Feed Hand Wheel With Screw Feed
Depth Lock Standard Standard
Depth Gauge Standard Standard
Number Of V-Belts 1 1
Blade Guard Type Screwed On, All Steel Construction Screwed On, All Steel Construction
Cutting Side Center Center
Lifting Bale Built In Built In
Handle Bars Adjustable, Stays Level At All Times Adjustable, Stays Level At All Times
Wheels Non-marking Non-marking
Wheel Size Front and Rear 3-3/8”x2-3/4”x25/32” (85x70x20mm) 3-3/8”x2-3/4”x25/32” (85x70x20mm)
Sound pressure388 db (A) -NA-
Sound power3105 db (A) -NA-
1)Net Horsepower Rating provided by engine the manufacturer measured in accordance to SAE j1349 @ 3,600 RPM. The engine may vary from this value.
Actual horsepower on the machine will vary due to operating speed of engine, belt tension, environmental conditions, machine maintenance, and other variables.
2) Starting Amps are instantaneous – for best results use with a 30Amp circuit.
3) The sound measures have been made following pr EN 12638, Annex A; - 2 “Floor sawing, grooving and milling machines – Safety “

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The GC55 and GC25E concrete saws where designed from the ground up to be
a High Performance Multiple Application saw. The GC55 and GC25E are
capable of cutting Green Concrete (Early Entry), Cured Concrete, Asphalt, and
Decorative Concrete. Being able to cut more than just green gives the GC55 and
GC25E many advantages over the competitor’s machines such as a lower
investment for our customer.
Use For Cutting Multiple Applications:
Green Concrete (Early Entry)
Decorative Concrete
Cured Concrete
Asphalt
Features that make the GC55 and GC25E a High Performance Multiple
Applications Saw:
•Blade in center line of saw helps to reduce tearing of concrete when
cutting green concrete. The center line blade also helps the GC55 and
GC25E to roll straight while cutting due to the blade being parallel to the
blade.
•Reinforced all steel frame reduces bending, flexing, and vibrations which
can damaged the concrete. The reinforced all steel frame is also stronger
than the competitive models
•Soft Silicone Rubber wheels that are based off of a Norton Patient to
absorb vibrations that can create spalling and machine movement. The
wheels also feature a concave profile that helps the machine to roll over
small objects with out upsetting the blade.
•10” maximum blade capacity with standard 5/8” arbor. The GC55 and
GC25E can use with 7” to 10” diameter Norton blades.
•Hand Wheel with Depth Adjustment Screw & Depth. Allows precise depth
adjustments up to 3-1/2” deep when used with a 10” blade.
•Fully adjustable non-scratching Dust removal system helps stabilize the
GC55 and GC25E by pushing debris way from wheels and undercarriage
of the machine.
•Front and rear pointers for precise alignment.
•Handle Bar and Pointer folds up for compact easy transport.
•Light in weight, the GC55 weights only 115 lbs.
•The GC55 and GC25E are very simple machines to operate.
•The GC55 and GC25E are designed for cutting Multiple applications:
Green Concrete (Early Entry), Cured Concrete, Asphalt, and Decorative
Concrete.
•Includes a free 10” GMAX blade. The GMAX blade is specifically
designed with the following features for improved Green Concrete cutting:
oAnchor Slot Core Technology Reduces Chip Causing Vibrations.
oThicker Core Resist Flexing and Bending For Improved Cut Quality.
oOptimize Bond And Diamond For Fast Green Concrete And
Aggregate Cutting.

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D. Engine GC55 Models
Prior to attempting to operate the engine, read the information
contained in the engine owner's manual. An engine owner’s manual is
supplied with every gasoline powered concrete saw.
1. Check Oil: Add oil if low. Refer to the engine owner's manual for the
recommended SAE viscosity grades. Capacity of oil is 0.6 liter (0.63 US
qt.)
2. Check Fuel: Fill if low. Use only unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker
octane rating of 86 or higher is recommended. Never use an oil and
gasoline mixture!
3. Air Cleaner: Never run the engine without the air cleaner! Rapid engine
wear will result from contaminants being drawn through the carburetor and
into the engine.
4. Engine Starting: Refer to the engine owner's manual for proper engine
starting procedure.
E. Pointer Alignment
1. Use a straight edge, and carefully mark a line 12 feet long on a smooth
level surface.
2. Place the saw blade on the marked line, move the saw to the center of the
marked line and then lower the blade until it is about 1/16” above the
marked line.
3. Measure from each end of the saw frame to insure that the frame is
parallel to the marked line. Adjust the saw as needed.
4. With the blade centered on the marked line and the saw frame parallel to
the marked line, lower the front pointer.
5. Adjust the nylon nuts until the pointer is aligned with the marked line.

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E. Electrical Connections GC25E
Important-Before connecting the motor leads to the power supply be
sure that the voltage, cycles and phase shown on the nameplate of the
motor correspond to the available power supply. Voltage Selection for
the GC25E 3 HP motor is single phase saw motors witch have a dual voltage
capable. Either a 115-volt or 230 volt power supply can be used. To change
voltage simply move the voltage change switch located on the front of the motor
to the required voltage, no rewiring is required. Wherever possible, use 230-volt
power supply for best operation.
Failure to run the motor on the proper voltage will damage the motor and
is not covered under warranty. Improperly wired motors are not covered
under warranty.
The GC25E models are wired for 115 Volt from the factory!!!
Power Connections
Connect the power supply to the pigtail leads of the switch. Direct wiring
connection is preferred, but an extension cord with an electrical plug with 30-amp
minimum capacity may be used. A 30-amp circuit breaker is recommended.
Connecting wires should be as short as possible and in one piece. In no case
should the connecting wires be longer than shown in the following table for use
with the GC25E Single-phase motors:
Length Of Wire
Wire Gauge 115 Volt 230 Volt
Number 12 25 ft (7.6 m) 100 ft (30.5 m)
Number 10 50 ft (15.2 m) 150 ft (45.7 m)
Number 08 75 ft (22.9 m) 175 ft (53.3 m)
Caution-When wires that are too small gauge or too long are used, loss of
power, over heating, or possible damage to the motor will result. Damage
or failure of motors due to incorrect power supply cord lengths are not
covered under any warranty.
Always use the proper wiring connectors that are UL/CSA approved to
attach the motor to the electrical supply. Any wiring hook ups should be
made by qualified personal and made to National Electrical Code and to
any Local Codes.
Generators:
If a generator must be used, it must be of 8kW or larger. The generator must
have a 30A circuit and capable of providing a minimum of 8kW at the required
voltage. Under size generators will cause motor damage and is not covered
under warranty.

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Wiring Diagram GC2E Only
Thermal Reset:
If the thermal reset engages this is a sign that the motor is over heating.
Continued over heating will damage the motor. The thermal reset will
reset it’s self once the motor is cooled. Do not force the thermal reset as it
will damage the reset and motor. The causes of the thermal reset
activating are:
1. Too Long or Too Thin of Extension Cord (Low Voltage). Use
the correct length and gauge of Extension Cord.
2. Low Voltage Power Supply. Use a power supply with the
correct voltage.
3. Incorrect Blade of Application. Contact Norton Clipper’s
customer service or your local sales person for the correct blade
specification for your cutting application.
4. Overloading Machine. At a shallower depth. Make multiple
passes (Step Cutting) at no more than 1-1/4” deep. Cut at a
slower forward speed.
Damage or failure of a motor due to continued over heating as the result
of incorrect extension cord length/size, incorrect power supply, incorrect
application, and continued overloading is not covered under warranty.
.
II. OPERATION
A. Installing the Blade
1. Disconnect the spark plug (GC55 Models Only)
2. Raise the Blade Guard to its highest position.
3. Open the blade nut access door. Remove the blade shaft nut (Turn
clockwise) and remove the outside collar and raise the Blade Guard.

13
4. Clean off any foreign particles on the clamping surfaces of both collars
and on the mounting surface of the blade.
4. Position the blade beneath the cutting head and slide the blade into the
blade guard (slide the blade under the blade guard at an angle will simplify
the installation process). Be careful not to hit the blade shaft with the
blade.
5. Locate the blade shaft then slide the blade bore hole onto the blade shaft.
Use only Norton Diamond Blades. This machine was not designed for
the use with abrasive blades. For the best performance when cutting
green concrete use the Norton GMAX series blade.
6. Slide the outside blade shaft collar onto the blade shaft.
7. Tighten the blade shaft nut (Turn counter-clockwise) securely against the
outside collar. Close the blade nut access door.
8. Reconnect the spark plug (GC55 models only).
Use Only Norton Diamond Blades
B. Starting the Engine GC55
1. Refer to the engine owner's manual for the proper starting procedures.
2. Always cut with engine rpm in the full throttle setting.
C. Operating the Saw
1. For blade installation instructions see section II. Operation sub heading
A. Installing the Blade. For the engine starting instructions (GC55), see
the Engine manual and follow the instructions located in section II.
Operation sub heading B. Starting the Engine and for Electrical
Connections (GC25E) see section E. Electrical Connections GC25E
2. Check the Engine Oil level (GC55 only).
3. Raise the saw to the full upright position. Do not let the blade come in
contact with the ground.
4. Maneuver the saw to the desired starting point.

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5. To start the machine
a. GC55: Follow the instructions for starting the engine found in
the Engine manual.
i. Verify that the emergency stop switch is in the up
position
ii. Turn Engine On/Off Switch to the on position
iii. Turn the Fuel Control to the On position
iv. Engage Choke as necessary
v. Pull start rope. If the engine does not start within 3-5
pulls of the start rope, refer to the engine owner’s
manual for more information.
b. GC25E: For Electrical Connections, Extension Cord Set
Information, and Generator Information see section E.
Electrical Connections GC25E
i. Verify that the motor voltage change switch is set to
the same voltage as the circuit.
ii. Verify that the circuit has a 30 Amp breaker installed.
iii. Verify that the extension cords are the correct gauge,
length, and are properly grounded.
iv. Verify that the GC25E power switch in the off position.
v. connect the extension cord set to the machine and
power supply. Follow all local and national electrical
code. If unsure of how to connect the extension cord
set or of the electrical circuit have a qualified
Electrician make all electrical connections.
vi. Move the start switch to the On position and the motor
should start. If the motor doe not start have a
qualified Electrician inspect all electrical connections
and the power supply
6. For the GC55 be sure the engine is running at full throttle!!!
7. Slowly lower the blade by rotating the hand wheel clockwise until the
desired depth of cut is reached. Use a reasonable rate of feed. Do not
force the blade into the cut!! If the engine starts to die slow down the rate
of feed! If the machine tries to climb out of the cut, slow down the rate of
feed!
8. When the end of the cut is reached, slowly raise the blade out of the cut by
rotating the Hand Wheel counter-clockwise until the blade is at least one
(1) inch above the ground.
9. Only move the saw in reverse with the blade in the raised position.

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10. When moving the saw to a new location, be sure the blade is not touching
the ground. Always pay close attention to where you are moving and
where the blade is at all times.
D. Cutting Technique
Lower the blade into the concrete to the required depth by turning the hand
wheel clockwise.
Push the saw steadily forward using the front pointer as a guide. Exert
enough forward pressure so that the engine begins to labor, but does not slow
down. If the saw begins to stall, reduce the forward movement until full rpm is
restored to the blade. If the saw stalls, raise the blade out of the cut before
restarting. Avoid excessive side pressure or twisting of the blade in the cut.
When cutting for best performance do not cut at more than 1-1/2” deep per
pass. Making multiple shallow passes will increase blade life, speed of cut,
and decrease engine/motor loads.
Additional Guide Lines For Sawing:
•Understand and follow all of the instructions in this owner’s manual.
•In critically hard aggregate, be careful not to feed too quickly as it may stall
the saw or ruin the cut.
•If the saw stalls in the cut, immediately stop the forward speed and raise
the blade out of the cut. If this is not done the belts can fail or the blade
may be damaged.
•Go slowly with a new blade until it opens up, that is, until the diamonds
can be seen and felt.
E. Green Concrete Cutting
The new Norton Clipper GC55 and GC25E are much more than a green
concrete saw or as it is some times called an early entry saw. The GC55 and
GC25E where designed from the ground up to be a High Performance
Multiple Application saw. The GC55 and GC2E models are capable of cutting
Green Concrete (Early Entry), Cured Concrete, Asphalt, and Decorative
Concrete. Being able to cut more than just green gives the GC55 and GC25E
many advantages over the competitor’s machines such as a lower investment
for our customer.

16
Green Concrete Cutting Important Considerations
Green concrete is concrete that is still in a plastic state that is the concrete
still has a lot of moisture in it, in other words it is not fully cured or dry. As the
concrete starts to hydrate (Dry or Cure), the concrete will change slightly in
volume. Concrete normally shrinks about 1/16” for each 10 feet during the
hydration process. This change in size creates internal stress in the concrete
which will develop into cracks. Joints also known as Crack Control Joints and
or Expansion Joints are normally cut into the concrete in order to relieve the
internal stress and to create an area where a controlled crack will occur. With
the joint in place the concrete will normally crack in a straight line underneath
the joint. The idea behind cutting the green concrete is that the sooner the
stress relieving joints are made the better control over the random cracking
will be obtained. For most green cutting the depth of cut is made at 25% of
the overall thickness of the concrete, for example if the concrete is 6” thick,
the cutting depth would be set to 1-1/2” deep. One important fact to
remember is that Green Concrete is any concrete that has set up but not
hardened. For concrete to become fully hardened it may take 5 to 7 days.
There are a few factors that affect green concrete cutting quality, and time
that the cutting can begin. The following list is extremely important to follow
and to understand in order to create a good quality cut with no spalling or
chipping of the cut line.
1. The concrete must set up long enough to hold the aggregate in place. If
not the aggregate will tumble and move when the Diamond Blade contacts
it, causing internal damage to the concrete and possible tearing or spalling
of the concrete surface. The aggregate along with the concrete must be
cut for proper crack control. With out proper set up the aggregate will roll
or move within the concrete creating voids and spalling or chipping of the
cut line will occur. Concrete set up is the MOST important issue to
obtaining a quality cut line when green concrete cutting. Factors that
affect the concrete set up are:
a) Concrete Mixture – PSI, concrete type, sand type and amount, and
other materials.
b) Water to Cement Ratio – more water the longer the set up
c) Aggregate Size and Type
d) Concrete Additives – some speed up while others slow down the set
up time.
e) Environmental Factors – Sun, Wind, Rain, Temperature
f) Concrete Temperature – cooler the concrete the longer the set up time.
2. Flat surface. Flat surfaces help to insure that the blade is perpendicular to
the concrete which reduces the chances of damaging the concrete

17
surface. When the blade meets the concrete surface at a 90° angle
(perpendicular) less side drag is created on the blade. When the blade is
not perpendicular side drag is create that will cause the concrete to chip or
spall.
3. Blade that is designed for green concrete cutting. The GMAX blade has
some unique features that make it an outstanding blade for green concrete
cutting such as:
a) Anchor Slot Core Technology that reduces vibrations in the blade.
Excessive vibrations will cause the blade to flutter or bend from side to
side which will damage the concrete surface and cause the blade to
wear out prematurely.
b) Thicker core that resist flexing and bending. Thin core blades bend
due to excessive pressure during cutting and from over heating. When
blade bends and flexes the concrete and blade will be damaged.
c) Optimized bond and diamond for fast green concrete cutting. The
improper bond will not cut green concrete properly.
When to Start Green Concrete Cutting
Timing is the most important aspect of cutting green concrete. The time that
the operator can start cutting will vary depending on the key factors listed
above. For example if the concrete has a high water to cement ratio or the
day is cooler then more time is required for the concrete to properly set up
and hold the aggregate in place. Typically we are finding that starting around
5 to 6 hours after finishing good results can be obtain. We find in our testing
that at 16 hours in gives the best results. These times to start are assuming
that the concrete has set up long enough to hold the aggregate in place.
Green Concrete Cutting Trouble Shooting
Spalling or Chipping On Both Sides of Cut:
1. Wait at least 1 to 2 more hours before cutting. The very good cut
appearance is achieved at 5 to 6 hours after finishing complete. The best
cut appearance occurs when the concrete has set up enough for the
aggregate to be held in place which may take up to 16 hours. The actual
time to begin cutting will depend on many factors such as: concrete
mixture (PSI, concrete type, sand type and amount, and other materials,
water to cement ratio – more water the longer the set up), aggregate size
and type, concrete additives – some speed up while others slow down the
set up time, environmental factors (Sun, wind, rain, temperature), concrete
temperature (Cooler the concrete the longer the set up time).

18
2. Check blade specification. The improper blade specification will create
additional spalling or chipping of the concrete. For best results use a
Norton GMAX series Blade. The Norton GMAX series have unique
features to improve the green concrete cut quality and the overall
efficiency of the blade while cutting green concrete. The GMAX blade
provided with the GC55 was designed exclusively for use on this product
to provide maximum performance and a precision cut appearance!
3. Check blade for wear. As the blade loses width the cut appearance will
get worse. Blades with segments that look like a knife blade need to be
replaced immediately as a blade in this condition will create a poor quality
cut line.
4. Check concrete surface for flatness.
5. Replace the blade with a new blade of the same specification.
6. Replace blade with the correct specification.
Cut Appearance Previously Fine But Now Constantly Spalling or
Chipping On One Side Of The Cut:
1. Check for warped blade. A warped or out of tension blade will create a
cut that has spalling and chipping. Replace blade if necessary.
2. Check the tracking on saw.
3. Check that the machine is being pushed in a straight line.
Thin Shell Chipping of Concrete:
1. Wait 1 to 2 hours for the concrete cure depth to increase. Shell chipping
is caused when the top layer of concrete is curing at a faster rate than the
concrete below. The concrete needs to cure to a deeper depth in order to
prevent the shell chipping.
III. MAINTENANCE
A. Engine GC55
Follow the below schedule for engine maintenance. NOTE: Check the Honda
Engine manual that came with the engine for any changes to the maintenance
schedule. If the charts have any differences, follow the chart in the Honda
Engine Manual. The Norton Company does not warranty the engine. If any
warranty or service of the engine is required contact your nearest Honda

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nearest Honda service center, or from the Internet: http://www.honda-
engines.com/home.htm
Honda engine (Refer to owner's manual for complete maintenance.)
Check the engine oil level before each use when the engine is cool and the
engine is level. Add oil if the level is low. The oil level should be within the
operating range (See the engine owner’s manual for details).
Only use a high-detergent, premium quality motor oil certified to meet or
exceed U.S. automobile manufacturer’s requirements for Service
Classification SG, SF/CC, CD. Motor oils will show the classification on the
container. A SAE viscosity of 10W-30 is recommend by Honda for general,
all temperature use. Please consult the below chart or contact your local
Honda service center for the proper viscosity for your temperature range.

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Always refer to the engine manual for more detailed information on checking
the oil, changing oil, and oil capacity, air filter changes, and fuel type to use.
Use only Honda air filters. Do not clean the air filter with gasoline or other
flammable solvents. A fire or explosion could result. To clean, follow the
instructions found in the Honda engine manual.
Dry Cutting Engine Maintenance
•When operating the engine in dry cutting or dusty environments the
following is required:
•Engine oil changed more often.
•Every 50 hours (or more often if conditions require) clean all of the engine
cooling fins.
•Every 25 hours (or more often if conditions require) clean the engine pre-
cleaner.
•Every 100 hours (or more often if conditions require) replace the air filter.
If the engine is equipped with a reusable air cleaner, clean and re-oil it.
•Check and clean the air filter after each use. Replace as needed.
B. Bearings
The GC55 and GC25E are equipped with permanently sealed blade shaft and
wheel bearings that will never need any lubrication. These types of bearings
are designed for long life and minimum maintenance. If any problem occurs
with the blade shaft, or wheel bearings replace the bearing.
The only the Raise Screw and Cutting Head pivot point will need periodic re-
lubrication. Both of these points require just a squirt of a good quality NLGI
#2, aluminum complex type grease is recommended one time a month.
Check the function of the Hand Wheel and Cutting Head before each use.
Lubricate the Raise Screw and Cutting Head pivot point once a month or
when the it becomes hard to turn the Hand Wheel.
C. V-Belts
Warning: Never make adjustments to belts or pulleys while
engine is running!
1. The best tension for a belt drive is the lowest tension at which the belts will
not slip under full load.
2. Simply take up the drive until the belts are snug in the grooves. Run the
drive for about 15 minutes to "seat" the belts. Then impose the peak load.
If the belts slip, tighten them until they no longer slip at peak load.