WHEEL SAW

How does a wheel saw work?

The working element is a cutting wheel fitted with excavation tools and powered by the hydraulic circuit of the carrier machine. As the machine advances, the teeth progressively cut into the surface and remove the material, creating a continuous trench with a controlled cross-section. The result is a precise, clearly defined excavation and a uniform trench matching the preset working width. Compared with the excavation produced by a conventional bucket, this solution is particularly useful when working on existing paved surfaces while limiting the area affected. Hydraulic depth adjustment allows the operator to set the working depth according to the project requirements. The hydraulic side shift makes it possible to move the attachment away from the centreline of the skid steer loader, facilitating trenching close to kerbs, pavements, walls and other elements along the route.

Mini-trenches and micro-trenches with a predefined cross-section

A wheel saw is mainly used when the job site requires a narrow, uniform trench extending over a considerable distance. When installing utility networks and cable ducts, a cross-section proportionate to the underground service helps reduce the volume of excavated material, produce a clean and clearly defined trench, and optimise subsequent backfilling.

Micro-trenches are suitable for narrow applications such as laying fibre optic cables and small cables. Mini-trenches, on the other hand, allow greater widths and depths to be reached while still providing a more targeted operation than conventional excavation. The choice depends on the size of the cable duct, the required depth, the material to be cut and the hydraulic specifications of the carrier machine.

CM wheel saw range

TM Series for micro-trenching and fibre optic cables

The TM Series includes the TM 200, TM 300 and TM 400 models. It is designed for small excavations, mini-trenches and micro-trenches, reaching maximum depths ranging from 200 to 400 mm. Depending on the model, the trench width ranges from 20 to 80 mm. Its compact dimensions make this series particularly suitable for urban works and fibre optic cable installation, where precision, manoeuvrability and reduced impact on the paved surface are essential.

T Series for deeper and wider trenches

The T Series includes the T 450 and T 600 models. It is designed to create deeper trenches with a larger cross-section: the T 450 reaches a maximum depth of 450 mm and a width ranging from 50 to 120 mm, while the T 600 reaches depths of up to 600 mm with widths between 70 and 180 mm. These models are suitable for larger underground utility installations and can also be used to lay fibre optic cables when the project requires greater depths. They are also ideal for job sites requiring increased penetration capacity and a larger trench cross-section.

Applications in roadworks and underground utilities

Wheel saws are used for the installation and maintenance of underground utilities, where precise routes must be created for electrical cables, telecommunications, lighting systems and other technical networks. When laying fibre optic cables, the ability to create narrow micro-trenches helps reduce the area of pavement affected and makes reinstatement work more efficient and orderly.

In the road construction sector, wheel saws can be used to create crossings, routes along the edge of the carriageway and localised cuts in asphalt or concrete. The compact size of the attachment and its installation on a skid steer loader are also advantageous in urban centres, on pavements, in yards and in areas with limited manoeuvring space. Their ability to work on hard surfaces also makes the range suitable for construction and tunnelling applications, provided that the model and carrier machine are correctly sized for the material and the required trench cross-section.

How to choose the right wheel saw

The selection process should begin with the width and depth of the trench specified by the project. It is then necessary to assess the type of surface, as asphalt, concrete and rock require different tools and operating conditions. Another essential factor is compatibility with the skid steer loader’s hydraulic system: flow rate and pressure must comply with the requirements of the selected model. The attachment weight, machine stability and coupling configuration must also be checked before use. CM technical support helps identify the correct solution based on the carrier machine, the material to be excavated and the final dimensions of the trench.

Wheel saw or road planer?

Both attachments work on compact paved surfaces, but they are designed for different applications. A wheel saw creates a narrow, relatively deep trench suitable for laying cables and underground utilities. A road planer, on the other hand, removes a wider and shallower layer of the surface, making it suitable for scarifying, reinstatement work and removing layers of asphalt or concrete. Clearly defining the required result makes it possible to select the most productive attachment and avoid unnecessary operations.

CM wheel saws designed for demanding job-site applications

CM designs attachments that transform skid steer loaders and compact machines into specialised working solutions. The T and TM Series combine cutting force, hydraulic control and precision, offering a range suitable for both micro-trenching and larger trenching applications. To identify the correct model, provide the CM team with details of the skid steer loader being used, the available hydraulic flow and pressure, the material to be cut and the required trench dimensions.

Contact CM for technical support and configure the wheel saw best suited to your job site.