Cutting out expansion joints is a crucial stage in finishing concrete substrate. It requires precision and proper equipment because making any mistakes can cause that the new floor will need to be skewed and poured out again. This means costs and a waste of time, and consequently problems in relations with the investor. At the same time, the teams work under a lot of time pressure and cannot afford long waits until the concrete is concentrated. The solution to this dilemma was developed by Husqvarna, which offers the revolutionary Soff-Cut Ultra Early Entry system. We check what exactly it is based on.
Cutting in the „green season”
"Green season" is the ideal period in which to make the expansion joints dry, thus controlling shrinkage cracks. It is from 1 to 2 hours after pouring concrete. This virtually eliminates the risk of cracks, cavities and chips. However, this requires the use of specialised equipment. The Husqvarna Soff-Cut Ultra Early Entry system responds to this need.
The system includes advanced cutters for fresh concrete. The technology is based on the combination of the Soff-Cut diamond blade and the skid plate, which is designed to exert pressure on the ground. As a result, counter-rotary cutting is not only faster, but also more precise and does not damage fresh concrete. The operator is sure that the depth of the gap is even throughout its entire length.
Using the Husqvarna cutters enables the much earlier start of finishing works, which directly translates into an increase in the pace of the project implementation. Thus, it is possible to shorten the construction gap, and even completely abandon it. The smaller cutting depth also means higher aesthetics of the substrate finish.
Why is it worth to make expansion joints so early?
A classic problem with concrete floors is the high risk of cracks in the real drying process. The hardening floor is exposed to enormous internal stresses. Making gaps during the "green season" allows to release these stresses and avoid uncontrolled cracking of the concrete. Thus, the executive team no longer has to worry about expensive and time-consuming amendments and can finish work the same day.
Why is it worth to make expansion joints so early?
The Husqvarna Soff-Cut system consists of four models of cutters intended for work on various surfaces. The Soff-Cut 4200 is particularly interesting, which is designed for the toughest jobs. Thanks to very light construction, it leaves a minimal trace on concrete and works well on large objects. The machine offers an electrically adjustable cutting depth of 76 mm. The weight of the cutter is 257 kg, and a 23 hp Kohler gasoline engine powers it. Additional convenience for the operator is an adjustable handle.
Soff-Cut 4000 is a slightly smaller model with a weight of 190 kg, cutting depth 70 mm and equipped with a 20.5 HP gasoline engine. For smaller areas, the Soft-Cut 2000 cutter with cutting thickness of 38 mm, a weight of 143 kg and engine power (9,9 HP petrol) is ideally suited. In a limited space, when the highest precision and frequent manoeuvring is required, the Soff-Cut 150 pusher with a 4.3-litre Robin engine and a 30 mm cutting depth will work. The machine weighs less than 40 kg.
The Husqvarna Soff-Cut system also includes as many as nine models of diamond blades of various diameters from the "green", "yellow" and "red" series, intended for all types of substrates. Also, the manufacturer offers professional gap protection.
The solution of the Swedish company perfectly suits the needs of modern construction. Precision, a guarantee of the absence of cracks and, above all, the possibility of instant expansion joints in still fresh concrete, is undoubtedly a great convenience.
