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Walk-behind saws are versatile machines in any pavement maintenance fleet. Keeping them in top working condition will benefit your bottom line.

Basic maintenance

Whether you're cutting asphalt or concrete, your daily maintenance schedule won't change a lot. Adjustments to the schedule come when cutting either wet or dry. You should always follow the maintenance suggestions found in the operator's manual provided by your saw manufacturer and the suggestions given in the owner's manual that accompanies your saw's engine, but following are some basic maintenance tips you should keep in mind every day.

1. Visual inspection. Before each operation, walk around your saw to visually inspect it for any problems. If you can catch a bent arbor shaft or a loose blade before starting up the machine, you can prevent damage and decrease the need for a repair. Another thing to look for is unevenly worn wheels, or wheels that are a different type or size. Your saw's wheels need to be the same in order to ride level with the cutting surface.

2. Daily greasings. "The bearings should be lubricated daily with just a shot or two of grease," says Randy Zea with Stone Construction Equipment, Inc. "Most people do this only monthly."

3. Air cleaners. Air cleaner maintenance changes according to whether you're cutting wet or cutting dry.