AS160/150 - SUPPORT CENTRE

The following information answers common general, technical and fitting queries about the AS160/150. If you need further information, or if you have a question that isn't answered here, please email us.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!

Download AS160 Operator's Instruction Manual


Download AS150 Operator's Instruction Manual

General Queries about the AS160
The motor is overheating!
The machine is noisy to operate and vibrates
Why does the belt keep slipping
The cutting performance is slowing down!
There is grease/oil leaking from the bearings near the blade mounts!
The top handle is coming loose!
Tool will not run at all!


General Queries on the blades
One or both conrods/blades loose, even when mounting bolts are tightened
Blades are rubbing excessively!
Teeth from the blade are chipped or missing!
Why have my blades turned blue?
I can't tighten the blade bolts fully!
Sharpening Instructions for AS160 Blades (PDF file)

The motor is overheating!

Verify that all cooling vents are not obstructed by operators hand, soft grip sleeve, debris in vents, or other. Remedy or clean as required.
Verify blades are not rubbing against each other with excessive force, either at cutting edge or close to blade mounts. Blades may be worn and overheating. Replace as required.
Check that belt tension is not excessive.
Check that bearings have not failed by removing plastic side cover and belt and rotating both pulleys independently checking for roughness. The power pulley should rotate easily and smoothly.
The driven pulley should rotate smoothly but will have a "springy" feel, wanting to stay in either of 2 positions.
Verify that the motor housing is secure with the tool. If loose, contact Arbortech immediately.


The machine is noisy to operate and vibrates


Blades loose -tighten blade mounting bolts.
Blade failure - replace blade set.
Leaf spring failure - contact Arbortech.
Bearing failure - contact Arbortech.
Gearbox failure - contact Arbortech.
Handle rubber mounts damaged or worn - replace.


Why does the belt keep slipping?


Loose belt - re-tension as necessary.
Worn belt - replace belt.
Worn pulleys - replace or contact Arbortech.


The cutting performance is slowing down!

Teeth worn, chipped or lost. Sharpen or replace blade.
Check to see if the belt is slipping.
Blades could be rubbing against each other with excessive force.
Attempting to cut material which is too hard.


There is grease/oil leaking from the bearings near the blade mounts!

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.


The top handle is coming loose!

Worn or damaged rubber bushes - replace.


The machine will not run at all!

Check brushes are not damaged or excessively worn - replace as required.
Check power cord for damage - contact Arbortech.

One or both conrods/blades are loose, even when mounting bolts tightened!

Leaf spring failure - contact Arbortech.

Blades are rubbing excessively!

Remove blade/s and bend slightly to correct.
Note: If the blades rub against each other anywhere other than within 20mm of the cutting edge, or contact force is high, it is possible to overload the tool and cause premature belt wear.

Teeth from the blade are chipped or missing!

This occurs occasionally if hard material is encountered, or if the "back side" of teeth are impacted.
Care not taken in setting tool down on teeth on hard surfaces or loose in tool box.
Worn blades will start to become hot in certain areas, causing teeth to de-bond - replace blades.
Material too hard.

Why have my blades turned blue?

The teeth could be worn - replace blades.
Excessive force being used.
Insufficient "sawing" motion by the operator.
Material too hard.
Blades rubbing together with excessive force.


I can't tighten the blade bolts fully!

Threads on bolts stripped - replace bolts not tightening.
Threads on tool stripped - contact Arbortech.