What is the difference between a gravity and a hydraulic bandsaw?

First, let us explain how the PILOUS gravity bandsaw works.

Practically, it is a swing, also referred to as a pivot metal bandsaw with gravity feed into the cut. This means the machine arm with the saw blade descends into the cut by its own weight at a controlled speed. After the cut is completed, the saw blade drive automatically switches off, then the arm with the saw blade is manually lifted into the position for the next cut. Vice handling is also manual. Among the most popular bandsaws in this category is the ARG 235 PLUS. Bandsaws in this category are suitable for cutting up to 100 pieces per week.

The term hydraulic bandsaw can include at least two additional categories of PILOUS bandsaws: hydraulic‑gravity bandsaws and semi‑automatic metal bandsaws. As the name implies, these are bandsaws with a hydraulic unit intended to assist the operator in controlling the machine. These bandsaws are suitable for cutting around 1,000 pieces per week.

In the hydraulic‑gravity version there is a small hydraulic unit whose task is only to lift the saw arm with the saw blade to a specific position after the cut is finished. All other functions, such as pressure and movement of the blade into the cut or movement of the vice, are performed manually. However, manual lifting of the bandsaw arm is the most physically demanding operation when operating the machine. The advantage of automatic lifting of the saw blade is confirmed especially by users of the robust ARG 330 PLUS H.F., which uses a cast‑iron arm weighing over 300 kg. The benefit is that at a relatively low purchase price, the user can quite comfortably operate the machine with the capability to cut material up to 330 mm in diameter.

By contrast, PILOUS semi‑automatic bandsaws are conceived completely differently. These machines are equipped with a powerful industrial hydraulic unit. After pressing a single button, the entire cutting cycle is executed – clamping the material, starting the saw blade, performing the cut, stopping the saw blade, lifting the arm with the saw blade to the original adjustable upper position and opening the vice. This, combined with hydraulic feed of the saw blade into the cut, substantially increases cutting productivity, especially for solid materials. All functions can also be controlled individually. Material feed is manual, as with all the models mentioned above. The advantage of PILOUS semi‑automatic bandsaws is that they are equipped with a stronger motor and a frequency inverter that allows smooth regulation of the saw blade speed in the range of 15–90 m/min. Optimal setting of the saw blade speed significantly increases machine productivity, cutting accuracy, and the service life of the saw blades. Among the best‑selling metal bandsaws in this category is certainly the ARG 300 PLUS S.A.F.