Concrete chainsaws are different from wood cutting chainsaws in several ways. Wood cutting chainsaws require bar and chain oil for lubrication of the chain; however, concrete chainsaws do not have an oiling system. Instead, concrete chainsaws have a hollow bar water system with a modified air filtration system and special seals to prevent damage to the chainsaw engine from concrete particles. The concrete chainsaw cannot cut dry since it is a wet cutting system.

 

The diamond chain is also different from wood cutting chains. Instead of sharp hooked teeth, a diamond chain on a concrete chainsaw has very small diamond teeth with no hooks, which grind through the concrete. Because it does not grab like a wood cutting chain, there is no danger of kickback; therefore, the first cut can be straight into the concrete.