Factors affecting rate of ice cutting with a chain saw

Military winter bridging procedures with an ice cover present on the waterway may involve cutting the ice away with chain saws to provide an ice-free crossing zone. This report investigates the cutting rates possible from one type of chain saw with two chain configurations, two operations, three cut lengths and three cut lengths and three ice thicknesses. A statistical analysis is used to determine the effect the various factors have upon cutting rate and suggestions are made for a chain modifications that might further improve cutting performance.