Choosing the optimal cutting chain for your Stihl GS 461 concrete chainsaw ensures maximum performance, safety, and longevity. At A-Z Hire, your tool hire in Dublin and Stihl Authorised dealer and service centre, we offer three Stihl concrete-cutting chains: the diamond-abrasive GBM, the carbide-tipped GBE, and the specialist ductile-iron GGM. This paper details their differences—so you can match chain to material and application.

1. Chain Overview

Chain Type Description Part No. Drive Links Pitch Gauge
GBM Laser-welded diamond segments for wet cutting of reinforced concrete and hard stone. 32130000064 52 3/8″ .404″ (1.3 mm)
GBE Carbide-tipped teeth for plain concrete, brick, block; suitable for dry or occasional wet use. 32140000064 52 3/8″ .404″ (1.3 mm)
GGM Vacuum-brazed diamond segments for wet cutting of ductile iron pipes and cast-iron materials. 36 GGM (special order) 70 3/8″ 1.6 mm (.063″)

  • All chains fit a 16″ bar on the Stihl GS 461.

  • GGM is available on a 2-week lead time and optimised for municipal and utility work involving ductile-iron pipe cutting.

2. Key Features Comparison

Feature GBM GBE GGM
Cutting Medium Industrial diamond segments Hardened carbide teeth Vacuum-brazed diamond segments
Backbone Design LowStretch heavy-duty alloy High-tensile alloy plates Reinforced drive links for high-demand cutting
Vibration Control Optimised geometry and diamond damping Low-vibration link design Smooth-operation design reduces operator fatigue
Wet vs. Dry Use Wet-only (water lubricates and clears slurry) Dry or occasional wet Wet-only (water reduces dust and cools diamonds)
Service Life ≈40 m plunge cuts under ideal conditions Consistent length on plain concrete and masonry Optimised for ductile-iron; lifespan depends on pipe hardness and cutting volume
Installation Marks Directional arrows on drive links Standard unmarked links Standard unmarked; ensure correct tension and water feed
Primary Applications Reinforced concrete, hard aggregate, rebar Unreinforced concrete, brick, block, soft stone Ductile iron pipes, cast-iron fittings, trench and municipal water-main repair work

3. Technical Deep-Dive

3.1. GBM Diamond-Abrasive Chain

  • Laser-welded industrial diamonds on every link “grind” through reinforced concrete and hard stone.

  • Sandwich segment design with depth gauges improves retention and plunge-cut performance.

  • LowStretch backbone maintains tension under heavy loads.

  • Wet cutting maximises runtime (≈30% longer than standard chains; ≈40 m per chain).

3.2. GBE Standard Concrete Cutting Chain

  • Carbide-tipped cutters deliver fast, consistent penetration in plain concrete, brick, and block.

  • High-tensile plates resist elongation, keeping cut smooth and safe.

  • Low-vibration link geometry reduces operator fatigue during extended runs.

  • Balanced wear profile for reliable, repeatable cutting length.

3.3. GGM Ductile-Iron Diamond Chain

  • Vacuum-brazed diamond segments tailored for abrasive iron surfaces, enabling plunge cuts in pipes up to 450 mm (≈17.7″) diameter.

  • Reinforced drive links withstand the shock loads of cutting ductile-iron and cast materials.

  • Wet-only operation minimises dust and cools segments, extending lifespan.

  • Special-order chain (36 GGM) delivers immediate performance on utility and civil-engineering jobs.

4. Performance & Longevity Analysis

  • GBM: Optimal for heavy-duty, rebar-embedded concrete and hard stone—maximises chain life in abrasive mixes.

  • GBE: Suited for routine plain-masonry work—offers consistent performance on unreinforced substrates.

  • GGM: Designed specifically for ductile iron and cast-iron pipes—maintains cutting efficiency in highly abrasive metal environments.

5. Choosing the Right Chain

  • GBM: When cutting reinforced concrete, hard aggregates, or thick rebar-embedded slabs; wet-only jobs demanding plunge cuts.

  • GBE: For unreinforced concrete, brick, block, soft stone, or asphalt; dry or intermittent wet applications.

  • GGM: For ductile-iron and cast-iron pipe cutting in utilities, water mains, and emergency trench work; always wet-only.

6. A-Z Hire Competitive Advantage

As A-Z Hire, your trusted tool hire in Dublin and Stihl Authorised dealer and service centre, we provide:

  1. Expert Chain Matching: Stihl-trained technicians recommend the perfect chain for your material and project.

  2. Rapid Fulfilment: Next-day delivery or click-and-collect from Walkinstown, Dublin.

  3. Full Service & Support: Chain fitting, tensioning, water-supply setup, and ongoing maintenance to keep your GS 461 performing at peak levels.

Conclusion

Stihl’s GBM, GBE, and GGM chains each target distinct cutting challenges—from reinforced-concrete plunge cuts to plain-masonry work to ductile-iron pipe slicing. With A-Z Hire’s expert guidance, next-day service, and full Stihl-certified support, you can confidently select the chain that optimises safety, efficiency, and uptime for every job.

Key Takeaways

  • GBM for reinforced concrete and hard stone (wet-only).

  • GBE for unreinforced concrete, block, brick (dry or occasional wet).

  • GGM for ductile-iron and cast-iron pipe cutting (wet-only).

  • All fit the Stihl GS 461 16″ bar; Except GGM is 18″ installation, tensioning, and water setup are critical.

  • A-Z Hire: Expert advice, swift delivery, and Stihl-authorised service in Dublin.