cut. Hebrew. sur. Occurs only here; the meaning "cut" is arbitrary. It must be explained by 2 Samuel 12:31, where it is sum, and is rendered "put". "appointed them [to work] with". See notes there. Sur is probably from yashar = to regulate, or rule.
Related Commentaries of 1 Chronicles 20:3
1 Chronicles 20:3
3 And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.