The Best Concrete Saws for Cutting Through Concrete

What Is a Concrete Saw?

A concrete saw is a powered cutting machine designed to cut concrete, asphalt, masonry, and other hard materials using a specialized blade, commonly a diamond blade.

What Is the Best Concrete Saw?

The best concrete saw depends on the material, cutting depth, job size, portability, power source, and required cutting method.

How Deep Can a Concrete Saw Cut?

Concrete saw cutting depth depends on the blade diameter, saw design, blade configuration, and material. Check the manufacturer's rated cutting depth for the specific setup.

Is Wet Cutting Better Than Dry Cutting?

Wet cutting can reduce dust and cool the blade, while dry cutting is more portable but can generate more dust. Applicable silica-control requirements should be followed when cutting concrete.

What Blade Is Used to Cut Concrete?

Diamond blades are commonly used for concrete cutting because their abrasive cutting segments are designed for hard materials such as concrete and masonry.

What Should I Look for in a Used Concrete Saw?

Check the engine or motor, blade shaft, blade guard, belts, bearings, water system, frame, wheels, depth adjustment, operating hours, and maintenance records.

How We Evaluated Concrete Saws

We evaluated concrete saws based on cutting depth, blade compatibility, power source, portability, application, cutting performance, maintenance requirements, safety features, and overall value.

For used equipment, buyers should also evaluate operating hours, service history, blade and shaft condition, engine or motor performance, water-delivery system, and overall wear.

Cutting through concrete, whether for a renovation, installation of windows, or other construction tasks, requires the right tools to ensure precision, safety, and efficiency. Here are the best concrete saws that professionals recommend for various applications.

1. Husqvarna K770 Power Cutter

Overview: The Husqvarna K770 is a versatile and powerful handheld concrete saw known for its reliability and cutting efficiency. It is suitable for both wet and dry cutting.

Features:

Blade Size: 14 inches

Cutting Depth: Up to 5 inches

Engine: 74cc two-stroke

Weight: 22 pounds

SmartTension: Ensures optimal power transmission and minimum wear.

Pros:

Powerful and efficient for a variety of concrete cutting tasks.

Lightweight design for better maneuverability.

Durable construction with minimal maintenance needs.

Cons:

May require two passes for thicker concrete (over 5 inches).

Higher price point but offers great value for durability.

2. Stihl TS 800 Cutquik

Overview: Stihl is a renowned brand in power tools, and the TS 800 Cutquik is designed for heavy-duty concrete cutting. It is ideal for professional contractors needing robust performance.

Features:

Blade Size: 16 inches

Cutting Depth: Up to 6 inches

Engine: 98.5cc two-stroke

Weight: 28 pounds

Elastostart: Reduces startup shock for easier handling.

Pros:

Powerful engine for cutting through thick concrete.

Designed for heavy-duty applications with durable components.

Effective anti-vibration system for reduced operator fatigue.

Cons:

Heavier than other models, which might be tiring for prolonged use.

Higher fuel consumption due to the powerful engine.

3. Makita EK7651H 4-Stroke Power Cutter

Overview: The Makita EK7651H stands out with its 4-stroke engine, providing a more efficient and quieter operation compared to 2-stroke engines.

Features:

Blade Size: 14 inches

Cutting Depth: Up to 5 inches

Engine: 76cc 4-stroke

Weight: 28 pounds

Automatic Decompression Valve: Ensures easy starting.

Pros:

Lower emissions and quieter operation due to the 4-stroke engine.

No need for mixed fuel, simplifying maintenance.

Reliable performance with reduced vibration.

Cons:

Heavier compared to some 2-stroke models.

Slightly more complex maintenance requirements for a 4-stroke engine.

4. Husqvarna K970 Chain Concrete Saw

Overview: For those requiring deeper cuts, the Husqvarna K970 Chain Saw offers unique capabilities with its chain design, allowing it to cut deeper and more intricate shapes.

Features:

Cutting Depth: Up to 15 inches

Engine: 94cc two-stroke

Weight: 22.4 pounds

X-Torq Engine: Reduces emissions and fuel consumption.

Pros:

Superior cutting depth for thicker concrete slabs.

Ideal for cutting openings, irregular shapes, and deeper cuts.

Efficient fuel consumption with low emissions.

Cons:

Requires specific maintenance for the chain.

Higher initial investment.

5. Wacker Neuson BFS 1345 Walk-Behind Saw

Overview: For extensive concrete cutting projects, the Wacker Neuson BFS 1345 walk-behind saw offers the stability and power needed for large-scale tasks.

Features:

Blade Size: 18 inches

Cutting Depth: Up to 7.5 inches

Engine: Honda GX390

Weight: 219 pounds

Vibration Dampening: Ensures smoother operation.

Pros:

Ideal for large concrete cutting projects with deep cutting needs.

Stable and powerful with a robust engine.

Easy to operate with a focus on user comfort.

Cons:

Not suitable for small or indoor projects due to its size.

Requires significant storage space and maintenance.

Best Concrete Saw by Application

Choose based on material thickness, cutting depth, mobility, and production requirements rather than saw size alone.

Handheld vs. Walk-Behind Saws

Handheld Concrete Saws

Best for:

1. Small jobs

2. Repairs

3. Tight spaces

4. Portable cutting

5. Vertical cuts

They are easier to transport but generally provide less stability and cutting capacity than larger walk-behind machines.

Walk-Behind Concrete Saws

Best for:

1. Concrete slabs

2. Roads

3. Expansion joints

4. Large construction projects

5. Long, straight cuts

They provide greater stability and operator control, making them better suited to deeper or extended cuts.

Choose handheld for portability; choose walk-behind for stability, depth, and productivity.

Cutting Depth Explained

Cutting depth depends on:

1. Blade diameter

2. Saw design

3. Blade configuration

4. Material

5. Machine power

6. Cutting method

A larger blade can allow deeper cuts, but the saw must also be designed to support that blade.

Always compare the manufacturer's maximum cutting depth rather than assuming blade diameter equals cutting depth.

For example, the current Boom & Bucket lineup includes handheld saws designed for several-inch cuts as well as a specialized Husqvarna chain saw capable of much deeper cutting.

Concrete Saw Blade Types

The blade is one of the most important components of a concrete saw.

Common options include:

1. Segmented diamond blades: Fast cutting and useful for general concrete work.

2. Continuous-rim blades: Designed for smoother, more controlled cuts in suitable materials.

3. Turbo blades: Balance cutting speed and finish.

4. Concrete-specific blades: Designed for cured or green concrete depending on the application.

5. Asphalt blades: Designed specifically for asphalt and abrasive materials.

Match the blade to the material, saw, cutting method, and manufacturer's specifications.

Wet vs. Dry Cutting

Wet Cutting

Water is supplied to the blade during cutting. It can:

1. Reduce dust

2. Cool the blade

3. Help control heat

4. Extend blade performance in appropriate applications

OSHA identifies continuous water delivery as an engineering control for several concrete-cutting tasks involving respirable crystalline silica.

Dry Cutting

Dry cutting doesn't use water and can be useful where water isn't practical, but it can generate significantly more dust.

For construction work involving silica-containing materials, dust-control requirements should be considered before choosing a dry-cutting method. OSHA specifically addresses silica exposure from cutting concrete, stone, brick, and other materials.

Gas vs. Electric

Gas-Powered Concrete Saws

Advantages:

1. Portable

2. No electrical connection required

3. Suitable for outdoor jobs

Useful for extended cutting operations

Electric Concrete Saws

Advantages:

1. No direct exhaust emissions during operation

2. Useful where electrical power is available

3. Can be suitable for controlled or indoor environments

Compare:

Power → Runtime → Noise → Maintenance → Operating environment

The right power source depends on where and how frequently the saw will be used.

How Much Does a Concrete Saw Cost?

Concrete saw prices vary according to:

1. Saw type

2. Blade diameter

3. Cutting depth

4. Engine or motor

5. Brand

6. New vs. used

7. Operating hours

8. Condition

Don't forget to budget for diamond blades, water systems, maintenance, transportation, and repairs.

For professional operations, total ownership cost can be more important than the initial purchase price.

New vs. Used + Inspection

New Concrete Saws

Advantages:

1. Warranty

2. New components

3. Latest features

4. Lower immediate repair risk

Used Concrete Saws

Advantages:

1. Lower upfront cost

2. Potentially better value

3. Access to proven commercial models

Used Saw Inspection Checklist

Check:

1. Engine or motor

2. Blade shaft

3. Blade guard

4. Blade mounting system

5. Belts

6. Bearings

7. Water delivery system

8. Wheels

9. Frame

10. Handles

11. Depth adjustment

12. Hour meter

13. Service history

Run the saw if possible and listen for excessive vibration, unusual bearing noise, engine problems, or inconsistent blade rotation.

Safety and Maintenance

Concrete cutting combines rotating blades, debris, noise, and potentially hazardous silica dust.

Basic practices include:

1. Use the correct blade guard.

2. Inspect the blade before operation.

3. Wear appropriate PPE.

4. Follow the manufacturer's operating instructions.

5. Keep bystanders away from the cutting area.

6. Use appropriate dust-control measures.

7. Maintain water-delivery systems where applicable.

8. Keep blades properly mounted and maintained.

Silica exposure is a significant consideration when cutting concrete and masonry. OSHA states that respirable crystalline silica can be generated when workers cut, saw, grind, drill, or crush materials containing silica.

For covered construction tasks, OSHA's Table 1 specifies engineering and work-practice controls for equipment including handheld power saws and walk-behind saws.

Maintenance Checklist

Regularly inspect:

1. Engine oil

2. Air filter

3. Belts

4. Blade

5. Blade shaft

6. Bearings

7. Water lines

8. Wheels

9. Fasteners

10. Guards

Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for service intervals.

How to Choose the Right Saw

Use this simple process:

Identify the material → Measure cutting depth → Choose saw type → Select blade → Choose wet or dry method → Select power source Compare portability → Set budget

Quick Decision Guide

Small repair → Handheld saw

Deep cut → Specialized deep-cut saw

Long slab cut → Walk-behind saw

Outdoor job → Gas-powered option

Controlled indoor environment → Appropriate electric saw

Silica-containing material → Use an appropriate dust-control method

The best concrete saw is the one that matches the material, depth, workload, environment, and safety requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of saw is best for cutting concrete?

The best concrete saw depends on the cutting depth, material, job size, and required portability. Handheld saws suit smaller jobs, while walk-behind saws are better for longer and deeper cuts.

How deep can a concrete saw cut?

Cutting depth varies by saw and blade configuration. Always check the manufacturer's rated maximum cutting depth for the specific machine and blade.

Should I wet-cut or dry-cut concrete?

Wet cutting can help control dust and cool the blade. For silica-containing materials, appropriate engineering and work-practice controls should be used according to applicable requirements.

What blade is best for cutting concrete?

Diamond blades are commonly used for concrete, but the correct blade depends on the concrete type, cutting method, saw, and manufacturer's recommendations.

Is a handheld or walk-behind concrete saw better?

Handheld saws provide greater portability, while walk-behind saws offer better stability and are generally better suited to longer or deeper cuts.

What should I check when buying a used concrete saw?

Inspect the engine or motor, blade shaft, guard, belts, bearings, water system, wheels, depth adjustment, frame, operating hours, and maintenance history.

Conclusion

Selecting the right concrete saw depends on the specific needs of your project, including the thickness of the concrete, the required cutting depth, and the volume of work. For general use, the Husqvarna K770 and the Stihl TS 800 are excellent choices, offering a balance of power and maneuverability. For deeper and more specialized cuts, the Husqvarna K970 Chain Saw and the Wacker Neuson BFS 1345 provide the necessary capabilities. Investing in a high-quality concrete saw will ensure efficiency and longevity, making your construction projects smoother and more professional.