Best Walk-Behind Concrete Cutting Saws

The best walk-behind concrete saws will maximize your productivity and efficiency when doing concrete cutting work. It’s no use buying a cheap concrete cutting saw that makes a job take twice as long just so you can have a few extra nickels to rub together at the end of the day. That said, it is possible to find a good quality concrete cutting saw without having to break the bank.

The best self-propelled concrete cutting saw should have superior power and torque, as well as top-of-the-line maneuverability, reliability, and ergonomics. You’ll also want to find a saw that cuts straight and smooth (with low vibration). So, it should come from a quality company that specializes in precision-engineered concrete push saws.

The Best Concrete Saws (Best Push Saws)

The top brand names for self-propelled, walk-behind concrete cutting saws include Husqvarna, MK Diamond, and Cormac. Husqvarna and MK Diamond have both been around for a while and have proven themselves time-and-time again. Cormac is relatively new to the world of concrete cutting saws, having only been around 15 years, but are quickly making a name for themselves.

Concrete flat saws come in several different varieties. The best concrete floor cutting saw is the one that fits the size of the project you’re working on as well as the amount of time you want to spend on the job. However, there are some things to look for when choosing a good concrete cutting saw.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Concrete Push Saw

• Type: Concrete push saws are powered by diesel, gas, electric, and even propane. Diesel packs a lot of power. Gas and diesel are more versatile than electric saws. Propane is a lot cleaner and your engine will last longer, but it’s a bit harder to obtain and stock, and thus more inconvenient. Air-powered concrete saws are available as well. The main advantage with air-powered saws is that their engines are lower maintenance, having no fuel lines or carburetors to maintain.
• Size: There’s a large range of sizes when it comes to concrete saws. The size of the saw you need generally goes hand-in-hand with the size of the blade needed (which is usually project-dependent). Walk-behind saws can range from as small as 60 pounds to over 1,500 pounds. Small to medium-sized saws are good for cutting up driveways, industrial flooring, etc. Large saws are best for roads, parking lots, airport work, etc. Heavier saws will also ensure that your blade is kept straight, so keep that in mind when selecting a saw, don’t just opt for a lighter weight saw for the sake of convenience.
• Output Power: Small-sized push saws are generally less than 13-hp. Mid-sized saws are 13-35-hp and large saws are 35-hp and up. 13-hp saws are going to be used for residential projects and for those looking more for ease of transport than a workhorse. They’re generally going to cut less than four inches deep. If you plan on making at least four-inch cuts several times a week, opt for a mid-sized saw in the 13-35 hp range. If you’re going to use your saw more than this and make much deeper cuts, you’ll need a saw with 35+ hp. Also, if you’re in a particularly hot area where concrete cures quickly, opt for higher hp since the concrete will be much harder to cut.
• Max Cutting Depth: Depending on what type of project you’re working on, you might encounter various depths throughout the project. Look for a max cutting depth that’s large enough for the project. Most concrete cutting saws also have the ability to control the cut depth and some even come with a cutting depth indicator.
• Max Blade Diameter: Many push saws allow for blades to switched out and can use a wide variety of blade sizes. However, if you have a project that requires a 25-inch cut, you need to have a saw with at least twice that for its max blade diameter.
• Safety Features: Any time you’re using any type of push saw the level of danger is high, and even more so with a walk-behind saw. Some safety features you might look for are high-temperature shut-off, self-lubrication, emergency kill switch, maintenance reminder, and almost all walk-behind concrete saws feature a blade guard. Some push saws even offer vibration reduction which not only keeps you safer but also help you to keep a controlled cut.
• Wet or Dry Cutting: When it comes to wet vs. drying cutting, wet cutting is definitely the preferred choice. The bottom line is that it is safer than dry cutting as concrete dust is extremely harmful and there’s no reason to take the risk if you don’t have to. During dry cutting, the blade will wear out faster too. The only time you might consider dry cutting is if the job requires it. Almost all walk-behind concrete cutters are wet cutting saws so the decision has most likely already been made for you.

This is just a small list of the factors to consider when selecting a walk-behind concrete cutter. There are special concrete saws designed especially for green cutting too. If you felt confused after reading the list above, here is some more information you might find helpful when choosing the best walk behind concrete push saw.

Best Walk Behind Concrete Cutting Saws (Push Saws)

The best concrete saw for your project depends on the size and power of the saw you need. We’ve organized this best-of list in terms of project size, based on the horsepower of each saw. Small (less than 13 hp), medium (13 hp to 35 hp), and large (35 hp and up) concrete saws were reviewed and ranked.

Best Small Walk Behind Concrete Saws (Best Light Duty Push Saws)

1. MK Diamond Walk-Behind Concrete Saw (MK-1613H)

MK Diamond has been making quality saws since it was started back in 1868 in San Francisco. The company excels in quality and has not ceased as an industry-leader since they first started. And his walk-behind concrete saw is a case in point and a testament to their legacy.

The MK Diamond MK-1613H walk-behind concrete saw is one of the best concrete saws in the light-duty class. It features a top-of-the-line Honda Cyclone 6.1L gas engine (Honda GX390) which provides 11.7 hp of cutting power. This saw will cut through concrete like butter, up to six and five-eighths inches at 2,700 RPM (no-load).

It is built tough out of 3/16-inch hot-rolled steel and composed of a single chassis. Because of this solid construction, this saw won’t flex during operation the way some other saws in the same class might. The chassis is also powder-coated to ensure it won’t rust, peel or corrode over time.

Blade capacity is up to 18 inches although this saw comes with a 14-inch dry cutting diamond blade. However, the MK-1613H allows for a 6.5 gallon stainless steel water tank (optional, can be purchased here) and can be used with both wet and dry blades. The water supply system supplies water to both side of the blade during cutting. It can cut up to a max-depth of 6-5/8″.

It is capable of cutting with 2″ of an adjacent wall or curb and has a one and a fourth-inch blade shaft and one-inch arbor. Its depth-control mechanism is positive locking and provides smooth blade insertion. With blade guard mounts on both the left and right of the saw blade, it ensures safe operation when cutting as well.

This walk-behind concrete saw weighs 223 lbs. and measures 42″ x 25″ x 39″ (L x W x H). Its wheels measure 8″ by 2-1/4″ (made of non-slip rubber). It also comes with a one-year limited warranty.

See more product specs from the manufacturer.

This concrete saw is compatible with the MK-505 cured concrete blade (wet), the MK-605W green concrete blade, the MK-699D asphalt and green concrete blade, and the MK-705W asphalt blade.

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2. Husqvarna 20″ Walk-Behind Concrete Saw (FS 413)

The Husqvarna FS-413 is another one of the best walk-behind concrete saws in its class. This contractor-grade concrete saw is great for small to medium projects, including sidewalks, driveways and streets. It works great to cut through both asphalt and concrete too.

This concrete saw also features the same gas-powered Honda engine (GX390) as the concrete saw above and so it also offers 11.7 hp of cutting power. It can cut up to a max depth of 7.6 inches with a 20-inch blade (blade not included). The handle bars can also be adjusted which makes operating the machine when cutting much more comfortable.

Also, the depth indicator is bright yellow and easy to read to ensure you get the proper cut. The depth can also be adjusted for whatever blade diameter you wish to use. With its spring assisted raise/lower feature, it’s easy to adjust and locks tight with its positive lock.

Designed for low maintenance, it can operate for up to 250 hours without any maintenance due to its sealed blade shaft system. The mounting system of the blade shaft also allows for low-vibration-use.

It features an emergency kill switch for safety and all controls are listed on the control panel for ease of access (and safety). The control panel is also intuitive and easy to operate.

This walk-behind concrete saw weighs 306 lbs. and measures 19.9″ x 47.24″ (W x H). It has a one-year warranty for both parts and labor. Water tank is not included and must be ordered separately.

Additional Specs:

• Arbor diameter: 1″
• Blade speed: 2,600 RPM
• Fuel tank volume: 206.3 fl oz

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3. CORMAC Walk Behind Concrete Floor Saw (CQ480H)

As a more affordable alternative to the MK Diamond and Husqvarna, the Cormac CQ480H is an excellent choice. In fact, this saw is also equipped with the Honda GX390 but it’s nearly half the cost of the popular brands above. Granted, it’s not a very attractive-looking saw but it offers the same features as the more expensive saws and comes with a free 18-inch blade and a water tank.

The major downfall of this saw is that it is not self-propelled. For many people, that’d be a dealbreaker already. Nevertheless, at 287 lbs. it’s light by comparison to other cutters with the same amount of horsepower. But that doesn’t mean it’s not durable. In fact, it’s built with an all-steel frame that is super-rigid, which cuts down dramatically on vibration. The frame also heavily resists warping with in turn extends not only the life of the machine itself, but the blade as well.

It has easily adjustable handles for superior ergonomics and comfort grip handles for comfortable operation. There’s a manual easy crank lowering system to adjust the blade height. There is also a depth gauge on the side so you can easily see the depth you’re cutting.

The blade guard is hinged and lift easily for blade replacement. It accepts 12 to 18-inch blades and can cut at a depth up to 6-5/8 inches.

The water tank is polyethylene and holds 9.24 gallons. This tank provides excellent water flow to the blade and is easy to remove when it isn’t needed.

Best Medium Walk Behind Concrete Saws (Best Medium Duty Push Saws)

1. MK Diamond Propane Concrete Saw (MK-2025SSP)

The MK-2025SSP by MK Diamond is a propane-powered, 25 hp beast of a concrete saw. The engine is a V-Twin 720 CC Subaru EH72 engine, known for its reliable torque, low fuel consumption and high level of durability. It also utilizes a heavy duty hydro-static transmission with variable speed drive. And being powered by propane, it’s also as green and as clean as it gets.

With its 20-inch blade, it can cut up to a depth of 7-5/8 inches while producing 2,850 RPMs. It has an exceptionally rigid frame (one piece chassis made of 3/16″ hot-rolled steel) that helps cut down on flex and vibration during cutting. Not to mention, the precision engineered control system provides for an ultra-smooth cut, especially when combined with even weight distribution of the engine. And with its ability to travel up to 80 feet per minute, it’ll basically go as fast as you feel you can safely cut.

It has electric start, easily adjustable depth control, and left and right cutting capability. The arbor size is one inch and it fits a wide variety of blades. The blade shaft is 1-3/16″ and it’s supported by two heavy-duty, pillow block bearings that are self-aligning. The blade is protected by a hinged blade guard made of out cast aluminum.

There’s also a built-in tachometer as well as a built-in depth indicator. The wheels are 8″ x 2-1/4″ and made of non-slip rubber for easy operation and are maintenance-free. Water tank is optional and can be ordered separately.

This walk-behind concrete saw measures 46″ x 26″ x 37″ (L x W x H) and comes with a one-year warranty.

This same saw is available in a gas-powered version and comes in at a much lower price point.

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2. MK Diamond Concrete Saw (MK-2024HSP)

If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to the MK-2025SSP, the MK-2024HSP is a great option. Also, those who aren’t interested in propane will love this 22.1 hp dynamo.

This concrete saw is powered by a Honda GX690 698 CC electric-start engine, capable of 35.6 ft-lbs of torque at 2,500 RPM. Although slightly less powerful than the MK-2025SSP above, it’s still a powerhouse, and for nearly a thousand dollars in cost-savings, it’s an attractive replacement.

The specs on this saw are very similar to the MK-20225SSP. The max blade diameter on this saw is 20 inches (blade also not included) with a max cutting depth of 7-5/8″. It’ll cut within 1″ of a wall or curb and has a 1-1/4″ blade shaft.

It is built tough with its one-piece powder-coated chassis and made from the same from 3/16″ hot-rolled steel as the MK-20225SSP.

The walk-behind concrete saw also measures 46″ x 26″ x 37″ and weighs 398 lbs. It comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. Water tank not included.

Additional Specs:

• Self-aligning pillow block bearings
• Depth indicator
• Tachometer and hour meter
• 8″x 2 1/4″ non-slip rubber wheels
• Positive ball bearing screw feed depth feed with hand crank
• Forward travel speed: 0-80’/min
• Arbor size: 1 inch

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Best Large Walk Behind Concrete Saws (Best Heavy Duty Push Saws)

1. Diamond Products Core Cut 71HP Diesel Walk-Behind Concrete Saw (CC6571D)

The Diamond Products CC6571D is one of the best self-propelled concrete saws on the market, period. It’s diesel-powered with a turbo-charged 4-cylinder, 2.6L, 71.1 hp Kubota V2607 engine and can cut through concrete like the champion that it is.

One of the best features on this bad boy is that it is liquid-cooled. This not only extends the life of the saw but it also results in much higher productivity. And perhaps the second best quality of this saw is its incredibly strong frame. Diamond Products even claims it is the “strongest frame on the market.”

For its size, it’s really easy to maneuver and it also has the ability for a user to operate it one-handed. With propelling power to move it at a speed of 0-200’/min, it’s one of the fastest on the market as well. It also has an easily visible blade shaft tachometer positioned to give you true blade speed. It also has an hour meter and is equipped with a parking brake.

It has a 2-inch blade shaft and is capable of handling a 14 to 42-inch blade. It uses an electro-hydraulic pump to raise and lower the blade. Its oil bath blade shaft also comes equipped on the saw as a standard feature. The arbor size is one inch.

The fuel capacity on this walk-behind cutting saw is 9 gallons. Dimensions are 62″ x 33-3/4″ x 55-1/2″. The blade guard is removable to ensure it fits through a 36″ door frame.

Overall, this walk-behind concrete cutting saw is definitely the best concrete cutting saw on the market. Well worth the price if you can afford it.