Stihl or Husqvarna Concrete Saws: Which is Best for You?

In the market for brand-new concrete saws? Whether you’re cutting concrete on a major construction site or working in the backyard at home, having the right concrete saw makes a world of difference. In the world of professional-grade concrete cutting tools, two brands are synonymous with quality – Stihl and Husqvarna.

To help you out, we’re about to take a closer look at what the Stihl and Husqvarna concrete saws offer, diving into what makes each brand unique and which machines might be best suited to your worksite.

Getting to Know the Brands

Stihl: German Precision

Stihl is a household name in outdoor power tools, and for good reason. Originally founded in Germany in 1926, the brand has become well-known for quality engineering and product innovation. Stihl concrete saws are particularly popular in Australia, and this is largely due to their durability, user-friendly designs, and reliable performance in rugged conditions.

Another area where Stihl has made a name is their ability to create professional tools that are both powerful and compact. From heavy-duty petrol-powered models to cleaner battery-powered options, there’s a tool for nearly every job.

They’re also available across the country, with extensive parts and servicing networks.

Husqvarna: Swedish Engineering

Hailing from Sweden, Husqvarna has been a global leader in construction and landscaping equipment for countless decades. As a company, they’ve always placed a heavy emphasis on innovation, power, and ergonomics, and that certainly holds true for their current line of concrete saws.

Husqvarna concrete saws are commonly used on major building sites because of their power-to-weight ratio, cutting performance, and lower vibration levels, features that make a huge difference over long shifts.

At B.W. Machinery, we stock some of Husqvarna’s most popular and well-reviewed models, all of which offer high-performance cutting for concrete and masonry jobs.

Feature Comparison: Stihl vs Husqvarna

So, how do these two brands line up head to head? Let’s have a closer look:

1. Power and Performance

Husqvarna concrete saws generally lead the pack in raw power. If you’re after maximum output, the K970 outpaces the TS 500i with a solid 4.8kW. This extra grunt is really useful for deeper cuts and tougher materials.

However, Stihl’s electronic fuel injection on the TS 500i makes for more efficient fuel use and a smoother throttle response, especially in varying cutting conditions.

The Stihl TS500i Cut-Off Saw – Order Online or Pickup in Store Today!

2. Comfort and Vibration

Both brands have invested heavily in anti-vibration systems, but Husqvarna often comes out ahead in terms of user comfort. Their saws have consistently lower vibration ratings, which reduces fatigue — especially important if you’re cutting for hours at a time.

That said, Stihl’s compact design and ergonomic handles also make their saws easy to manoeuvre and carry.

3. Ease of Maintenance

Stihl’s X2 and Husqvarna’s Active Air Filtration systems both aim to extend filter life and reduce service intervals. In practice, both are highly effective, but Stihl has the edge in terms of simplicity; especially with the tool-free filter cover design found on the TS 420 and TS 500i.

4. Starting Systems

Stihl’s TS 500i models come with electronic injection and an easy-start system, making cold starts and restarts quicker and more reliable. Husqvarna’s saws still start easily, but they use more traditional pull-start systems.

Stihl Concrete Saws at B.W. Machinery

At BW Machinery, we stock a great selection of premium Stihl concrete saws, all of which are built to handle Australia’s tough conditions. Here are some of the popular options available:

Stihl TS 420 Concrete Saw

This is one of Stihl’s most popular all-rounders. The TS 420 is a 350mm (14”) petrol cut-off saw designed for professional use. It comes with Stihl’s X2 air filtration system, which drastically reduces the need for maintenance and filter replacement.

The TS 420 is well-balanced and compact, making it a great fit for cutting through concrete, asphalt, and stone. It also features anti-vibration technology, which reduces user fatigue during extended use.

The TS 420 saw is:

• Low weight & highly manoeuvrable
• Economical with low emissions & high torque
• Long life air filter system for less maintenance
• Compatible with STIHL FW 20 cart for easy long cuts

Please note, this is exclusively available for click & collect at our Kingston, Oakleigh and Ringwood stores.

Stihl TS 500i Concrete Saw

The TS 500i steps things up with Stihl’s Electronic Fuel Injection, delivering a noticeable boost in torque and cutting performance. This saw is a beast in the best way — powerful, fuel-efficient, and easier to start than traditional petrol saws.

Some of its notable features include:

• World first constant fuel-injection for superior power
• Very low vibration & easy starting
• Fingertip water control for better dust suppression
• Long life air filter system

Thanks to its smart injection system, it adjusts fuel flow to match the load, meaning less stalling and smoother performance. It’s ideal for jobs where precision and speed matter.

Husqvarna Concrete Saws at B.W. Machinery

Husqvarna’s range available at B.W. Machinery covers both entry-level and heavy-duty saws. Their machines are known for offering exceptional power, long blade life, and excellent ergonomics.

K770 Concrete Saw

The K770 is the workhorse of the Husqvarna line-up — and it’s one of the most well-balanced saws on the market. It features a smart tensioning system for easier belt adjustment and is designed to reduce vibrations significantly.

The K770 concrete saw offers all of the following advantages:

• Light and powerful: A light, compact, and powerful machine with a superior power-to-weight ratio.
  
• Exceptionally low vibrations: Vibrations below 2.5 m/s² in the cutter handles provide more comfort and allow for longer operation periods.
  
• Long service intervals: Features a strong Poly-V belt, maintenance-free DuraStarter™, and efficient Active Air Filtration™ system for extended service intervals.
  
• Easy to start: Designed with a unique carburetor, cylinder, and digital ignition system, plus air purge and decompression valve for quick and easy starts.
  

The Husqvarna K970 – Pick Yours Up Today at BW Machinery!

K970 Concrete Saw

For those needing more grunt, the K970 delivers. This saw can cut deeper and handle tougher materials with ease. It’s made for demanding jobs where you’re dealing with reinforced concrete, thick masonry, or multiple cuts across a large area.

The K970 is built with Husqvarna’s Active Air Filtration system for extended life, and an efficient vibration-dampening system, so you can stay productive for longer without wearing yourself out.

The K970 comes with all of the following benefits:

• Easy and optimal belt tensioning: The semi-automatic SmartTension minimises the risk of under- and over-tensioning.

• Sturdy and reliable: Less sensitive to external conditions and fuel variations due to the cylinder design and muffler with integrated heat deflector.

• Easy to start: Features a uniquely designed carburettor, cylinder, and digital ignition system, along with air purge and decompression valve for easy starting.

• Long service intervals: A strong Poly-V belt, maintenance-free DuraStarter™, and efficient Active Air Filtration™ system provide extended service intervals.

So, Which One’s Best for You?

Still on the fence? If you live in or around Melbourne, feel free to stop by any one of our stores to view them up close and chat with an in-house expert. Otherwise, simply read through our detailed product descriptions and place an order online–we ship to all corners of Australia!

Here’s a quick guide based on different user needs:

• For General Construction and Versatility: Both the Stihl TS 420 and Husqvarna K770 are excellent. Choose based on your brand loyalty and comfort preference.
  
• For Maximum Cutting Power: Husqvarna K970 is the clear winner.
  
• For High-Tech Performance with Less Effort: Stihl TS 500i is hard to beat.
  
• For Comfort Over Long Hours: Husqvarna’s lower vibrations may be a better fit.
  

If you’re a contractor needing multiple saws across different sites, a mix of Stihl and Husqvarna could actually give you the best of both worlds.

Final Thoughts

It’s really hard to go wrong with either a Stihl or a Husqvarna concrete saw. It isn’t about one being universally better – but rather finding what’s best for you. Both brands produce rugged, high-quality machines that are trusted by industry professionals across Australia.

If you’re looking to buy from a reputable supplier, we stock a fantastic selection of models from both brands. You can order right here online or pop down to one of our stores in Melbourne for expert advice and guidance.