Review of the 10 best gas cutters for professional builders

A petrol cutter is something between a circular saw and a grinder with a petrol engine. The petrol cutter is capable of cutting concrete, asphalt, pipes, brick - everything that a regular saw cannot handle. Depending on the model, they cut to a depth of 95 to 400 mm; a large grinder with a 230-th disk will barely cut 95 mm. This tool is loved by builders and rescuers for its high power and independence from the mains. In five minutes it can make a perfectly smooth opening in a reinforced concrete wall without dust:

But here’s how they did it the old fashioned way using a wall chaser and a hammer drill - long, crooked, difficult:

The advantages of the tool are obvious.
In this article you will find an overview of popular models and what to look for when choosing. The main characteristics of the tool are given in the table: Table of main selection criteria

Hitachi CM75EAP – from 42,000 rub.

The cheapest tool - other manufacturers charge at least 30% more. From a technical point of view, the device turned out to be successful. There is vibration on the handle. It starts easily, there is a characteristic “clunking” sound at idle, but this is the norm for this model. Suitable for working with metal, but difficult to work with concrete. Characteristics of Hitachi CM75EAP

Echo CSG-680 – from RUB 60,600.

A successful model, despite some problems with ergonomics. The device is not lightweight, and poor weight distribution “adds” a couple of kilos. From a technical point of view everything is fine:

• a simple and therefore reliable diaphragm carburetor - the gas cutter works in any position;
• automatic ignition timing system compensates for low engine power;
• no problems with belt tension - the tension system is designed for people;

Characteristics of Echo CSG-680

Owners may find it useful - a video about setting up a carburetor:

Design features

The main component of the gas cutter is the engine. Most often this is a two-stroke gasoline engine, running on a combustible mixture of oil and gasoline. It is enclosed in a plastic case with 2 special handles and controls. The working tool is a cutting disk with a diameter of 350-400 mm, which is connected to the engine by a drive belt.

Most models have a multi-stage dust protection system that prevents contamination of the cylinder-piston group and carburetor. In addition, water cooling of the working surface is often used. Such a system is necessary to eliminate dust microparticles from the work area and prevent wear of the cutting tool.

Makita EK7650H – from RUB 49,154. rub.

Semi-professional model with wet cutting function.
A distinctive feature of the model is its four-stroke engine. This is probably the first gas cutter from Makita that does not cause any complaints. Technically, the tool is as simple as a hammer, maintenance, repairs are simple and cheap. The tool fits well in the hand, vibrations on the handle are insignificant. Comfortable to work - suitable for long periods of work. Specifications Makita EK7301

Suitable for private teams involved in repairs and small construction. Makita has provided a universal trolley to use the model as a seam cutter.

The cart is comfortable and has a tank for wet cutting. Branded fasteners allow you to quickly attach the tool. But in my opinion, the price of the cart is three times too high.

Scope of application

Due to their autonomy, gas cutters can be used in any place inaccessible to a power tool. Their main area of ​​application is various open construction sites. These tools are actively used in summer cottages and country cottages, as well as in finishing industrial premises where electricity is not provided.

Petrol cutters are actively used by rescue and fire services around the world. With the help of such a tool, you can quickly enter a closed room, open the body of a car, or dismantle a blockage. Autonomous circular saws are used when performing high-rise work, repairing industrial equipment and road infrastructure. Along with gas torches, gas cutters are used when cutting steels with low carbon content.

Wacker Neuson BTS 635 S – from RUB 65,000.

This model is suitable for cutting metal and concrete rings, but a reinforced concrete wall is difficult to use with this model.
Like all Wacker Neuson instruments, this model is the most pleasant experience to work with. The device is technically simple, the body is durable, well protected from dust and moisture - hence the long service life and service interval. Characteristics of Wacker Neuson BTS 635 S

Wacker Neuson also provides a trolley for the BTS series gas cutters. Unified for wacker models, tank for wet cutting 20 liters.

The decision, again, is dubious - the price for them starts from 45,000 rubles. For high-quality cutting of seams in a concrete screed, a gas cutter on a trolley does not have enough weight - the machine periodically throws. A machine on a trolley is no substitute for a good seam cutter.

The following video shows how this model copes with a concrete slab:

Owner reviews

Sergey, Stary Oskol: “I’ve been working with the Stihl 420 model for several years. The body is made of durable materials, well built. The balancing of this model is excellent both in horizontal and vertical operation. It fits comfortably in your hands thanks to the special handle. The unit is not light: about 10 kg. Horizontal cutting does not cause discomfort, but when cutting vertically, your hands get tired quickly. The engine is powerful and revvy, with moderate appetite. Over several years of operation, if malfunctions did occur, they were minor.”

Vasily, Zvenigorod: “I bought a Makita DPC 7330 to work on a suburban area. I used to have a chain cutter, but I needed a more versatile tool. I was attracted by the presence of a 5-stage air protection system, which extends the service life. The engine starts easily thanks to electronic ignition. The cutting disc allows you to make deep cuts. The sound during operation is loud, like all gas cutters. The main thing for beginners is to avoid overheating and heavy loads on the disk.”

Oleo-Mac 983TTA-14 – RUB 73,990.

The Oleo-Mac tool requires careful attention and is capricious in terms of fuels and lubricants.
You need to monitor the tension of the drive belt. It is difficult to get spare parts for Oleo-Mac. Regarding this motor cutter, there are no critical design flaws; the model is suitable for semi-professional use. There are slight vibrations on the handle, and, subjectively, an uncomfortable grip. Characteristics of Oleo-Mac 983TTA-14

The video shows the model in action. You may notice difficulty starting the gas cutter - in cold weather this is normal for two-stroke engines.

Do-it-yourself petrol cutter

To save money, craftsmen can try to assemble the instrument themselves from available materials. A petrol cutter for asphalt or other material is made from the following items:

• chainsaw;
• grinder head assembly;
• tires;
• pulleys;
• belt.

The design of a gas cutter is as follows:

1. The belt is located along the axis of the tire.
2. The pulley is fixed to the sprocket.
3. The gear in the grinder assembly has been removed. It is machined and a pulley is made to fit its dimensions, which is welded.
4. The tires are shortened and welded.
5. The attachment is removable and, if necessary, the chainsaw can be used for its intended purpose.

Solo 881-14 – from RUB 81,044.

The most resourceful tool on the list, it will cope equally well with a thick-walled pipe and a reinforced concrete wall.
The advantages of the device are its lightness and good weight distribution. A technically complex device - equipped with a unique fuel mixing system, a self-cleaning filter, and a decompression system at startup. There are problems with heat removal; short breaks in work are necessary. Characteristics of Solo 881-14

The Solo motor cutter is equipped with a unique iLube system, which itself prepares the fuel-oil mixture depending on the load. About this system and other goodies of the model in the video:

Husqvarna K1260 – from RUB 85,390.

The power of this tool is higher than those presented in the article.
This is a professional model, supports wet cutting function. The tool is equipped with a decompression valve, so starting does not cause problems. The tool is heavy, but thanks to good weight distribution, working with it does not cause problems. There are no vibrations on the handle. Disadvantages include large dimensions and significant weight. There is a version of this model with a device for mounting on rails, called the K 1260 Rail model. Specifications Husqvarna K 1260

Watch the video to see how this device copes with cutting a rail:

What is a petrol cutter?

The tool is a self-contained yet compact circular saw equipped with a special rotating disk with a cutting edge. A petrol cutter is a device that, unlike its close relative, is capable of cutting hard rocks and materials. Thanks to the high speed of rotation of the disk, the tool can cut various products of impressive thickness in a short period of time. The main advantage is the possibility of use where there is no electricity. Today, the market offers household, semi-professional and professional models.

Petrol cutter device

When purchasing such a tool, it is important to understand that this is the most massive equipment, so special transport carts will be needed to use it. Regardless of the model, the main elements of the device are:

• frame;
• engine;
• chain drive;
• coated disk;
• lever;
• protective casing.

The cost of the product is directly related to the quality and size of the disc. Petrol cutters for metal are divided into groups for wet and dry cutting. In the first version, the device is additionally equipped with a casing with liquid supplied through special tubes to the material being processed and the disk. The cost of this equipment is much higher than those that do not have it.

The principle of operation of a gas cutter

The engine runs on a mixture of gasoline and oil. After switching on, the disk begins to perform rotational movements, due to which the desired surface is cut. To understand how to work with a gas cutter, it is worth knowing the features of these manipulations:

• the cutting depth is limited by the diameter of the disk;
• It is recommended to use a small sector when cutting;
• The gas cutter must be held at right angles to the surface being worked on;
• special wheels are used to cut different materials;
• Diamond discs are consumables that quickly deteriorate.

Stihl TS-800 – from RUB 71,990.

Shtil makes high-quality chainsaws, and gas cutters are not inferior in quality.
I like the Stil for its simple design and availability of spare parts. Familiar builders who are regulars at my service speak flatteringly about this and the younger 420 model. The main problem with calms is that they are counterfeited. Characteristics of Stihl TS-800

A specialist from the 220 Volt store talks about the Stihl 800 and the younger model 420:

The “eight hundredth” calm ends the rail:

9. Husqvarna K 760 Cut-n-Break - from RUB 108,482.

The unique Husqvarna gas cutter cuts to a depth of up to 400 mm.
Suitable for builders who cut a lot of door and window openings. But the price is also high, so you have to calculate the benefits of using such a tool. But it is cheaper than using a large wall saw - such a device is more compact, and there are fewer diamond blades and therefore cheaper. As for the technical side, everything is sound, high quality and reliable. There is a wet cutting function. Specifications Husqvarna K 760 Cut-n-Break

In the following video you can see the technology for sequential cutting of a window opening using this model:

And here is the same video, but filmed live. Not so accessible, but spectacular:

How to use a gas cutter?

The first thing you need to know when working with a special-purpose tool is compliance with safety precautions. It is important to use the following protection measures:

• glasses and mask;
• headphones;
• helmet;
• clothes made of thick fabric;
• closed shoes and gloves.

It is important to first check the instrument for possible damage. The correct procedure for starting a gas cutter is as follows:

• the instrument is placed on a flat surface;
• the lever is moved to the working area;
• open the air damper;
• start the engine with a sharp movement of the starter handle;
• close the air damper halfway to idle;
• release the shutter lever and press the start button.

Rules for working with a gas cutter

For high-quality and safe use, it is important to adhere to the following recommendations:

1. When performing dry cutting, care must be taken to ensure that the blade does not overheat. Costs every 2 minutes. make a stop.
2. A complete and compact circular saw must have a protective cover.
3. It is important to remember that the gas cutter is designed for straight cutting only.
4. The edge of the saw blade should smoothly touch the work material. Movements should not be sudden or with strong pressure.
5. Work begins after the tool has reached the required speed.
6. The cuts are not made deep to prevent pinching of the disc.
7. It is prohibited to grind products with a working disc. This will lead to cracks and destruction of the cutting edge.
8. The correct position of the gas cutter is on top of the work surface.