I found this info about cutoff saws, comparing several saw brands for several different characteristics. Thought it might be worth a read, if you're in the market for a saw and don't already have a favorite brand.
Since both of our cut off saws are downed right now. Not surprising, the Husqvarna rated well, as did Partner. Frankly, this year the cut off saws have been very unreliable tools for us. They run like crazy, thgen decide to stop. Problems range from dirty stuff in carb, to wrecked clutches, to bad coils, slow/no starting.
I'm getting sick of it. Up until this year, these were tools that required very little maintenance. I probably will buy 3 more Husqvarnas and keep the partner as a spare. The other thing that is not acceptable is how often the recoil ropes break. I realize the hardened sludge is abrasive, but it gets prettty old seeing them down as they are.
I would like to see the rescue people take tests on one year old two year old, three year old saws.
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Bill Schwab
In the year 1491, if the Naturescape Landscape Company did the site work in Pisa, Italy, they would not be calling it the "leaning" tower.
Bill mentions the problem with the recoil ropes breaking, we have the same situation (also a recurring theme on other equipment, especially Hondas). Does someone make a rope made of more durable material that would alleviate this. Some sort of rope with "titanium threads" or something interwoven....
I surrendered to the breaking rope a few years back. we have a complete recoil in the tol box for the ones that break often. that way we replace the rope stress free, and just replace the whole unit. I only wish there was a rope out there that endured all the abuse given.
__________________
Bill Schwab
In the year 1491, if the Naturescape Landscape Company did the site work in Pisa, Italy, they would not be calling it the "leaning" tower.
I use the Stihl elasto-start cords on all our saws - they'll still break, but they seem to be made of a material that lasts longer, and the "elasto" part of it makes them a bit easier on the puller.
But we always have at least one spare sitting in a tool box on site, ready to go.
I thought it was interesting that they measured things I wouldn't have considered, like fuel consumption rates (and the corresponding issue of how many times you have to stop and fill the tank), fuel tank size and other stuff.
The PDF you can download at the top right of the screen seems to combine the results of the specs and the human factors - interesting which saws came out on top, which at the bottom. Not surprising I guess that Hilti doesn't sell saws anymore.
same with the stilh saws....... cords wear through, like the pave grit gets in the housing and starts the wear process, I now keep a back-up saw (new stilh 400) close by incase of a break down ,always seems like it breaks when you are cutting the very last few pavers.
the rental store I rent from carries hilti, but their inventory never seems to diminish! I used one once and never again, about threw it over the hill because it didnt have the power and it was suposed to be comparable to stihl400
These are links to some more testing info on Quick Cut saws. First is general comments of different makes relative to one another, second is comparative specs.
I started out with a Chinese knock-off of a PartnerK700 (at 1/4 the price). I killed one within the month and had t replaced under warranty - the next lasted 3 months... I have now got a genuine Partner and it was definitely worth the extra spend - smoother running and more powerful! I just hope it lasts longer as well.
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