Husqvarna K970 Power Cutter

The Husqvarna K970 is a heavy-duty gas power cutter with a 93.6 cc engine, built for cutting concrete, stone, asphalt, and steel. Tree and site crews reach for the K970 saw when roots run under hardscape or a removal needs a curb, slab, or pipe cut.

Where a power cutter fits a tree business

Most arborists never need a cut-off saw until the day they do. Roots heave a sidewalk and the city wants the slab cut back. A stump sits against a curb or a retaining wall. Storm cleanup leaves a steel fence or pipe tangled in a trunk. The K970 handles those jobs, cutting concrete, stone, asphalt, and steel with the right blade.

It is also a common rental-yard and contractor saw, so crews who do hardscape or site prep alongside tree work often own one.

Engine and blades

The 93.6 cc engine gives the K970 the power to keep blade speed up in thick concrete without bogging. The standard model runs a 14 in blade, and a 16 in version gives a deeper cut. Choose a diamond blade matched to the material: a general-purpose concrete blade for slabs and curbs, an asphalt blade for paving, and an abrasive or diamond blade rated for steel when cutting metal.

Always check that the blade's maximum RPM rating is above the saw's spindle speed and that the arbor fits.

Diamond blades last much longer than abrasive wheels in concrete and stone and keep a more consistent cutting depth as they wear. Abrasive wheels still have a place for steel and occasional jobs, but wear down quickly and need to be checked for damage before every use.

Dust, kickback, and safe use

Cutting concrete and stone releases respirable crystalline silica. Use the water kit for wet cutting, follow OSHA's silica rules, and wear a respirator when required. Add eye and face protection, hearing protection, gloves, and sturdy boots.

Power cutters can kick back and climb if the blade pinches or the top quadrant contacts the work. Cut with the lower part of the blade, support the work so the kerf opens rather than closes, and keep bystanders out of the spark and debris path. Read the operator's manual and get trained before running one.

Never cut with the blade above shoulder height, and do not use the K970 on a ladder. Start the saw on the ground with the blade clear, and let it reach full speed before entering the cut.

Price and upkeep

The K970 typically sells for around $1,600 to $1,700 as a bare saw, usually without a diamond blade. Budget for blades, the water kit if not included, filters, and spare plugs. Keep the air filters clean, since dust is the main enemy of a cut-off saw engine. See the rest of our power equipment for jobsite tools.

If you only need a power cutter a few times a year, renting may make more sense than owning. If your crew regularly handles root and hardscape conflicts, owning the K970 saves time and rental costs.

Write down the blade type and hours on each blade so you know when to replace it, and store blades flat in a dry place to keep them true.