Compare Husqvarna, Stihl, Makita, Milwaukee, ICS, and Norton Clipper to find the right saw for your next cutting job
Cutting concrete, asphalt, or masonry calls for a saw built for the job, and the brand behind it matters almost as much as the blade. Husqvarna, Stihl, Makita, Milwaukee, ICS, and Norton Clipper each build reliable machines, but they're not interchangeable. A homeowner slicing a control joint in a patio slab has very different needs than a contractor cutting a trench line through 8 inches of reinforced concrete. This guide breaks down how the top concrete saw brands stack up, when a walk behind saw beats a handheld model, and what it actually costs to rent one instead of buying outright.
Concrete Saw Rental: Common Questions
- How much does it cost to rent a concrete saw?
- Handheld concrete saws typically rent for $50 to $90 per day or $150 to $250 per week. Walk behind concrete saws run higher, usually $150 to $300 per day and $500 to $900 per week, depending on horsepower and blade diameter. Pricing varies by local provider and by brand, so it's worth comparing a few listings in your area before booking.
- Do I need to pick up the saw or can it be delivered?
- Both options exist depending on the provider. Handheld saws are light enough for most renters to pick up themselves, while walk behind models (which can weigh 150 to 300 pounds) are often available for delivery for an added fee. Check the listing details for pickup windows and delivery radius before you book.
- Is a deposit required to rent a concrete saw?
- Most rental providers require a refundable deposit, typically ranging from $100 to $500 depending on the saw's value and size. Some shops also hold a credit card authorization instead of a cash deposit. Deposit terms are set by each individual provider, so confirm the amount when you reserve.
- What's the difference between a walk behind and handheld concrete saw for rental purposes?
- Handheld saws are best for shallow cuts, control joints, and detail work in tight spaces. Walk behind saws handle deep, straight cuts across driveways, slabs, and roadways with far less operator fatigue. If you're unsure which fits your project, this comparison of walk behind vs handheld concrete saws walks through the tradeoffs in detail.
- Do rental concrete saws come with blades included?
- Some do, some don't. Many providers include a standard diamond blade in the rental price, but specialty blades (for asphalt, rebar-heavy concrete, or green concrete) may cost extra or need to be purchased separately. Always confirm blade inclusion and blade type before your rental date.
- How long can I rent a concrete saw for?
- Most providers offer hourly, daily, and weekly rates, with weekly rentals offering the best per-day value for multi-day jobs. Monthly rates are available from some providers for larger contractor jobs, though daily and weekly remain the most common rental windows for concrete saws.
- Which brand of concrete saw is easiest to rent locally?
- Husqvarna and Norton Clipper walk behind saws tend to be widely stocked across local rental networks, alongside generic and Edco-branded units. Availability shifts by region, so searching your zip code is the fastest way to see what's on hand near you.
How the Top Concrete Saw Brands Compare
Stihl dominates the handheld cut-off saw category, particularly for gas-powered models used in flatwork and emergency cutting (utility crews and first responders rely on Stihl saws for a reason). Makita and Milwaukee compete hard in the corded and cordless handheld space, appealing to homeowners and remodelers who want lighter tools for occasional use without the fumes or maintenance of a gas engine.
ICS built its reputation on chainsaw-style concrete cutting systems, which excel at plunge cuts and cutting through rebar-reinforced walls or openings where a circular blade saw can't reach. Norton Clipper, a longtime name in abrasive and diamond blade manufacturing, produces dependable walk behind and handheld saws that show up often in rental fleets because of their durability and lower cost of ownership. A Norton walk behind concrete saw is a common sight at rental counters for exactly that reason.
Edco, while not a top-of-mind consumer brand, is another name worth recognizing in rental listings. Their walk behind saws, like this Edco walk behind concrete saw, are built specifically for the rental market and hold up well under rotating use by different operators.
Choosing Between Walk Behind and Handheld Saws
Handheld saws are lighter, more maneuverable, and better suited to shorter cuts, corners, detail work, and jobs in tight or elevated spaces where a walk behind unit simply can't fit. They're also the more approachable option for a first-time renter tackling a single patio repair or a small demo project.
If you're still weighing the two, our full breakdown of walk behind vs handheld concrete saws covers cut depth, weight, and control differences in more detail. And if your project might actually call for demolition rather than cutting, it's worth reading jackhammer vs concrete saw rental before you book anything.
What Rental Pricing Typically Looks Like
A 14 HP walk behind concrete saw sits toward the lower end of the walk behind category price-wise, while larger units built for wet cutting, like an 18-inch wet saw, tend to run a bit higher due to water delivery systems and dust suppression hardware.
Weekly rentals almost always beat renting day by day if your project runs more than two or three days. Delivery adds convenience for the larger walk behind units, most of which weigh well over 150 pounds and aren't practical to move in a standard vehicle without a truck bed or trailer.
Concrete Saw Brand Comparison at a Glance
| Brand / Type | Best For | Typical Cut Depth | Daily Rental Range |
|---|---|---|---|
Deep commercial cuts, trenching | Up to 20+ inches | $180 - $300 | |
General contractor and rental fleet use | Up to 14 inches | $150 - $250 | |
Rental-grade durability, driveway/sidewalk work | Up to 18 inches | $160 - $270 | |
Fast field cuts, utility and emergency use | 4 - 6 inches | $60 - $90 | |
Homeowner and remodel projects, indoor use | 2 - 4 inches | $50 - $75 | |
Cordless convenience, light-duty cuts | 2 - 4 inches | $50 - $80 | |
Plunge cuts, rebar walls, openings | Up to 16 inches (plunge) | $100 - $200 |