If you're just starting out a contracting business or want to expand the services you offer, or want to tackle your own home renovation projects, you will probably want to invest in concrete saws. Trying to cut through concrete with a standard saw is usually ineffective and only results in broken blades, as well as broken concrete, and a lot of dust. Since cutting through concrete is not like cutting through any other material, note a few tips for choosing the right type of concrete saw in particular, so you get one that will work for you.

Power

Usually you can choose between electric, hydraulic and pneumatic saws when choosing a concrete saw. Electric saws are good for indoor use, as pneumatic saws require a generator that will emit some fumes and emission. As such, they need lots of ventilation. An electric saw is also typically lightweight and easy to transport since you don't need a separate generator.

A hydraulic saw is good for beginners who may be getting accustomed to working with concrete. If a blade should get stuck as you cut, which is common for those not skilled in cutting through concrete, you can just release the air pressure in a hydraulic saw and the blade should come loose. Otherwise, you may struggle to pull the blade out from where it's wedged.

A pneumatic saw with a diesel generator may be the most powerful type, so if you're thinking of cutting through thick concrete such as in a basement floor or home's foundation, this can be the best choice.

Versatility

Many concrete saws are meant for a particular application; diamond chainsaws, as an example, are made just like regular chainsaws and are used to cut through walls or loose pieces of concrete. Floor saws are attached to a type of stand that the operator walks behind and uses as a guide to cut straight lines on a floor.

For the most versatility, you might opt for what is called a cut-off saw. This is a handheld saw with an open blade that can be used to cut through walls but which can also be attached to a floor saw stand and used for cutting through concrete floors. A cut-off machine also typically has the most versatility when it comes to changing out the blades; it may accommodate a standard diamond-tipped blade for cutting through concrete or a wire-covered blade that is better for asphalt and other softer surfaces and materials.