Husqvarna K 970 vs K 770 vs Stihl TS 420
Three of the most-bought 14-inch handheld cut-off saws on the trade. Same blade fit. Different power, weight, and price. Here's the decision framework.
Husqvarna K 970
93.6cc · 6.5 hp · 23.4 lb
View blade picks →
Best One-Saw PickHusqvarna K 770
74cc · 5 hp · 22.4 lb
View blade picks →
LightestStihl TS 420
66.7cc · 4.4 hp · 21.5 lb
View blade picks →
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Husqvarna K 970 | Husqvarna K 770 | Stihl TS 420 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine displacement | 93.6 cc | 74 cc | 66.7 cc |
| Power output | 6.5 hp | 5 hp | 4.4 hp |
| Weight (no blade) | 23.4 lb | 22.4 lb | 21.5 lb |
| Max spindle RPM (14″) | 5,400 | 5,400 | 5,350 |
| Max blade diameter | 14" | 14" | 14" |
| Arbor | 20mm / 1" | 1" + 20mm bushing | 20mm |
| Max cut depth | 5" | 5" | 4.9" |
| Wet/dry rating | Both | Both | Both (water kit) |
| Best for | Production crews | One-saw contractors | Lightweight / Stihl crews |
The Decision in 30 Seconds
Buy the K 970 if: you're running a production crew cutting reinforced concrete daily. The extra displacement means the saw doesn't bog down under load — you cut faster and your blades last longer (because the saw stays in the optimal RPM band instead of dropping when it hits resistance). See K 970 blade picks →
Buy the K 770 if: you're a one-saw contractor running residential and light-commercial work. 5 hp is enough for any concrete or block cutting under occasional rebar contact. The K 770 is the most-bought saw in this class for good reason — sweet spot of price, weight, and capability. See K 770 blade picks →
Buy the TS 420 if: hand fatigue matters (overhead cuts, all-day work), you're already on a Stihl ecosystem (shared fuel mix, shared parts source), or weight is the deciding factor. Slightly less power than the K 770 but the lightest in class. See TS 420 blade picks →
Don't Forget the Battery Alternative
The Milwaukee MX FUEL COS350 is now the de-facto cordless 14-inch cut-off saw. For indoor work, low-noise jobsites, or fuel-free crews, the COS350 replaces all three of these gas saws. Same blade format, slightly lower runtime per battery vs gas fuel tank. Worth considering if you're already on the MX FUEL platform.
Run the Cost-Per-Cut Math
The saw is the upfront cost; the blade is the recurring cost. Before buying any saw, run our Cost-Per-Cut Calculator to see how blade life on YOUR substrate translates to dollars per cut. The math often favors a higher- end blade tier on a mid-tier saw, not the other way around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are blades interchangeable between the K 970, K 770, and TS 420? ▼
Yes. All three take 14-inch (350mm) blades with 1-inch or 20mm arbors. A blade that fits one fits the others — bond and segment design matter more than tool brand for performance.
Which saw is best for a one-saw contractor crew? ▼
Husqvarna K 770 is the most common pick — lighter than the K 970, more power than typically needed, and Husqvarna's parts/service network is strong. The TS 420 is the lightest if hand fatigue matters; the K 970 is overkill for single-saw crews unless cutting heavy reinforced concrete daily.
Why does the K 970 cost more than the K 770? ▼
K 970 has a larger 93.6cc engine (vs 74cc on K 770), more power (6.5 hp vs 5 hp), and is built for higher daily duty cycles. For occasional contractors the extra cost doesn't pay off; for production crews cutting heavy reinforced concrete it's worth the premium.
How does the Stihl TS 420 compare to the Husqvarna K 770? ▼
TS 420 is lighter (21.5 lb vs 22.4 lb) and has slightly higher spindle speed (5,350 vs 5,400 RPM is functionally the same). K 770 has slightly more displacement (74cc vs 66.7cc) and more power (5 hp vs 4.4 hp). For most contractors the choice comes down to brand allegiance and local dealer service.
Which one should I buy? ▼
K 970 for daily production crews on reinforced concrete. K 770 for one-saw contractors who need 14-inch reach without all-day weight. TS 420 for crews already on Stihl ecosystem or for lightest-in-class portability. For battery alternative, see the Milwaukee MX FUEL COS350.
Can I use the same blades on all three? ▼
Yes — see our individual blade picks at the saw-model landing pages. The VA 14" Ultra Value is the budget pick for all three; the VA 14" Premium Sparkie steps up; the Husqvarna Elite-Cut S85 is the production-tier pick that fits all three despite the Husqvarna brand label.
Matt Lipman is CEO of Capstone Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: CAPS) and a board member of Virginia Abrasives. He discloses this relationship on every article that recommends a VA product.