Stihl cut-off machines are among Stihl's best-selling products and it’s not hard to see why – they can be used for a wide range of construction tasks, whether it be for cutting structural steel, cast-iron pipes, tarmac, concrete, granite or other materials.
Often called a Stihl saw or stone-saw, these cut-off machines play an essential role in the building trade regardless of what they may be called.
Most popular in the Stihl stone-saw range is the TS 410 with 12" cutting disc. Powered by a 66.7cm3 Stihl engine, it’s a very robust and capable tool that’s used to working in tough conditions on construction sites across Great Britain. Its main job is making short work of cutting tasks, whatever the material, but there’s a lot more to this machine than meets the eye.
To keep the Stihl TS 410, and all off Stihl's cut-off machines working at their best between services, it has cyclone routing and a long-life air filter system – making daily filter cleans unnecessary. The filter and routing of the air means that 80% of the dust particles in the air are removed and not collected in the foam filter. Instead, they are separated by the cyclone system and vented back into the outside air, which means more working time and less downtime.
All Stihl saws feature a lightweight and strong magnesium crankcase and magnesium cutting wheel guard, not only for operator safety but to keep the weight of the machine down too.
Image: An important feature of the Stihl Stone-Saw is the water connector to assist with dust suppression
And perhaps one of the most important features is the water connector to help with dust suppression. Concrete and construction dust created whilst cutting can cause health issues, so the water connection allows a hosepipe to be connected. Alternatively, if you’re away from a water source, Stihl’s pressurised water container can also be attached. The water flow suppresses the dust greatly and reduces risk to the operator and others who may be nearby. Not all dust can be suppressed at all times, so when using a cut-off machine, it is still essential to wear a dust mask if dust is generated. If fumes or smoke are anticipated, you should also wear respiratory protection.
For longer cuts, the petrol cut-off machines can be mounted to the FW 20 cart which is much more comfortable to guide across longer horizontal cuts on the ground. You also get the added benefit of less vibration experienced by the operator too.
For larger jobs, the TS 800 are Stihl's more powerful petrol stone-saws, but they also have models which feature leading-edge technology too.
The TS 440 is the world's first cut-off machine with QuickStopTM cutting wheel brake technology which is capable of stopping the rotation of the cutting wheel in a fraction of a second if kickback occurs. This added brake technology also gives another valuable benefit - on the Stihl TS 440, the guard can be rotated making it an efficient tool for cutting underground pipes, down to the bottom of walls or for areas that are hard to access.
Image: The Stihl TS 480i and TS 500i feature innovative electronically controlled fuel injection
When Stihl introduced their MS 500i chainsaw with innovative electronically-controlled fuel injection it may have got all the attention when it was launched in 2019, but Stihl have been quietly making tools with fuel injection for years.
The TS 480i and Stihl TS 500i stone-saws have injection engines that are not only more powerful and fuel-efficient but have significantly less vibration at the handles than their 12” and 14” 2-MIX engine equivalents, so they can be used for longer periods during the day.
Limiting exposure to vibration is a serious consideration in the construction business and these saws offer a good alternative to the products with traditional engines.
Another area of innovation for Stihl was the world's first cordless / battery stone-saw, the TSA 230, which was brought to market a few years ago.
With a 9” cutting wheel, the Stihl TSA 230 is really well suited to cutting patio slabs, tiles, roof tiles and more. Plus it is ideal for indoor cutting tasks, as there are no petrol exhaust emissions.
Paired with a couple of AP 300 batteries, the TSA 230 has become a favourite in the construction industry as it can easily be picked up for quick tasks with no need to think about refuelling. It’s light and easy to handle too.
Whatever the construction cutting job, we have a Stihl Saw machine to get the job done. Contact Balmers GM to find out more.