Cut-off saws and concrete saws take a beating on every job. Dust, vibration, heat, and heavy use all add up. When a saw isn’t running right, it slows the crew down and hurts production for the day. That’s why keeping your saw in good shape matters just as much as picking the right diamond blade.

Esch Construction Supply repairs cut-off saws for contractors every day. Our certified mechanics work on major brands and models, including Stihl and Husqvarna. We stock the parts needed to turn repairs around quickly.

Below is a simple guide to help contractors understand what to watch for, what to troubleshoot on the job, and when it’s time to bring your saw in.

When Your Cut-Off Saw Isn’t Running Right

Before a saw fully fails, it usually shows a few early signs. If you notice any of the issues below, your saw is due for a tune-up or repair.

• Loss of power during cutting

• Hard starting, especially when warm

• High vibration in the handles

• Sputtering or inconsistent RPM

• Blade not spinning freely

• Excess smoke

• Fuel leaking or strong fuel smell

• Saw bogging down under load

Quick Troubleshooting Steps on the Jobsite

Contractors like simple checks they can do right on-site before calling for repair. Here are the most common ones our mechanics recommend:

1. Check the air filter

• A dirty filter restricts airflow and makes the saw run rich. Light tapping or swapping in a clean filter can get you back to work.

2. Inspect the blade

• A bent, glazed, or binding blade can feel like an engine issue. Swap the blade before assuming the saw is failing.

3. Look at the fuel

• Old gas, wrong mix, or water-contaminated fuel can cause almost every “my saw won’t start” problem.

4. Check the spark plug

• A fouled plug is a quick fix. Replace it if it’s wet, oily, or caked in carbon.

5. Inspect the belt

• Loose belts cause power loss and poor cutting performance.

If these checks don’t help — or the saw keeps repeating the same issue — it's time for professional repair.

The Most Common Cut-Off Saw Issues We Repair

Our certified mechanics see the same problems across all brands. Here are the repairs that come through our shops most often:

1. Carburetor problems

• Clogged jets, bad diaphragms, or incorrect adjustments keep the saw from running clean and strong.

2. Piston and cylinder damage

• Dust ingestion, overheating, and lean running can scar the cylinder or lock the piston.

3. Clutch and bearings

• If the saw shakes or the blade spins at idle, the clutch or bearings are usually worn.

4. Starter issues

• Broken recoil springs or cords are common and require a quick bench repair.

5. Fuel system failures

• Cracked fuel lines, leaking tanks, and bad primer bulbs cause inconsistent starting and performance.

6. Ignition coil failures

• When fuel and spark plug checks don’t fix the issue, the ignition coil is often the problem.

Why Contractor Tune-Ups Matter

A yearly tune-up is the easiest way to reduce downtime. A saw that’s tuned and breathing correctly cuts faster, lasts longer, and keeps operators safer. A full tune-up from Esch includes:

• Complete inspection

• Air, fuel, and exhaust system cleaning

• Carburetor service and adjustment

• New spark plug

• New filters

• Belt inspection and adjustment

• Compression check

• Starter and clutch inspection

Off-Season Fleet Repair

Winter or slower months are the best time to get all your saws in for maintenance. Many contractors bring in their full fleet during the off-season so every saw is ready for spring work.

Esch offers fleet repair and off-season tune-ups for:

• Gas cut-off saws

• Concrete saws

• Walk-behind saws

• Chainsaws and ring saws

• Rammers and plate compactors

Fleet repair prevents downtime when your busy season ramps up.

Why Contractors Choose Esch for Saw Repair

Esch’s repair shops are staffed by certified mechanics for Stihl, Husqvarna, Wacker, and more. We offer fast turnaround with strong parts availability, along with fair, transparent repair quotes. With locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Colorado, contractors have easy access to dependable service. Our team knows saws, blades, and the pressures of the job, and we understand how equipment downtime affects your crew.

When to Bring Your Saw In

Bring your saw in for a diagnosis when:

• It takes more than a few pulls to start

• It idles rough or stalls under load

• The saw overheats

• The blade spins at idle

• You hear rattling, scraping, or knocking sounds

• You notice a big loss in cutting speed

• You aren’t sure what’s wrong, but it’s not cutting like it should

Schedule Saw Repair

Esch Construction Supply repairs cut-off saws and concrete saws for contractors every day. Whether you need a single tune-up or full fleet service, our shops are here to keep your equipment running strong.