FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction is Now Open ↗

Makita 4-Stroke Engine Power Cutter

Words: Dan KamysMakita has introduced its 4-stroke engine power cutter for cutting brick, block or concrete. Several points of difference — including easier starts, better fuel economy, and the ability to fill the tank with straight unleaded gas — make the Makita power cutter an ideal choice for rental or purchase.

With 2-stroke power cutters, engine seizure due to improper fuel and oil mixing is one of the most common failures. Makita 4-stroke engines are engineered to solve this problem. With no need to mix 2-stroke oil into the fuel, this means the Makita 4-stroke engine power cutter can use the same fuel as other gas-powered equipment on the jobsite. No fuel mixing gives the convenience of a “one-can” jobsite and simplified operation. It also eliminates engine failure due to improper mixing, and delivers big savings with no need to purchase 2-stroke oil.

Another user pain with power cutters is difficult start-ups. The Makita 4-stroke engine power cutter has an automatic engine decompression valve engineered into the cam gear to reduce pull-start force by 40 percent. For faster maintenance, the five-stage air filtration system is easily accessible, and engineered for cleaner air and improved engine durability.

The Makita 4-stroke offers several other advantages versus the 2-stroke. The Makita 4-stroke has lower noise at 92.7 dB(A) and smoother idle for continuous operation, as well as lower fuel consumption at only .45 gallons per hour. It also has lower exhaust and intake carbon build-up than 2-stroke for longer cylinder life.

For improved handling, the Makita power cutter includes an integrated all-aluminum wheel kit to reduce fatigue during long, straight cuts. The wheels are positioned to engage only when the blade is lowered to the cutting surface, and they retract when the saw is not in use to prevent unexpected movement during idle.

For more information, visit www.makita.com.
 0
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

Zach Everett
Technical Talks
Read More
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More