Both Electric Hydraulic Pipe Cutters: How to Choose Between CM-12 and CM-20
Electric hydraulic pipe cutters are widely used for cutting steel and stainless steel pipes, thanks to their stable performance, clean cuts, and spark-free cold cutting process. They are commonly applied in workshops as well as on job sites.
CM-12 and CM-20 are two electric hydraulic pipe cutters with a similar overall appearance. They share the same cutting principle, but they are designed for different pipe ranges and working conditions.
If selection is based on appearance alone, the difference may not be obvious. However, once pipe size and application scenarios are considered, the positioning of each model becomes clear.
This article compares CM-12 and CM-20 from the perspective of application, structure, and usage, helping users make a more informed choice.
CM-12: Efficient Cutting for Small to Medium Pipe Sizes
CM-12 is designed for small to medium diameter steel and stainless steel pipes, focusing on efficiency, stability, and ease of use in standard working environments.
Its compact structure allows easy placement in workshops or fixed working stations. The gear-reduction motor combined with a hydraulic feeding system provides smooth and controlled cutting, ensuring consistent cut quality while maintaining good working efficiency.
Key advantages of CM-12 include:
· Coverage of commonly used small and medium pipe sizes
· Cold cutting process with no sparks, burrs, or rough edges
· Compact structure suitable for workshops and prefabrication areas
· Low maintenance requirements for repetitive, long-term use
CM-12 is particularly suitable for:
· Workshop cutting operations
· Pipe prefabrication
· Repetitive cutting of small to medium diameter pipes
CM-20: Designed for Larger Pipes and Job-Site Conditions
Compared with CM-12, CM-20 is clearly positioned for medium to large diameter pipes and on-site applications.
As pipe diameter and weight increase, the main challenge shifts from cutting power to stable pipe support and overall machine stability. CM-20 is designed specifically to address these requirements.
The machine features built-in roller supports for different pipe size ranges, allowing large and heavy pipes to be properly supported during cutting. This significantly improves cutting stability and reduces the need for manual assistance. In addition, transportation wheels and a pull handle are integrated into the design, making CM-20 easier to move and deploy on job sites.
Main characteristics of CM-20 include:
· Wider pipe size range for medium and large diameters
· Integrated roller support system for heavy and long pipes
· Better suitability for job-site and field operations
· Structure optimized for stability and load capacity
CM-20 is therefore ideal for:
· On-site cutting operations
· Large-diameter or heavy steel pipes
· Applications where stability is a key requirement
Shared Design Philosophy and Cutting System
Despite their different positioning, CM-12 and CM-20 share the same core cutting philosophy.
Both machines use an electric drive combined with a hydraulic feeding system to achieve cold cutting. This design avoids sparks, microcracks, and rough cut surfaces, making it suitable for applications where safety and cut consistency are important.
A key common feature is the upgraded Gruvmaster cutting blade, which is used on both models.
In practical use, many standard blades on the market begin to lose sharpness after only six or seven cuts. By contrast, the Gruvmaster upgraded blade has been tested under real working conditions and remains close to new even after 25 consecutive cuts. This extended service life significantly reduces blade replacement frequency and offers better long-term cost efficiency.
Key Differences in Application
From a selection standpoint, CM-12 and CM-20 are not alternatives to each other, but solutions for different working needs:
· CM-12 is the better choice for users mainly cutting small to medium pipes in relatively fixed working environments, where efficiency and ease of operation are priorities.
· CM-20 is more suitable for users dealing with larger pipe diameters, heavier loads, and on-site conditions, where stable support and mobility are essential.
Conclusion
CM-12 and CM-20 are designed to serve different pipe size ranges and application scenarios rather than replacing each other. Once pipe diameter, working environment, and usage frequency are clearly defined, selecting the right model becomes straightforward.
For more detailed technical specifications and configuration options, please refer to the corresponding product pages.