Husqvarna vs Lavina vs HTG: How to Choose a Planetary Floor Grinder

Pick the wrong floor grinder and you pay for it on every job. Too small, and a big slab takes three days instead of one. Too big, and it will not fit through the door of the garage you are prepping. Too little down pressure, and it skates over an old coating instead of taking it off.

Latux sells planetary grinders from three brands: Husqvarna, Lavina and HTG. Between them that is 16 machines, from a 17.7 inch Husqvarna that folds into a truck bed to a 36.5 inch remote-controlled Lavina you run from across the room. That count includes Lavina's new S7 machines: the 31G S7, which replaced the 32G Elite, plus the 20 S7, 25R S7 and 31R S7, which replaced the 20N Elite, 25 Elite and 32 Elite. MSRP runs from about $8,800 to $46,500. This guide lays out what separates them, using the manufacturer numbers, so you can cut 16 machines down to the two or three that fit your work.

Start with the job, not the brand

Brand loyalty is the most expensive way to buy a grinder. Answer three questions first, because they eliminate most of the list before brand ever comes up.

• What size floors do you run most? Not your biggest job ever. The job you do every week.
• Is there usable power on site? Garages and occupied buildings usually have it. New construction, outdoor slabs and warehouses before the electrical goes in often do not.
• Removal or profiling? Stripping old epoxy, glue and paint needs pressure. Profiling a clean slab for a new coating needs far less.

Grinding width: what the extra inches buy you

Width is how much floor each pass covers. It is the biggest single driver of how many square feet you finish in a day, and also of price, weight and how hard the machine is to move around.

The lineup falls into three classes:

• 17.7 to 22 inches. Residential garages, small commercial rooms, edges and tight access. These fit through a standard doorway. Examples: Husqvarna PG 450 (17.7 in), Husqvarna PG 510 and Lavina 20 S7 (20 in), HTG-550 (22 in).
• 25 to 27 inches. The step up for crews doing mid-size commercial work. Examples: Husqvarna PG 6 P (25.2 in), Lavina 25R S7 (26.5 in), HTG-680 SP (27 in).
• About 31 to 36.5 inches. Large commercial, industrial and warehouse slabs, where coverage per hour decides the bid. Examples: Lavina 31G S7 and Lavina 31R S7 (30.8 in), HTG-800P (31 in), Husqvarna PG 8 S and PG 8 P (31.5 in), HTG-820RC (32 in), Lavina 38G Elite (36.5 in).

A useful rule: buy for the floor you run most often and rent for the outliers. A 32 inch machine that stays in the trailer because it will not fit through residential doors is a bad buy for a garage installer, no matter how fast it is on the jobs it does fit.

Electric or propane

Every brand makes both, and the choice usually makes itself.

Electric is quieter, has no exhaust, and is the default indoors wherever the building has the power the machine needs. Smaller electric grinders run on power common to shops and garages. Larger ones need heavier circuits or a generator. The Lavina 25R S7, for example, needs three phase power at 200 to 240 V and 45 amps, or 400 to 480 V and 30 amps on the high-voltage version.

Propane needs no shore power, which is why it rules outdoor slabs, remote sites and buildings where the electrical is not in yet. The tradeoff is exhaust. Propane engines produce carbon monoxide, so run them only with adequate ventilation and follow the manufacturer's guidance on indoor use.

Power requirements vary by model and configuration, including single versus three phase. Before you buy, confirm with your rep that the machine matches the power you actually have on your sites.

Grinding pressure: why it matters more than horsepower

Horsepower spins the heads. Down pressure is what makes the diamonds bite. On coating removal, a machine with more weight on the heads will out-cut a more powerful machine with less.

Most of these grinders let you shift weight to change pressure, which is why pressure is quoted as a range. The low number is the lightest setting, for fine grinding and polishing. The high number is the heaviest, for removal.

From the manufacturer data: the Lavina 31G S7 runs 392 to 690 pounds, or 794 pounds with its optional 75 pound extra weight. The HTG-680 SP runs 505 to 683 pounds. The compact Husqvarna PG 450 applies 152 pounds, which suits profiling a clean slab far better than stripping a thick old coating.

What each brand does best

Husqvarna

Husqvarna's strength is uptime. The large PG 6 P, PG 8 P and PG 8 S use sealed heads with a 1,000 hour service interval, built to stay in production through long schedules. The PG 8 S gives you variable disc speed from 420 to 1,176 rpm and lets you choose the rotation direction. At the small end, the PG 450 and PG 510 fold for transport, and the PG 510 adds counter-rotation for a steadier, more even cut. Tooling runs on Husqvarna EZchange plates.

Lavina

Lavina's strength is adjustable pressure and operator comfort on big floors. Every Lavina propane machine lets you change the weight on the heads: the 20G S7 and 38G Elite have four weight positions, and the 31G S7 takes an optional 75 pound extra weight, so one machine handles aggressive removal and a fine polish. The S7 machines, the 20 S7, 20G S7, 25R S7, 31G S7 and 31R S7, run a sealed, dust-proof grinding head. The 25R S7 and 31R S7 are driven by a handheld remote with a 4.3 inch color display that shows voltage, load, hours and maintenance alerts, and both can also run in manual mode. At the top of the range, the 38G Elite is a remote-controlled, self-propelled 36.5 inch propane machine for slabs where coverage per hour is everything. Lavina quotes speed at the tool holders: 400 to 1100 rpm on the 20 S7 and 25R S7, 400 to 650 rpm on the 31R S7, 425 to 765 rpm on the 31G S7 and 416 to 750 rpm on the 38G Elite. Tooling runs on Lavina quick-change plates.

HTG

HTG's strength is features for the money. The HTG-680 SP is a self-propelled 27 inch machine with a battery transport system at an MSRP of $13,950. The HTG-820RC runs four 11 inch (278 mm) heads on a 32 inch pass and adds a remote with a programmable autopilot path that grinds a set pattern hands-free. Tooling uses magnetic quick-change plates with trapezoid segments.

One thing to read carefully on HTG spec sheets: the speed HTG publishes for the HTG-680 SP (350 to 1,680 rpm) and HTG-820RC (350 to 1,950 rpm) is motor speed, per the factory manuals. It is not the speed at the heads, so do not line it up against the head or tool holder speeds Lavina and Husqvarna publish. If speed range matters to your process, ask your rep for the head speed on the exact machine.

Lavina 31G S7: the replacement for the 32G Elite

If you are shopping for a Lavina 32G Elite, note that it is discontinued. Superabrasive, the company behind Lavina, no longer manufactures it and has replaced it with the Lavina 31G S7, model L31GS7. Here is what changed between the two machines, from the manufacturer data:

• Weight. The 31G S7 weighs 1,014 pounds (460 kg). The 32G Elite weighed 1,455 pounds. That is 441 pounds less to load, unload and push onto the next slab.
• Width. 30.8 inches (783 mm) on the S7, against 32 inches (814 mm) on the 32G Elite.
• Heads. Same size: three 13.2 inch (335 mm) tool holders, left rotation on the S7.
• Engine. 35 hp propane. The standard L31GS7 runs a Vanguard 993 cc engine. A Kawasaki FX1000 (999 cc) version, the L31GFXS7, uses the same frame, heads, pressure and weight. The 32G Elite ran a Kawasaki FX1000V, 999 cc.
• Speed. 425 to 765 rpm at the tool holders, against 425 to 675 rpm on the 32G Elite.
• Pressure. 392 to 690 pounds (178 to 313 kg), or 794 pounds with the optional 75 pound extra weight (#A114).
• Head and frame. A sealed, dust-proof grinding head, plus a redesigned frame with upgraded weights and a multi-position handlebar for easier tool changes, better control and less vibration.
• Dust port. E300 vacuum port. It pairs with a Lavina V32GE propane dust extractor.

Be honest with yourself about the tradeoff. The heavier 32G Elite put 645 to 922 pounds on the heads. If most of your work is thick coating removal, budget for the extra weight on the S7 and talk through your typical job with your rep. If you move the machine between sites every day, the lighter frame is the bigger win. US MSRP for the 31G S7 is $28,990, and like every grinder here it is sold by quote.

Already running a 32G Elite? Its specs stay on the 32G Elite page for reference, and your rep can help with parts and service on machines already in the field.

The 20N, 25 and 32 Elite are discontinued too

Lavina has also stopped making three electric Elite grinders. The 20N Elite is replaced by the 20 S7 (L20S7), the 25 Elite by the 25R S7 (L25RS7), and the 32 Elite by the 31R S7 (L31RS7). Two changes to note: the 25R S7 has a wider 26.5 inch pass and runs on three phase power only, where the 25 Elite also ran on single phase. The 31R S7 keeps the 20 hp motor and 13.2 inch tool holders on a 30.8 inch pass. The old spec pages stay up for reference and for parts and service on machines already in the field.

All 16 machines side by side

Grinding pressure is the manufacturer range across weight settings. Speed is left out on purpose: some brands publish head speed and others publish motor speed, so the numbers do not compare in one column. MSRP is for reference only. Grinders are sold by quote, with freight and lead time confirmed by your rep.

Machine	Width	Power	Motor or engine	Grinding pressure	Weight	MSRP
Husqvarna PG 450	17.7 in	Electric	3 hp	152 lb	240 lb	$8,818
Husqvarna PG 510	20 in	Electric	3 to 5.4 hp	145 to 176 lb	265 to 293 lb	$11,398
Lavina 20 S7	20 in	Electric	7.5 hp	211 to 287 lb	518 lb	$13,290
Lavina 20G S7	20 in	Propane	18 hp Kawasaki	286 to 363 lb	573 lb	$18,990
HTG-550	22 in	Electric	8 hp	319 to 390 lb	598 lb	$9,599
HTG-550 GP	22 in	Propane	16 hp	Up to 387 lb	637 lb	$16,999
Husqvarna PG 6 P	25.2 in	Propane	22 hp	See data sheet	1,140 lb	$32,776
Lavina 25R S7	26.5 in	Electric	15 hp	463 to 624 lb	1,135 lb	$32,990
HTG-680 SP	27 in	Electric	15 hp	505 to 683 lb	1,162 lb	$13,950
Lavina 31G S7	30.8 in	Propane	35 hp Vanguard or Kawasaki	392 to 690 lb (794 lb with extra weight)	1,014 lb	$28,990
Lavina 31R S7	30.8 in	Electric	20 hp	471 to 767 lb (834 lb with extra weight)	1,254 lb	$37,490
HTG-800P	31 in	Propane	35 hp Vanguard	525 to 713 lb	1,323 lb	$25,590
Husqvarna PG 8 S	31.5 in	Electric	14.8 hp	See data sheet	1,120 lb	$32,851
Husqvarna PG 8 P	31.5 in	Propane	27 hp Kawasaki	See data sheet	1,305 lb	$42,081
HTG-820RC	32 in	Electric	20 hp	430 to 650 lb	1,366 lb	$25,999
Lavina 38G Elite	36.5 in	Propane	35 hp Kawasaki	603 to 898 lb	1,585 lb	$46,490

Which grinder for which job

Garage floor installers

A 20 to 22 inch electric machine is the sweet spot. It fits through doors, runs on the power you can usually get at a house, and is plenty of machine for a two or three car garage. The HTG-550, Lavina 20 S7 and Husqvarna PG 510 all live here. If you mostly strip old coatings rather than profile clean slabs, lean toward the higher pressure end of that group, which in this class is the HTG-550.

Small to mid-size commercial crews

Step up to 25 to 27 inches when square feet per day starts deciding whether you win bids. The HTG-680 SP stands out on value as a self-propelled machine, while the Lavina 25R S7 adds remote operation, live load readouts and a wider 26.5 inch pass on three phase power.

Large commercial, industrial and outdoor slabs

This is where the 31 to 36.5 inch machines earn their price. With power on site, the Lavina 31R S7, Husqvarna PG 8 S and HTG-820RC are the electric options. Without it, go propane: the Lavina 31G S7, HTG-800P, Husqvarna PG 8 P or, for the widest pass in the lineup, the Lavina 38G Elite. Of the big propane machines, the 31G S7 is the lightest at 1,014 pounds, which counts when one crew loads and moves the machine every day. Crews who used to spec the 32G Elite or the 32 Elite for this work should look at the 31G S7 or the 31R S7 first.

Budget for the extractor and tooling too

The grinder is not the whole purchase. Grinding concrete produces fine silica dust, so every machine needs a HEPA dust extractor sized to its head, and each brand pairs its grinders with matched extractors. Look at dust extractors alongside the floor grinders, and plan for diamond tooling for each step from grinding to polishing.

If you are not ready to own a machine, read Rent vs Buy a Concrete Grinder first. And whichever grinder you choose, the profile you leave is what the coating bonds to, so review how to prepare concrete for epoxy and moisture testing before epoxy before the first pass.

Talk to a rep before you buy

Latux is an authorized dealer for Husqvarna, Lavina and HTG. Every grinder is sold by quote, so your rep confirms current price, freight to your site, lead time and whether the power configuration matches your jobs. Get in touch with the square footage you usually run and whether you have power on site, and we will narrow it down with you.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lavina or Husqvarna the better floor grinder?

Neither wins across the board. Husqvarna is strong on uptime, with sealed heads and a 1,000 hour service interval on its large machines. Lavina is strong on adjustable pressure, with adjustable weights on every propane model, and on remote-controlled operation. HTG offers features like self-propelled drive and autopilot at a lower price. The right choice depends on your floor sizes, the power on your sites and your budget.

Is the Lavina 32G Elite discontinued?

Yes. The Lavina 32G Elite is no longer manufactured. Its replacement is the Lavina 31G S7 (model L31GS7), a 30.8 inch, 35 hp propane planetary grinder with a sealed, dust-proof head. It weighs 1,014 pounds, 441 pounds less than the 32G Elite, and uses the same 13.2 inch tool holder size.

Which other Lavina Elite grinders are discontinued?

The electric 20N Elite, 25 Elite and 32 Elite are no longer manufactured. Their replacements are the Lavina 20 S7 (L20S7), the 25R S7 (L25RS7) and the 31R S7 (L31RS7).

What size floor grinder do I need for garage floors?

For most garage work, a 20 to 22 inch electric planetary grinder is the right size. It fits through standard doorways, runs on power commonly available at a house or shop, and is plenty of machine for a two or three car garage. The HTG-550, Lavina 20 S7 and Husqvarna PG 510 are all in this class.

Should I buy an electric or propane floor grinder?

Choose electric for indoor work wherever the site has the power the machine needs, since it is quieter and produces no exhaust. Choose propane for outdoor slabs, remote sites and buildings without power. Propane engines produce carbon monoxide, so run them only with adequate ventilation and follow the manufacturer's guidance.

Does grinding pressure matter more than grinding width?

They do different jobs. Width decides how much floor you cover per pass, so it drives square feet per day. Pressure decides how hard the diamonds cut, so it matters most when removing old coatings, glue or paint. A narrower machine with high pressure can out-cut a wider one with low pressure on removal work.