Disclosed is a machine for forming saw cuts into sidewalk concrete slabs, the machine comprising a frame, rubber tracks attached to the underside of the frame to self-propel the machine in a travel direction along a sidewalk during use, and a cutting assembly mounted to the frame. The cutting assembly comprises a saw for forming saw cuts, a linear actuator for moving the saw at a depth into the sidewalk, and a screw drive motor to move the saw to form the saw cut in a direction perpendicular to the travel direction. While road repair machinery has the luxury of more space, machines for sidewalks are smaller and tighter. The machine in accordance with the teachings of this invention uses a newly designed cutting assembly to keep the size of the machine useable for sawcuts in sidewalks.