The Real Cost to Rent a Chainsaw [2025 Data]

You’ll pay $70 per day on average to rent a chainsaw, but that cost varies based on factors like saw type. Whether you have dead branches strewn across your yard or large pieces of firewood to cut, a chainsaw can be useful to have on hand. If you don’t own one, you can consider renting rather than going through the process of buying, storing, and maintaining your own.

What Does It Cost to Rent a Chainsaw by Type?

The daily cost of chainsaw rental will, in part, depend on the type of saw you need for the job you’re taking on. Every model is different, with varying saw blade lengths and engine power levels. 

You can expect to find chainsaws for rent in the following broad categories.

Light-Duty Chainsaws

Most homeowners only need a light-duty chainsaw for occasional light work around the yard, such as cutting up large fallen branches after a storm or trimming and pruning low-hanging tree limbs. Look for a model with a 16-inch saw blade or less, which will likely cost you $35 to $60 per day to rent.

Medium-Duty Chainsaws

To handle all larger routine tasks, such as felling small trees, clearing large branches, cutting cords of firewood, or stump removal, you will likely want a medium-duty chainsaw with a 20- to 24-inch saw blade. These tasks require more time, and larger models tend to feature vibration dampening capabilities to reduce user fatigue. Expect a rental price of $65 to $90 per day.

Heavy-Duty Chainsaws

You really only need the most powerful specialty chainsaws if you’re taking down large trees and branches or cutting large amounts of firewood. These models are designed to run all day long under heavy use and often feature long saw blades of at least 30 inches. Expect to pay at least $100 per day to rent a heavy-duty chainsaw.

Cost to Buy a Chainsaw Yourself

One alternative to renting a chainsaw is to purchase one instead. As you shop, you’ll find many manufacturers with models that vary dramatically in price depending on their size and power. Prices range from as low as $80 for the most affordable light-duty household chainsaws to more than $2,000 for professional-grade models.

Most homeowners can expect to pay an average of $220 for a quality light-duty chainsaw that’s appropriate for occasional branch cleanup and trimming. If you need a model that’s suited to more frequent use and heavier wood-cutting, you can invest in a medium-duty chainsaw that most often costs from $300 to $600.

Why You Should Hire a Pro for Your Chainsawing Project

Chainsaw rental costs $70 to $90 per day on average, while purchasing your own can range from $130 to $2,000, depending on your needs. 

While you can save money doing it yourself, it’s always best to hire a pro for tree trimming services. Experts charge an average of $200 to $760 and reduce the risks associated with handling heavy equipment and removing large limbs.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a chainsaw pro

Working with a chainsaw can be dangerous and requires careful skill. Here’s why it’s best to hire a pro for projects that involve this machinery:

• Pros know how to safely cut trees and limbs without damaging your property.

• Professionals already have chainsaws on hand, saving you the cost of renting or buying one. 

• DIY mistakes can easily lead to serious injury, property damage, and costly repairs.

• Experts complete the job quickly and safely, saving you time, money, and stress.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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