Q: How much does a chainsaw weigh?
So how much does a chainsaw weigh when you need to box one up? Most homeowner saws land in a predictable range, and knowing how much a chainsaw weighs up front is what keeps your shipping estimate accurate.
A: Most chainsaws weigh between 6 and 22 pounds without the bar and chain. A lightweight electric chainsaw weighs 6–10 pounds, a homeowner gas model weighs 10–14 pounds, and a professional-grade gas chainsaw weighs 14–22 pounds. With the bar, chain, fuel, and shipping packaging, total shipping weight typically reaches 15–35 pounds.
Whether you’re selling a chainsaw online, shipping one to a job site, or sending equipment for warranty repair, knowing exact chainsaw weight determines your carrier options and shipping costs. Our guide on how to ship a package covers the general process, but chainsaws require extra steps due to fuel and blade safety requirements.
How Much Do Different Chainsaw Types Weigh?
Chainsaw weight depends primarily on power source and engine displacement. Electric models are lightest, battery-powered chainsaws fall in the middle, and professional gas chainsaws are heaviest. The table below covers common types with their packaged shipping weights.
| Chainsaw Type | Unit Weight (lbs) | Packaged Shipping Weight | Est. Shipping Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corded electric (14–16″ bar) | 6–10 | 12–18 lbs | $14–$25 |
| Battery-powered (12–18″ bar) | 8–13 | 15–22 lbs | $18–$30 |
| Gas — homeowner (16–18″ bar) | 10–14 | 18–25 lbs | $20–$35 |
| Gas — mid-range (18–20″ bar) | 12–16 | 22–28 lbs | $22–$40 |
| Gas — professional (20–36″ bar) | 14–22 | 25–35 lbs | $28–$50 |
These weights represent the powerhead only, without bar and chain. A 20-inch bar and chain assembly adds approximately 4–6 pounds to total weight.
What Adds to Chainsaw Shipping Weight?
The chainsaw itself accounts for only part of total shipping weight. Bar and chain assemblies, fuel residue, accessories, and protective packaging all contribute to the final billable weight.
A 14-pound gas chainsaw with a 20-inch bar (5 lbs), protective bar cover (0.5 lbs), carrying case (3–4 lbs), and shipping box with padding (3–5 lbs) reaches 25–28 pounds total. Accurate package measurements and calculations prevent surprises at the shipping counter.
| Component | Additional Weight |
|---|---|
| Bar and chain (16–20″) | 3–6 lbs |
| Bar cover/scabbard | 0.3–0.5 lbs |
| Carrying case | 3–5 lbs |
| Extra chain | 0.5–1 lb |
| Shipping box + padding | 3–5 lbs |
Can You Ship a Chainsaw With Fuel?
No. UPS, USPS, and FedEx classify gasoline as a hazardous material. All fuel must be completely drained before shipping a gas chainsaw. Run the engine until it dies, then drain any remaining fuel from the tank and carburetor. Residual fuel vapors are generally acceptable if the tank is empty and the cap is sealed.
Battery-powered chainsaws have separate shipping rules. Lithium-ion batteries under 100 watt-hours can ship via ground services when installed in the device. Batteries over 100 Wh may require hazardous materials documentation. Check your battery’s watt-hour rating (printed on the battery label) before choosing a carrier.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Chainsaw in 2026?
Chainsaw shipping costs depend on packaged weight, dimensions, and distance. Most chainsaw packages measure 24–40 inches long, triggering dimensional weight pricing with UPS and FedEx for longer bar lengths.
USPS Ground Advantage handles most chainsaw shipments in the 15–35 pound range with rates that depend on zones (see current UPS pricing). UPS Ground rates fall in a similar range. For heavier professional models, understanding gross weight vs net weight helps calculate accurate costs including all packaging materials.
Chainsaw sellers and buyers can save 60–89% on UPS shipping rates through ParcelPath‘s free platform, which makes a meaningful difference on heavy packages where per-pound costs add up fast.
How Should You Package a Chainsaw for Shipping?
Proper chainsaw packaging requires draining all fluids, securing the bar and chain with a rigid cover, and cushioning the powerhead against impact. Follow these steps for safe transit:
Drain all fuel and oil completely. Install the bar cover or wrap the bar and chain in heavy cardboard. Wrap the powerhead in 2–3 layers of bubble wrap. Place the chainsaw in a sturdy double-wall corrugated box with at least 2 inches of cushioning on all sides. Fill void space with packing paper or foam peanuts to prevent shifting.
For detailed packaging guidance on heavy equipment, see our shipping specific items resource. Learning how to measure a box ensures you select the right container size without overpaying for dimensional weight. You can also compare all available carrier options through our shipping services and solutions hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Stihl chainsaw weigh?
Stihl chainsaws range from 8.6 pounds (MS 170 homeowner model with 16″ bar) to 16.3 pounds (MS 661 professional model without bar and chain). The popular MS 271 Farm Boss weighs 12.3 pounds, making it a mid-range option for both use and shipping weight.
How much does a Husqvarna chainsaw weigh?
Husqvarna chainsaws range from 10.4 pounds (120 Mark II entry-level) to 17.4 pounds (572 XP professional grade) without bar and chain. Their popular 455 Rancher weighs 13.2 pounds, comparable to similar Stihl models in the same performance class.
Are electric chainsaws lighter than gas chainsaws?
Yes, significantly. Corded electric chainsaws weigh 6–10 pounds versus 10–22 pounds for gas models. Battery-powered chainsaws with their battery installed weigh 8–13 pounds. The lighter weight makes electric models cheaper to ship but battery regulations add complexity.
Does bar length affect chainsaw weight?
Yes. Each additional 2 inches of bar length adds roughly 0.5–1 pound to total weight. A 14-inch bar assembly weighs approximately 3 pounds, while a 24-inch bar assembly weighs 5–6 pounds. Longer bars also increase package dimensions and may trigger dimensional weight pricing.
Can I ship a chainsaw with the battery installed?
Most lithium-ion batteries under 100 watt-hours can ship via ground services when installed in the chainsaw. Batteries over 100 Wh may require hazardous materials documentation. Always check your specific battery’s watt-hour rating and the carrier’s current lithium battery shipping policies before sending.
Sources
- UPS — 2026 hazardous materials shipping guidelines
- USPS — Publication 52, Section 349: flammable liquids restrictions
- Stihl USA — Product weight specifications
- Husqvarna — Chainsaw technical specifications
Part of our How to Weigh Packages at Home guide. Related: Weighing Packages for Shipping, Gross Weight vs Net Weight, How Much Does a Tire Weigh.
