How much does a chainsaw weigh? If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is there to hear, does it make any sound?
And what is the sound of one hand clapping? Ok, so the Zen Koans, will not be addressed in this article.
Related Article: How To Measure A Chainsaw Bar
However, we will focus on chainsaw heft, and answer your pressing questions about chainsaws, with a few references to popular culture to keep things interesting, as even an uber-creative lover of power tools such as myself must make serious efforts to fill out an article about how much chainsaws weigh.
Of course, this is a serious question. A chainsaw is a major piece of equipment, carrying both intense cutting power; and… danger!
You want to make sure that the chainsaw you choose suits both your cutting needs and your body strength. You want to know that YOU are in control of this beast and that the beast doesn’t run you, or run away from you, as things could get messy, and we definitely want to avoid that.
I’ve been obsessed with chainsaws since that fateful day that I accidentally watched the famous horror film at a far too young age. Beyond the trauma, I gained an awesome respect for the beast we call chainsaw.
That is why I believe it is essential to arm yourself with the appropriately-sized tool. We all know the kind of damage they can do when mishandled, heaven forbid.
If you are longing to feel that power in your hands; to be able to rid yourself of unwanted trees and make short work of large pieces of lumber, or, if you want a chainsaw for firewood, you want to know that the chainsaw you choose suits you. You are going to want to go with a chainsaw that is light enough that you can hold it for an extended period of time without exhausting your arm muscles or putting too much pressure on your back.
By choosing the right sized chainsaw, you can utilize maximum power, with a realistic approach based on your upper arm and back strength. The heavier the machine, the more cutting power you are likely to have, but the more quickly you will tire of managing your chainsaw.
A smaller chainsaw will be easier to wield and sustain work with, but of course, it is likely to have a smaller blade and less power. So let’s review the options.
Chainsaws come in a varied of weights and sizes, in addition to their two different power sources: gas-powered vs. electric. Smaller, electric models are going to be lighter than their heftier, gas run counterparts.
Generally speaking, a smaller electric model will serve the light home user, who generally is living in a suburban type of setting, and is using the chainsaw for pruning and cosmetic tree work. Heavier, gas run chainsaws are more appropriate for rural settings, where the user will be cutting trees, and using the saw for firewood on a regular basis.
In this case, a larger model will serve you better. The main factors that increase the weight of the chainsaw will be what it is made from, the size of the cutting equipment, and the size of the engine and battery, and whether it is a gas or electric model.
Construction of the Machine
Some of the factors that make a chainsaw heavier are the parts from which they are constructed. The more metal vs. plastic construction, the heavier the machine. When some of the parts, such as chain sprockets, or the case around the powerhead, are replaced by plastic, the weight of the unit decreases, along with the rust and durability.
In general, the heavier the unit, the longer it will last, and the sturdier it will be, all things considered. Metal saws tend to be built to last.
Size of the Cutting Equipment
Another factor is the cutting equipment. The longer the saw, the heavier and harder to weld.
Consider how long you would feel comfortable holding a 6-pound unit vs a 20-pound unit and choose accordingly. A 20-inch cutting mechanism will be much heavier than its 12-inch counterpart.
Battery and Engine Size
To understand variations in weight, look at engine and battery size. A 62cc 2-stroke engine will be significantly heavier than a 38cc engine
Gas vs. Electric
Gas models will need to be filled with, um, gas, so they will be heavier to wield due to liquid weight.
So, how much do they weigh, already? We’ve given you the parameters for what makes a chainsaw heavier or lighter.
The lightest chainsaw you will find will be around 6 pounds, and the heaviest (for home use, professional heavy duty chainsaws may be heavier), is up to around 18 pounds. According to the factors mentioned, like materials, gas vs electric, and battery and engine size, as well as the chainsaw’s length, you can find a chainsaw in the full range of weights between 6-18 pounds.
Obviously, safety is your primary concern, and we recommend you be realistic in your size and weight choice.
Large, professional forestry and logging chainsaws will tend to be in a whole other weight range, upwards of 22-23 pounds, depending on their length and engine size. These beasts are for the serious professionals, who spend their days felling large trees, and cutting them into pieces, sometimes penetrating logs with a circumference of 4-6 feet!
Huge, semi-portable monsters like the ones featured in this video can weigh upwards of 500 pounds! Leading one viewer of the following video to comment: “If your chainsaw needs 2 guys to lift it…you may be a redneck.”
So, here is the short answer: a chainsaw weighs between 6 and 600 pounds. Give or take. lol
