Compare Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, and Greenworks before you spend a dollar
A chainsaw is one of those tools most people need once or twice a year: storm cleanup, a fallen limb, clearing a lot before a build. Buying a $400 saw for a weekend of work rarely makes sense when you can rent the same brand a local shop already stocks. This guide ranks the best chainsaw brands by power source, bar length, and use case, so you know exactly which one to reserve for your next job.
Chainsaw Rental Questions, Answered
- How much does it cost to rent a chainsaw per day?
- Most gas chainsaws rent for $35 to $65 per day depending on bar length and brand, with weekly rates typically running two to three times the daily price. Battery chainsaws often fall in a similar range once you factor in extra battery rentals or charger add-ons.
- Is a deposit required to rent a chainsaw?
- Yes, most providers on Rntr require a refundable deposit or a credit card hold, usually equal to a portion of the tool's replacement value. Deposit amounts vary by listing, so check the specific rental terms before booking.
- Should I rent a gas or battery chainsaw?
- Gas saws like a Husqvarna or Stihl handle larger bar lengths and all-day felling work better, while battery models from Milwaukee, DeWalt, or Makita are quieter and easier for occasional homeowner pruning and limbing jobs without mixing fuel.
- Can I get a chainsaw delivered instead of picking it up?
- Many providers offer both options. Smaller tools like chainsaws are often set up for pickup only, but larger providers that also rent trucks or trailers may bundle delivery for an added fee. Delivery availability is listed on each rental page.
- How long can I rent a chainsaw for?
- Rental durations range from a few hours to a full week or longer. Daily rentals suit a single afternoon of cleanup, while weekly rates make more sense for property clearing or ongoing tree work.
- Do rental chainsaws come with bar oil, safety gear, or extra chains?
- This varies by listing. Some providers include a spare chain or a bottle of bar oil, others rent the saw alone. Always confirm what's included before pickup so you're not caught without chaps, gloves, or eye protection.
- Which chainsaw brand should a first-time renter choose?
- For homeowners who aren't experienced with gas saws, a battery chainsaw from Makita or DeWalt is easier to start and maintain. Contractors and anyone cutting larger diameter wood typically do better with a gas saw from Stihl or Husqvarna.
Stihl vs Husqvarna: The Gas Chainsaw Rivalry
Stihl and Husqvarna are the two names that come up first in any chainsaw comparison, and for good reason. Both build professional-grade gas saws that hold up to daily use on job sites and rural properties.
Husqvarna's lineup runs from homeowner-friendly models up to serious felling saws, and you'll find both ends of that range available to rent, including the Husqvarna 435 with a 16-inch bar for lighter cutting and the Husqvarna 455 Rancher with a 20-inch bar for bigger diameter trees.
Stihl saws have a reputation for smoother throttle response and are common on commercial tree crews. If you want to compare the two brands directly, a 16-inch Stihl gas chainsaw is a good benchmark against a similarly sized Husqvarna. Neither brand is objectively 'better' across the board; the right pick depends on the bar length you need and what your local rental shop has in stock.
Husqvarna's lineup runs from homeowner-friendly models up to serious felling saws, and you'll find both ends of that range available to rent, including the Husqvarna 435 with a 16-inch bar for lighter cutting and the Husqvarna 455 Rancher with a 20-inch bar for bigger diameter trees.
Stihl saws have a reputation for smoother throttle response and are common on commercial tree crews. If you want to compare the two brands directly, a 16-inch Stihl gas chainsaw is a good benchmark against a similarly sized Husqvarna. Neither brand is objectively 'better' across the board; the right pick depends on the bar length you need and what your local rental shop has in stock.
Echo and Makita Gas Chainsaws: Dependable Mid-Range Options
Echo built its name on affordable, reliable gas power equipment, and its chainsaws are a common sight at hardware store rental counters and independent shops alike.
An Echo 18-inch gas chainsaw with a 50.2cc engine covers most mid-size tree work without the premium price tag of a Stihl or Husqvarna. Makita, better known for battery tools, also produces solid gas chainsaws worth considering.
A Makita 24-inch gas chainsaw handles larger logs and storm cleanup, while smaller 16-inch Makita gas models are better suited to pruning and limbing around a yard. If you're doing detail work on smaller branches, Makita also makes a gas pole pruner-style chainsaw worth asking about for reach-heavy jobs.
An Echo 18-inch gas chainsaw with a 50.2cc engine covers most mid-size tree work without the premium price tag of a Stihl or Husqvarna. Makita, better known for battery tools, also produces solid gas chainsaws worth considering.
A Makita 24-inch gas chainsaw handles larger logs and storm cleanup, while smaller 16-inch Makita gas models are better suited to pruning and limbing around a yard. If you're doing detail work on smaller branches, Makita also makes a gas pole pruner-style chainsaw worth asking about for reach-heavy jobs.
Battery Chainsaw Brands: Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, and Greenworks
Battery chainsaws have closed most of the performance gap with gas models over the past few years, and they're a better fit for anyone who doesn't want to deal with mixed fuel or pull-start cords.
Stihl's battery lineup includes the MSA 200 battery chainsaw with a 14-inch bar, which is quiet enough for suburban lots and strong enough for regular limbing.
DeWalt and Makita both offer 16-inch battery saws that work well for homeowners tackling downed branches or small firewood cutting, like this DeWalt 16-inch battery chainsaw or the comparable Makita 16-inch battery chainsaw.
One practical advantage of DeWalt and Makita: if you already rent other tools on their 20V or 18V platforms, such as a DeWalt 20V battery charger or a Makita battery-powered cut-off saw, the batteries may be interchangeable, cutting down on what you need to rent separately.
Milwaukee and Greenworks round out the battery category with saws aimed more at homeowners than tree crews, both lighter in weight and better suited to occasional use than daily commercial cutting.
Stihl's battery lineup includes the MSA 200 battery chainsaw with a 14-inch bar, which is quiet enough for suburban lots and strong enough for regular limbing.
DeWalt and Makita both offer 16-inch battery saws that work well for homeowners tackling downed branches or small firewood cutting, like this DeWalt 16-inch battery chainsaw or the comparable Makita 16-inch battery chainsaw.
One practical advantage of DeWalt and Makita: if you already rent other tools on their 20V or 18V platforms, such as a DeWalt 20V battery charger or a Makita battery-powered cut-off saw, the batteries may be interchangeable, cutting down on what you need to rent separately.
Milwaukee and Greenworks round out the battery category with saws aimed more at homeowners than tree crews, both lighter in weight and better suited to occasional use than daily commercial cutting.
Gas vs Battery: Matching Power Source to the Job
The gas vs battery decision for chainsaws follows the same logic as choosing between gas and electric pressure washers: gas gives you more runtime and raw power for sustained heavy-duty work, while battery power trades some capacity for convenience, lower noise, and no fuel mixing. If you're not sure which fits your project, some providers even rent combo units, such as this 14-inch chainsaw available in both gas and battery configurations, letting you test both before committing to a full rental period.
For large-scale tree removal or land clearing jobs that also call for aerial work, it's worth reviewing a boom lift height guide or a mini excavator comparison to plan out the rest of the equipment list.
For large-scale tree removal or land clearing jobs that also call for aerial work, it's worth reviewing a boom lift height guide or a mini excavator comparison to plan out the rest of the equipment list.
Chainsaw Brand Comparison at a Glance
Here's how the major chainsaw brands stack up on power source, typical bar length, and daily rental pricing you'll commonly see on the marketplace.
| Brand | Power Type | Common Bar Lengths | Typical Daily Rental Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Gas & Battery | 14 in to 20 in | $40 to $65 | Professional tree crews, all-day cutting | |
Gas | 16 in to 20 in | $40 to $60 | Felling, land clearing, contractor use | |
Gas | 18 in | $35 to $50 | Mid-size tree work, budget-conscious renters | |
Gas & Battery | 16 in to 24 in | $30 to $55 | Versatile use, homeowners to light commercial | |
Battery | 16 in | $25 to $40 | Homeowner limbing, occasional cutting | |
Battery | 14 in to 16 in | $25 to $40 | Light-duty pruning, quiet suburban use | |
Battery | 14 in to 16 in | $20 to $35 | Small yards, first-time renters |
Skip the Purchase, Rent the Right Chainsaw
Whatever brand fits your job, you can find gas and battery chainsaws from Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo, Makita, DeWalt, and more from local providers ready for pickup or delivery. Browse available tools near you and book by the day or week.