Chain saw sales – Nov. 23 thru Jan. 24
We are cutting deep into the chain saw market here, reviewing and analyzing data from TraQline Dealer+, a collaborative data analysis program developed by TraQline and Constellation.
In this post, we analyze three months of sales information to see what has been happening in chain saw sales at OPE dealers (both independent dealers and big-box stores). This data comes from point-of-sale records of nearly 2,000 independent OPE dealers nationwide, representing every major brand. Plus, the effort looks at data from mass merchants including Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Sales were recorded from November 2023 through January 2024.
TraQline Dealer+ data
(from independent OPE dealers)
Average chain saw sales price
- Commercial models = $779
- Residential models = $383
- Overall average = $563
Total battery-powered chain saw sales
- Commercial models = 2%
- Residential models = 14%
- Total = 9%
Note: “Residential” – a product the manufacturer markets primarily to consumers. “Commercial” – a product the manufacturer markets primarily to professional users.
Top-selling chain saw
- Stihl MS194T – Stihl bills this as a compact and affordable saw for arborists and other professional users. Priced between $430 and $480, it splits the difference between the average prices of pro and consumer models and makes sense that this is a strong seller. This saw was also the top-selling commercial-model chain saw.
Top-selling residential-model chain saw
- Stihl MS170 – This compact homeowner saw retails for $200 or less. The saw seems to appeal to homeowners looking for more than just a lightweight entry-level model.
Chain saw analysis & opportunity
Looking at sales of consumer chain saws, sales peaked in 2021 – power of the pandemic – like so many consumer products. Sales in 2023 were down slightly from the previous year but surpassed the 2019 pre-pandemic sales total. With an overall average sales price (commercial and residential) of more than $500, these are tools to stock in variety. Also, since a large part of the sales gain over 2019 is through ecommerce, make sure you have saws available for sale online – with in-store pickup for gas models. Leave the $100 saw options to the mass merchants (see sidebar on big-box saw sales).
Recognize that battery-powered chain saw sales are growing faster than gas-powered units. These tools still create service opportunities for chain work and adjustments. Also, encourage battery and charger purchases within the brand family, which establishes increased opportunities for sales of trimmers and other tools using the same battery.
Big-Box store chain saw sales
Top-selling chain saws
Craftsman CMECS614 – top-selling saw at the mass merchants. We checked pricing in early March, and Lowe’s was selling this saw for $65, marked down from about $100. At that price, we’re not surprised that this tool, even though it’s a corded electric model, could lead the category. Craftsman also had the second-best seller, the CMECS610, which is a corded model that comes with a pole extension for around $110.
Top chain saw brand
Ryobi – Ryobi has nearly two dozen chain and pole saw options available, nearly all under $300, and sold exclusively through Home Depot – this is a volume play.
Top battery-powered chain saw
Kobalt 6-in. 24V – A bit surprising that a Kobalt saw with a 6-in. bar (model KMCS 1024A-03) was the top-selling battery model for the mass merchants. This Lowe’s exclusive product retails for about $150, and its small design makes it attractive for a range of light-duty homeowner jobs. Ease of use and ease of ownership (storage) is the key to this model’s success.
