The Husqvarna 562 XP Chainsaw is a much-loved saw.
It’s a 60cc chainsaw with a 4.7hp engine, sold with an 18, 20, or 24-inch bar. It’s pro-level with extra power and several other benefits, which we’ll discuss below.
If you’re after a good mid-powered chainsaw that loves to chew wood, the 562 XP certainly fits the bill.
Husqvarna 562 XP
Who is the Husqvarna 562 XP Chainsaw best for, and what work is it suitable for?
This chainsaw is used primarily by those who work in forestry and logging as a limbing saw.
It’s also a good option for people processing and selling firewood, and it’s a favorite saw among farmers and other landowners.
As mentioned, it’s a 4.7 hp 60cc saw, making it a mid-range saw.
The 562 XP is great for light land clearing and can be operated for hours daily without trouble.
Regarding power and ability, it’s a big jump from the Husqvarna Rancher chainsaws:
Check out where the Husky 562XP falls among the other Husqvarna chainsaws in this reference guide.
It’s rated as good for use as a professional bucking chainsaw, limbing, and as a professional felling chainsaw.
It’s comparable to the Husqvarna 372 XP chainsaw, though that saw is more powerful and is usually run with a longer bar.
As already mentioned, it’s a huge step up from the homeowner chainsaws like the Husqvarna 135 and the Farm and Ranch series, which are OK, but are not suitable for heavy work.
Weighing 13.4 lbs, the 562 is not designed for use as a climbing saw. Also, as it’s sold with anything from an 18- to 24-inch bar, it’s too big for those types of tasks.
Neither is it the ideal chainsaw for pruning trees and light clean-up. It’s too powerful and wasted on this type of work, though you can use it for that.
Get a small chainsaw for the light work, and use the 562XP for the tough stuff.
Husqvarna 562 XP reviews
As stated in the intro, the 562XP is one of the most loved Husky saws and gets very few criticisms.
Some previous Husqvarna chainsaws with AutoTune were a bit finicky, but those problems appear to have been resolved with the 562.
You do need to break this chainsaw in gently.
For the first tank or 3, let it work on some lighter tasks to get the calibration in. After that, it will come to life. It’s also best not to run it at full throttle when not in wood, at least in the beginning.
Safely run it across some wood or put it gently through a log so that it comes under some load to get the tuning going (if necessary).
And some comments from the Husqvarna Chainsaw FB Group:
- “I had a firewood business and had many Huskies for over 15 years. The 562 was awesome in the firewood pile. Even against the 288.”
- “Excellent saw! Just remember to use premium bar oil. Everything else thins out too much and the chain starts to smoke. The chain speed is insane!”
- “Great saw, I bought one in 2013 and just did the air filter upgrade kit on it.”
- “Great saw but if you use it every day, after a year and a half to two years, it loses a lot of compression because of the single ring. Just got to do the top and over again.”
- “I’ve had a dozen of them now, they’re one badass little unit, that made the 372s in my fleet unnecessary to keep around.”
- “I’ve had Husky saws for 35 years and the 562 is my favorite! I run it with a 20″ Tsumura Bar and an X-Cut chain.”
- “I have the 2020 model and it is probably the most versatile saw I have ever owned. The perfect mix of power and weight for me.”
- “I bought mine in 2020 and cut 5 to 7 tri-axle loads of logs each year. I run a 20″ bar. Sharp chains keep the seals from getting hot and failing. I run 50:1.”
- “Every 562xp I’ve owned was a straight-up animal after muffler mod.”
- “One of the best saws I own. If you’re cutting big hardwood and require over 24” bar go bigger. Mine wears a 20” and is my favorite felling saw by far, and I’ve got a wide range to choose from.”
And a dude called Bonner said:
I love mine.
I have a 550 xp, 562 xp, and 572 xp (plus several others- bigger and smaller) but the middle child is my favorite of that series.
I found an inexpensive full wrap and felling dog kit for it and it’s my go-to saw for most things on the ground.
All in all, the Husqvarna 562 XP chainsaw is very good.
It’s one of those saws where 99% of people are happy with their purchase and don’t have any complaints.
Pros:
- Very popular with chainsaw addicts
- Great power and performance
- AutoTune seems to be a real benefit
- The latest and greatest features
- Affordable at (usually) under $800
Cons:
- Not everyone likes the stock handle
- Can be tricky to start until you get the hang of it
- Often not available at dealers due to shortages
Specs and features
The exact specs can vary depending on the time and location of manufacture, so double-check the exact specs on the model you’re looking at if anything is particularly important.
These are the specs for the standard 562XP 2020 – the main thing that changes between the different buying options is the bar size that comes with it. Choose an 18, 20, 24, or sometimes even a 28-inch bar (which is too big in my opinion).
The 562XP comes with the more recent AutoTune feature which can take some getting used to.
This means it has a self-adjusting carburetor that has a microprocessor that automatically adjusts for “different fuel types, altitudes, temperatures, and depending on the state of your air filter.”
562 XP Specs:
- 4.7 horsepower
- 59.8cc
- 9,600 max RPMs
- 2800 idling RPMs
- NGK CMR6H spark plug
- 3/8″ chain
- Weighs 13.4 lbs (dry weight, without fuel and oil)
- 50:1 fuel oil mix
- 118 dB(A)
The 562XP was updated in 2020, so anything sold after that will most likely be the newer model.
One of the differences between the 2020 562XP and previous models is a new and improved air filter.
The problem with the old air filter design was that dust would get into the intake tract. The new air filter screws down and seals tight.
You can get a new 562XP air filter kit (here on HL Supply) to replace the old ones on the old model 562s.
The old 562 versions also had a carb that needed to be manually adjusted, rather than being AutoTune.
If you see a 562 (or any other Husky saw) listed with a ‘G,’ such as 562 XP G, that means it has heated handles.
It can be purchased with or without heated handles at about a $50 difference, but it’s a good feature to have in cold climates.
Here are the 2020 Husqvarna 562XP features:
- AutoTune – self-adjusting carb
- X-Torq – a powerful and efficient engine
- Air Injection – centrifugal air cleaning system
- Fast Acceleration – optimized for speed
- Low Vibration – means less fatigue
- Adjustable Oil Pump – you control the flow
- Easy Access and Release Ait Filter – quick for cleaning
- Magnesium Crankcase – tougher than plastic alternatives
- Combined Choke/Stop – standard on all Huskys
- Snap Lock Cylinder Cover – again, easy access
- Side Chain Tensioner – easy to tighten or loosen the chain
- Slim Design – improved balance
- Smart Start – less effort and trouble starting
- Air Purge Bulb – easier starting
- Captive Bar Nuts – no need to worry about losing your nuts
- Chain Brake – potentially reduces kickback injury
- Flip-up Tank Caps – much easier to open and close
Husqvarna recommends the 562 XP be used with anything from a 16 – 28-inch bar.
You will see comments or videos of people using a 32″ bar and that sort of thing, but it’s going to perform best with those in the recommended range, and ideally, around the 20″ mark.
That is unless you’re going to be porting it and/or making other performance modifications.
562 XP Vs. 572 XP
Which is best, the 562 XP or the 572 XP?
The answer will depend on what you are buying a chainsaw to do, but the 572XP is a slightly higher-powered model.
It’s a 70cc, 5.8hp chainsaw instead of a 60cc, 4.7hp chainsaw. The 572 also weighs about a pound more than the 562 and costs about an extra $300.
The listing price for your standard 562XP is $769, while the 572XP is $1029.
Exact prices will vary from dealer to dealer, as they are affected by local taxes and that sort of thing.
So which should you get?
It depends on your budget, power requirements, and weight preferences. However, some would tell you to buy both of them!
You can compare the 562 with the 560 in our detailed Husqvarna 560 review—they are the same saw, but the 562 XP has a larger bar mount and runs a 3/8 chain, while the 560 XP has a small bar mount and runs .325.
Price and parts
The list price is $769, but that will vary depending on your state.
At the time of writing, brand new 562 XPs are listed on eBay for around $750.
Not bad!
However, you’ll need to pick up a bar and chain separately.
When it comes to buying 562XP parts, here are our recommended online stores:
- Here on eBay – there are a ton of parts and entire powerheads that can be pulled apart
- Here on Amazon – everything from anti-vibe springs to casings and chain brake handles
- HLS Pro Parts – you’ll find anything you need here at a reasonable price
Parts are easy to find and not overly expensive.
My self I love my 562 and 572 I’m extremely happy with power and handling I was strictly Stihl but I’m a true believer in my huskies
Unless they changed the bearing design, 562’s are a ticking time bomb. Mine failed under warranty- was fixed by a dealer, then failed again within 60 hours of use. The saw is in a box, now, in pieces- decals still on it. I’ve been a logger for 37 years and never had a saw do that. Meanwhile, I have a 10+ year old 562 that is still going. Again, there are certain model years to avoid and it would be worth checking with an experienced dealer. Last I heard they were making bearing changes to the 2023 saw. I buy Stihl’s now, but always liked the way Husqvarna pro saws perform and feel in your hands.