Husqvarna 372 XP vs. 562 XP (Weight Benchmark)
Husqvarna lists the 372 XP at 6.6 kg (14.6 lb) and the 562 XP at 5.9 kg (13.0 lb), excluding bar, chain, and fluids. That makes the 562 XP about 0.7 kg (1.5 lb) lighter as a powerhead. The 372 XP has more displacement and output; choose by workload, handling, and the exact approved setup.
If you are comparing saws across several tabs, the powerhead figures give you a useful starting point, but not the full weight you will hold while cutting. The bar, chain, and fuel add weight, and their effect depends on the setup. These figures also do not show how a saw feels during repeated cuts.
I compare the published specs first, then match them to the work. The numbers support a clear distinction: the 372 XP is a higher-displacement, higher-output saw, while the 562 XP is a lighter 60 cc class option. Neither spec alone tells you which one is right for every job.
Powerhead weight benchmark: what the published numbers tell you
Powerhead weight is the saw’s weight without its bar, chain, or operating fluids. It lets you compare the basic saws on equal terms, but it is not the same as ready-to-cut weight. Use it as a benchmark, then check the exact bar and chain combination you plan to run.
| Published specification | Husqvarna 372 XP | Husqvarna 562 XP |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 70.7 cc | 59.8 cc |
| Output | 4.1 kW (5.5 hp) | 3.5 kW (4.7 hp) |
| Powerhead weight | 6.6 kg (14.6 lb) | 5.9 kg (13.0 lb) |
| Difference | 0.7 kg (1.5 lb) heavier | 0.7 kg (1.5 lb) lighter |
The metric figures show a 0.7 kg difference. The published pound figures are rounded, so subtracting those rounded values gives 1.6 lb rather than 1.5 lb. For comparison, the metric difference is the clearer benchmark.
That difference applies before you fit a bar and chain or add fuel. A longer or heavier setup will change the total weight and balance. Since those parts vary, there is no single ready-to-cut weight that applies to every 372 XP or 562 XP.
The 372 XP also has 10.9 cc more displacement and 0.6 kW more published output. Those numbers describe engine size and rated output, not a direct measure of cutting speed in every type of wood. Chain condition, bar setup, wood, and cutting technique all matter.
Key takeaway: For the lightest powerhead, the 562 XP leads. For more displacement and published output, the 372 XP leads. Compare complete, manual-approved setups before treating either number as your working weight.
Which saw fits your workload?
Workload means the kind of cutting you do, how often you do it, and the wood and setup involved. The 372 XP’s greater displacement and output may suit sustained work in larger wood. The lighter 562 XP may be a better fit when handling matters more, but the right choice still depends on the job.
These decision scenarios show how to apply the specifications. They are examples for comparing workload, not claims from a controlled head-to-head field test.
| Your likely work | What the published specs suggest | What to confirm before choosing |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent cutting in larger wood | The 372 XP has higher displacement and output | The exact manual-approved bar and chain for your work |
| Mixed cutting where lower powerhead weight matters | The 562 XP is 0.7 kg lighter by published metric figures | Total setup weight, balance, and how the saw feels in your hands |
| Occasional cuts across varied wood sizes | Neither model is automatically the right choice | Whether the saw’s size and approved setup suit the work you actually do |
In a side-by-side comparison, I would not treat the weight gap as proof that one saw will feel better for every operator. The bar and chain move the balance point, and individual comfort varies. If possible, handle each saw with a comparable setup before buying.
Do not choose a bar by displacement alone. The bar’s approved length depends on the exact model and manual, as well as chain, wood, and operator. Check the manual for the specific saw revision and the bar combination you intend to use.
Key takeaway: Consider the 372 XP when its added output suits regular, demanding cutting. Consider the 562 XP when a lighter powerhead and a 60 cc class saw better match your work. Confirm the complete setup, not just the engine size.
Bar, chain, and equipment setup: check the exact match
A bar-and-chain combination is a matched set of parts. Pitch, gauge, and drive-link count must fit the bar and saw. Both saws use 3/8-inch pitch in common configurations, but that does not confirm that a particular chain fits your bar or model.
Before ordering, check the saw’s product plate and the manual that matches its model and revision. Then compare the bar stamp and chain details. Gauge and drive-link count depend on the assembly; do not assume .050-inch and .058-inch gauge chains are interchangeable.
Both saws are two-stroke models. The specified mix is 50:1 gasoline to oil by volume when using suitable two-stroke oil. Follow the exact saw manual and the oil maker’s directions for the fuel and oil you use.
Before each job, inspect the chain brake, throttle lockout, chain catcher, handles, bar, chain tension, and lubrication. Wear a helmet, eye and hearing protection, chainsaw protective legwear, gloves, and boots. Check the work area for lean, defects, overhead hazards, escape routes, poor footing, bystanders, and energized lines. Follow applicable ANSI Z133 or utility clearance rules. Logging operations must also follow OSHA 29 CFR 1910.266, including required separation between workers during felling.
Key takeaway: Verify the saw, bar, and chain as a specific combination. A shared pitch does not prove that the parts match.
Cutting and handling: account for balance and site hazards
Handling is how a saw moves and feels in use, including its balance with the fitted bar and chain. Powerhead weight alone cannot capture it. Use a sound setup, stable footing, and planned cuts; stop if the work exceeds your training or the equipment’s capacity.
Start on firm ground with the chain brake engaged and the saw secured as its manual directs. Follow the manual’s cold- or warm-start steps. Before cutting, confirm that the brake works and that oil reaches the chain. Do not let the chain run while the saw idles.
Keep a firm two-handed grip and stable stance. Plan the cut for the wood’s condition and the saw’s position. When felling, plan the intended lay and escape routes, and maintain a sound hinge. Do not begin or continue if hazards, tree condition, or access are beyond your ability to manage safely.
Rotational kickback can happen if the upper quadrant of the bar nose contacts an object. The bar can move rapidly back and upward toward the operator. Avoid nose contact, keep the chain brake functional, and never cut above shoulder height. A brake reduces risk, but it does not make nose contact safe.
Key takeaway: Choose a saw you can control with its full cutting setup, and do not let a lighter powerhead replace safe technique or a site check.
Maintenance, sharpening, and tuning: protect cutting performance
A sharp, correctly tensioned chain helps the saw cut as intended. Chain maintenance also means keeping the bar and lubrication system in good order. Use the chain maker’s instructions and the exact saw manual rather than relying on one setting for every chain or model.
There is no single safe depth-gauge, or raker, setting for every chain. Use the chain maker’s specified gauge and filing tool. A setting of 0.65 mm (0.025 inch) is common, but it is not a universal specification. Do not force a dull or poorly tensioned chain through wood; stop and correct it first.
Keep the oil reservoir filled and confirm that oil reaches the chain. Oil flow and suitable viscosity depend on the model, temperature, and setup, so follow the manual. After cutting, engage the brake and switch off the saw before cleaning or making adjustments. Let it cool, then clear debris and inspect the chain, bar, and sprocket area. Check the air filter and fasteners, and service as directed.
The published power and displacement figures are not torque specifications or tuning targets. Use the exact manual for idle and wide-open-throttle RPM, adjustment limits, fastener torque, and approved bar combinations. Do not tune by ear or exceed factory limits.
Key takeaway: Follow the chain and saw makers’ settings. Do not apply a familiar measurement to a different chain without checking its specification.
Storage and seasonal care: preserve the setup
Storage care means preparing the saw and its cutting parts for downtime under the instructions for that model. Clean parts, safe fuel handling, and a final inspection help you find problems before the next job. For fuel steps, follow the saw manual rather than assuming one method suits every situation.
Switch off the saw and let it cool before cleaning or storing it. Remove debris, inspect the bar and chain, and check the saw for damage or loose parts. Store the saw and fuel safely, as directed by their manufacturers. Before the next use, check the chain tension, brake, and oil supply again.
Key takeaway: A stored saw still needs a fresh safety and setup check before it returns to work.
Conclusion: make the weight comparison useful
The 562 XP’s published powerhead weight is 0.7 kg lower than the 372 XP’s, while the 372 XP has greater displacement and output. That is the core comparison; the best match depends on your work and complete saw setup. Confirm the product plate, matching manual, and approved bar and chain before buying.
For frequent cutting in larger wood, the 372 XP’s output may fit the task better. If you value a lighter powerhead in a 60 cc class saw, the 562 XP is the more direct match. Check ready-to-cut balance where possible, and base your choice on the work you do rather than one specification.
Frequently asked questions
These answers focus on the published weight comparison and the checks that change how useful those figures are. Powerhead weight excludes the bar, chain, and fluids, so it cannot tell you the total weight of a running saw. Always confirm specifications against the exact model and manual.
Which saw is lighter, the 372 XP or 562 XP?
The 562 XP is lighter. Husqvarna lists its powerhead at 5.9 kg (13.0 lb), compared with 6.6 kg (14.6 lb) for the 372 XP.
How much lighter is the 562 XP?
The published metric powerhead difference is 0.7 kg, or about 1.5 lb. Rounded pound figures may appear to differ by 1.6 lb.
Do those weights include the bar and chain?
No. The figures exclude the bar, chain, and operating fluids. Ready-to-cut weight depends on the fitted parts and fuel.
Which saw has more displacement and output?
The 372 XP has 70.7 cc displacement and published output of 4.1 kW (5.5 hp). The 562 XP has 59.8 cc and 3.5 kW (4.7 hp).
Does the 372 XP’s higher output make it right for every large cut?
No. Wood, chain condition, bar setup, and operator skill matter. Check the saw manual and choose a setup suited to the work.
Can I choose a bar length based on displacement alone?
No. Use a bar and chain combination approved for the exact model and manual. Consider the wood, chain, and operator as well.
Do both saws use a 3/8-inch chain?
They use 3/8-inch pitch in common configurations. Confirm the bar stamp, gauge, and drive-link count before fitting a chain.
What fuel mix do these saws use?
Both are two-stroke saws with a specified 50:1 gasoline-to-oil mix when using suitable two-stroke oil. Follow the saw manual and oil maker’s instructions.
Is 0.65 mm (0.025 inch) the right raker setting for both saws?
Not automatically. Use the chain manufacturer’s specified depth-gauge setting and filing tool. That measurement is common, not universal.
Can I use the published output figures as tuning targets?
No. Use the exact manual for RPM, adjustment limits, and other service values. Do not tune by ear or exceed factory limits.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Marcus Thorne. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
