Husqvarna 70cc Chainsaws (Pro Shootout)
For a Husqvarna saw in the 70cc class, the 572 XP is a clearly specified professional option: its engine displacement is 70.6 cm³. Match the bar and chain to the exact saw, bar stamp, and manual, not engine size alone. Choose the shortest bar that suits the work, and treat training, site hazards, and maintenance as part of the setup.
How do you compare a powerful saw without paying for a setup that does not fit your work? The key is to separate verified model facts from assumptions. “70cc” describes engine size; it does not confirm bar fit, chain gauge, or safe cutting capacity. I use the 572 XP as the reference here because its key specifications are known. For another Husqvarna model, check that model’s manual before applying any setup detail below.
What the 70cc comparison can tell you
A useful comparison starts with the exact model, not a broad engine class. Displacement is the engine’s swept volume, measured in cubic centimetres. It helps place a saw in context, but it does not tell you every part that fits or how safely you can handle a long bar.
Husqvarna’s 572 XP has a published displacement of 70.6 cm³. That figure is a sound reference point, but do not treat it as a parts code. Model names, specifications, and approved setups can differ between saws, including Husqvarna saws with similar displacement.
I compare saws by asking what is confirmed and what still needs checking:
| Comparison point | 572 XP reference | What to confirm before purchase or setup |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 70.6 cm³ | Exact model badge and manual |
| Maximum-power engine speed | 9,900 rpm | Model-specific specification |
| Idle speed | 2,800 rpm | Model-specific specification |
| Chain pitch | Commonly 3/8 in | Sprocket and bar must match |
| Chain gauge | Depends on the bar | Bar stamp and chain specification |
| Bar length | Common setups span about 18–28 in | Approved range for the exact saw |
An engine-speed figure is not a tuning target to guess at by sound. The 9,900 rpm figure is the published speed at maximum power, not permission to set the saw’s no-load speed to that number. Use the manual and a tachometer for carburetor checks.
Takeaway: If you are comparing models, compare the exact saw, approved equipment, and service requirements. Do not infer compatibility from “70cc.”
Bar, chain, and sprocket: the fitment check
The bar is the guide that supports the chain; the sprocket drives it. Pitch is the spacing used to match chain links to the sprocket, while gauge is the thickness of the chain drive links that sit in the bar groove. Both must match the parts fitted to your saw.
For the 572 XP, 3/8-in pitch is common, and bar setups are often in the 18–28-in range. That does not make every bar in that range suitable for every saw. Gauge and drive-link count vary with the specific bar, so read its stamp and check the manual and chain maker’s chart.
Before buying a replacement bar or chain, verify:
- The saw’s full model name and product version.
- Bar mount compatibility, pitch, and the bar’s stamped gauge.
- Chain pitch and gauge, plus the required number of drive links.
- That the sprocket matches the chain pitch.
- That the bar and chain combination is listed for that exact saw.
A longer bar can reach farther into a cut, but it also increases leverage, cutting time, and exposure to kickback. I recommend choosing the shortest approved bar that safely reaches the work, rather than buying the longest one available. Bar length alone does not tell you whether a cut is safe.
Takeaway: Never order a chain from engine displacement or bar length alone. Match the full set: saw, mount, bar, chain, and sprocket.
Equipment setup and site-safety preparation
A safe setup begins before starting the engine. PPE means personal protective equipment; for chainsaw work, that includes a helmet, eye and face protection, hearing protection, protective legwear, gloves, and protective boots. Follow the saw manual and applicable safety rules, including ANSI Z133 and OSHA requirements where they apply.
First inspect the chain brake, throttle lockout, chain catcher, controls, bar, chain, and fasteners. Check that the chain is correctly tensioned and that the oiling system works. Fill chain oil separately from fuel. For the 572 XP, use fresh unleaded gasoline mixed at 50:1 with Husqvarna two-stroke oil, or follow the oil specified in its manual. Do not assume that ratio applies to every Husqvarna saw or oil.
Start the saw on clear ground, with the chain brake engaged and the bar away from people and objects. Use the manual’s cold- or warm-start steps. Once running, confirm the chain does not move at idle and check that the brake works as directed. If the chain moves at idle or the brake does not function, stop and correct the issue before cutting.
Walk the work area first. Look for overhead hazards, nearby people, unstable footing, hidden objects, and a clear escape path. For tree felling, plan the drop area and communication before starting. Where OSHA logging rules apply, personnel must remain at least two tree lengths away; establish the required site exclusion zone and follow local rules. Do not fell near utilities or beyond your training or equipment capability.
Takeaway: A checked saw and a planned work area are prerequisites, not optional extras.
Field cutting, felling, and work scenarios
Bucking means cutting a felled tree or log into sections. Before each bucking cut, assess where the wood is under compression or tension, since a log can pinch the bar or move as the cut opens. Use a stable stance and two-handed grip, and keep the bar nose clear of the wood and nearby obstructions.
Rotational kickback can occur when the upper quadrant of the bar nose contacts wood or another object. The bar can move quickly up and back toward the operator. Keep the nose out of the cut, maintain a firm two-handed grip, and never cut above shoulder height. A chain brake can reduce injury risk, but it cannot prevent kickback.
Felling requires training and a site-specific plan. A directional notch and controlled back cut help guide a tree, while an adequate hinge helps control its movement. These are not a substitute for assessing lean, defects, branches, wind, escape routes, and nearby hazards. Use wedges or qualified help when needed; stop if the tree or site is beyond your ability.
The following are setup scenarios, not reports of specific job-site tests:
| Work scenario | Practical setup decision | Main caution |
|---|---|---|
| Bucking logs with clear access | Use a listed bar that reaches the cut | Check tension and pinch risk |
| Cutting larger-diameter wood | Confirm approved bar and chain combination | More reach does not remove kickback risk |
| Felling a tree | Plan the drop, exclusion zone, and escape routes | Do not proceed near utilities or beyond training |
| Moving between job sites | Recheck chain, bar, brake, and fasteners | A transport check does not replace inspection |
Species alone does not set a safe bar length. Diameter, grain, defects, lean, compression, and tension all affect the cut. If conditions change, pause and reassess instead of forcing the saw through.
Takeaway: Match the setup to the cut and the operator’s skill, not to a general claim about hardwood or engine size.
Maintenance, sharpening, and carburetor verification
A sharp chain cuts with less effort than a dull one. Sharpening restores the cutter edges; depth gauges control how much wood each cutter can take. Set depth gauges to the chain maker’s specification. About 0.025 in (0.65 mm) is common for some full-size chains, but check the exact chain chart rather than treating that number as universal.
Inspect cutters for damage and keep the chain tension within the manual’s limits. Check the bar groove and rails for wear, and use proper bar-and-chain oil. Oil type and delivery rate are not fixed across all conditions or models. Confirm oil delivery as described in the manual and look for lubricant throw; stop if the chain is not being lubricated.
For the 572 XP, the published idle speed is 2,800 rpm and maximum-power speed is 9,900 rpm. Carburetor adjustment and maximum no-load speed must follow the model manual and be checked with a tachometer. Do not tune by ear or use the maximum-power figure as a no-load setting.
If the saw bogs, cuts unevenly, or needs force to advance, stop and inspect the chain, bar, tension, air filter, and fuel condition. Never force a dull, damaged, or incorrectly tensioned chain into wood. Use fresh, correctly mixed fuel; stale fuel, straight gasoline, an incorrect oil ratio, or unapproved additives can cause running problems or engine damage.
Takeaway: A cutting problem is a signal to inspect, not a reason to push harder.
Shutdown, storage, and seasonal care
Shutdown care helps you catch wear before the next job. Engage the chain brake, stop the engine, and let the saw cool before cleaning or handling parts. Clear chips from the clutch cover, brake area, air filter, and cooling fins, following the manual’s cleaning instructions.
Then check chain tension, cutters, depth gauges, bar groove and rails, and oil delivery. Store the saw as its manual directs, including fuel handling and any steps needed for longer storage. Do not leave maintenance until the next cut; a quick inspection can reveal a loose fastener, damaged chain, or oiling fault.
Takeaway: Clean, inspect, and store the saw according to its manual before the next work period.
FAQ: Husqvarna 70cc saw selection and setup
These short answers focus on model identity, fitment, and safe operation. The 572 XP is the reference saw because its figures are specified here; other Husqvarna models require their own manuals and parts checks. When a detail depends on the bar, chain, or model, confirm it on that component before use.
What is the displacement of the Husqvarna 572 XP?
The 572 XP has a published displacement of 70.6 cm³.
Does every Husqvarna 70cc saw use the same bar and chain?
No. Check the exact model, bar mount, sprocket, bar stamp, chain pitch, gauge, and drive-link count.
What chain pitch is common on the 572 XP?
A 3/8-in pitch chain is common, but verify the fitted sprocket and approved setup.
Can I use any bar between 18 and 28 inches?
No. That is a common range, not blanket approval. Use a bar listed for your exact saw and work.
How do I confirm chain gauge?
Read the bar stamp and match the chain gauge to the bar groove. Do not assume a gauge from the saw model.
What fuel mix should I use in a 572 XP?
Use fresh unleaded gasoline mixed 50:1 with Husqvarna two-stroke oil, or follow the oil specified in that saw’s manual.
Should I tune the carburetor by ear?
No. Follow the model manual and verify engine speed with a tachometer.
Can a chain brake prevent kickback?
No. It can reduce injury risk, but it does not prevent kickback. Keep the bar nose clear and use a two-handed grip.
How far away should people stand during felling?
Follow the site’s exclusion plan and applicable rules. Where OSHA logging rules apply, personnel must remain at least two tree lengths away.
What should I do if the saw cuts poorly?
Stop. Check chain sharpness and damage, tension, bar condition, oil delivery, and fuel. Do not force the saw through wood.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Marcus Thorne. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
