What Is the Husqvarna 288 Chainsaw Series? (Specs & CC)
The Husqvarna 288 is a family of large, professional two-stroke chainsaws, best known in 288 XP form. The 288 XP has about 87 cc of engine displacement and a rated output near 4.5 kW, or 6 hp. Exact details vary by version, so check the full model name and its manual before choosing parts or settings.
The number “288” is a useful starting point, but it is not a complete parts or setup guide. A 288 XP and another saw marked 288 may not share every specification, and older saws may have replacement bars or other changed parts. I often see owners focus on engine size first; the safer first step is to identify the exact saw.
What the Husqvarna 288 chainsaw series is
The Husqvarna 288 is a family of high-powered, professional chainsaws. The 288 XP is the best-known version and has an engine displacement of about 87 cubic centimetres (cc). It is built for demanding cutting work, but its exact features and approved setup depend on the model version and market.
“Displacement” is the combined volume swept by the engine’s piston as it moves inside the cylinder. It is one measure of engine size, not a guarantee of cutting speed or ability in every kind of wood. Chain condition, bar setup, wood size, and the operator’s technique all affect how a saw cuts.
A 288 is not a light-duty homeowner saw. Its power and size call for suitable training, protective equipment, and careful worksite planning. If the saw is new to you, read its operator’s manual before starting it, even if you have used other chainsaws.
Husqvarna 288 XP specs and engine displacement
The figures below describe common 288 XP specifications, not every saw that may be labeled 288. Treat them as an identification guide, then confirm details in the manual for your exact saw. Model versions, markets, and past repairs can affect what is fitted and which service settings apply.
| Specification | Common 288 XP figure | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Engine displacement | About 87 cm³ (87 cc) | Full model designation and manual |
| Rated output | About 4.5 kW, or roughly 6 hp | Version and published test details |
| Fuel mixture | 50:1 (2%) with approved two-stroke oil in applicable manuals | Manual and oil instructions |
| Chain pitch | Commonly 3/8 in. | Bar stamp and chain markings |
| Chain gauge | Often .058 in. or .063 in. | Bar stamp; it must match the chain |
| Idle speed | Commonly around 2,500 rpm | Model-specific service information |
| Bar length | Many 288 XP setups use about 18–28 in. | Approved combination for the exact saw |
Power ratings may be published under different test conditions, so small differences in stated output do not always mean a saw is faulty. Do not use a general specification table to set the carburetor. For idle and other settings, use the exact service information; high-speed tuning needs a tachometer and a qualified procedure.
“Pitch” is the spacing between chain drive links, while “gauge” is the thickness of the part of a drive link that sits in the bar groove. Both must match the bar and chain. A chain with the wrong gauge or pitch is not a safe substitute, even if it appears to fit.
Husqvarna 288 setup, bar/chain compatibility, and safety prep
A compatible bar and chain are a matched cutting system. Many 288 XP configurations use bars around 18 to 28 inches long, but that range is not approval for every 288 or every cutting task. Check the manual and bar markings, and use only a combination listed for the specific saw.
A longer bar can reach farther into a cut, but it also adds load and increases the chance of contact near the bar nose. The saw has no manufacturer rating for wood hardness. Sharpness, wood diameter, knots, defects, and compression all affect cutting behavior. Do not assume a particular bar length will suit a type of wood just because the saw has enough engine power.
Before each job, check the parts and the work area:
- Wear chainsaw-rated leg protection, a helmet, eye or face protection, hearing protection, gloves, and suitable boots.
- Check that the chain brake, throttle lockout, chain catcher, and controls work as intended.
- Inspect the bar, chain, tension, and lubrication system. Do not use damaged or mismatched cutting parts.
- Clear bystanders and plan escape routes. Look for lean, overhead hazards, wind, and poor footing.
Start the saw on stable ground, following the manual’s cold- or warm-start steps, with the chain brake engaged. Keep the chain clear of the ground and people. Before cutting, confirm the chain stops when the engine idles and that oil reaches the chain. If a safety control fails or lubrication is uncertain, stop and resolve the issue before use.
Field cutting operations: bucking, felling limits, and worksite control
Bucking means cutting a felled tree or log into shorter sections. The safe method depends on how the wood rests: pressure can close a cut or cause the log to shift as the cut opens. Read the forces before cutting, and do not begin work that needs skills or equipment you do not have.
Use a stable stance and a two-handed grip. Keep cuts below shoulder height, and avoid using the upper part of the bar nose to cut. Contact between wood and the nose’s upper quadrant can cause rotational kickback, which throws the bar rapidly up and back toward the operator. A functioning chain brake helps reduce risk but does not make nose contact safe.
Felling trees is not simply a matter of choosing a bar length. A tree’s lean, defects, branches, wind, nearby structures, people, and power lines can change the risk. Tree felling and work near overhead hazards require competent planning and suitable clearances. Follow applicable safety rules, including ANSI Z133 and relevant OSHA requirements. OSHA 1910.266 applies specifically to logging operations.
If a cut binds, the tree moves unexpectedly, or the saw begins to feel difficult to control, stop and reassess. Never force a dull, damaged, or mismatched chain through wood. That can add heat and strain, and it raises the risk of a poor cut or loss of control.
288 maintenance, chain sharpening, and carburetor service
Routine care helps keep the saw ready for work, but service settings must match the exact model. After shutting down, engage the brake and switch off the engine before inspection. Let the saw cool before cleaning or handling hot parts, and use the manual for adjustment and maintenance steps.
Keep the chain sharp and correctly tensioned. A dull chain can cut slowly and may tempt you to push harder, which is not a safe fix. Inspect the cutters for damage, and check the bar groove and oiling system. Clean chips from the saw and inspect the air filter as the manual directs.
The idle figure commonly listed for a 288 XP is around 2,500 rpm, but it is not a universal setting for every 288. Do not tune a carburetor by ear or adjust high-speed settings without the correct tachometer and a qualified procedure. If the chain moves at idle or the saw runs poorly, stop using it until the cause is found.
I have seen owners mistake a cutting problem for a lack of engine power when the chain is dull or the setup does not match. Check the chain, bar, and oiling before assuming the engine needs adjustment. For repair parts, confirm the saw’s full model designation and serial details with the manual or a qualified service provider.
Fuel handling, storage, and setup examples
The 288 XP is a two-stroke saw, so its fuel needs the oil mixture specified in the applicable manual. Some 288 XP manuals specify a 50:1 mixture, or 2%, with approved two-stroke oil. Do not put straight gasoline in the saw; without the required oil, the engine can be damaged quickly.
Use fresh fuel mixed as directed for the exact saw and oil. Store and handle fuel according to the manual and local rules. For storage, shut the saw off, let it cool, and follow the manufacturer’s directions for fuel and equipment care. Never work on a hot saw or store fuel near heat or flame.
These examples show how to verify a setup; they are not approval for a particular saw or cutting job:
| Situation | What to verify before use |
|---|---|
| A used 288 XP has an 18-inch bar | Check the bar stamp, chain pitch and gauge, and whether that setup is listed for the saw. |
| A seller offers a 28-inch bar | Confirm it is an approved length and compatible bar-and-chain combination for the exact version. Longer bars add load and can increase kickback exposure. |
| The chain appears to fit but the gauge is unknown | Read the bar stamp and match the chain gauge exactly. Do not test-fit by running the saw. |
| The saw cuts slowly in hard or knotted wood | Check sharpness, chain match, and cutting conditions. The saw has no hardness rating that guarantees a result. |
The practical rule is simple: identify the saw first, then verify every cutting part and setting against its manual. Do not infer compatibility from the “288” label alone.
Frequently asked questions about the Husqvarna 288
These quick answers cover the main identification and setup questions. For a saw you own, the operator’s manual remains the deciding source for fuel, maintenance, and approved bar-and-chain combinations.
How many cc is a Husqvarna 288 XP?
The 288 XP is commonly listed at about 87 cc, or 87 cm³. Confirm the full model version before ordering parts.
How much power does a Husqvarna 288 XP make?
A common published rating is about 4.5 kW, or roughly 6 hp. Figures can vary with version and test details.
Is every Husqvarna 288 the same as a 288 XP?
No. “288” alone does not identify every specification. Check the full model designation, serial information, and model-specific manual.
What bar length fits a Husqvarna 288 XP?
Many 288 XP setups use bars around 18 to 28 inches, but approved lengths vary. Use only a combination listed for your exact saw.
What chain pitch does a 288 XP use?
A 3/8-inch pitch is common. Confirm the bar marking before buying a chain, and check the gauge as well.
What chain gauge does the 288 XP take?
The gauge depends on the bar. Common setups use .058-inch or .063-inch gauge, so read the bar stamp and match the chain exactly.
What fuel mix does a Husqvarna 288 XP need?
Applicable 288 XP manuals specify a 50:1 mix with approved two-stroke oil. Follow the manual for your exact saw and oil.
Can I use a longer bar to cut larger wood?
Only if that bar-and-chain combination is approved for your exact saw. A longer bar adds load and can increase kickback exposure.
Why does my 288 cut slowly?
A dull or mismatched chain, poor lubrication, wood defects, or cutting conditions may affect performance. Stop and inspect the setup rather than forcing the saw.
What should I check before starting a used 288?
Identify the full model, read its manual, and inspect the safety controls, bar, chain, tension, and lubrication. Do not run it if a safety part is damaged or the setup is uncertain.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Evan Bradley. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
