Quick answer: The Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II is a professional-grade 59.8cc gas chainsaw producing 4.7 horsepower, designed for loggers, arborists, and large property owners needing a balance between 50cc agility and 70cc pulling power. It fixes the hot-restart and air-leak issues of the original model thanks to AutoTune 3.0, redesigned engine crankcases, and improved cooling channels derived from the larger 572 XP.
The Evolution of the Husqvarna 562XP Engine and Chassis
To understand why the Husqvarna 562XP name holds such weight among timber professionals, you have to look at the power cylinder design. Powered by a 59.8 cc X-Torq® engine delivering 3.5 kW (4.7 hp) at 9,600 RPM, this saw operates right in the sweet spot for timber production work. The X-Torq air-head engine technology uses a dual-intake system—one path sweeps pure air through the transfer ports to clear exhaust gases, while the second delivers the fuel-air charge. This design cuts exhaust emissions significantly while slashing fuel consumption compared to standard two-stroke engines.
The original 562 XP earned a reputation for running hot when worked continuously in hardwood under 90°F+ ambient temperatures. In response, Husqvarna overhauled the crankcase architecture for the Mark II. The magnesium crankcase features expanded cooling fins around the cylinder base and a redesigned flywheel that forces significantly more air volume past the crankcase wall. Furthermore, an upgraded insulation barrier separates the carburetor chamber from cylinder heat radiation, eliminating the vapor lock issues that plagued early generations during quick fuel stops.
Fuel delivery is governed by AutoTune™ 3.0, an automated microprocessor-controlled carburetor system. Operators no longer need to adjust high and low-speed needles when moving from sea-level coastal timber to high-altitude mountain logging. AutoTune dynamically corrects the air-fuel mixture based on altitude, barometric pressure, temperature, fuel blend quality, and air filter restriction within seconds of wide-open throttle operation. The starting sequence is simplified down to pulling the master control lever up and pulling the starter cord—no manual choke management required.
| Specification | Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II | Key Metric |
| Cylinder Displacement | 59.8 cm³ (60cc) | Standard for the Class |
| Power Output | 3.5 kW / 4.7 hp | Exceptional Power-to-Weight Ratio |
| Weight (Excl. Cutting Eq.) | 5.9 kg (13 lbs) | Lightweight for Pro 60cc Class |
| Max Recommended Bar | Up to 28 inches | Highly Versatile for Large Timber |
| Chain Speed at Max Power | 21.4 m/s (approx. 70.2 ft/s) | High Chain Speed for Fast Limbing |
| Key Technology | AutoTune™ 3.0 | Always Optimized Performance |
| Anti-Vibration System | LowVib® | Reduced Operator Fatigue |
Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II Technical Specifications
Selecting the right powerhead requires looking beyond raw horsepower ratings. The geometry of the saw, oiling capabilities, and bar compatibility dictate how well it handles daily production work. The table below outlines the core technical metrics for the Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II configured for professional bucking and felling duty.
| Specification Metric | Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 59.8 cc (3.65 cu. in.) |
| Power Output | 4.7 hp (3.5 kW) @ 9,600 RPM |
| Weight (Excluding Bar & Chain) | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) |
| Recommended Bar Lengths | 16" to 28" (40 to 70 cm) |
| chain pitch & Gauge | 3/8" Pitch, .050" or .058" Gauge |
| Fuel-to-Oil Ratio | 50:1 (50 parts gas to 1 part 2-stroke oil) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.0 fluid oz (0.65 liters) |
| Chain Oil Reservoir Capacity | 0.70 US pint (0.33 liters) |
Matching your cutting gear to this engine power profile is critical for maximizing productivity. While the saw can pull a 28-inch guide bar in softwoods, the optimal sweet spot for balanced handling and high chain speed is a 20-inch or 24-inch X-Tough light bar paired with a 3/8" pitch, .050" gauge full-chisel chain. This combination maintains clean momentum without bogging down the engine clutch assembly when burying the bar full depth into hardwood species like oak, hickory, or maple.
Pro tip: When running a brand-new chain on a 24-inch bar with the 562 XP Mark II, chain tension drifts rapidly during the first two tanks of fuel as the rivets seat. Keep a scremrench in your pouch and check tension after every tank—never adjust tension while the bar is blistering hot after long bucking cuts, or you risk snapping the drive links as the metal contracts when cooling.
Real-World Cutting Performance and Ergonomics
Out in the woods, performance isn't measured solely on test benches; it's measured by fatigue levels at the end of an eight-hour shift. The 562 XP Mark II features a slimmed-down crankcase body, allowing the operator to keep the saw body closer to their torso during limbing cuts. This reduces leverage stress on the lower back and shoulders. The LowVib® anti-vibration dampening system uses isolation steel springs rather than traditional rubber buffers, isolating engine combustion pulses from the front and rear handles.
Filtration efficiency is another area where the Mark II shines over competitor saws. Husqvarna utilizes an Air Injection™ centrifugal air cleaning system. The flywheel blades spin intake air at high speeds, slinging coarse wood dust and heavy debris outward before air ever touches the paper air filter element. This keeps the intake clear longer, allowing forestry crew members to operate a full day under dusty conditions without needing to remove the top cover for filter cleaning.
Safety features meet the rigorous demands of professional logging operations. The inertia-activated chain brake stops chain rotation instantaneously in kickback scenarios, while the durable aluminum front handlebar provides a firm grip under high torque loads. Proper operation always mandates personal protective equipment, including minimum 6-ply gas chainsaw safety chaps, a hard hat with protective face screen, eye protection meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards, and heavy-duty leather boots.
Husqvarna 562XP vs Competitor 60cc Chainsaws
When selecting a primary powerhead in the 60cc category, users often weigh the Husqvarna 562XP against internal lineup alternatives like the 550 XP Mark II and direct rivals such as the Stihl MS 362 C-M. Understanding where the 562 XP Mark II lands within this power spectrum prevents buying a saw that is either underpowered for large timber or unnecessarily heavy for branch clearing.
- 562 XP Mark II vs. Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II: The 50cc 550 XP Mark II weighs 11.7 lbs and produces 4.0 hp, making it an agile limbing saw for smaller trees. However, if you regularly fell timber over 18 inches in diameter, the 562 XP Mark II's extra 0.7 hp and capability to handle a 24" or 28" bar easily outpaces the smaller model.
- 562 XP Mark II vs. Stihl MS 362 C-M: Both sit squarely in the 60cc professional tier with electronic carburetion systems. The Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II revs higher at maximum power output and offers a noticeably slimmer body profile, whereas the MS 362 C-M matches it in raw dry weight and low-end torque.
- 562 XP Mark II vs. Husqvarna 572 XP: Jumping from 60cc up to the 70.6cc class adds roughly 1.8 lbs of bare dry weight. If you do not pull a 28" or 30" guide bar daily in mature hard timber, sticking with the lighter 562 XP Mark II prevents operator exhaustion over long shifts while providing ample cutting power.
Maintenance on the 562 XP Mark II is straight-forward. Daily checks should include inspecting the drive sprocket for wear grooves, cleaning the guide bar groove, clearing debris from the bar oil passage hole, and checking chain tension. Every 25 hours of operation, inspect the spark plug, clean the cylinder cooling fins, and verify that the chain brake mechanism operates freely. Always mix fresh 89+ octane ethanol-free gasoline with high-grade synthetic 2-stroke oil at a strict 50:1 fuel mixture ratio to safeguard internal cylinder coatings.
| Feature | Husqvarna 562 XP (Original) | Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II (New) | Impact |
| Engine Design | First Gen AutoTune components | Complete engine and crankcase redesign | Vastly improved durability |
| Starting Procedure | AutoTune 1.0/2.0 with Manual Choke | AutoTune 3.0 with Simple Start (No manual choke run) | Easier, more reliable starts |
| Cooling | Standard cooling system | Improved ducting and insulation wall | Reduced heat transfer, better reliability |
| Filtration | Air Injection | Air Injection + Magnetic Fuel Filter | Engine protection against metal debris |
| Weight | 6.1 kg (13.45 lbs) | 5.9 kg (13 lbs) | Improved Power-to-Weight |
| Ergonomics | Original body design | Slimmed-down, optimized body and outboard clutch | Enhanced maneuverability and balance |
Recommendation and Final Judgment
If you are a professional arborist, timber faller, or serious landowner needing a single-saw solution for felling, bucking, and processing medium-to-large hardwood trees, the Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II is one of the most capable 60cc powerheads on the market today. Pair this saw with a 20-inch or 24-inch guide bar, run premium 50:1 fuel, and you will have a dependable, fast-cutting setup capable of tackling severe wood-cutting demands for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the original Husqvarna 562 XP and the Mark II?
The Mark II features an overhauled engine crankcase with superior heat dissipation, an upgraded AutoTune 3.0 electronic carb system, enhanced crankshaft bearings, and cooling channels derived from Husqvarna's 70cc-class saws to resolve hot-restart issues and maximize durability.
What bar size is best for the Husqvarna 562 XP Mark II?
While the powerhead supports guide bars from 16 to 28 inches, a 20-inch or 24-inch guide bar offers the ideal balance of power, ergonomics, and chain speed in both softwoods and dense hardwoods.
Can I run 50:1 pre-mixed canned fuel in my 562 XP Mark II?
Yes, premixed ethanol-free canned fuel is ideal for professional 2-stroke chainsaw engines because it contains no alcohol compounds that degrade fuel lines or attract moisture during storage, ensuring fast starts and consistent throttle response.
