Husqvarna launches new generation 70cc chainsaw range

The next generation, top-tier, professional chainsaws from Husqvarna were unveiled today at Forstmesse Luzern, the international forestry fair in Switzerland. The new range of 70cc chainsaws are built with the user in mind and feature six key elements - high power output and rapid acceleration, agility and productivity, and are designed for fast felling and limbing in any climate.    

 The objective of the new generation, headed by the 572 XPÆ, is to deliver chainsaws with outstanding productivity, durability and reliability, while at the same time, staying true to Husqvarna’s heritage and provide high ergonomics and safety. 

The next generation is built from scratch on a new platform, which is set to be the new foundation for professional chainsaws going forward. The chainsaws are manufactured on the same grounds in Sweden where Husqvarna chainsaw history began in 1959.

The development of the new platform has benefitted from digitalisation, as Husqvarna has further employed new technical solutions including sensor-based data collection and digital prototyping. Digital prototyping enables highly accurate stress analysis to optimise chainsaw design, while sensors were placed on the chainsaws in field tests to collect data on usage statistics. 

“Since Husqvarna started chainsaw production almost 60 years ago, we have been focused on constantly improving chainsaw performance and the user experience. We are confident that the new 572 XPÆ will show that Husqvarna is an innovation leader in the world of chainsaws, with a strong commitment to sustainability”, says Pavel Hajman, President of the Husqvarna division.

The six key factors that make the 572 XP

12% higher cutting capacity

The 572 XP measures an increased 12% cutting capacity even when using long guide bars compared to older Husqvarna chainsaw models within the 70cc range. This is made possible with the new engine layout and improved cooling, which is a prerequisite for ensuring high power output.

The engine gives users a 30% broader RPM range compared to previous generations; increasing the optimal range from a band of 2000 to 3000 RPM. The wider working range means that the engine, in a predictable way, delivers good power in all working situations and a better response time when revving up or down, making limbing faster. 

The lighter and smaller diameter of the flywheel generates rapid acceleration. Combined with good torque, this is the most powerful 70cc chainsaw Husqvarna has ever made.

Power-to-weight

A good power-to-weight ratio means higher productivity thanks to more available engine output. The power-to-weight improvement in the 572 XPÆ comes from better weight distribution in the machine and a good engine layout. The crankshaft and muffler, together with other critical components, have been designed for functionality, and extra reinforcements have been made for enhanced strength and reliability. To balance out this increase, weight optimisation has decreased the weight of several components like the flywheel (30g), starter cover (30g), crankcase (200g), clutch cover (30g), and ignition module (29g).

This translates into a weight of 6.6kg and a power level of 4.3kW, a considerate power-to-weight improvement compared to previous Husqvarna chainsaw models in the same displacement segment. 

Cooling capacity up to 20%

Cooler engines equal better power and performance, and increased product lifetime. The 572 XPÆ has an increased cooling capacity of up to 20% compared to previous generations of Husqvarna chainsaws. The boosted cooling capacity is the combination of new hardware, digitalisation, and engine control (soft cut out system). 

When it comes to hardware, the heat barrier in the 572 XP is made from specially-crafted polymers which are heat resistant, provide extreme insulation, are light weight and are integrated in the cover. Low carburettor temperatures are fundamental for good starting ability as fuel today starts to evaporate at very low temperatures. 

Digital air flow analysis enables optimisation of airflow in the product, thereby refining the placement of cooling apertures and internal deflectors in the 572 XP. The newly designed internals also mean less dust and dirt particles will get trapped in the cooling fins. 

The soft cut out system (an ignition management system), protects the engine from harmful over-revving by automatically adjusting the ignition timing at top rpm’s (revolutions per minute). This means a 30% decrease of internal pressure build up in the engine — compared to Husqvarna chainsaws without this feature — for smoother operation, lower operating temperatures and maximum possible uptime.

Optimized filtration

Standard on the 572 XP is a heavy-duty air filter with a large filtration surface area to enable longer use and better filtration. The larger filtration area — compared to previous generations — means an increase in working intervals with maintained performance and requires less frequent cleaning. Improved filtration capacity and a well-sealed system helps stop abrasive particles entering the combustion chamber for a chainsaw with a healthier engine that can operate for longer. 

10 times quicker air/fuel mix adjustment

In 2009, Husqvarna introduced AutoTuneô, enabling system calibration without the need for manual adjustments.  This means the machine will always be correctly tuned in ever-changing operating conditions, which maximises uptime as users need not worry about carburettor adjustments. AutoTuneô also significantly reduces exhaust emissions, assisting in long term compliance with worldwide emissions regulations^# and a cleaner working environment. 

With the launch of the 572 XPÆ, AutoTuneô has been updated, making automatic adjustments up to ten times faster than the previous version. The update has four improvement areas compared to previous generations:

1. Quicker tuning is made possible by a new micro-processor, which decreases time the system needs to tune the engine. This means in practice, that all the engine settings are 100% correct after the first few cuts.
2. Broader adjustment range is made possible with new software that calibrates from low speed up to top RPMs.
3. Partial throttle calibration has been added to AutoTuneô.  Mid-range RPMs are continuously measured by the system and used for optimizing engine performance.
4. Lean out protection minimizes the risk that overheating will occur, thereby preventing severe engine damage.

New X-CUT chain with start/stop tie-strap

The second chain to leave the new chain factory in Huskvarna, Sweden, is the X-CUT C85, and will be standard on the 572XP from 2018, thereby optimising the cutting experience. The new chain is a full chisel, 3/8” chain for professional use and is easy to spot due to the golden tie-strap that helps loggers keep track of the start/finish of their filing loop. Like the other X-CUT chain SP33G, the chain is sharp out of the box, pre-stretched, highly durable, and improves cutting efficiency.

Tested to perfection by the pros

Every part of the 572 XP has been built to meet the toughest conditions around the world, day after day — and field tests conducted by Husqvarna prove the 572 XP chainsaw’s ability to tackle varying altitudes, climates and humidity levels.

Test locations:

• Canada, British Columbia
• USA, Massachusetts
• Australia, New South Wales
• South Africa, Drakensberg
• Switzerland, Interlaken 
• Russia, Siberia

Other key features

• Anti-vibration system reduces fatigue in arms and hands 
• Flip up fuel and oil caps are easy to open and secure without tools, even with winter gloves
• Air injection filters 98% of incoming dust
• Better chip ejection avoids clogging
• Front handle bar position is 10 mm closer to centre of gravity for improved control
• Optional heated handles for operating chainsaw in colder climates
• Wear resistant felling sight moulded into machine body
• Rubber handle inlay for safe and good grip
• Transparent fuel level indicator

Availability and price

The Husqvarna 572 XP will be sold by the Husqvarna global network of servicing dealers starting with Austria, Poland and Switzerland in October 2017. The chainsaw will then be available in the UK in Spring 2018.

Recommended price for the 572 XP is £1,090.00.

*Equivalent sound pressure level, according to ISO 22868, is calculated as the time-weighted energy total for different sound pressure levels under various working conditions. Typical statistical dispersion for equivalent sound pressure level is a standard deviation of 1 dB(A).

**Noise emissions in the environment measured as sound power (LWA) in conformity with EC directive 2000/14/EC. The guaranteed sound power level includes variation in production as well as variation from the test code with 1–3 dB(A).

***Equivalent vibration level, according to ISO 22867, is calculated as the time-weighted energy total for vibration levels under various working conditions. Reported data for equivalent vibration level has a typical statistical dispersion (standard deviation) of 1 m/s2. 

Emissions regulations^#

The Husqvarna 572 XPÆ complies with the following regulations:

• US EPA Exhaust Emission Regulations; US EPA Evaporative Emission Regulations; California ARB Exhaust Emission Regulations; California ARB Evaporative Emission Regulations
• Canadian EPA Exhaust Emission Regulations; Canadian EPA Evaporative Emission Regulations
• European Directive 97/68/EC Exhaust Emission Regulations (existing); European Directive 2016/1628/EC Exhaust Emission Regulations (under implementation)
• China Stage II Exhaust Emission Regulations; China Stage III Exhaust Emission Regulations
• Australia Exhaust Emission Regulations (from July 2018)