Husqvarna 572XP Review. A Homestead Workhorse You Can Grow Into

When we bought our acreage, it was clear the property needed real attention. It had been a one owner home from the 70s. The lawn was still being mowed, but the rest had gotten away: Himalayan blackberries everywhere, piles of downed trees tangled together, and a long list of firs and maples already leaning or on their way down.

At the time, all I owned was a small big box saw with a 12 inch bar that had served me well on shrubs and trimming at our previous place. It did not stand a chance against 28 to 36 inch trees. So I started researching. I went down the rabbit hole of chainsaw reviews and pro advice. Jacob from Guilty of Treeson, along with a handful of experienced fallers online, gave me more information than I knew what to do with.

I eventually made the drive to Madsen's Shop and Supply in Centralia, Washington, planning to buy a Stihl 462. They sold the last one before I arrived. I handled a 661 next. Great saw, but it felt heavier than what I wanted for long days of clearing. The 500i was sold out. Then I picked up the Husqvarna 572XP. It immediately felt right. Lighter than the 661, balanced, and still plenty capable of running the longer bars I knew I would eventually want. After more research, and learning the model had matured and its quirks were sorted out, I drove back to Centralia and bought the last one they had in stock. I left with both a 28 inch and 32 inch X Tough Light bar.

On a homestead, the bigger bar makes more sense than I expected. Jacob made a point I will never forget. The longer bar means far less bending when bucking logs, and my back has thanked me ever since. I run skip tooth chain on the 32 inch setup. The saw handles it well, although there are moments in big wood where I have considered getting it ported. Truthfully, slowing down works just as well for how often I push it.

The upgrades started early. Westcoast Saw makes some of the best accessories for the 572 and I added nearly everything they offer. The three point dogs have been a huge benefit when felling thicker barked Douglas firs. The clutch cover has been more durable and far better at clearing chips. Their oiled foam air filter has been one of the most noticeable improvements for keeping the saw breathing clean.

I also want to give full credit to Madsen's Shop and Supply for making the buying experience easy and informative, and to Westcoast Saw for putting so much thought into their aftermarket parts. Both have earned my trust.

In the first couple of years, I felled around 30 trees of all sizes. Some were dead, some were hazardous, and some were simply in the wrong place. The 572XP handled all of it. AutoTune has been a game changer. Not having to adjust a carburetor with a screwdriver is incredibly convenient and, honestly, the saw does a better job than I ever did.

I did run into one failure. The pull starter housing is mostly plastic. It cracked and eventually broke while starting the saw one morning. It was an easy repair, but one of those moments where I would gladly trade a few extra ounces for more metal. I understand the push to keep these saws light, but this is one area where durability should come first.

As my comfort level has grown, so has my appreciation for what the saw can do. The 572XP gives you room to grow. It is a saw for people managing larger properties, small ranches, or homesteads where falling, bucking, storm cleanup, and trail clearing are real parts of life. Wind storms alone make a capable saw essential around here. There have been plenty of mornings when getting out of the driveway meant removing a tree that came down overnight.

I take the saw apart often, clean it thoroughly, and keep it in top condition. It has rewarded that care with reliability and performance that always shows up. I have been so pleased with the 572XP that my next purchase will be the 540XP Mark III for smaller trees and limbing work after a big fall.

If you have property that demands a serious saw, or you want a tool you can grow into as your skills improve, the Husqvarna 572XP has earned its place as a dependable, hard working partner in almost everything I do outside.