The Husqvarna 564 XP runs a 3/8" pitch, .058" gauge chain β 68 drive links on an 18" bar, 72 on a 20", 76 on a 22" and 84 on a 24". Like most new saws it ships with a general-purpose factory chain rather than one specified for Australian hardwood, and swapping that loop is the fastest way to get what you paid for out of the powerhead.
β Shop the Husqvarna 564 XP replacement chain β 3/8" .058" semi-chisel, all four bar lengths, Guaranteed Fit.
The 60cc class has had a genuine shake-up, and the "battery vs petrol" argument has moved from the backyard to the forestry block. Here's the Alpine Chain Co. breakdown of the saws worth paying attention to β and what to put on them.
1. The New King of 60cc? The Husqvarna 564 XP
Husqvarna pitched the 564 XP as the holy grail for forestry pros: the slim body of a 50cc saw with the raw output of a 70cc. Fuel injection (much like the Stihl 500i) means instant throttle response and no carburettor tuning headaches in our erratic Australian climate.
Husqvarna 564 XP chain specification
| Bar length | Drive links | Pitch | Gauge | Alpine chain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18" | 68DL | 3/8" | .058" | PF58-S-68 |
| 20" | 72DL | 3/8" | .058" | PF58-S-72 |
| 22" | 76DL | 3/8" | .058" | PF58-S-76 |
| 24" | 84DL | 3/8" | .058" | PF58-S-84 |
Alpine codes read left to right: PF = 3/8" standard pitch, 58 = .058" gauge, S = semi-chisel, final number = drive links. Full code breakdown here.
The reality: a high-revving, high-compression 60cc saw is brutal on chains. Run it in seasoned Ironbark or Red Gum and a general-purpose factory loop will lose its edge fast. A semi-chisel profile in the correct 3/8" .058" specification holds up far better in dry, gritty timber β and files back sharp on the tailgate rather than sending you home. (The geometry is covered in full chisel vs semi-chisel, and the timber side in best chainsaw chain for Australian hardwood.)
Running a 24" bar in big Red Gum? Consider a skip tooth arrangement so the chain can clear chips out of a long cut instead of bogging the engine.
2. Stihl's Battery Fleet (MSA Series)
Stihl isn't dipping a toe in β they're diving headfirst. The MSA 300 and the professional battery climbing saws are squarely aimed at serious arborists rather than gardeners.
The challenge: battery saws have strong torque but finite amp hours. Efficiency is everything.
The chain factor: a dull or badly matched chain doesn't just cut slower on a battery saw β it grinds, and grinding draws current. You'll notice shorter runtime before you notice slower cutting. Carry a spare loop and a file. (More in our narrow kerf guide for battery saws.)
3. The Heavy Hitter: Echo CS-7310P
While everyone watches the new tech, Echo keeps winning the old-school reliability argument with the CS-7310P. A 73cc machine that's become a favourite for Australian contractors who want raw torque without the sensors.
The application: big timber felling, pulling 24" to 32" bars through hardwood.
The risk: stock chains on a 28" bar often can't clear chips fast enough in Ironbark, so the saw bogs. Skip tooth is the fix.
The Verdict: New Saw, New Loop
Whether it's the fuel-injected Husky 564 XP or the workhorse Echo, the rule holds: the saw is only as good as the chain on it. A premium powerhead running a general-purpose loop in Australian hardwood is money left on the table.
Match the exact chain to your saw: Search by Chainsaw, or Search by Bar Stamp if you've got the numbers off your bar.
Husqvarna 564 XP & 60cc Saw Releases β FAQ
What chain does the Husqvarna 564 XP take?
A 3/8" pitch, .058" gauge chain. Drive links depend on bar length: 68 on an 18" bar, 72 on a 20", 76 on a 22" and 84 on a 24".
How many drive links does a 20 inch Husqvarna 564 XP bar take?
72 drive links, in 3/8" pitch and .058" gauge.
What chain profile suits the 564 XP in Australian hardwood?
Semi-chisel. Its rounded working corner holds an edge far longer than a full chisel in dry, gritty timber like Ironbark and seasoned Red Gum, and it can be filed back sharp in the field.
Why should I replace the factory chain on a new saw?
New saws typically ship with a general-purpose safety chain rather than one matched to Australian conditions. A purpose-selected chain unlocks more of the powerhead's actual performance.
What chain type suits a big-bore felling saw with a long bar?
Skip tooth. Standard chain on bars over roughly 24 inches struggles to clear chips fast enough in dense hardwood, which bogs the saw down.
Husqvarna 564 XP replacement chain
3/8" pitch, .058" gauge, semi-chisel β in 68, 72, 76 and 84 drive links. Specified for Australian hardwood and backed by our Guaranteed Fit promise, checked against your bar stamp before it ships.