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For years, professional arborists and forestry crews have relied on steady improvements in chain-saw design to keep pace with the demands of their work. Today’s saws run smoother, last longer and protect operators better than the machines of a decade ago. Automatically adjusted carburetors, advanced cooling systems, tougher air filtration and vibration-dampening features have all pushed performance forward, while battery-powered models have become legitimate options for many jobs, offering power that once seemed out of reach. Still, for the toughest and most sustained tasks, gas chain saws remain essential – and now, more advanced engines are bringing the next leap forward to professional saws: low-pressure fuel injection.

Husqvarna’s 564 XP, its first fuel-injected chain saw, is designed to deliver the power of a larger saw, but in a slimmer, more agile body. All photos courtesy of Husqvarna.

Why fuel injection matters
Instead of relying on a carburetor to mix air and fuel, fuel injection uses an injector and throttle body – guided by sensors – to deliver the right air/fuel mixture with precision.

“Fuel injection provides incredible acceleration and instant throttle response,” explains Bailey Mountcastle, product manager at Husqvarna. “The injector and sensor are able to adjust and deliver fuel faster and more precisely, up to four times the resolution of a carbureted engine. That helps the chain saw maintain peak performance in all cutting and environmental conditions.”

The outcome is a chain saw that runs consistently, no matter the altitude, temperature or workload. Contrary to some misconceptions, Mountcastle adds, Husqvarna’s low-pressure system achieves fuel efficiency equal to carbureted engines in the same class.

Fuel injection in practice
Crews know the little things that slow down a job: choosing the wrong bar and chain, struggling with maintenance or watching performance dip in changing conditions. Fuel injection addresses performance issues by enabling the saw to respond more quickly to its environment, according to Mountcastle.

“These systems allow the saw to make faster, finer adjustments in real time,” Mountcastle explains. “The result is smoother, more efficient operation across tasks, whether you’re climbing, bucking or felling.”

Operators also notice the benefits immediately on the job. Starting is simplified – no choke required. “With fuel injection, starting is as simple as purging and pulling, whether it’s a hot or cold start,” Mountcastle says. Once running, the chain saw delivers consistent performance, immediate throttle response and smoother handling.

The design also improves ergonomics. By removing the carburetor from the air-filter area, engineers slimmed down the chain-saw body, reducing fatigue and improving maneuverability during long shifts. “Professionals will notice the acceleration right away, but also the overall balance and cutting capacity,” Mountcastle adds. “It’s about making the chain saw feel better in their hands while performing at a higher level.”

With fuel injection, starting is designed to be as simple as purging and pulling, whether it’s a hot or cold start.

Husqvarna’s 564 XP: A first in the lineup
Husqvarna recently introduced the 564 XP – its first fuel-injected chain saw and the only one in the 60cc class.

“We paired the injection system with a short-stroke engine that provides incredible power while reducing internal loads and vibration,” says Mountcastle. By combining the piston diameter of a 70cc saw with the stroke length of a 50cc, Husqvarna engineered a machine designed to deliver the cutting strength of a larger saw, but in a slimmer, more agile body.

The 564 XP is the most powerful chain saw in its class*. It also delivers the lowest vibration levels of any Husqvarna gas chain saw** to date, giving operators improved comfort and control over long days in the field, according to Mountcastle.

Other design upgrades include improved cooling, a gravity-cast cylinder and a redesigned muffler for durability. With gyro forces reduced by 25% compared to similar Husqvarna models, the saw is built to handle demanding work while reducing operator fatigue.

Early field testing has underscored these benefits. “Testers told us they were able to replace multiple saws in their lineup with the 564 XP alone,” Mountcastle reports. “They felt confident using it across different jobs – from climbing work to heavier felling tasks – and consistently said the saw felt powerful, balanced and reliable.”

“Fuel injection enables the saw to make faster, finer adjustments in real time,” says Bailey Mountcastle, Husqvarna product manager.

Looking forward
Fuel injection is part of a broader evolution in chain-saw technology. “New engine technology is a core focus for every outdoor-power-equipment manufacturer,” Mountcastle says. “Fuel injection and other innovations will continually drive chain saws to have better performance, reliability and ergonomics.”

Battery systems also are advancing in parallel. “We cannot forget about the advancements in both electric motors and the battery and chargers themselves that will help tree care professionals operate more sustainably and more efficiently,” he adds.

For crews, these advancements promise more than just technical upgrades – they mean smoother days, fewer interruptions and tools that feel designed around their needs, according to Mountcastle, adding that, with the 564 XP, Husqvarna is putting that future into practice.
As Mountcastle sums up, “Fuel injection allows us to combine agility, power and durability in a way that elevates the entire user experience. It’s a big step forward for professional chain saws.”

*Based on comparison to leading competitor models. “Class” is defined as gas-powered professional chain saws with engine displacements in the 60cc to 65cc range. Power comparison is based on manufacturer-published engine-output data as of July 2025.

**When compared to the vibration levels of all Husqvarna gas chain saws as of July 2025.

Nathan Krois is a brand manager at Husqvarna Group within the Forest & Garden division, where he helps lead brand marketing, product launches and strategic partnerships across North America. Husqvarna is a 33-year TCIA corporate member company based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

TCI Magazine’s sponsored content is a paid feature. This article is sponsored by Husqvarna Group. Contact advertising@tcia.org for more information.