Husqvarna 564 XP vs Stihl 044: Choosing the Right Chainsaw for the Job

Introduction

Picking the wrong saw for the wrong job is one of the most common mistakes in cutting work, and it is worth paying attention to when deciding which of these machines belongs in your shop. In a recent workshop refresh, one well-loved pro saw gave out mid-job, a new replacement was hunted down through two separate saw shops, and the whole process surfaced a clear lesson: every saw has a purpose, and the right choice depends entirely on the wood in front of you.

The Replacement: Husqvarna 564 XP

The Husqvarna 564 XP arrived through a recommendation from a long-time Husqvarna enthusiast, and finding one took some legwork because they were sold out everywhere locally; apparently they are popular for good reason. The saw shipped with an upgraded spring pack and a wrap-around handle installed, ready for serious work.

One important nuance: this is not a 70cc saw, the threshold many consider the entry point for pro-level cutting. It sits at roughly 62 or 63cc. But with a sharp chain and without forcing it, it cuts impressively well, and it handled dense, dry madrone, a hardwood prized as firewood, without complaint.

The Daily Driver: Stihl 044

The Stihl 044 earned its place as a daily driver and a top-ten favorite tool over years of work, including rip cuts through old growth fir. Eventually it died doing exactly that kind of heavy work, and a trusted repair shop concluded the fix was no longer worth the cost after a full teardown.

That is the reality of hard use: even a beloved saw has a service life. For anyone who finds a used 044 in good condition, it remains a proven, powerful platform with a long track record, which is why fans of this platform are famously loyal about it.

Bar Length and Chain Care

Bar length matters more than most buyers expect. A 36-inch bar lets you buck standing up straight, which saves your back over a long day, while a shorter 28-inch bar means more bending. The 564 XP ships with a 28-inch bar, and it will also swing a 32-inch bar, which is a common upgrade for those used to longer bars.

Modern chains have the filing angle embossed on top of each tooth, so there is little excuse for filing too steep or too flat. The goal is a small C shape with a proper gullet on each cutter. File consistently, hold the chain down in the groove so it does not roll, and remember that a file does no work on the backstroke, even if the pull-back rub does no harm either.

Match the Saw to the Task

Not every job needs a big saw. A compact 16-inch saw is more than enough for many people, though it is simply not made for large logs. Even smaller, a lightweight cordless top-handle saw with roughly an 8 to 10-inch bar earned its keep climbing and thinning a redwood tree, delivering around 120 cuts on one charge. For pruning, or for a form carpenter who can nearly hook it on a belt, that size class is genuinely useful.

Which One Deserves a Spot in Your Shop

The honest answer is that these two saws answer different questions. The Husqvarna 564 XP is the forward-looking choice: a modern, fuel-injected pro-style saw that cuts hard in dense hardwood and will take a 32-inch bar when you need more reach. The Stihl 044 is the veteran workhorse with decades of reputation behind it, best suited to anyone who finds one worth restoring or buying used.

If you are replacing a heavy-duty saw today, the 564 XP is the easier new purchase. If you already own a healthy 044, keep it sharp and keep running it. And whichever platform you choose, wear proper protective equipment, use hearing protection, and cut on the tension side so the bar does not get pinched.

Conclusion

The best chainsaw is the one matched to the job: a mid-size pro saw like the Husqvarna 564 XP for serious bucking and firewood work, a proven big-bore legend like the Stihl 044 for those who value its track record, and smaller saws for pruning and light duty. Choose deliberately, keep the chain sharp, and the right saw will make every cut easier.