Wow, that's the first time I've ever heard anyone describe the 562 this way. Do any other 562 owners share the same opinion about this saw?
It's difficult for me to wrap my head around Husqvarna building the 562 to a lower quality level than the 372.
The 562 has had many quality control issues in its short life, and this has tainted its reputation with many.
The 372 has had all its bugs worked out, although I don't recall many atm.
Basically the 562 is a very light saw for the power it produces, and this makes most wary of how durable it will be long term.
As you seem to be quite determined to get more feedback I will describe my experiences - hopefully to give some more insight to the advice I have given.
I have several saws, I am an employer and have 3 of us cutting regularly. My work isn't typical of most commercial users here - they are mostly used for killing feral trees and cutting them up to put through a chipper. I do a little climbing and arborist work, and I collect firewood for myself. I'm also a bit of a chainsaw nut.
This means I will buy a saw if I have a big enough job for it - even if I have one of a size nearly correct for the job.
I have a small gaggle of 50cc saws. They they get the most work.
I have a 562 - that had a failure early in its life and the top end replaced with a ported one. It is an amazing saw and I use it often.
I have a couple of 70cc saws, but none that really float my boat.
I have a husky 385 - just imagine a slightly bigger 372.
The 562 is a great saw when I need to do a lot of walking and felling, it's great in a tree, basically it's great whenever I am happy to give up some performance in lieu of a slightly lighter package.
Whenever I have the option though I will always choose 2 saws. A husky 346 and the 385. The small saw does the bulk of the work, but nothing beats a bigger saw for pulling a long bar, cutting bigger wood, or generally getting stuff done and back home.
99% of what I can do with the 562 I can do with a 50cc saw and do it much longer, and it's much easier on my body. Nothing, however, takes the place of a bigger saw when it's needed.
A 372 is about the minimum for a "bigger saw", and it's what you already have.
Things may be different in your local market, but the cost difference for me to get rid of a second hand 372 and buy a new 562 is the same sort of dollars as a cheap small saw. Dolmar 421, red max 4500, second hand stihl 026, husky 350, etc, etc. I would always recommend a two saw plan over a good 60cc saw - even though if I was forced to have one saw, that is what it would be.
Also, you seem quite focussed on the option of a lightweight bar on the 372. The flash lightweight bars are great, but they are really only financially sensible in heavy use. A cheap laminated bar lasts years in private use, and at a fraction of the cost, they are a much cheaper way to try a short, light bar on your saw if this is the direction you choose to go.
The only other point that hasn't been discussed is the fact that you may have some issue with your 372. If it's a 372xt, it should run just as cleanly as any saw made, and perhaps you would like to discuss this - there are plenty of people here who will help you ensure it is running and tuned to its potential.
