Shindaiwa 488?

[skylog]

Just got a Shindaiwa 488 today, and I'm wondering if I have a good saw on my hands?  One of the local landscape suppliers was having a sale on Shindaiwa equipment, buy 4 pieces of equipment and get one free.  I went in for a weedeater, trimmer and a couple of blowers and came out one chainsaw "richer".  I was planning on getting a Husqvarna 350 in a couple of months for my log building project, but will likely just use this one instead.

Anyone have any experience or heard anything about these saws?

[Lobo]

Good saw, lightweight about 10 lbs i believe, more power than a 350,  lower revving but with more torque than current saws such as a 350. As it rev's lower it is a bit quieter also then most little screamers.

Good saw, you should like it.

[skylog]

Spec sheet lists the following:
2.3cu.in. (47.9cc)
3.5HP (2.6kW) @9000rpm
11.6lbs

It has the 18" bar and Oregon chain.  By the way, what is an Oregon chain?  Is that a brand or type?

[devo]

"Oregon" is a brand name.

[Lobo]

here is alink to Shindies product site.

http://www.shindaiwa.com/products/chain_saws/ch488.html

[jokers]

Good saw, lightweight about 10 lbs i believe, more power than a 350,  lower revving but with more torque than current saws such as a 350. As it rev's lower it is a bit quieter also then most little screamers.

Good saw, you should like it.

I generally agree with you Lobo but disagree about the 488 having more power than the 350, once again I don`t care what the specs say. I`ve got two 488s and one 350 and find them all to be very similar in regard to power. I will say this however, I expect the 488s to live a much longer life than the 350 but they should be on par with a 351/353, 346xp, or 026 for example. The 488 is as good as any saw out there, quality wise. They just aren`t the quickest saws on the block.

Russ

[OLD_ JD]

i use 2 shin, 488 in the past..good saw and easy handling..very good starting ,and quieter then the husky ...but i find them a bit slow cutting compare to a 254xp or 351...but his a very trustable saw

[rahtreelimbs]

The Shindaiwa 488 is a good solid saw. It does have it's shortcomings though. The anti-vibe is nowhere near that of the current Huskys. The current 488's have a fixed hi-speed jet, the saw is too fat (rich) on the hi-side. Fitted with a fully adjustable carb roughly 1000 rpm can be gained.

[sawguy21]

One of my favourites. The log home builders like them too for the balance, performance and reliability. I have yet to see one come into the shop for more than a touch up and sharpening.

[Husky]

I have run a 695 and it runs good no problems. This saw has plenty of power for around the house stuff.  Got a few Shindaiwa grass trimmers and can't kill them. Its good stuff just a bit more pricey than all the others I think?

[Dom]

I have a 488 and like it. I bought it for small work, so its plenty good for what I do.