N.k.o.t.b.

[Four Paws]

If any of you guys are interested, Shindaiwa has just added a new saw, the 490, to their line-up. I haven't seen it in person yet, but I am guessing it is going to take the place of the 488. Same engine size, different ergonomics and filtration from the looks of the pictures. Anyone have a chance to run one, check one out at their dealer or buy one? Let us know.

Josh

 

[Jacob J.]

Also available with heavy-duty pro filter system

This system I'd be interested in seeing. My only question is, what do the transfer ports look like?

 

[Four Paws]

This system I'd be interested in seeing. My only question is, what do the transfer ports look like?

You should give Shindaiwa tech line a call: 503.692.3070

Let us know opcorn:

 

[dtnodya]

Can't touch this?

 

[alderman]

490

Looked it up on the Shindaiwa site. Looks like its got the one switch does all (on, off, choke, fast idle) and chain adjustment on the side. I wonder what kind of bucks they'll be wanting for these?

 

[sawinredneck]

I wanna know power to weight??? I am STOKED to see them upgrading the saw line finally!!!! Shinny makes an AWSOME product!!!

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Seems odd for Shidaiwa to do this. They have the 446 out and now the 490. I don't recall them having 2 new saws so close in size!!!

 

[Four Paws]

I would like to see them come back with a saw to fill the 488 (now 490) - 757 gap. Something like a perfect 4 cube would be nice! I feel Shindaiwa is a company that is geared more towards the arborist/lawn care/tree service industry. I think they hit the mark for small saws - magnesium cased, pro quality - but have missed a large market share in the larger saws. From a few conversations I have had with their Tech manager, sounds like they realize there is a gap in their line-up and have a few machines in the works...I am waiting anxiously.

 

[brent denny]

I talked to a shindaiwa rep about this saw a couple of months ago. From what he told me, the internals are the same as the 488. It has a different muffler/carb to meet the newer emission standards. It also has a master control lever, side tensioner, and outboard sprocket (I think).

 

[SawTroll]

Looked it up on the Shindaiwa site. Looks like its got the one switch does all (on, off, choke, fast idle) and chain adjustment on the side.

Sounds like a 3 cube +/- Husky.......:biggrinbounce2:

 

[frankyslog]

need new models 80 cc? 90CC?

i couldent agree with four paws more!! these are fantastic machines!!i have been using them for years . they are slow to change what works. very well,! however they are clearly missing out. with several catagorys of saws. even though there above 50cc lineup is dated i just cant stop using them.they last so long for the amount of abuse my help, (puts the crew saws through.) ive put some serious hours on 757s over the years stockers, as well as full stage 2 woods port,i could only imagine what kind of cutting torqe a 90CC class powerhead from them would produce!!!! in stock trim. folks are quick to point out paper statistics, however any one thats ever run a 757 or 488 cant deny,the available (bsto) brake specific torqe output on reserve thats available while in the cut is verygood!! compared to othors of equal cubes! the quality of plating in there cylenders, as well as the thickness is(second to know one).

 

[Butch(OH)]

Anybody know if the 490s are actually out yet? Im wondering if I should buy one of my dealers 488s before they are gone, same motor, less weight. I like our 757 so well Im thinken about buying another and putting it away for a rainy day before they "improve" it.

 

[frankyslog]

are they out yet?

i cant get my hands on one yet but have heard good things from the shindiawa rep. for michigan any way they tell me soon. they are claiming better fuel econemy less vibes epa complient. and no power loss with better filtration . sounds like a home run . the low end will be the same as some one previously said , however my rep said operators will notice significant improvements, without huge price increase. he is very tight lipped about the 757 project though.

 

[HiOctane]

On 490,they are coming back with a 2 adj screws carb at least here in Canada.Thats nice.

 

[Four Paws]

More info for the select few that care.

There is a 57cc saw due out in 12-18 months. My guess is it will be an updated 575/577 saw that meets EPA standards. Betting the price will be around $550. Hope they don't change the ergonomics of the saw any, except better anti-vibe, as I love the way the 575 family of saws feel.

And, for the 490, it is an updated 488. The engine remains largely unchanged. Different ergonomics, improved filtration, on/off/choke switch, and a few other changes that make the saw look different.

 

[Edge & Engine]

The area rep told us a while back that the reason Shindaiwa is taking so long to fill in the 488 - 757 gap is because they're designing a totally different engine for that size. The old 575/77 engine just couldn't be improved enough to meet EPA regs, so they're working from the ground up.
The 490 actually has the same engine as the 488, but like Four Paws stated, changed in ergonomics, including a side chain adjuster so you don't have to stick the screwdriver up beside the bar.