Shindaiwa 488

[TonyM]

I just picked up a 488 off from ebay. I'm not real impressed with the cutting speed, but I don't have a good chain for it, just the anti kick back chain. The air filter is only a fine screen. Is this the only filter available? There has been a lot of dust passing through it. It is at least 1 pound lighter than the 651 Solo, but I don' t think it feels even competetive power wise. It does seem well built and I'm certainly not going to discount it in such a short time.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Hey Tony,

I have had some run time on my 488's. They are a well built saw. Powerwise they are OK stock. My Solo 651 and Echo 510 are better. If that air filter is the plastic mesh ( I believe some came with metal mesh early on ) is does leave a lot to be desired. Fine dust does get past the air filter. The only cure that I have found is to go with the Heavy Duty Filter Kit that Shindaiwa sells. It works real good at keeping everything clean. The only drawback is the high design. If you are interested, I have a complete HD filter kit that I don't need. E-mail me if you are interested.

 

[TonyM]

Rich, how does the CS-510 compare to the 651, powerwise? I actually bought the saw for someone else. If he's interested in the HD filter, I'll let you know. I'm just hoping the saw will satisfy my customer. He was looking for a smaller saw to back up a 372XP.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Originally posted by TonyM
Rich, how does the CS-510 compare to the 651, powerwise? I actually bought the saw for someone else. If he's interested in the HD filter, I'll let you know. I'm just hoping the saw will satisfy my customer. He was looking for a smaller saw to back up a 372XP.

At this time I can't give an accurate opinion on the difference between the Solo 651 & Echo 510. I just got the saws a few months ago. I just dual-ported the mufflers on both saws. The 651 I haven't ran since the muffler work. The 510, on the other hand, I ran this past weekend. This is quite an impressive saw in relative stock form. I also eliminated the limiter caps on both saws. The 510 tach 15,000 rpm before the caps were removed. I have it set at 12,700 rpm right now.

 

[bdenny]

488

The 488 is a great saw. I bet it took at least 15-20 tanks of gas before it really seemed like it was broke in though. Really tight tolerances and two rings maybe? Run oregon lp or stihl rs chain on it and it will cut much faster. You can go with the bigger filter Rich suggested but I also noticed in the parts breakdown manual I have for that saw that they list a regular profile flocked filter. I think you can get a pic of it on shindaiwas website if you download the parts manual for that model. In all fairness, I know two people who have ran the stock nylon mesh filters for years on this saw, and the tiny bit of fine dust that may get through doesnt seem to do anything. I say this because they still have as much compression and as much or more power than mine. If it was a problem, I dont think the 488 would have such an outstanding reputation for reliability and long life.

Brent

 

[TonyM]

The saw was used, so I assume it is broke in by now. I gave it to the guy I bought it for today, and he's going to get a new chain, probably Stihl RS, for it. I'm more concerned about the affect all that dust might have on the bearings more so than the cylinder and rings, but like you said, there is a reason these saws have an excellent durability reputation. I offered to go cut with him soon so we can make a better comparision between the 651 and 488. Thanks guys!

 

[che]

I'm late on this one. I have a Shindaiwa 488. I don't have alot to compare it with as I've only used two other saws....BUT....I guess I've had it for two seasons now. I like it alot. I got a new chain for it that made a night and day difference in how it cuts....thanks Russ. Get rid of that anti-kickback chain and he'll be more than happy.

I did have to adjust the oil delivery, it was empty before the gas tank was....I went to the lightest setting and it still seemed to be enough for the chain/bar.

I had a big problem with the dust filter...I checked it within the first couple times I used it and there was a significant amount beyond the filter. I assumed that it's because I cut pretty much only hedge (osage orange)...I understand if you're cutting the really hard/dense woods you'll have more 'dust' even with a sharp chain. I've since put on the big ugly filter and it solved that problem. I use the air compresssor and blow out the prefilter (the ring of felt) and have never seen ANY dust getting inside now. While the large filter is ugly and sits up high...it really hasn't gotten in my way at all.

I'm no mechanic and appreciate the way this thing is running for me...never a problem. Starts easily...every time....warm or cold. Nicely balanced, also.

 

[chainsawworld]

hello all,
i've been away from the computer a while and sure have missed you all. i picked up a 488 the compare to the stihl 026. the 488 at 2.9 cid and the 026 at 2.97 cid seemed to be a fair comparision. sad to say it was not even close. the 026pro was closer to the 488 but the 026 walked away. the 488 was a smoother less aggressive saw.
a while back i recall a chainsaw blue book question. was that for chainsaw value or for a list of cid? anyone having a cid question send me an e-mail and i'll try to hook you up. marty