Shindaiwa 488

[Goose]

First, a little history…

I’ve been around chainsaws for many years, but have yet to own one. Several months ago I decided it was finally time to purchase my very own and my very first chain saw. I first thought that my choice would be a Stihl, as that was the brand I’ve had the most experience with. I then spoke with a friend of mine who owns a Shindaiwa, as does his son. Well, after months of research and “testing” I have decided on Shindaiwa.

So far, (about 12 hours later) I’ve been very happy with the purchase. I’ll keep everyone updated after the saw gets some real use.

Here is what I picked up this morning:

Shindaiwa Model 488 Chain Saw with
18” Double-Guard Sprocket Nose Bar and 33SL chain.


I’ve already read many posts regarding Shindaiwa saws, but everyone’s feedback is welcome here! I’m also looking forward to any tips, tricks, hints, or suggestions from other 488 owners.

Thanks everyone!

 

[MOE]

I bought a nice used one a few months ago. I like it, pretty good power, light wieght, nice balance.

 

[Poley4]

Welcome!

Welcome Goose,
I've bought my 488 back in January of this year. So far I really like the saw with one exception, It keeps throwing the chain off from time to time. I know there some members here that believe that Shindaiwa has overrated the horsepower figures on this saw @ 3.5, based on an article written by an independent tester. I have to wonder if they took the time to break the saw in before they put the saw on the dyno. My saw took several tanks of fuel before it really started to make good power. The saw really starts easy and runs strong now. I love it! I did order the heavy-duty air filter for it for a little added protection.
Enjoy!

 

[mbopp]

Another 488 user here. I bought the saw sans chain & put a loop of Carlton semi-chisel on it (for dirty wood.) IMHO the factory air filter is not fine enough to stop the smaller pieces, Shindaiwa lists a flocked filter along with the HD kit.

I expect Four Paws to chime in shortly.....

 

[Poley4]

Another 488 user here. I bought the saw sans chain & put a loop of Carlton semi-chisel on it (for dirty wood.) IMHO the factory air filter is not fine enough to stop the smaller pieces, Shindaiwa lists a flocked filter along with the HD kit.

I expect Four Paws to chime in shortly.....

+1

 

[HiOctane]

The next time you buy a chain,get a 20 LP.Its easier to file than the 33 and she stretches less than 33.You dont have to change bar or sprocket.And its true,the 488 gets more hp after been run for awhile.

 

[SawTroll]

Welcome to AS! :rockn: :rockn:

That bar and chain is by no way the best options, get a "normal" bar (not "double guard"), and some decent chain like Oregon LP or Stihl RS (Stihl RM/RMC or Oregon BP if you want semi-chisel for dirty wood).

 

[brent denny]

The 488 is a great saw. As others have mentioned, the factory filter is not fine enough. Get the flocked filter shown in the ipl. Upgrading to oregon lp or stihl rs will make a world of difference in cutting speed.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

The 488 is a good saw although it is a little outdated. The filter is something to be aware of as it does clog up.

 

[SawTroll]

I am not going to tell the results of KWFs dyno test of the 488, when Rick is here......

...but as he said, it is a pretty outdated design.......:greenchainsaw:

 

[rahtreelimbs]

I am not going to tell the results of KWFs dyno test of the 488, when Rick is here......

...but as he said, it is a pretty outdated design.......:greenchainsaw:

Does it really matter..............if he likes the saw that is all that matters. It isn't like the 488 is a Poulan Wildthing.


Is it me or it seems that unless the saw in question is a 353, 361 or 372 you have no place for it..................or that what the book tells you to say???:bang: :bang: :bang:

 

[Four Paws]

First, a little history…

I first thought that my choice would be a Stihl...after months of research and “testing” I have decided on Shindaiwa.

Thanks everyone!

Another wise choice...Hahahahaha! Welcome to the team.

Yeah, Shindaiwa saws are a touch outdated, probably why I like them so much. Stout design, good power, good balanced feel in my hands. The silk mesh filter that you speak of is for winter sawing. Get a factory flocked filter, or the pro-filter kit. Flocked filters show up on eBay from time to time...lots cheaper than buying from your dealer. I think the pro-filter kit is around $70 give or take.

A great compliment to your 488 is a 757 - a heavy-hitting firewood combo. Give it a while, you'll be HOOKED.

 

[THALL10326]

First, a little history…

I’ve been around chainsaws for many years, but have yet to own one. Several months ago I decided it was finally time to purchase my very own and my very first chain saw. I first thought that my choice would be a Stihl, as that was the brand I’ve had the most experience with. I then spoke with a friend of mine who owns a Shindaiwa, as does his son. Well, after months of research and “testing” I have decided on Shindaiwa.

So far, (about 12 hours later) I’ve been very happy with the purchase. I’ll keep everyone updated after the saw gets some real use.

Here is what I picked up this morning:

Shindaiwa Model 488 Chain Saw with
18” Double-Guard Sprocket Nose Bar and 33SL chain.


I’ve already read many posts regarding Shindaiwa saws, but everyone’s feedback is welcome here! I’m also looking forward to any tips, tricks, hints, or suggestions from other 488 owners.

Thanks everyone!

488 huh, nice little saw indeed. If I were you though I'd put a Stihl 26 RS chain for sure. The come with chains on those saws leave alot to be desired but with a good hard cutting pro type chain like the Stihl 26 RS you will indeed see a pick up in speed in the cut. Good choice on the saw, they're nice saws..

 

[rahtreelimbs]

One thing to watch...........

If you decide to mod the muffler be careful how big you make the second port. I've modded over 50 mufflers and the 488 is really sensitive...........go too big and the saw falls flat on its face!!!

 

[SawTroll]

488 huh, nice little saw indeed. If I were you though I'd put a Stihl 26 RS chain for sure. The come with chains on those saws leave alot to be desired but with a good hard cutting pro type chain like the Stihl 26 RS you will indeed see a pick up in speed in the cut. Good choice on the saw, they're nice saws..

I Agree about the chain, except that it should be 23RS, for that bar.... :hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[THALL10326]

I Agree about the chain, except that it shoud be 23RS, for that bar.... :hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:

By Joe your 100% correct. Guess that tells ya what brand I deal in all the time huh,:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Poley4]

One thing to watch...........

If you decide to mod the muffler be careful how big you make the second port. I've modded over 50 mufflers and the 488 is really sensitive...........go too big and the saw falls flat on its face!!!

I also would like to do a muffler mod on my 488 but I need spring for the non-EPA carb first!:bang:

 

[alderman]

Another 488 user

I'm currently running Bailey's RC 20 on my two 488's. Certainly an improvement over the safety chain that they came with. I've only used 18" bars and don't really think there would be any gain in going longer. If it gets be too much for the 488 then I bring out the 757. I put a HD filter kit on one of them but in all honesty I haven't seen any problem with the regular filter.
Mostly cut here in the winter time and with clean wood, dust is at a minimum here in the dank and dark Northwest.

Josh:

Thanks for the info on the sprocket. When I changed it out, it was exactly the same as was on it.

 

[Butch(OH)]

Another wise choice...Hahahahaha! Welcome to the team.

Yeah, Shindaiwa saws are a touch outdated, probably why I like them so much. Stout design, good power, good balanced feel in my hands. The silk mesh filter that you speak of is for winter sawing. Get a factory flocked filter, or the pro-filter kit. Flocked filters show up on eBay from time to time...lots cheaper than buying from your dealer. I think the pro-filter kit is around $70 give or take.

A great compliment to your 488 is a 757 - a heavy-hitting firewood combo. Give it a while, you'll be HOOKED.

Can I join the team too, even if I only got one Shindaiwa?

If the 488 compares to like size saws like my 757 does then it should be a rock solid performer in it's class. Everyone who has run the 757 is flat out impressed. A 488 will be in my stable by next falls cutting season.

 

[Four Paws]

Can I join the team too, even if I only got one Shindaiwa?

You sure can! The 757 is a great saw - I recommend the double spike kit...you can get 3 sizes - smaller, medium and large. The spikes on my 757 are the large size.

A 488 will be in my stable by next falls cutting season.

Have you ever considered a 577 or 575? They are a nice sized saw, and have gobs of torque! They aren't available in the US anymore, but they can be had. This saw wears a set of medium spikes, a pro filter kit, and a 20" bar.

Josh:

Thanks for the info on the sprocket. When I changed it out, it was exactly the same as was on it.

No problem! Glad you got your saw fixed up! I finished building another 695 today! I ported this one and opened the exhaust up - an absolute monster. I can't make the saw bog, no matter how hard I pull. I think it could use a bigger carb - 1-3/4 turns out on my H screw, 1-1/2 on my L. By far my favorite Shindaiwa saw produced. My 416 is a close second!