I own 2 shindaiwa 488s. I love them. Been cutting for 20 years with them. Keep fresh gas in them and they will run forever. Best overall chain saw that was ever made in my humble opinion. I live in Northern NY and heat primary with wood. They are light, powerful and will last.

Starts like my 20 yr old Shindaiwa 35cc whipper snipper, consistently easy. Well made machine, rim sprocket, metal casing, better build quality then many in it's class. Don't think it's the highest revving machine and would probably benefit from having an 18" bar instead of the 20 that's on it but it has plenty of torque, easy to handle and easy to start. Represents very good value for money and I expect years of problem free cutting. Considering it sits in the middle of my 4 chainsaws ranging from 35 to 92cc Stihl 660 I have no problem in using the Shindaiwa as my go to saw that travels with me or is the first to come out for small to med cutting.

Been a Stihl user for 20 years in business, dealer talked me into buying 488 Shindaiwa at a discount. Cheap plastic handle can't hold up to the vibrations the saw makes when using it in the cold. Handle broke twice in two weeks and cost $364 to replace each time.