Stihl MS 250 C-BE or Shindaiwa 488

[carnaco]

Hello,

I'm looking for a new chainsaw. I went to my local dealer looking for a Stihl
MS 250 C-BE.
Dealer said he was clearing out the Shindaiwa 488 and would make me a deal on it. With a case for $339.
He said it is a better saw than the MS 250 C-BE for $405 w/ case.

They are probably both good. Stihl has the easy start and quick chain adjustment for what that is worth?
Anyway, any opinions would be appreciated.
I'm leaning towards the Shindaiwa 488.

Thanks

 

[tomtrees58]

a stihl over a jap aney day tom trees

 

[mountainlake]

The 488 has 10 times the quality and will cut way faster. Steve

 

[jd548esco72]

since i got this 575 i would say the shin 488

but since shindaiwa has left the saw market --see if you can get a better price on it.:greenchainsaw:

 

[northcountry]

488 will rebuild easier

 

[TRI955]

Shindaiwa all the way, MUCH better built saw!


Mike

 

[mowoodchopper]

If its a birthday present for your 5 yr old to play woodcutter with get the 250, if its for you get anything BUT the 250!

 

[Gizzard]

Another vote for the 488.

Pros and cons for both as some have mentioned, but tough not to take a 488 over the 250 for a good deal less money.

 

[alderman]

I'm kinda leaning toward the 488. I'm thinking that's a pretty good price also.

 

[mbopp]

I'm happy with my 488. I believe the 488 would be a leftover, the new model is the 490. Same engine, different housing and air filter IIRR.

 

[stipes]

I love Stihl,,but...

If the 250 is anything like the 210,I'd take the 488 anytime.....I'm just not crazy about the homeowner Stihls..

 

[DSS]

488 all the way. That is a very good price. Way more saw than the Stihl, more grunt,easier to work on,start in two pulls every time. Buy one, you will like it, I love mine for a firewood saw.

 

[MOE]

have had both......488 all the way!

 

[mountainlake]

If its a birthday present for your 5 yr old to play woodcutter with get the 250, if its for you get anything BUT the 250!

Best one I've heard in years. Steve

 

[GrantC]

Not even a contest....get the Shindaiwa. Different league entirely than the 250.

-=[ Grant ]=-

 

[alderman]

Maybe I'm biased.

 

[carnaco]

OK... looks like I'm getting the 488. After seaching around, some say to use
preimum gas (burns cooler) and 40:1 oil mix in the 488. Any truth to this?
Thanks for all the help! Great forum!

 

[Gizzard]

A 50:1 mix is recommended by Shindiawa currently for 488's. Maybe early 488's were 40:1. They have a good two-ring piston, with a good mix oil should be good long lasting saw on 50:1.

 

[Grateful11]

The MS250 is the only Stihl I've ever really been disappointed in.

 

[carnaco]

Picked up my 488 today, it is great, so much better than my old saw.
Thanks for your help!