Shindaiwa 500 Chainsaw Manual

The Shindaiwa 500 is a professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks, featuring a high-performance 2-stroke engine, automatic oiler, anti-vibration system, and a range of safety features. This manual covers essential safety procedures, technical specifications, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and warranty information to ensure safe and efficient use.

1. Safety Information & Warnings 2. Specifications & Features 3. Assembly & Initial Setup 4. Controls & Components 5. Operation Instructions 6. Chain & Bar Maintenance 7. Engine Maintenance 8. Fuel & Lubrication 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Troubleshooting 11. Warranty & Support

Safety Information & Warnings

Proper safety practices are critical when operating a chainsaw. Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Hazard	Precaution
Kickback	Always grip saw firmly with both hands; use reduced-kickback chain and bar tip guard.
Hearing Damage	Wear approved hearing protection during operation.
Eye Injury	Always wear safety glasses or a face shield.
Respiratory Protection	Use a dust mask in dusty conditions.
Cutting Hazards	Keep bystanders at least 15 feet away; never operate above shoulder height.
Fuel Safety	Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool.
Electrical Hazards	Keep away from power lines.
Hot Surfaces	Avoid contact with muffler and cylinder during/after operation.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Read and understand this manual before use.

Specifications & Features

Model: Shindaiwa 500 Series Chainsaw.
Engine Type: 2-stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder.
Displacement: 50.2 cc.
Power Output: High torque for demanding cuts.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.55 US qt (0.52 L).
Oil Tank Capacity: 0.37 US qt (0.35 L).
Guide Bar Lengths: 16", 18", 20" (options).
Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" LP, 0.050".
Ignition System: Electronic (CDI).
Weight (powerhead): 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg).
Anti-Vibration System: Yes, with rubber isolators.
Automatic Oiler: Yes, with manual override.
Safety Features: Chain brake, throttle lockout, right-hand guard.

Assembly & Initial Setup

Unpack all components and inspect for damage.

Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension, and secure side cover nuts.
Fill Fuel Tank: Use fresh 50:1 gasoline-to-2-stroke oil mixture (89 octane minimum).
Fill Bar & Chain Oil Tank: Use high-quality chainsaw bar oil.
Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand.

CAUTION! Ensure chain brake is disengaged (pulled back toward front handle) before starting.

Controls & Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before operation.

Component	Function
Front Handle	Main grip with hand guard.
Rear Handle	Contains throttle trigger.
Throttle Trigger	Controls engine speed.
Throttle Lockout	Must be depressed to engage throttle.
Chain Brake Lever	Front hand guard; stops chain rotation when engaged forward.
Master Control Lever	Combines choke, start, and run positions.
Decompression Valve	Reduces pulling effort for starting (if equipped).
Primer Bulb	Pumps fuel to carburetor for easier starting.
Manual Oiler Button	Override for additional bar lubrication.

Operation Instructions

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

Place saw on flat, clear ground.
Engage chain brake by pushing hand guard forward.
Set Master Control to CHOKE (full up).
Press primer bulb 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires once.
Move Master Control to FAST IDLE/HALF CHOKE position.
Pull starter rope again until engine starts.
Blip throttle to disengage fast idle; allow 30-second warm-up.
Disengage chain brake by pulling hand guard back toward you.

Cutting Techniques: Use lower part of bar nose to avoid kickback. Let the saw do the work; do not force it.

Chain & Bar Maintenance

Chain Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 5/32" or 3/16"). Maintain 30° top plate cutting angle. File all cutters evenly.
Chain Tension: Check frequently when new. Correct tension: snug against bar but pull freely. Adjust via side tensioner screw.
Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove regularly. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress bar rails with flat file if burred.
Sprocket Inspection: Replace drive sprocket if teeth are hooked or worn.

Tip: A sharp chain reduces operator fatigue and improves cutting efficiency.

Engine Maintenance

Air Filter: Clean weekly (more often in dusty conditions). Remove, tap clean, or wash in soapy water. Dry completely before reinstalling.
Spark Plug: Check gap (0.025") monthly. Clean electrode with wire brush. Replace if worn or fouled.
Spark Arrestor Screen: Clean monthly (located in muffler). Remove and burn off carbon deposits.
Cylinder Fins: Keep clean for proper cooling.
Carburetor Adjustment: Factory preset. Only adjust if necessary (high altitude or performance issues).

Fuel & Lubrication

Fuel Mix: Use 89+ octane unleaded gasoline mixed with a high-quality 2-stroke engine oil at a 50:1 ratio. Do not use fuel older than 60 days.

Bar & Chain Oil: Use proper viscosity chainsaw bar oil. In cold weather (<32°F/0°C), use winter-grade oil.

WARNING! Never use straight gasoline, automotive motor oil, or used oil. This will cause severe engine damage.

Storage Guidelines

Drain all fuel from tank and run carburetor dry.
Remove chain and bar; clean and coat with oil.
Clean entire saw of dirt and sawdust.
Store in a dry, cool place, away from ignition sources.
For long-term storage (>30 days), remove spark plug and pour 1 teaspoon of 2-stroke oil into cylinder. Pull starter slowly 2-3 times to coat internals.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No spark, old fuel, flooded	Check spark plug; use fresh fuel; wait if flooded, start with throttle open.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, dirty air filter	Replace fuel filter; clean air filter.
Loss of power	Clogged spark arrestor, dirty air filter	Clean spark arrestor screen; clean air filter.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, worn sprocket, low oil	Disengage brake; inspect sprocket/clutch; check oiler.
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced chain	Tighten all bolts/nuts; sharpen chain evenly.
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling	Adjust oil flow rate (if adjustable).
Chain gets dull quickly	Cutting into dirt, improper filing	Avoid ground contact; sharpen at correct angle.

Warranty & Support

Shindaiwa 500 chainsaws are backed by a commercial warranty. Proof of purchase is required.

Warranty Period: Refer to your local dealer or warranty card for specific duration.
What's Covered: Defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
What's Not Covered: Damage from misuse, neglect, improper fuel, lack of maintenance, or unauthorized repairs.

For Technical Support & Service: Contact an authorized Shindaiwa service dealer. Always use genuine Shindaiwa replacement parts.

Support Website: www.shindaiwa.com