The STIHL MS 180 is a small 31.8 cc chainsaw.
It’s often compared with the STIHL MS 170, which is basically the same saw but with a lower power output (because of a smaller bore). Both these saws are of the same series, but the 180 is 31.8 cc/2.0 hp while the 170 is 30.1 cc/1.8 hp.
It’s also frequently compared with the STIHL MS 181, a different chainsaw from a different series. The 181 is a pound heavier and has a strato cylinder design which reduces emissions. Most guys prefer the conventional two-stroke engine of the MS 180.
Below, we’ll compare these saws in greater detail and share user reviews, but next, lets consider the different versions.
STIHL MS 180 Versions
The Stihl MS 180 is a consumer-grade chainsaw made in the United States.
It is designed for light use and can handle pruning, brush clearing, cutting firewood, and falling small trees.
There are two versions of this chainsaw:
- STIHL MS 180 – base model
- STIHL MS 180 C-BE – version with comfort features
The C-BE version has two added features. B = Quick Chain Adjuster; E = Easy2Start.
The image above shows the Quick Chain Adjuster feature. The alternative is the base model, pictured below, with a side chainsaw tensioner and two bar nuts holding the cover.
Stihl MS 180 Reviews
Here are helpful user reviews found on STIHL fan pages on Facebook.
- Brian said, “For the price everyone should have a 180!”
- Adam said, “I have a 180. Its the perfect small saw. I’ve cut a lot of firewood with it.”
- Tim said, “I do not like the EZ start on the 180C. I’m also old school and do not like the EZ chain tightening.”
- Daryl said, “I got a 180, and it’s one of my favorite saws. It never lets you down. It has loads of power for a little saw, and it’s light!”
- Mark said, “It’s a cheap and cost-effective little saw. It definitely has its limitations, but so does everything.”
- Jesse said, “Good to keep for small projects. Limbs and firewood.”
- Jake said, “I own a 180 and flog the absolute crap out of it, and it’s still going hard 👌”
- Jag said, “I’ve had a 180 for years and have never had an issue. Dropped some big trees with it, too.”
- Jim said, “Perfect for small jobs and very cheap.”
- Rick said, “They are great little saws for what they are designed to do.”
We’re surprised by how many good reviews the MS 180 gets, given its a small saw.
Small saws like this often get mocked, but there are hundreds or thousands of guys out there ready to praise it.
Here are some longer reviews.
Steven said:
I bought a brand new MS180 in 2010.
I have nothing but the highest praise for this model.
For its intended purpose it’s very difficult to beat.
Barry said:
I have two MS180s and love them both. I believe they are very underrated.
I will certainly jump up to my 260 Pro when the pieces get a bigger, but for small jobs they have been excellent workers for me.
Loren said:
I bought one for my girlfriend and it has become my go to saw for small jobs even though I have 3 other Stihl saws.
Thomas said:
I’ve had a 180 for years and I love it for limbing and light work.
If you already have bigger saws go for it. If its your only one go a little bigger.
The 250s are still very affordable and can handle a more useful bar size with much more power.
Steve said:
We have a little 180 and for the money it’s superb.
It’s never going to match a pro saw (we also have 261, 038, 461, 660), but it punches above its weight in its category.
I went for the 180 over the 170 as there was hardly any difference in money but it had 1/4 hp more and a better chain.
Edward said:
Always favour the MS 180/1 over the MS 170/1 for one very important reason: Stihl 2 piston ring engines start at the 180/1.
The 170/1 and the 150 have a single piston ring.
Joe said:
Our grounds maintenance has four MS 180s in the fleet, all about 15 years old. One of them is still new in the box.
Great for limbing fallen trees. I love the little guys so much I went out and got my own.
Rudy said:
I carry my 180c with me every day, it is my dependable go-to saw.
I also have 14 other saws but they don’t get a backseat all to themselves like the 180 does.
Specs and Features
| Model | Engine | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS 170 | 30.1 cc / 1.8 cu in | 1.3 kW / 1.7 hp | 8.6 lbs / 3.9 kgs |
| MS 171 | 31.8 cc / 1.9 cu in | 1.3 kW / 1.7 hp | 9.5 lbs / 4.3 kgs |
| MS 180 | 31.8 cc / 1.9 cu in | 1.5 kW / 2.0 hp | 8.6 lbs / 3.9 kgs |
| MS 180 C-BE | 31.8 cc / 1.9 cu in | 1.5 kW / 2.0 hp | 9.3 lbs / 4.2 kgs |
| MS 181 C-BE | 31.8 cc / 1.9 cu in | 1.5 kW / 2.0 hp | 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kgs |
12 – 16-inch bars are recommended for use on all of these models.
Features:
- Stihl 2-mix engine uses less fuel than standard 2 stroke engines
- Save up to 20% on fuel costs and cut emissions by up to 70% during use
- The side-mounted chain tensioner makes tensioning the chain safe and easy
- Stihl anti-vibration allows smooth and comfortable use
- Stihl Ematic system reduces chain lubricant usage up to 50%
- All chainsaw functions are operated by a single lever
STIHL MS 180 Chainsaw
The MS 180 is a great entry-level chainsaw.
If you know you’ll only be using it for light, infrequent work, it’s worth getting one. It compares well to similar Stihl Chainsaw models, and many would say it’s the best of the small saws.
On the other hand, if you want to progress to cutting larger logs, felling trees, or anything more serious than pruning, the MS 250 is probably a better first choice. It will allow you to work on larger projects.
If you want to see the other end of the Stihl chainsaw spectrum, check out the new 500i chainsaw.
Hi,
I owe one Stihl 180c.
I am very happy. I chapped down a decades old olive tree without any problem.
Great buy.!!
Perhaps the saw was well worn and over worked before you received it. Easy to burn up a saw with a dull chain which is what I suspect this is. I have had extremely good luck with mine and it definitely punches above it’s weight with a sharp chain. It is keyboard have a sharp chain and to keep it out of the dirt.
Bought a 180 in December and the only problem I’ve had is it throws the chain off the bar. Bought another chain with same problem. I ALWAYS keep the chain tight and sharp. Was told to keep the chain tight which I do and to treat it a baby. Been using chainsaws for over 40 years and have never had to pamper a saw and have NEVER thrown a chain before! I am very disgusted in this saw.
chek the groove i th bar its probably spread open . put it in vice an close it a little on left side on bar where it just leaves sproket and enters bar.
I bought this chain saw and it runs for a while and then stalls and won’t start again. I have only run it for around 6 hours total. The pull rope broke after the same amount of time from trying to restart it so much. So much for an easy start chain saw. Very disappointed and wouldn’t buy again. I’ll probably fix the rope and sell it as soon as I can while it is running.
You write about MS 180, but in the pictures there is MS 181. These are 2 different saws. MS 180 debuted in 1999 as 018 and was a follow-up to 017, which was introduced in 1995 and later renumbered as MS 170 after a change in nomenclature. These saws are 1130 series.
MS 181 was launched in 2009 as part of the 1139 series (MS 171, 181, 211). There were a lot of differences between the 2 series, of which I will mention that the 1139 series had stratocharged engines, while the 1130 did not.
The anti-vibration system was also different, with the 1139 having only steel springs.
In 2013/14, without changing the name, Stihl introduced modified versions of the 170 and 180 with stratocharged engines in some markets (Europe ofc). Of course, this necessitated changes to a myriad of key components.
The version for the North American market was produced in the US and remained unchanged – it had a “regular” engine until the end of production.