STIHL MS 180 Review

This lightweight chainsaw features excellent air filtration, enhanced engine cooling, and redesigned engine shroud.

The MS 180 chainsaw gets back to basics with improved engine air flow and shroud design. With its improved design comes enhanced engine cooling and air filtration, giving you more consistent performance in the field. Make quick work of trimming branches, cutting small trees, and clearing fell limbs after a storm. If you’re looking for a reliable, light-duty chainsaw for occasional use, the MS 180 is a value you can’t ignore.

Features

IntelliCarb™ Compensating Carburetor

The IntelliCarb™ Compensating Carburetor is designed to automatically adjust the air/fuel ratio when the air filter becomes restricted or partially clogged and maintains the engine’s correct RPM. IntelliCarb™ uses air from the clean side of the air filter to control the diaphragm and flow of fuel. As the air filter becomes dirty and less air is available for the carburetor, the IntelliCarb™ system adjusts the fuel flow to compensate for the decrease in air flow. This is in contrast to typical carburetors that utilize this air from the “dirty” side of the air box.

STIHL OILOMATIC Saw Chain

STIHL makes its own saw chains.

Ematic™ Bar

Includes a polymer ramp reservoir that holds bar oil until it can be picked up by a passing chain. This can reduce oil usage by up to 50%.

Bumper Spikes

They help prevent pull-in and provide better control, making cuts easier.

Spark Arrester Muffler

Has large baffles which reduce noise levels and contain a screen designed to reduce the emission of sparks.

STIHL Quickstop® Chain Brake System

Designed to stop the chain in fractions of a second. Can be manually activated by inertia if the kickback force is sufficient.

Front Hand Guard

Designed to reduce the risk of injury.

Front Handle

Designed for a secure grip and ergonomically angled for comfort.

Protected Spark Plug

Protected, yet easy to change.

Large Starting Handle

Easy to grip

Smooth Clean Design

Has no rough edges to snag on clothing or brush.

Air Filter Cover

Easy to remove for fast and easy filter cleaning or replacement.

Master Control Lever™

Is a single lever operating the choke, starting throttle lock and on-off switch.

Rear Hand Guard

Reduces the risk of injury as well as provides a wide area for foot placement during starting.

High-Tech Polymer Housings

Lightweight, withstand greater impact, and are corrosion-resistant.

Translucent Fuel Tank

Allows operator to easily check fuel level before starting work.

Anti-vibration system

Helps reduce operator fatigue.

Electronic Ignition

Provides easier starting and smoother running.

Replaceable “In Tank” Fuel and Oil Filters

Lower cost and are easy to maintain.

Inboard Chain Brake

Requires less maintenance and makes saw chain sprocket easier to remove.

Automatic Bar and Chain Oiler

Lets the operator concentrate on cutting, not bar lubrication.

Chain Catcher

Helps reduce the risk of operator contact by a chain if it should break or derail.

Throttle Trigger Lockout

Must be depressed before the trigger can be activated.