STIHL Chainsaw 180 Manual

The STIHL MS 180 is a lightweight, easy-to-use chainsaw designed for homeowners. It features a powerful engine, STIHL Quickstop® inertia chain brake, Ematic™ lubrication system, and STIHL ErgoStart™ for easy starting. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Preparation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Starting & Stopping the Engine 7. Operation & Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine with ErgoStart™, Quickstop® inertia chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, Ematic™ lubrication system, and anti-vibration system.

Feature	Description
Engine Power	1.8 kW (2.4 bhp) displacement
Guide Bar Length	Typically 16" (40 cm) options
Chain Brake	STIHL Quickstop® inertia-activated for safety
Lubrication	Ematic™ system for efficient oil use
Starting System	STIHL ErgoStart™ for reduced pulling force
Anti-Vibration	Reduces operator fatigue
Fuel Tank Capacity	Approx. 0.25 US gal (0.95 L)
Oil Tank Capacity	Approx. 0.16 US gal (0.6 L)
Weight (powerhead)	Approx. 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg)
Chain Pitch/Gauge	3/8" PMM, 0.050" (1.3 mm)

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Wear protective gear.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy boots.
Operating Area: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
Kickback Awareness: Hold saw firmly with both hands; do not cut with tip of bar.
Chain Brake: Test function before each use.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous. Failure to follow safety rules can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when tired or under the influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble guide bar and chain; fill with fuel and oil.

Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
Fuel Mix: Use 50:1 gasoline to STIHL 2-cycle engine oil. Do not use automotive oil.
Fill Fuel Tank: Use clean, fresh fuel. Avoid spills; wipe up immediately.
Fill Chain Oil Tank: Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent for lubrication.
Check Chain Tension: Chain should snap back when pulled from bar; adjust as needed.

CAUTION! Fuel is flammable. Refuel in well-ventilated area with engine off and cool.

Specifications

Model: STIHL MS 180.
Engine Displacement: 1.8 kW (2.4 bhp).
Powerhead Weight: 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg).
Fuel Capacity: 0.25 US gal (0.95 L).
Oil Capacity: 0.16 US gal (0.6 L).
Guide Bar Lengths: 16" (40 cm) standard.
Chain Type: STIHL Picco Micro Mini (PMM) 3/8".
Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 105 dB(A).
Vibration Level: Front/rear handles: <2.5 m/s².
Warranty: Limited warranty for personal use.

Controls and Components

Main components: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, stop switch, choke lever, primer bulb, master control lever, chain brake handle, side-access chain tensioner, fuel and oil caps.

Master Control Lever: Combines choke, start, and run positions. Chain Brake: Manual engagement via front handle; inertia activation. Chain Tensioner: Located on side for easy adjustment without tools. Anti-Vibration System: Springs isolate handles from engine.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

Starting procedure for cold and warm engines.

Cold Start: Set master control to choke (full up). Press primer bulb 5 times. Pull starter rope until engine fires. Move master control to half-throttle position. Pull again to start.
Warm Start: Master control in run position. Pull starter rope.
Stopping: Release throttle; press stop switch to "0".

Tip: Always engage chain brake before starting. Drop-starting is prohibited.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Basic cutting: felling, limbing, bucking.

Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut and felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
Limbing: Stand uphill; cut branches from trunk using supporting hand.
Bucking: Support log; cut from top down. Beware of pinch points.
Kickback Prevention: Keep saw at full throttle; do not let tip contact wood.

WARNING! Be aware of reactive forces: kickback, pushback, pull-in. Always maintain firm grip.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, lubrication. Inspect for loose parts. Clean air filter. Weekly/Monthly: Clean cooling fins, check spark plug, replace fuel filter. As Needed: Replace chain, bar, sprocket.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

Sharpening: Use round file and guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle; file depth gauges. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts; adjust tensioner until chain snaps back; tighten nuts.

CAUTION! Wear gloves. Ensure chain is cool and saw is off.

Storage

Long-term: Drain fuel tank and run engine dry. Remove chain; clean and oil. Store in dry place.

CAUTION! Fuel left in tank can degrade and damage engine.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, flooded, spark plug	Check fuel; wait if flooded; clean/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel	Clean air filter; use fresh fuel mix.
Chain doesn't turn	Brake engaged, clutch, sprocket	Disengage brake; check clutch drum/sprocket for wear.
Chain throws oil	Oil output too high	Adjust oiler (if adjustable); check oil type.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, damaged AV mounts	Tighten all fasteners; inspect anti-vibration elements.

Service: For repairs, see authorized STIHL dealer.

Support: 1-800-GO-STIHL; www.stihlusa.com