Stihl Chainsaw MS 180 Owner's Manual

The Stihl MS 180 is a lightweight, easy-to-handle chainsaw designed for homeowners and occasional users. It features a powerful engine, anti-vibration system, quickstop chain brake, and STIHL Ematic lubrication system for efficient chain oiling. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, saw chain, anti-vibration system, Quickstop chain brake, side-access chain tensioner, STIHL Ematic lubrication system.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles, ensure secure footing, keep bystanders at safe distance.
3. Chain Brake: Test chain brake before each use.
4. Kickback Awareness: Understand kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip) and avoid contact.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. Never operate when tired or under influence of drugs/alcohol.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble chainsaw before first use.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Place bar on studs, fit chain with cutters facing forward, adjust tension.
2. Fill fuel tank: Use fresh fuel mix (50:1 gasoline to STIHL HP Ultra oil).
3. Fill chain oil tank: Use STIHL chain oil or equivalent.
4. Check chain lubrication: Run saw briefly and check for oil on chain/bar.

CAUTION! Use only STIHL-approved fuel and oil mixtures. Improper fuel can damage engine.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 30.1 cc
• Power Output: 1.8 kW (2.4 hp)
• Fuel Capacity: 8.5 fl oz (250 ml)
• Chain Oil Capacity: 5.1 fl oz (150 ml)
• Guide Bar Lengths: 14" or 16"
• Chain Pitch: 3/8" PM
• Chain Gauge: 0.043" (1.1 mm)
• Weight (Powerhead): 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg)
• Sound Pressure Level: 103 dB(A)
• Vibration Level: 4.5 m/s² (front handle), 6.5 m/s² (rear handle)

Controls and Components

Main controls: Front handle with throttle trigger lockout, rear handle, throttle trigger, master control lever, chain brake lever, choke control, decompression valve.

Master Control Lever: Combines stop switch, choke, and fast idle functions.

Safety Features: Throttle trigger lockout (must be depressed before throttle works), chain brake (manual or inertia-activated), right-hand guard.

Maintenance Points: Chain tensioner, spark plug, air filter, fuel filter, chain catcher, muffler.

Starting & Stopping

Starting Procedure (Cold Engine):

1. Place saw on firm ground, engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set master control lever to choke position.
4. Pull starter rope until engine fires (1-2 pulls).
5. Move master control to half-throttle position.
6. Pull starter rope until engine starts.
7. Briefly blip throttle to disengage fast idle.

Stopping: Release throttle, move master control to STOP position.

Tip: Always engage chain brake when starting or carrying saw.

Operating Instructions

Proper cutting techniques for safety and efficiency.

1. Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right hand.
2. Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
3. Starting Cut: Apply light pressure, let chain do the work.
4. Buckling: Support log properly, cut from top down.
5. Limbing: Work from trunk outward, keep saw stable.
6. Kickback Prevention: Keep saw at full throttle during cut, avoid tip contact.
7. Pinching: Use wedges if cut begins to close.

WARNING! Never cut above shoulder height. Always plan escape path from falling tree.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety.

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Chain Sharpening

Sharp chain improves cutting and reduces kickback risk.

1. Secure bar: Engage chain brake, clamp bar in vise.
2. File size: Use 4.0 mm (5/32") round file for PM3 chain.
3. Filing angle: Maintain 30° angle on cutters.
4. File position: Keep file level, follow existing angle.
5. Depth gauges: Check with depth gauge tool, file if too high.
6. Equal strokes: Apply same number of strokes to each cutter.

Signs of dull chain: Produces fine dust instead of chips, requires pressure to cut, cuts crooked.

Storage

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues.

1. Short-term (under 30 days): Fill fuel tank to prevent condensation.
2. Long-term: Drain fuel tank completely, run engine until it stops.
3. Chain: Remove, clean, and soak in oil.
4. Bar: Clean groove, oil surface.
5. Storage location: Cool, dry place away from ignition sources.

WARNING! Never store chainsaw with fuel in tank in enclosed space due to fire risk.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized STIHL dealer.

Support: STIHL Incorporated, 536 Viking Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, 1-800-467-8445, www.stihlusa.com