Stihl MS 180 Manual

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, Guide Bar, Saw Chain, Chain Brake, Throttle Trigger, Master Control Lever, Fuel Tank, Oil Tank.

Feature	Description
Engine	STIHL 2-MIX engine for reduced fuel consumption and emissions
STIHL Quickstop®	Inertia-activated chain brake for enhanced safety
Ematic™ System	Precision chain lubrication for reduced oil consumption
STIHL ErgoStart™	Easier starting with reduced resistance
Master Control Lever	Single lever for choke, start, and run positions
Chain Tensioner	Side-access for easy chain adjustment
Decompression Valve	Reduces pressure for easier starting
Fuel & Oil Caps	Easy-to-open with built-in tank venting
Anti-Vibration System	Reduces operator fatigue
Chain Catcher	Helps reduce risk if chain breaks

Safety Information

Read all instructions before use. Always wear protective equipment.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Clear area of obstacles and bystanders. Ensure secure footing.
3. Chain Brake: Test before each use. Engage when carrying or moving short distances.
4. Kickback: Be aware of kickback zone (upper quadrant of bar tip). Hold saw firmly.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous. Improper use can cause serious injury or death. Never operate when tired or under influence.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on clean, stable surface.

1. Attach Guide Bar & Chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar (cutting edges facing forward on top), adjust tension.
2. Fill Fuel Tank: Use STIHL MotoMix® or 50:1 gasoline/oil mixture (89 octane min).
3. Fill Oil Tank: Use STIHL chainsaw bar oil or approved equivalent.
4. Check Chain Tension: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely.

CAUTION! Fuel is flammable. Refuel in well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources. Wipe spills immediately.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 31.8 cc (1.94 cu in).
• Power Output: 1.5 kW (2.0 bhp).
• Weight (Powerhead): 3.9 kg (8.6 lbs).
• Fuel Tank Volume: 250 ml (8.5 fl oz).
• Oil Tank Volume: 145 ml (4.9 fl oz).
• Guide Bar Lengths: 30 cm (12"), 35 cm (14"), 40 cm (16").
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" PMM / .050".
• Sound Pressure Level: 104 dB(A).
• Vibration Levels: Front/Rear Handle: 4.5/3.5 m/s².

Controls and Components

Front Handle: Contains throttle trigger and throttle trigger lockout. Rear Handle: Contains Master Control Lever (stop switch, choke, start, run).

Master Control Lever Positions: STOP (0), START (high idle/choke), RUN (normal operation).

Chain Brake: Front hand guard; push forward to engage, pull back toward handle to disengage. Chain Tensioner: Located on side; turn clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen. Decompression Valve: Button on cylinder; press before starting cold engine.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Engage chain brake.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set Master Control Lever to START (choke).
4. Press throttle trigger lockout and squeeze throttle trigger once.
5. Place saw on ground, hold rear handle with right foot, pull starter handle until engine fires.
6. Move Master Control Lever to RUN.
7. Pull starter handle again until engine starts.
8. Blip throttle to disengage high idle.

Warm Start: Skip step 2 and set lever directly to RUN.

Stopping: Move Master Control Lever to STOP (0).

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use proper grip: left hand on front handle, right hand on rear handle.

1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 diameter), then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
2. Limbing: Cut branches from bottom to top. Stand on opposite side of log.
3. Bucking: Support log. Cut from top. For pinched bar, stop and use wedge.
4. Kickback Prevention: Do not cut with bar tip. Maintain firm grip. Keep chain sharp.

Tip: Let the saw do the work; do not force it. Keep chain speed high during cut.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Perform daily maintenance before use. Disconnect spark plug boot for safety.

1. Air Filter: Remove and clean with compressed air or soapy water (dry completely).
2. Spark Plug: Check gap (0.5 mm / 0.020"). Clean or replace if fouled.
3. Fuel Filter: Replace annually or if clogged.
4. Exhaust Port & Screen: Keep clear of carbon deposits.
5. External Cleaning: Wipe with damp cloth. Keep cooling fins clean.

CAUTION! Never clean with running water or pressure washer. Avoid solvents on plastic.

Chain & Bar Care

Proper maintenance extends life and improves safety.

1. Chain Sharpening: Use round file (4.0 mm / 5/32") and filing guide. Maintain 30° cutting angle. File all cutters evenly.
2. Depth Gauges: File down with flat file to proper height (0.65 mm / 0.025" below cutter).
3. Bar Maintenance: Clean bar groove. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress rails with flat file if burred.
4. Lubrication: Check oil flow by pointing at light surface; should see oil line. Adjust oiler if needed.

WARNING! Always wear gloves when handling chain. A dull chain increases kickback risk.

Storage

For storage over 30 days:

1. Drain fuel tank and run carburetor dry.
2. Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil.
3. Clean entire saw thoroughly.
4. Store in dry, dust-free place, away from children.
5. For long-term storage, fog engine through spark plug hole.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank. Old fuel can damage carburetor.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, flooded, spark plug	Check fuel; set lever to RUN, hold throttle open and pull starter; check/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly/dies	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged fuel filter	Clean/replace air filter; use fresh fuel; replace fuel filter.
Chain doesn't turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch worn, sprocket	Disengage brake; check clutch shoes and drum; replace if worn.
Chain throws oil	Over-oiling, wrong oil	Adjust oiler; use correct bar oil.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners; sharpen chain evenly.
Chain dulls quickly	Cutting dirty wood, hitting ground, depth gauges	Avoid dirt/sand; keep chain out of ground; file depth gauges.

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

Support: 1-800-467-8445; www.stihlusa.com