Stihl 180C Chainsaw Manual

The STIHL 180C is a lightweight, professional-grade gasoline chainsaw designed for demanding cutting tasks. It features a powerful 2-stroke engine with STIHL anti-vibration system, QuickStop® inertia chain brake, Ematic™ lubrication system, side-access chain tensioner, and STIHL Easy2Start™. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, saw chain, chain brake, throttle trigger, choke control, fuel and oil caps, starter grip.

Safety Instructions

Read and understand all instructions before operation. Always wear proper PPE.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
2. Work Area Safety: Keep bystanders and pets at least 15 feet away. Ensure secure footing.
3. Kickback Zone: Be aware of the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip. Avoid contact.
4. Fuel Safety: Refuel in a well-ventilated area, with engine off and cool. Use STIHL MotoMix® or clean gasoline with STIHL HP Ultra oil at 50:1 ratio.
5. Chain Brake Check: Test function before each use by pulling the front hand guard towards the bar.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. The chainsaw is a dangerous tool.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble guide bar and chain.

1. Attach the guide bar: Remove bar cover nuts, fit bar onto studs, align chain sprocket.
2. Fit the saw chain: Place chain over bar, ensuring cutting teeth face forward on top. Engage drive links in bar groove.
3. Tension the chain: Use side-access wheel to adjust until chain snaps back lightly from the bar. Tighten bar nuts.
4. Fill fluids: Add STIHL HP Ultra 2-stroke oil to chain oil tank. Add fuel mix to fuel tank.
5. Final check: Ensure all nuts are tight, chain moves freely, and chain brake is disengaged.

CAUTION! Always wear protective gloves when handling the saw chain.

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 31.8 cc (1.94 cu. in.)
• Power Output: 1.8 kW (2.4 bhp)
• Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL HP Ultra oil)
• Recommended Guide Bar Lengths: 12" to 16"
• Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" PMM / .050" (1.3 mm)
• Weight (powerhead only): Approx. 4.6 kg (10.1 lbs)
• Sound Pressure Level: 104 dB(A)
• Vibration Levels (front/rear handle): 4.5/2.5 m/s²
• Ignition System: STIHL Electronic Ignition (CDI)
• Warranty: Limited warranty for personal use. See dealer for details.

Controls and Components

Master Control Lever: Combines stop switch, choke, and run positions. Throttle Trigger & Interlock: Must depress interlock to activate throttle. Chain Brake / Front Hand Guard: Manually engage or inertia-activated. Decompression Valve: Press to reduce cylinder pressure for easier starting. Chain Tensioner: Rotating wheel on side for quick adjustment.

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, spark plug, fuel filter, chain oil pump adjustment screw.

Starting & Stopping

Cold Start:

1. Engage chain brake by pulling front hand guard back.
2. Press decompression valve (if equipped).
3. Set Master Control lever to choke position (full down).
4. Press purge bulb (if equipped) 5-6 times until fuel is visible.
5. Place saw on ground, hold firmly with foot in rear handle. Pull starter rope slowly until engaged, then briskly. Engine will 'pop'.
6. Move Master Control to half-throttle position. Pull starter again to start.
7. Blip throttle to disengage start-assist. Disengage chain brake.

Warm Start: Master Control in run position. No choke needed.

Stopping: Release throttle. Move Master Control lever to STOP position.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Always use full throttle when cutting. Maintain a firm grip with both hands.

1. Felling: Plan escape path. Make notch cut (1/3 of tree diameter), then felling cut. Use wedges if needed.
2. Limbing: Stand uphill. Cut branches from bottom to top, using the saw as a pivot.
3. Bucking: Support log. Cut from top down, avoiding contact with ground. Roll log using cant hooks.
4. Kickback Prevention: Do not cut with the upper tip. Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned. Hold saw firmly.

WARNING! Never operate the saw above shoulder height or with one hand.

Maintenance Schedule

Chain & Bar Care

Sharpening: Use correct round file size (typically 4.0mm). Maintain 30° filing angle and 10° top plate angle. File all cutters to equal length.

Tensioning: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand. Re-tension when cold after first few minutes of operation.

Bar Maintenance: Regularly clean bar groove. Flip bar weekly for even wear. Dress bar rails with flat file if burred.

Lubrication: Always use STIHL chain oil or equivalent. Check oil flow by running saw at full throttle over light-colored surface; a line of oil should appear.

Storage

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to empty carburetor. OR add fuel stabilizer and run for 2 minutes.
2. Remove chain, clean in solvent, dry, and soak in oil. Store separately.
3. Clean entire saw of dirt, sap, and debris.
4. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

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

STIHL Customer Service: 1-800-467-8445 | www.stihlusa.com