Stihl Chainsaw 180 Manual

The Stihl MS 180 is a lightweight, easy-to-handle chainsaw designed for occasional users and homeowners. It features a powerful engine, STIHL Quickstop® inertia chain brake, Ematic™ lubrication system, and anti-vibration system. 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. Basic Operation & Cutting Techniques 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Chain Sharpening & Tensioning 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Engine, guide bar, saw chain, chain brake, throttle trigger, master control lever, fuel and oil tanks.

Feature	Description
Engine	STIHL 2-stroke engine with easy-start system
Guide Bar	Available in 16" length (standard)
Saw Chain	STIHL Picco Micro 3 (PM3) chain
Chain Brake	STIHL Quickstop® inertia-activated chain brake
Lubrication	Ematic™ system for efficient chain oil use
Anti-Vibration	Reduces operator fatigue
Master Control Lever	Combines choke, throttle lock, and stop functions
Fuel Tank Capacity	Approx. 0.53 US pt (0.25 l)
Oil Tank Capacity	Approx. 0.42 US pt (0.20 l)
Weight (powerhead)	Approx. 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg)

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety warnings before operation.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps/pants, and sturdy boots.
Work Area Safety: Clear area of bystanders, especially children. Ensure secure footing.
Kickback Zone: Avoid contact with the upper quadrant of the guide bar tip.
Chain Brake: Test function before each use. Engage when carrying saw more than a few steps.

WARNING! Chainsaws are dangerous tools. Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death.

Assembly & Preparation

Assemble your chainsaw from the box.

Attach the guide bar and chain: Place bar on studs, loop chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension.
Fill with fuel: Use STIHL MotoMix® pre-mixed fuel or mix 50:1 with STIHL HP Ultra oil and 89+ octane gasoline.
Fill with bar & chain oil: Use STIHL chain oil or a quality biodegradable oil.
Check chain tension: Chain should be snug against bar but pull freely by hand.

CAUTION! Fuel is highly flammable. Refuel outdoors, away from ignition sources, with engine off and cool.

Specifications

Model: STIHL MS 180
Engine Displacement: 1.8 cu in (30.1 cm³)
Power Output: 2.0 kW (2.7 bhp)
Maximum Engine Speed: 13,500 rpm
Fuel/Oil Ratio: 50:1 (STIHL HP Ultra)
Guide Bar Lengths: 16" (standard), 14" or 18" (optional)
Chain Pitch/Gauge: 3/8" PM / .043" (1.1 mm)
Sound Pressure Level: Approx. 103 dB(A)
Vibration Level (left/right): Approx. 4.5/4.5 m/s²
Warranty: Limited 1-year warranty for private users.

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Right Side: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout, rear handle. Left Side: Master control lever (stop/run/choke positions), chain brake handle, front hand guard. Top: Decompression valve (if equipped), spark plug. Rear: Fuel cap, oil cap, starter grip.

Master Control Lever Positions: - STOP (0): Engine off. - RUN (I): Normal operation. - CHOKE (⏚): Cold starting position.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

Follow correct procedure to avoid damage and injury.

Cold Start: Engage chain brake. Set master control to CHOKE. Press decompression valve (if equipped). Pull starter rope sharply until engine fires. Move lever to RUN. Pull again to start.
Warm Start: Set master control to RUN. Pull starter rope.
Stopping: Release throttle. Set master control lever to STOP (0).

Tip: Always engage the chain brake when starting. Place saw firmly on ground, holding front handle with left hand and pulling starter with right.

Basic Operation & Cutting Techniques

Use proper techniques for safe and efficient cutting.

Basic Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, left foot slightly forward.
Grip: Hold front handle with left hand, rear handle with right. Thumb wrapped under front handle.
Cutting with Bottom of Bar: Use for most felling and bucking cuts. Let the saw do the work; do not force.
Kickback Prevention: Maintain a firm grip. Do not cut with the upper tip. Be aware of pinch points.
Felling a Tree: Not recommended for inexperienced users. Consult professional training.

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

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

Task	Frequency
Check chain tension	Before each use, and after first 10 minutes of new chain use
Clean air filter	Every 5 operating hours (more often in dusty conditions)
Clean spark arrestor screen	Every 50 operating hours
Check spark plug	Every 50 operating hours
Clean cooling fins	Every 100 operating hours
Replace fuel filter	Every year or 100 hours
Check/replace bar & chain oil filter	Every year

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is essential.

Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Use adjustment screw to raise bar until chain is snug. Tighten bar nuts. Re-check tension.
Sharpening: Use STIHL 2-in-1 file or round file (5/32" for PM3 chain). Maintain correct filing angle (30°). File all cutters to equal length. File depth gauges with flat file and gauge.

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

Storage Guidelines

Prepare saw for storage to prevent fuel system issues.

Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
Remove chain, clean, and soak in oil. Clean guide bar groove and oil holes.
Clean entire saw. Store in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.

CAUTION! Never store saw with fuel in the tank for more than 30 days. Use fuel stabilizer if necessary.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No fuel, flooded, bad spark plug, master control position	Check fuel, set control to RUN, replace spark plug, wait if flooded.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged air filter, fuel filter, carburetor adjustment	Clean/replace air filter, replace fuel filter, consult dealer.
Chain does not turn	Chain brake engaged, clutch/sprocket worn, chain too tight	Disengage brake, check clutch/sprocket, loosen chain tension.
Chain throws oil	Oil output too high, wrong oil type	Adjust oiler (if equipped), use correct bar & chain oil.
Excessive vibration	Loose parts, damaged AV mounts, unbalanced chain	Tighten all fasteners, inspect AV mounts, sharpen chain evenly.

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

Support: Visit www.stihlusa.com or call 1-800-467-8445.