Stihl MS 180 C-BE Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
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Stihl MS 180 C-BE | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
Price | $280 List | $399 List $351.61 at Amazon | $279 List Check Price at Amazon | $115 List $108.49 at Amazon | $290 List $177.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | A gas-powered model that is light, starts effortlessly, and cuts very well | If you want an easy-to-use cordless electric chainsaw with a long-lasting battery and a long bar this is the one | With a slick tensioning system and fast cutting performance, this corded model is a great option | An easy-to-use corded electric model that will hardly dent your bank account | For a reasonable price, this model performs well although it does not quite contend with the top-ranked models |
Rating Categories | Stihl MS 180 C-BE | Ego Power+ CS1800 | Makita UC4051A | Oregon CS1500 | Husqvarna 120i |
Saw Performance (35%) | |||||
Ease of Use (30%) | |||||
Power Performance (25%) | |||||
Noise (10%) | |||||
Specs | Stihl MS 180 C-BE | Ego Power+ CS1800 | Makita UC4051A | Oregon CS1500 | Husqvarna 120i |
Model Number | 180 C-BE | CS1800 | UC4051A | CS1500 | 120i |
Bar Length | 16 inches | 18 inches | 16 inches | 18 inches | 14 inches |
Power Source | Gasoline | Battery | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Battery |
Measured Weight | 11 lbs, 10 oz | 12 lbs, 4 oz | 12 lbs, 6 oz | 10 lbs, 10 oz | 10 lbs, 11 oz |
Measured Battery Weight | n/a | 3 lbs, 8 oz | n/a | n/a | 2 lbs, 12 oz |
Amps | n/a | 5 amp | 15 amp | 15 Amp | 4.2 amp |
Motor Size | 32cc 2-Cycle | 56V | 15 Amp | 15 Amp | 36V |
Measured Runtime | 36 minutes | 60 minutes | n/a | 22 minutes | 40 minutes |
Measured Run Time Eco Mode | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 54 mins |
Recharge/Refuel Time | 1 minute | 90 minutes | n/a | n/a | 120 minutes |
Measured Average Cutting Time | 7.7 seconds | 5.9 seconds | 5.7 seconds | 7.8 seconds | 13.5 seconds |
Measured Wind Up Time | 0.5 seconds | 1.25 seconds | 0.5 seconds | 0.5 seconds | 0.5 seconds |
Measured Decibel Reading at 48in | 103.4 dBa | 88.8 dBa | 94.1 dBa | 86.6 dBa | 85.9 dBa |
Control Type | Thumb safety w/ chain brake | Palm safety w/ chain brake | Side safety w/ chain brake | Thumb safety w/ chain brake | Electronic button, side safety and brake |
Chain Replacement and Tensioning Type | Tool free | Tool Free | Tool free | Tool free | Tool free |
Metal Bucking Spikes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Oil Conservation | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 |
Bar & Chain Tank Location and Type | Side | Side, Screen | Top | Side | Side, flip-up |
Measured Body Dimesions | 14 x 8 x 7.5 inches | 16 x 9 x 8 inches | 19 x 6 x 6 inches | 17.5 x 12 x 6 inches | 19 x 7 x 7 inches |
Our Analysis and Test Results
In the world of chainsaws, Stihl is a world-renowned brand. Used by both professionals and consumers alike, they truly do make a chainsaw for just about everyone. With their compact gas-powered model, the MS 180 C-BE, they take their technology and knowledge acquired from decades of experience and package it up into a light and compact 2-cycle model that is a great choice for many people.
Performance Comparison
Likes
When it comes to cutting performance, the Stihl MS 180 C-BE showed some surprisingly strong results considering its engine size and bar length. With an average cut time of 7.7 seconds, this model beat out most of the field during our head-to-head lumber slicing competition.
After running our time-trial cutting test, we walked around our test site to see how the MS 180 C-BE handled in the field. We found this 16-inch model to be the perfect tool for many cuts, especially branches that required lifting the saw above the waist.
The Stihl MS 180 C-BE has several elements that add to the overall user-friendliness of the machine. This model uses Stihl's trademark Easy2Start system that, according to the manufacturer, allows you to pull the start cord two-thirds slower than other models to fire up the engine.
We love the tool-free chain tensioning system integrated into the MS 180 C-BE. All you have to do to loosen or tighten the chain is fold out the lever and twist the large wheel to loosen the bar clamp, then use the wheel to tighten or loosen the chain, and then tighten the bar back down.
This model also has an easily accessible air filter and metal bucking spikes — both must-haves to be considered a high-performance chainsaw.
During our power performance assessment, we found that the Stihl MS 180 C-BE doesn't have the longest runtime, although we must mention that it did run longer than any other 2-cycle model in our review. One of the main advantages that gas-powered models have over battery-powered models is how quickly they can be refueled. Mixing a gallon of 2-cycle gasoline takes mere seconds, and refueling the saw does not take much longer. While people with cordless electric models are waiting for their batteries to charge, with a gas-powered model, you'll already be back to cutting — and in locations that corded electric models simply cannot go.
Dislikes
The primary limiting element of the Stihl MS 180 C-BE is its bar length. If you're looking to buck logs all day or fell larger trees, you're going to need to go with a bigger model.
Our only other complaint about the MS 180 C-BE is the amount of noise it emits. All chainsaws are loud, but 2-cycle gas-powered models are really loud. Also, unlike electric chainsaws, gas-powered models need to idle between cuts, so your ears only get a break when you completely shut the engine off.
Value
Considering that some lower-scoring chainsaws cost more than the Stihl MS 180 C-BE, we think that this model is a solid investment for those in the market for a compact gas-powered chainsaw.
Conclusion
The Stihl MS 180 C-BE did not earn the highest overall score in our review, but we compared it side-by-side with models that have longer bars and larger engines. Considering its size and weight, this machine does a terrific job of cutting. It's astoundingly easy to start, and there are no tools or knowledge required for tensioning the chain. If you want a 2-cycle chainsaw that won't break your back or break the bank, this version is a great choice.