Stihl MS 180 C-BE Review

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