REASONS TO BUY
Solid saw performance
Easy to start
Great tensioning system
Light for this type of saw
REASONS TO AVOID
Noisy
Short bar for this type of saw
Stihl MS 180 C-BE Review
A smaller high-performance 2-cycle model that requires minimal knowledge of gas-powered machines
Credit: Stihl
RELATED: Best Chainsaws of 2024
Our Verdict
If you're looking for a lighter and smaller gas-powered chainsaw, the Stihl MS 180 C-BE is a great choice. With a 16-inch bar and a 32cc engine, it wasn't designed to be the most powerful model, but during our hands-on testing, we found that it cuts surprisingly well. The Stihl has an innovative pull-start system called Easy2Start that was designed to require minimal energy to fire the engine up. Although it isn't the lightest chainsaw in our review, it's incredibly lightweight for a gas-powered version. To top it off, it has a tool-free chain-tensioning system that is super easy to use.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Stihl MS 180 C-BE | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  | |  | |
| Price | $280 List | $399 List $394.94 at Amazon | $279 List Check Price at Amazon | $115 List $97.74 at Amazon | $70 List $49.99 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 | One of the best values in a chainsaw, especially since there are so many other great EGO products that use the same battery | 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 | A great smaller saw at a great price |
| Rating Categories | Stihl MS 180 C-BE | Ego Power+ CS1800 | Makita UC4051A | Oregon CS1500 | SeeSii Mini Cordless |
| Saw Performance (35%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (30%) | |||||
| Power Performance (25%) | |||||
| Noise (5%) | |||||
| Weight (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Stihl MS 180 C-BE | Ego Power+ CS1800 | Makita UC4051A | Oregon CS1500 | SeeSii Mini Cordless |
| Bar Length | 16 inches | 18 inches | 16 inches | 18 inches | 6 inches |
| Measured Average Cutting Time | 7.7 seconds | 5.9 seconds | 5.7 seconds | 7.8 seconds | 39 seconds |
| Recharge/Refuel Time | 1 minute | 90 minutes | n/a | n/a | 131 minutes |
| Measured Weight | 11 lbs, 10 oz | 14 lbs, 11 oz | 12 lbs, 6 oz | 10 lbs, 10 oz | 2 lb 8 oz |
| Measured Battery Weight | n/a | 4 lbs, 13 oz | n/a | n/a | 11.4 oz |
| Measured Wind Up Time | .5 seconds | 1.25 seconds | .5 seconds | .5 seconds | .1 seconds |
| Measured Runtime | 36 minutes | 60 minutes | n/a | n/a | 36 minutes |
| Amps | n/a | 5 amp | 15 amp | 15 Amp | 2 amp |
| Motor Size | 32cc 2-Cycle | 56V | 15 Amp | 15 Amp | 21V |
| Measured Run Time Eco Mode | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Measured Decibel Reading at 48in | 103.4 dBa | 88.8 dBa | 94.1 dBa | 86.6 dBa | 76.8 dBa |
| 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 | 10 x 4 x 3 inches |
| Chain Replacement and Tensioning Type | Tool free | Tool Free | Tool free | Tool free | Included Tool |
| Metal Bucking Spikes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Oil Conservation Score | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 |
| Power Source | Gasoline | Battery | Corded electric | Corded electric | Battery |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
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
Not only is the Stihl MS 180 C-BE lighter than most gas-powered models, but it's also lighter than some top-tier battery-powered and cordless saws.
Credit: Ross Patton
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 is light enough to easily lift above your waist but is powerful enough to handle larger cuts with ease.
Credit: Ross Patton
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.
The starter housing on this model is a bit bulkier than other models, but the system contained inside makes starting the machine much easier.
Credit: Ross Patton
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.
The chain tensioning system on this model is basically self-explanatory.
Credit: Ross Patton
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.
The Stihl MS 180 C-BE is perfectly fine for smaller rounds but can't handle larger logs.
Credit: Ross Patton
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.
—
Ross Patton
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