OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Chainsaws and Concrete Cutters Petrol Chainsaws and Concrete Cutters Stihl MS180 alternatives

Hi All,
I am looking for alternative to the MS180. I like the power to weight ratio and bar length combination and the 50:1 fuel mix. The MS180 was prone to running problems when hot: didn't want to idle or start. It had done very little work. I use it mostly for pruning or cut stump herbicide work so low weight was a bonus. I heard it was a chinese manufacture and not very adjustable in the carby area, unlike the more upmarket, heavier models.

Hi grl.i would check out your saw to fix the non idle and start issue when saw is hot.This is not a inherent problem with the saw,and must be something wrong with it.Is it still under warranty.?most of the time when I get customers with this problem it is usually a carb issue,or low compression due to piston being seized at some stage.i have many customers who have the ms 170 and 180, who have had them for years with no drama at all.i have never heard of any stihl machine being made under license in China.the carby does not have full mixture adj like other saws,as it works perfectly the way it is.if it does not,something is wrong. Hope this helps

Hi Pope,
Thanks for the info. My MS180 was stolen so I can't fix it. It was out of warranty. Your reply has given me enough confidence to replace it with the same model, although I wonder about the MS181 now and whether I should go for it instead.

I have a 180 that I bought jut to have behind the seat in my ute , you know for those you never know when you'll need a chain saw moment's hahahah:O)
well she gets used a lot more than that pruning small free around home and a lot around the golf course I frequent on working bees clean up days I use the saw for delimbing as its light and SINCE THE MUFFLER MOD AND RETUNE has performed really well and with sharp chain will take it to 12 and 16 inch limbs with vigour to say the least in am happy with it for what it is
I run all my equipment on fuel mixed at 25 to 30 to 1 and have never looked like cooking anything

I have a 180 that I bought jut to have behind the seat in my ute , you know for those you never know when you'll need a chain saw moment's hahahah:O)
well she gets used a lot more than that pruning small free around home and a lot around the golf course I frequent on working bees clean up days I use the saw for delimbing as its light and SINCE THE MUFFLER MOD AND RETUNE has performed really well and with sharp chain will take it to 12 and 16 inch limbs with vigour to say the least in am happy with it for what it is
I don't use it much on that sized limbs , other to show mates how well the little girl goes , but its a wee gem on to use as its light and has a good bit of go in it for a small saw

I run all my equipment on fuel mixed at 25 to 30 to 1 and have never looked like cooking anything