We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
The Stihl MS 180 C-BE has been discontinued and replaced by the MS 182 C-BE. The two models are very similar in performance and size. The 182 offers slightly more power, improved anti-vibration, and a few modern refinements. Most of the testing and impressions in this review still apply to the current MS 182 C-BE.
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.
A gas-powered model that is light, starts effortlessly, and cuts very well
It's hard to imagine more power in a smaller package
An easy-to-use corded electric model that will hardly dent your bank account
The saw we reach for for most small backyard projects
This is a lightweight, affordable gem for one-handed pruning of small branches
Rating Categories
Stihl MS 180 C-BE
Ego Power+ CS1201
Oregon CS1500
SeeSii M8 Boost
SeeSii M6 Lite
Saw Performance(35%)
7.5
7.5
7.5
5.0
5.0
Cut Capacity(25%)
9.0
6.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
Weight/Cutting Small Limbs(20%)
6.6
7.5
6.9
9.7
9.9
Ease of Use(15%)
5.0
9.0
8.0
9.0
9.0
Noise(5%)
2.6
6.0
6.8
8.7
8.7
Specifications
Stihl MS 180 C-BE
Ego Power+ CS1201
Oregon CS1500
SeeSii M8 Boost
SeeSii M6 Lite
Bar Length
16 inches
12 inches
18 inches
8 inches
6 inches
Measured Average Cutting Time
7.7 seconds
8.1 seconds
7.8 seconds
27.2 seconds
39 seconds
9 inch trees per minute
6.7
5.1
6.2
2.3
1.2
Chain Speed
69 ft/s
66 ft/s
48 ft/s
33 ft/s
30 ft/s
Measured Weight
11.6 lbs
8.8 lbs
10.6 lbs
3.3 lbs
2.5 lbs
Measured Battery Weight
n/a
2.9 lbs
n/a
1.3 lbs
0.7 lbs
Measured Cutting Runtime
19 minutes
6.25 minutes
5.5 minutes
5.75 minutes
Total 9 inch disks
32.1
12.1
7.1
Measured Wind Up Time
.5 seconds
1.25 seconds
.5 seconds
.5 seconds
.1 seconds
Recharge/Refuel Time
1 minute
40 minutes
n/a
130 minutes
131 minutes
Voltage/Engine Size
32cc 2-Cycle
56V
15 Amp
21V
21V
Measured Decibel Reading at 48in
103.4 dBa
81.2 dBA
86.6 dBa
72.3 dba
76.8 dBa
Chain Replacement and Tensioning Type
Tool free
Tool free
Tool free
Included Tool
Included Tool
Metal Bucking Spikes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Power Source
Gasoline
Battery
Corded electric
Battery
Battery
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.
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.
Metal bucking spikes are always a plus. Credit: Ross Patton
A flathead screwdriver unlocks the air filter and cylinder cover. Credit: Ross Patton
Having easy access to the air filter allows you to quickly clean it and get back to work. Credit: Ross Patton
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.
