written by on 10/02/2009
I was given this Stihl MS180 saw as a gift. I like it a lot. For its size (about 2 hp) it does the job. I have a 14" bar on it, and it works fine for limbing and general cleanup of smaller branches. I have cut down some trees almost 14" in diameter, and it did that job as well. I think its rated for up to a 16" bar by the way.
This is a fine saw for limbing. In combination with my bigger saw for dropping the tree, I am all set up. I will reach for this smaller one every time as long as I can handle the job with the 14" bar. It is lightweight and easy to use.
If I was only going to own one saw for clean up and firewood cutting, I would probably get one a bit bigger, but that is not a criticism of this saw. This saw is for smaller trees and branches, and it is excellent for that.
This saw starts with a couple of pulls every time. Even in cold weather.
All around a very nice saw. Lightweight, maneuverable, powerful enough. Mine has the thumb wheel for tightening the chain. I would prefer the normal set up where you use the scrench. The thumb wheel works ok, but it seems a little hard to get the chain as tight as I would like. It takes a lot of thumb pressure.