MS 181
Perfect for around-the-garden cutting jobs.
General

Packed with new technology—at a value price—the STIHL MS 181 chainsaw is designed to reduce vibrations, making it more comfortable to operate. This chainsaw also features reduced-emission engine technology, which lowers fuel consumption as well as emissions; maintaining good cutting speed. Perfect for cutting firewood, for building work and for felling small trees.
Versions
Price-
MS 181, Bar length 14"/35cm£305.00 *
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MS 181, Bar length 16"/40cm£310.00 *
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2019. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
The version(s) available in each country may differ from the above range and specifications; specific details may be subject to change without notice. Please ask your local STIHL Approved Dealer for further information.
Product variations
- MS 181 C-BE Easy to start and perfect for around-the-garden cutting jobs.
Technical data

Technical data
Displacement cm³ | 31.8 |
Power output kW/bhp | 1.5/2 |
Power-to-weight ratio kg/kW | 2.9 |
Weight kg 1) | 4.3 |
Sound pressure level dB(A) 2) | 100 |
Sound power level dB(A) 2) | 112 |
Vibration values left/right m/s² 3) | 3.5/3 |
STIHL Oilomatic saw chain pitch/type | 3/8" P PM3 |
Chain brake | QuickStop |
Oil tank volume cm3 | 265 |
Tank volume l | 0.27 |
1) Without fuel, without bar and chain
2) K-factor according to DIR 2006/42/EC = 2.5 dB (A)
3) K-factor according to DIR 2006/42/EC = 2m / s ²
The version(s) available in each country may differ from the above range and specifications; specific details may be subject to change without notice. Please ask your local STIHL Approved Dealer for further information.
Features

Standard features
The version(s) available in each country may differ from the above range and specifications; specific details may be subject to change without notice. Please ask your local STIHL Approved Dealer for further information.
Accessories

Accessories
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Picco Micro 3 (PM3), 3/8" P 1.3 mm
Exclusive to STIHL: 3/8" Picco Micro 3 (PM3) saw chain. This saw chain was specially designed for light, compact chainsaws and ensures less kickback and lower vibration levels. It combines exceptional cutting performance and quality with great user comfort. The 1/4" version features a flat and narrow design as well as the small chain pitch. It is ideal for use with pole pruners. Available with a drive link thickness of 1.1 or 1.3 mm.
Technical data Drive link thickness 1.3mm/.050" Chain pitch 9.32mm/3/8"P Required File size 4.0mm / 5/32" Versions
Price- 30 cm / 12", 44 drive links £20.35 *
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2019. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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Picco Micro 3 (PM3), 3/8" P 1.3 mm
Exclusive to STIHL: 3/8" Picco Micro 3 (PM3) saw chain. This saw chain was specially designed for light, compact chainsaws and ensures less kickback and lower vibration levels. It combines exceptional cutting performance and quality with great user comfort. The 1/4" version features a flat and narrow design as well as the small chain pitch. It is ideal for use with pole pruners. Available with a drive link thickness of 1.1 or 1.3 mm.
Technical data Drive link thickness 1.3mm/.050" Chain pitch 9.32mm/3/8"P Required File size 4.0mm / 5/32" Versions
Price- 35 cm / 14", 50 drive links £23.15 *
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2019. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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Picco Micro 3 (PM3), 3/8" P 1.3 mm
Exclusive to STIHL: 3/8" Picco Micro 3 (PM3) saw chain. This saw chain was specially designed for light, compact chainsaws and ensures less kickback and lower vibration levels. It combines exceptional cutting performance and quality with great user comfort. The 1/4" version features a flat and narrow design as well as the small chain pitch. It is ideal for use with pole pruners. Available with a drive link thickness of 1.1 or 1.3 mm.
Technical data Drive link thickness 1.3mm/.050" Chain pitch 9.32mm/3/8"P Required File size 4.0mm / 5/32" Versions
Price- 40 cm / 16", 55 drive links £26.20 *
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2019. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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Versions
Price- Filing kit for 1/4" and 3/8" P £22.00 *
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2019. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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2-in-1 EasyFile
Practical tool for quickly sharpening the teeth and depth gauge in a single action, significantly reducing chain maintenance time. The sturdy frame allows for a smooth filing action with highly accurate results. All the files are easily replaceable. For 1/4" P, 3/8" P, .325", 3/8" and .404" saw chains. Includes round and flat files.
Versions
Price- 2-in-1 EasyFile 3/8" P, 4.0 mm £40.00 *
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2019. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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Carry bag for chainsaws
Made from sturdy nylon. For safe storage and transport of all chainsaws with bar lengths up to 45cm / 18". With small additional pocket.
Versions
Price- Carry bag for chainsaws £33.00 *
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2019. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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Chainsaw case
Made of durable plastic. For safe storage and transport of all chainsaws with bar lengths up to 45cm / 18".
Versions
Price- Chainsaw case £37.50 *
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2019. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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The version(s) available in each country may differ from the above range and specifications; specific details may be subject to change without notice. Please ask your local STIHL Approved Dealer for further information.
Documents
Owners manuals and safety brochures
STIHL MS 171, 181, 211 (GB) | Download | PDF, 2.5 MB |
Notes:
- STIHL and VIKING online owner’s manuals are usually for the latest versions of the machine. Your product may be a slightly older production model but the manual will still be appropriate for the relevant model number.
- The languages contained in the document are also displayed in brackets, for example (GB) = English.