MS 181 - Perfect for around-the-garden cutting jobs.
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Selection Petrol Chainsaws for Cutting Firewood and Grounds Maintenance

MS 181

Perfect for around-the-garden cutting jobs.

General

MS 181
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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

* 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

MS 181

Technical data

Displacement cm³ 31.8
Power output kW/bhp 1.5/2
Weight kg 1) 4.3
System weight kg 2) 4.98 / 5.08
Power-to-weight ratio kg/kW 2.9
Sound pressure level dB(A) 3) 100
Sound power level dB(A) 3) 112
Vibration values left/right m/s² 4) 3.5/3
STIHL Oilomatic saw chain pitch/type 3/8" P PM3
Oil pump Not adjustable
Tank volume l 0.27
Chain pitch 3/8"P
Chain tensioning Side chain tension
Sprocket - number of teeth 6
Filter Long-term filter system / standard filter
Bumper spike Steel claw
Cylinder 4 channel / chrome
Oil tank volume cm3 265
Sprocket Sprocket profile
Anti vibration system AV System, steel spring
Filler cap Tools
Starting system Single lever
EPA Certified fuel consumption l/h 0.75
CO2 g/kWh 1.039

1) Without fuel, without bar and chain
2) Unfueled, with guide bar and saw chain
3) K-factor according to DIR 2006/42/EC = 2.5 dB (A)
4) 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

MS 181

Standard features

  • Advanced combustion technology Zoom
    Advanced combustion technology

    Four overflow channels swirl the fuel-air mix before ignition, allowing for optimum combustion and highly efficient performance. The result is lower fuel consumption and high torque across a broad rpm range.

  • STIHL 2-MIX-Engine Zoom
    STIHL 2-MIX-Engine

    1-in-4 channel technology. The economical STIHL 2-MIX engine with 1-in-4channel technology features a high torque over a wide speed range. The chainsaw provides fuel savings of up to 20% compared to STIHL two-stroke engines in the same performance class without 2-MIX technology. Exhaust emissions are reduced by up to 50%.

  • Anti-vibration system Zoom
    Anti-vibration system

    Intense vibration at the handles of power tools can lead to long-term effects on blood vessels in the hands and arms. STIHL has therefore developed an effective anti-vibration system whereby the oscillations from the machine's engine are dampened which significantly reduces vibrations at the handles.

  • Pre-separation air filtration system Zoom
    Pre-separation air filtration system

    STIHL long-life air filtration systems with pre-separation achieve perceptibly longer filter life compared with conventional filter systems. Air drawn in is swirled. The larger, heavier particles are ejected. The pre-cleaned air is routed to the air filter via the pre-separator duct.

  • Compensator Zoom
    Compensator

    This controller in the carburettor prevents the fuel-air mixture getting richer as the air filter becomes clogged. The correct quantity of fuel is delivered to the carburettor depending on the quantity of air passing through the air filter. This keeps the fuel/air ratio in the combustion mixture constant and hence also the engine power. The filter doesn't need to be cleaned until an appreciable drop in power occurs.

  • Single-lever master control Zoom
    Single-lever master control

    All important functions such as start, choke, throttle and stop are operated via a single lever.

  • Side chain tensioner Zoom
    Side chain tensioner

    The tensioning screw can be found on the side of the chain saw through the sprocket cover. This removes the need for contact with the sharp saw chain.

  • Ematic chain lubrication system Zoom
    Ematic chain lubrication system

    The Ematic chain lubrication system ensures pinpoint lubrication of the saw chain links and guide bar rails. When used with STIHL OILOMATIC saw chain, it will provide maximum lubrication, longer wear and less oil consumption than conventional methods of chain lubrication. The Ematic system can reduce bar oil consumption by up to 50%.

  • Tool free filler caps Zoom
    Tool free filler caps

    Special catches on the fuel and oil tanks for easy opening and locking without the need for tools.

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

MS 181

Accessories

    • Picco Micro 3 (PM3), 3/8 Zoom
      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

    * Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2019. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.

    • Picco Micro 3 (PM3), 3/8 Zoom
      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

    * Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2019. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.

    • Picco Micro 3 (PM3), 3/8 Zoom
      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

    * Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2019. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.

    • Filing kit Zoom
      Filing kit

      Includes file holder with round file, flat file and file gauge in a sturdy case.

    Versions

    Price

    * 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.

Documents

Owners manuals and safety brochures

STIHL MS 171, 181, 211 (GB) Download PDF, 2.6 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.

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