MS 181 Petrol Chainsaw

Perfect for cutting firewood and felling small trees

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.

Extend your domestic warranty from 2 to 3 years with the purchase of 5 litres of STIHL MotoMix® fuel and this product. Your STIHL Approved Dealer will register your extended warranty on the STIHL warranty database at point of purchase.

Instruction is necessary to recognize or assess the dangers of a chainsaw. Please wear protective clothing and equipment.
If anything is unclear, we recommend to order the chainsaw via Click & Collect and pickup up the chainsaw from a STIHL servicing dealer.

You can find videos showing you how to fill your machine with fuel and oil, fit bars and chains and start your chainsaw here.

Versions Price
MS 181 - 35 cm / 14" £325.00*
MS 181 - 40 cm / 16" £330.00*
  • Technical data
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    Technical data Value
    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
    EPA Certified fuel consumption l/h 0.75
    CO2 g/kWh 1,039
    Handle type Standard handle
    Speed at maximum power Um 10,000
    EPA Certified fuel consumption glh 0,198

    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

  • Features
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    Standard features

    • 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

      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

      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

      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

      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

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

    • 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

      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

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

  • Cutting Attachments
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    • Rollomatic E
      Rollomatic E

      The body is made of 3 electrically-welded metal plates, the middle plate is extensively hollowed out. Low weight, high stability.

      Versions Price
      Rollomatic E, 3/8" P, 1.3 mm, 35 cm / 14" £45.50* Save and compare
      Save and compare
    • Rollomatic E
      Rollomatic E

      The body is made of 3 electrically-welded metal plates, the middle plate is extensively hollowed out. Low weight, high stability.

      Versions Price
      Rollomatic E, 3/8" P, 1.3 mm, 40 cm / 16" £49.45* Save and compare
      Save and compare
    • Picco Micro 3 (PM3)
      Picco Micro 3 (PM3)

      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.

      Versions Price
      Picco Micro 3 (PM3) 3/8" P 1.3 mm, 50 drive links, 35 cm / 14" £25.75* Save and compare
      Save and compare
    • Picco Micro 3 (PM3)
      Picco Micro 3 (PM3)

      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.

      Versions Price
      Picco Micro 3 (PM3) 3/8" P 1.3 mm, 55 drive links, 40 cm / 16" £28.85* Save and compare
      Save and compare
  • Accessories
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    • STIHL Smart Connector

      STIHL Connected is a cloud based system that enables professional users to digitally manage machine fleets and work assignments.

      This is managed by the STIHL Smart Connector - a sensor with a diameter of just under 5cm, which is mounted on the tool. It can be mounted on petrol, electric or battery-powered tools where it records and saves the operating hours while the motor is running and transmits this information via Bluetooth® 4.2 to the STIHL connected App (the smart connector can be mounted on non-STIHL tools too). The Smart Connector offers entirely new functions and services, as a basis for device management both in your home garden using the STIHL connected App, and for managing your machine fleet using the STIHL connected Portal. The STIHL connected Portal gives you a detailed overview of the status of your fleet of tools, as well as information such as duration of use on a particular work assignment.

      You can view power tool availability, analyse machine usage; plan and manage work tasks with associated resources; and analyse machine data, which you can then use to optimise your daily work processes. The Smart Connector also provides information about upcoming tool maintenance and, if needed, the system can arrange a workshop appointment directly with a STIHL Approved Dealer. Service-related tool data can also be shared with the dealer with your permission, so they can plan the servicing work in advance and order any necessary spare parts. This can shorten service times so the tool is quickly ready for use again.

      STIHL Connected is an intuitive way to manage your machine fleet and workload intelligently and efficiently. Visit: STIHL connected FAQs to find out more.

      Download the app for free or visit the STIHL connected Portal by clicking on the following links:

      Dimensions (l x b x h) mm 53 x 42 x 14
      Signal range m Approx. 10
      Running time per battery charge Year Approx. 1
      Connectivity Bluetooth low energy 4.2
      Battery 3V CR 2,032

      Versions Price
      Smart Connector £20.60* Save and compare
      Save and compare
    • STIHL Smart Connector

      STIHL Connected is a cloud based system that enables professional users to digitally manage machine fleets and work assignments.

      This is managed by the STIHL Smart Connector - a sensor with a diameter of just under 5cm, which is mounted on the tool. It can be mounted on petrol, electric or battery-powered tools where it records and saves the operating hours while the motor is running and transmits this information via Bluetooth® 4.2 to the STIHL connected App (the smart connector can be mounted on non-STIHL tools too). The Smart Connector offers entirely new functions and services, as a basis for device management both in your home garden using the STIHL connected App, and for managing your machine fleet using the STIHL connected Portal. The STIHL connected Portal gives you a detailed overview of the status of your fleet of tools, as well as information such as duration of use on a particular work assignment.

      You can view power tool availability, analyse machine usage; plan and manage work tasks with associated resources; and analyse machine data, which you can then use to optimise your daily work processes. The Smart Connector also provides information about upcoming tool maintenance and, if needed, the system can arrange a workshop appointment directly with a STIHL Approved Dealer. Service-related tool data can also be shared with the dealer with your permission, so they can plan the servicing work in advance and order any necessary spare parts. This can shorten service times so the tool is quickly ready for use again.

      STIHL Connected is an intuitive way to manage your machine fleet and workload intelligently and efficiently. Visit: STIHL connected FAQs to find out more.

      Download the app for free or visit the STIHL connected Portal by clicking on the following links:

      Dimensions (l x b x h) mm 53 x 42 x 14
      Signal range m Approx. 10
      Running time per battery charge Year Approx. 1
      Connectivity Bluetooth low energy 4.2
      Battery 3V CR 2,032

      Versions Price
      Smart Connector £20.60* Save and compare
      Save and compare
    • MotoMix

      STIHL MotoMix is our patented premixed fuel, specially blended for ultimate performance. This 50:1 ready-mixed fuel is a combination of premium non-ethanol, high-octane motor fuel for all STIHL 2-stroke engines which gives you optimum performance, excellent cold start properties, maximum acceleration over the entire rpm range and perfect running characteristics even with a sudden rev change. With STIHL HP ultra premium oil for exceptional engine lubrication and extreme cleanliness, fully synthetic and biodegradable for optimal performance and long service life. User- and engine-friendly thanks to fewer emissions (free from ethanol; almost no olefins and aromatic compounds). Can be kept in storage for up to five years. Reliable top performance – STIHL 2-stroke engines and STIHL MotoMix are made for each other; all conceivable applications have been put through rigorous testing.

      Find out more about our MotoMix promotion here.


      Patent EP 2031043


      Octane number RON >95
      Octane rating MOZ 93
      Aromatic content % Vol. 0.1
      Benzene content % Vol. 0.03
      Sulphur content mg/kg 3
      Shelf life Years up to 5
      Density at 15°C kg/m3 690
      Olefin content % Vol. 0.1
      Vapour pressure at 40 °C kPA 61
      Two-stroke oil content % Vol. 1.8

      Versions Price
      MotoMix 5 l £20.00* Save and compare
      Save and compare
    • Wooden sawhorse

      Lightweight design. For cutting firewood with ease, max. load 70 kg.

      Versions Price
      Wooden sawhorse £48.45* Save and compare
      Save and compare
    • Chainsaw bag

      Made from sturdy nylon. For safe storage and transport of all chainsaws with bar lengths up to 45 cm / 18". With small additional pocket for accessories.

      Versions Price
      Carry bag for chainsaws £37.10* Save and compare
      Save and compare
    • 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.

      To find out how to sharpen your chain and depth gauge with the EasyFile, click here.

      Versions Price
      2-in-1 file holder, 1/4" u. 3/8" P ø 4.0 mm £44.30* Save and compare
      Save and compare
    • HP 2-stroke engine oil

      Top selling mineral oil two-stroke engine oil. Specially developed for STIHL engines. Excellent lubrication and combustion properties. Performance class: JASO-FB, ISO-L-EGB. Fuel/oil ratio 50:1.

      Versions Price
      HP 2-stroke engine oil - 1 l (for 50 l) metering bottle £15.46* Save and compare
      Save and compare
  • Documents
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    Owners manuals

  • Product variations
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* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of July 2021. 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.