I have a MS180 and previously had a 210. They are both decent little saws but I prefer the 180. I actually like the quick chain adjuster as it works quite well. However the manual adjusters are much better since they moved them to the side. My 180 doesn't have the quick start. I wouldn't recommend it unless you need it for physical reasons. (bad shoulder, arm, back, etc).

These are fine trimming saws but I wouldn't recommend them as firewood saws. I'd step up to a MS260. The 260 doesn't add much weight but it can easily handle 16" firewood.

davefr,

Thanks for the info. The wood I want to cut is located at a club I belong to. I was just there this morning and looked at the trees and most of the stuff looks pretty small (more like in the 12 inch range). The main reason I'm looking at the 180 and 210 is the price range. They are both $249, which is where I'd like to stay.

Wtih this additional info, any other words of advice between these two saws?

Between those two saws get the MS180. It produces the same HP as the MS210 (ie 2.0 bhp) but weighs about 1 lb less. (it's a higher reving saw)

However for $250 I'd buy a Dolmar PS-401/Makita DCS-401 over either of these Stihls. The Dolmar is built much better (ie magnesium crankcase vs. plastic) and produces higher output (ie 2.3 bhp) at the same weight as the MS180.

If local dealer support is critical then Dolmar can be a problem since they have a small dealer network.

I didn't even realize they both had the same HP. Great info davefr. I looked up Dolmar's on the web and noticed there are no dealers in my area. I'm heavily leaning towards Stihl becuase I like the dealer up the road from my office. They service the equipment I use for work so I have somewhat of a relationship with them. I'm going to try to stop by there today and chat with them again about these two saws, this time mentioning to them that they both have the same HP and see what they say. Once again, great info!!

I would vote for the 210. It has the same bhp but I think the engine is a little stronger. It can pull a 16" bar where I would not put a 16" on a 180. If you really only have light trimming (branches and small trunks) then the 180 will be fine. Otherwise I'd vote for the 210. The 210 would be a better firewood saw.

The easy features are okay, but not worth the money if you reasonably healthy and comfortable with equipment. My 2.

Just purchased a MS180...not a good choice...cheap construction...too small for firewood

The Stihl MS 180 C-BE nearly made it 2 years before the piston seized. The dealer said I had used the wrong gas mixture or it had water in it. The following used the same gas out of the same can on the same day and they are still running: Husqvarna String Trimmer 323L, Husqvarna Chainsaw 460R and Echo Power Head PAS-260. So that leads me to believe that it was a product failure. When I was real young we hauled logs and pulpwood. In 50 years of using chainsaws, I can never remember a chainsaw piston scoring with after being used as little as this was.

I have a ms210c saw, about 17 years old great saw but I would like to trade it in for a new stilh but not sure what would be a good improvement. Looking for one with a reasonable price.