Leaf Blowers

Possibly in the market, not loyal to any one particular brand. Although I loved my Echo before I sold it for a more powerful Stihl, both were handheld models. Handheld just isn't cutting it for the yard but is great for tighter spots and the front of the home. Also the Stihl chainsaw so graciously given to me has been utterly flawless. Both Stihls have been excellent to me.

Looking for a backpack blower, my yard (which backs to the woods) gets a TON of leaves. Tons of big tall trees on the property. Need to blow/move large piles of leaves, tired of raking and tarping want to just blow back into the woods. Not sure if anyone has recommendations or is a landscaper. Thanks in advance!

 

I would go with whatever blower has the highest cubic foot air displacement. They all seem to be reliable but volume of air is key.

 

For what it's worth.

I have a Stihl BR600 and would never buy another one.
That 4-mix nonsense just doesn't do it for me.

I am actually sitting here looking at the carb for it sitting on my desk.

It loses power when hot and the only thing I have not done is rebuild the carb. It has new fuel lines , tank vent , filters , crank seals , valves adjusted ( a valve adjustment on a blower = come on ; really ?? ) and it just keeps getting worse.

My vote is for anything but Stihl with a 4-mix motor.

EDIT : Spark arrestor has been deleted and a new spark plug and air filter.

 

I was curious on these and all the reading I did pointed me in the direction of an Echo. It's been 8-10mo ago, never did pull the trigger.

 

If I am not mistaken, someone told me that the new Echo was the best bang for the buck.
Had the most power and air flow putting it on top.

If I can't get mine to stay running, I might have to go shopping.

 

Just go for air flow. The commercial sizes are best. If you get a ’homeowner’ model you will regret it. I have a husky and love it but I’m prejudiced. Stihl, Echo, Husky all have good ones.


Mike in Ok

 

I have had a br600 for 10yrs or more with no issues. Never pulled the screen and it’s burned a smorgasbord of mix oils. If it ever gives up I’ll try the 7,or 800.

 

Great great stuff guys, thanks so much!!!

My bro in law just bought the new Echo beast I think it's the 9010, over 1100cfm, monster!! He offered to let me borrow and try out, I might just take him up on it. I was looking at the Echo 770t good balance of mph and cfm.

buzz-saw good info on the Stihl BR-600 it's actually one I was looking at. I've been leaning Echo but just doing my homework they are pricey but getting older and my time is becoming more valuable. This is a daunting task each fall.

 

As we get older our time is more valuable. We also try to work smarter, not harder to get the job done.

 

I have a Toro electric handheld, and lots of extension cords.

It does fine by me. I just blow them to the tree line and into the woods.

 

I don't know how you do it. I hate extension cords and do everything I can to avoid them.

 

Quieter and lighter is what keeps me interested in the BR600.

 

They haven’t outlawed leaf blowers in jersey yet?

 

I just pulled out the ol' Powermate walk behind blower yesterday. Flea market score for $50, needed a new wheel and a carb cleaning. Been trouble free ever since.

 

I suppose if I had a larger area to clear, I'd look at other options.

 

Hey no need to be sorry. Things happen.

I don't think it is a coil. It just lays over as if it runs out of fuel under full power , if I let off back to idle most of the time it stays running. If it does stall it will restart one pull but just doesn't like to be at full throttle.
The valve adjustment was easy , I was actually curious what was inside there being an engine guy so it was kind of interesting , actually maybe sort of cute being so small compared to what I normally work on. Looks like a mini small block chevy rocker arm.

I will keep working on it and figure it out.