In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Leaf Blowers

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by ReelFaster, Nov 8, 2022.

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  1. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Some of the cordless electric options are incredible if you don't need more than 15-20 mins of continuous runtime and don't mind the cost. Much more powerful than the best gas handhelds, just not quite there with endurance compared to a gas unit that can go all day at full chooch.

    The extension cord is the limiting factor for such equipment here in North America. 120V x 15A is 1,800W. Batteries are easily outpowering that, for a few minutes anyways. :thumbs:
     
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2022
    MasterMech, Nov 8, 2022
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  2. buzz-saw

    buzz-saw

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    10 years old and has the dual filter and line setup.
    When I went to the dealer to order parts (fuel line) he needed the SN to figure out what to order.

    I am certainly all ears if anyone has any suggestions.
    But don't want to let this thread get way off track either.
     
    buzz-saw, Nov 8, 2022
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  3. jmb6420

    jmb6420

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    When you do keep us informed on the fix.


    Mike in Ok
     
    jmb6420, Nov 8, 2022
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  4. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    No biggie on a thread derail. I can always split it off into it's own thread if necessary. :salute:

    This is going to sound silly on a leaf blower, but it IS a four-stroke and establishing an engine-health baseline is the same procedure regardless of displacement. Cylinder leakdown testing will expose issues with rings, valves, etc. And there is no head gasket. Just keep in mind that a smaller leak rate is a bigger deal on an engine this size. Compression testing is quite possible if you adjust the valves (intake IIRC?) loose to defeat the compression release.
     
    MasterMech, Nov 8, 2022
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  5. buzz-saw

    buzz-saw

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    I havent done an actual leakdown test but rings through exhaust port look perfect.
    It is my own personal machine so I know it has always had good fuel and oil go through it.

    I won't have time to look into it more until the weekend but will report back on what I find.
    Thanks for any tips or advice gang!
     
    buzz-saw, Nov 8, 2022
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  6. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    I bought the new big echo and it's crazy powerful. A bit on the bulky side and you know your holding the hose back with the reaction force.
    Starts easy and runs great but is loud as heck.
    As a side note Echo warranted the coil on my 26, yes 26 year old blower now that's back up and running.
     
    Screwloose, Nov 8, 2022
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  7. Eggshooterist

    Eggshooterist

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    Im coming from an echo handheld as well. Im happy with my new Echo PB770T. It one of the pro X models. I have attached to the back of my rider because past injuries prevent me from wearing it. Not only do I clean up a 3 +/- acre yard I also have 2.4 miles of biking trails in the property that are 60" wide or larger that are mostly in hard woods. Then there is the shooting ranges. I used to mulch them with the mower but this is much cleaner. The leaves on the trails and ranges that is. Yard was the hand held.
     
    Eggshooterist, Nov 8, 2022
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  8. ReelFaster

    ReelFaster

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    Glad to hear something good about the Echo PB770T, that is on the top of my list. Good combo of power and not as noisy. Bit heavier than the 600, but has a bit more power. I am sure either model will be great for me and a HUGE upgrade from what I have.
     
    ReelFaster, Nov 8, 2022
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  9. Geoff C

    Geoff C

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    What about a walk behind? Can get a used billy goat for like 4-500.


    I just mow back and forth keeping the discharge pointed to the woods. Whatever is left over breaks down
     
    Geoff C, Nov 8, 2022
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  10. JD Guy

    JD Guy

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    Kind of late to the party but FWIW I have a Husky 150BT backpack blower purchased in 2015 that has been flawless. Starts every time on 2 or three pulls even after not being run for months. We have lots of fall leaves and it has plenty of power for our large area and even moves wet leaves well. Probably don’t even make this model anymore but I paid ~$325 for it 7 years ago. I’m a Stihl guy at heart but like to use any equipment that works as it should and lasts
     
    JD Guy, Nov 8, 2022
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  11. Eggshooterist

    Eggshooterist

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    https://photos.app.goo.gl/2JqrZ6FzEeLvEsA4A


    This is in the woods clearing the trails. Wet underneath in spots too. The nozzle runs along side my seat and I have approximately a 90° sweep in this configuration. It would do even better if I had the ability to use it as intended.
     
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2022
    Eggshooterist, Nov 8, 2022
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  12. sirbuildalot

    sirbuildalot

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    I've had my Husky 580BTS for quite a few years now. I think I got it in the Fall of 2016. I believe it's essentially a RedMax 8500. Great blower with close to 1000 CFM and 77cc. Plenty of power for the most stubborn piles.
     
    sirbuildalot, Nov 8, 2022
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  13. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    One reason small walk-behinds fell out of favor with homeowners was the seasonal use pattern. They'd use the machine for 1-2 weeks, put it away, replace the carburetor for the following season and repeat every year. :rofl: :lol::hair: Of course, we know that's avoidable but that's still the typical use pattern for the majority. When backpacks started approaching the same power levels as a 5-6HP wheel blower, that was all she wrote for the smaller walk-behind blowers.

    A homeowner can use a backpack throughout the year (some even learned that they work well for light snow removal) and you can get into corners, leave most of the mulch in your garden beds, etc. Plus, they can be hung in the wall in the garage/shed vs taking up floor space. That alone is probably why the walk-behinds fell out of favor.

    I can still appreciate a good wheel-blower. But I'm terribly jaded from doing so much golf-course work. As good as something like a Little Wonder 9-13HP is, when I have open spaces that need to be cleared regularly, as fast as possible, I really want something even bigger. All of our wheel-blowers sat collecting rust once this BAMF showed up.

     
    MasterMech, Nov 9, 2022
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  14. JB Sawman

    JB Sawman

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    Buzz -saw I work on a lot of those they seem to screw up the valve seats a lot they will still run but no power check the valve train close JB
     
    JB Sawman, Nov 9, 2022
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  15. JB Sawman

    JB Sawman

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    I have a dolmar handheld 4 stroke for about 6 years now starts in one pull never had any issues with it plenty of power but I think makita stopped making them also they always cut out the good products JB
     
    JB Sawman, Nov 9, 2022
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  16. JB Sawman

    JB Sawman

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    Yes the buffalo turbine is a nice machine we have the 3 point version at the day job spoils you quick . On the subject of walk behinds Billy goats are really nice fiber housing makes them lighter mine is 15+ years old has a robin engine and it keeps on running ( Tru fuel helps ) JB
     
    JB Sawman, Nov 9, 2022
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  17. Rickyblazin

    Rickyblazin

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    Id get the most powerful echo or redmax available
     
    Rickyblazin, Nov 9, 2022
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  18. buzz-saw

    buzz-saw

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    Closed as far as I know.
    I did the valve adjustment.
    Thanks. Time for a leak down to see.
    Appreciate the input. Will let you know.
     
    buzz-saw, Nov 9, 2022
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  19. eatonpcat

    eatonpcat

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    4 gallons of mix thru her this weekend!


    20211204_162246.jpg

    What she doesn't make disappear, I get rid of with this.

    20221106_200140.jpg
     
    eatonpcat, Nov 9, 2022
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  20. Mwalsh9152

    Mwalsh9152

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    I got one of the most powerful Echo's about 3-4 years ago. I have woods on 2.5 sides, so I just blow them into the tree line. I have no complaints about it, and would strongly consider an Echo saw after this purchase.
     
    Mwalsh9152, Nov 10, 2022
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