Should a get a backpack blower?

So I’m considering getting a backpack blower. I really don’t need one and I have a perfectly good Stihl 56 C that does everything that I need it to do, but why not more power! More power would be nice for blowing light snow and for spring/fall cleanup around the yard.

So what say you FHC is a backpack blower that much better? What are some features to look for? Probably want to stay with Stihl, what models should I look for? Would definitely want more power than my Stihl 56 C at 27 cc.

 

I've got a Stihl BR600 and am very happy with it. I had a small, hand held, no name unit, but it never ran very well. I had to play with the choke to keep it running. The Stihl has been running flawlessly. Fresh, no E gas with Stihl Synthetic mix, it runs great and starts easy. I actually enjoy going out to blow leaves and will even blow light snowfalls too. The backpack design is easier on my wrists than the hand held, just be careful not to hyper extend your elbow when swinging your arm. Use a good set of ear plugs or muffs too.

 

Well yes....bigger toy... I mean tool is always needed

The 600 is great if you aren't making money with it. If you are using it for biz, get the 700 or the very soon to be released 800.

Buy a 6pack of stihl oil with it and double your warranty, even though you won't need the warranty.....but you will need the oil.

 

If you have any leaves to clean up , Yes get a backpack , I wish I had gotten one long before I did , If you think your handheld blower is OK , You'll be amazed at how much faster you can get the job done with a backpack . MORE POWER arg, arg, Handheld is the best option for blowing the grass off the driveway after you get done mowing Not worth getting the backpack out for that scenario
I have a Husqvarna 150 BT , I like it a lot , gets the job done

Cylinder displacement
50.2 cm³
Air flow in pipe
434.37 cfm
Air speed
251 mph
Weight
22.5 lbs

Takes care of all these buggers , blows wet leaves n sticks too

 

There's a huge difference between a stihl backpack blower and your 56c. I have two BR600's mainly for blowing leaves, but they get used to clean the garage, blow hedge clippings/grass/snow also. I can blow soaking wet leaves if need be, just goes a little slower. I put about 15 - 20 hours on each every year. I'm going to sell one of them and buy the BR800 this fall.

If you buy a used one, try to find a homeowner one, they need the valves adjusted at around 100 hours.

 

I would say it all depends on your property layout. I had a Echo handheld for years, did a great job however it finally went on me so I went with a Husqvarna backpack blower. Beside not liking it because the tube was so short on the particular model I purchased when I had to get up close in and around my property it was clunky, big, bulky, I banged into things on my porch, couldn't get into crevices, etc.... The handheld was far superior for this type of work.

All that being said out back where my property is much more wide open the handheld is less superior and the backpack is the way to go. You can make some really quick work of leaves if you have a wide open area. For me having both is what works best for me.

 

I just got my BR600 three years ago. Its nice to have the weight on your back instead of in your hand. Especially since I have some carpel tunnel issues. The vibration of a weed eater just numbs my hands. (Hmmm...wonder if anyone makes a backpack weed eater...)
I think you'll find spending the extra money is worth it.

 

I bought the Echo PB770 this past fall, and its great!

 

I have the 600 and would not go back. Think of the value of your time. For every hour less you are chasing leaves, it is another hour to cut firewood or something else. I clean up a lot of leaves in a hurry, and even light snow. Go for it.

 

Will the 600 blow rocks right out of the rock beds past the edging? I get a lot of leaves and plant trimmings stuck in rock beds and would like a blower that can blow it out good, but I'm concerned that the 600 might have enough power to blow the rocks out as well.

 

Yes. Get a Redmax though best blower on the market.

 

I actually killed two birds with one stone and picked up the Stihl BR450. It has the electric start. Why have electric start? Because my wife can start it and blow leaves in the yard for me!! Its one of those things she likes to do, so it was a no brainer.

The backpacks have so much more power than the handhelds. Idle on backpack is like full power on a handheld.

 

When I bought my house 20 years ago, I had to deal with leaves for the first time in my life-my father had no trees close to his house. I decided I needed a blower.

I went to the Stihl dealer who I knew through previous purchases. I told him what I needed. He said the biggest handheld would do what I needed, but said I should go next door and try out some blowers on his house lawn. Took the handheld and the cheapest backpack blower at that time-I think it was a BR 340?

After 10 minutes of work, I told him I wanted the backpack blower-IIRC, it was $300 compared to $200 for the handheld. Joe just smiled and said "I knew you would."

It has worked well for 20 years, and I hope it lasts much longer. If it does need to be replaced, I'm buying the biggest available. Hope this story helps!!

 

Half of what I blow is gravel driveway and stone beds.... Will it blow rocks? Yes... But you just have to maintain your distance and angle and then it's no problem.

 

I have a BR 450 I modded the muffler on that blows as good if not better than a 600, I'm not big into 4-mix engines...on it's 3rd year and I have not a single complaint.

 

Got a used 600 in CL for $250 an hour south of me, seems like a good deal. Kind of a matter if can get down there or arrange shipping.

 

I have a Husky 150BT. Love it. I have a lot of red and white pines in the front of the house and hardwoods in the back. . It’ll blow the grass out of the dirt if I’m not careful. It’s much easier using that for long periods of time than the old Homelite handheld I used to have.

 

Shindaiwa makes a pretty good back pack blower.

Shindaiwa EB854RT Leaf Blower. 79.7cc engine.

 

Snow blowing.

 

Good thread always enjoy the feedback from you folks, nice to have some unbiased feedback (not mfg. endorsed or some other agenda - i.e. Search : best leaf blower - lol). Good info and tips above. I personally have a Sthil BR600 and really like it. As with any tool depends on use/property, but the power when needed is nice and the idle pressure is enough to blow out garage or other beds without causing chaos.