Pro Backpack Leaf Blower?

Guys, I am finally going to buy the right tool for the job for a leaf blower for my personal use. I am surrounded on 3 sides by huge oak and maple trees that dump tons of leaves every year on my lawn and landscaped garden areas around the house.

I have 2 lower end, one electric and one gas-powered blower, but they aren't backpack. The electric I mainly use to blow-off my motorcycles after washing them. The gas I have used for smaller jobs of leaf blowing off the driveway and after spending big effort/time raking up tons of leaves in the fall.

Last November I had just had shoulder surgery and a good friend brought over her backpack blower and it was a Stihl fairly top f the line but not even a 700 or 800. I think it was a BR350 or something like that. It was amazing. Picked up wet matted down leaves and made short work of them.

But I'm reading mixed messages about them now, and also looking at the Husqvarna 580BTS.

Can anyone give me some guidance?

Thanks upfront for any experienced advice. I'll try to pull together some pics of the lawn/area I need to deal with.

 

I have the Husqvarna 350BT and am very happy with it. The 580 would be even better! Starts easy. Lots of volume. I did order another "center" section of piping to replace the necked down nozzle though. The more air volume does better for me moving leaves than the less volume more velocity nozzles.

 

What are you going to do with all the leaves once you blow them ? I have switched to a leaf vacuum that sucks them up and shreds them. volume goes way down. I blow the leaves out of the flower beds and suck them up. in the fall I fill my dump trailer twice with shredded leaves. luckily we have a place that takes all you have for free.

oh and IMO Redmax makes the best blowers, if you have a dealer around you.

 

Great question. In my front yard I have a street and then deep forest where most of the leaves originate from and I just blow a lot over there. I have driveway bankings that I used to fill a wheelbarrow 20 times to plush into the deep forest in the backyard. My property

Also, on the back yard, side yard, and other side yard it is deep forest, one side is state property hasn't been touched in years. The other side and rear are my land and I just either dump or blow the leaves into that area. They sit there and mulch through the years.
But it really hasn't been a problem in the past. I also sweep my lawn and dump grass clippings back there have for 40 years.

I'll look into Redmax. Never heard of them here, but I haven't been listening very much either.

Steve aka oldhippie

 

Go with whatever model has the most air displacement

 

So it's not the speed of the air, it's the CFM? that provides the power output/leaf blowing capability? I was also wondering reliability over-time.

 

Yes, IMO for moving leaves volume beats velocity. It's easier to guide the leaves where you want them and wide open it'll move the whole pile of you want it to.

The husky came with a 3 or 4 yr warranty if I bought a 6 pack of fuel mix with it.

 

I get a ton of leaves each fall, woods on 3 sides. I bought an Echo 8010, it will move anything. It is a bit heavy but lots of power.

 

Has it been reliable? Lot's of good Husqvarna dealers around here.

 

This is another I am very interested in, and it appears to be a very high CFM.
Cost is better than Stihl. Gets good marks in reviews.

 

bocefus78 have any suggestions?

 

Ive had a br600 BP blower for a few years. It was the biggest one they made at that time.
I am plenty satisfied with it. Has always started easy

 

So far not a single hiccup. Only time will tell. I really don't think you can go wrong sticking with Husqvarna, Stihl, Echo or one of the commercial brands.

 

I sell stihl and redmax.

Comparing the largest blowers of each here. Br800 vs ebz8550

Stihl: pros

Lighter
Not as loud
Better fuel economy
good mix of cfm and mph
Cheaper repair parts

Cons: valves to adjust

redmax pros:

tons of cfm and mph
Old school 2 stroke....no valves

Cons:
heavy
Loud
Gas guzzler
Expensive repair parts.


both are good units.

the br450 is old school 2 stroke tech and is a good option for a mid range blower powerwise.

all the other larger br series blowers have valves that need adjustments periodically.

For all users, a blower is one thing that I suggest finding what you think you need.....then buy the next biggest one.

Hope that helps.

 

I’m interested in seeing how this turns out, I’ve been considering a back pack blower for awhile, but they get spendy!

 

But worth every penny.

 

I bought my Echo 8010 at the Paul Bunyan Show last year on special. I could be wrong but I think a bit over $400 total.

 

I've got a br600 and I like it... runs good, starts easy, dependable... wasn't cheap but cry once...

 

I cant remember which model I have, but after reading the reviews, and paired with the warranty, I chose an Echo two years ago. My yard, and leaf management sounds exactly like yours. I am extremely happy with my choice.

 

OP, call your local Echo DEALER to find out if they're having a Spring 'Echo Day' ..... ours is on the 27th and all gear $200 and over is %15 off.

..... then buy the 8010. It'll make your friend's BR350 look like a windmill.

Plan B: Look into a Little Wonder walk-behind blower. They have a model with tall wheels that's great for homeowners.