Which backpack blower

[KenB2920]

In the market for a new backpack blower. I've done some research but looking for opinions.

Redmax / husqvarna seem to make the same product as does echo / shindawa ....

I was leaning toward Redmax Ebz6500 but since all my equipment is orange I would do the sister Husqvarna 560bts.

I see alot of good reviews on the BR600 stihl but its $100 more. For that much if an increase I mind as well get the EBZ7500 or EBZ8500.

I have a great respect for echo products and own several with no issue. With that said shindawa is having a 20% off sale that ends tomorrow (April 1st, 2014). For saving $90 I would get red over orange.

Attached is a little spreadsheet ... Let me know your opinions.

 

[JimRB]

I have a Echo PB500t that works fine. Two friends have the same machine. I have Stihl chainsaws and weed wackers. Blower could be pink for all I care if it works and I can get parts if needed.

 

[nickc]

I have a br600 works flawlessly,only 2 things I don't like are its loud & its loud.

 

[94BULLITT]

I have a BR600 and I love it. It is loud. I am not one to usually wear hearing protection but I do with it. I think the BR600 is the most fuel efficient blower in its class. I use the BR600 year round for leaf blowing, snow blowing, cleaing of the end of my driveway (its black top) and blowing gravel out of the grass from plowing snow. You can double the warranty on the BR600 if you purchase a 6 pack of the HP ultra Stihl oil.

 

[KenB2920]

I have a BR600 and I love it. It is loud. I am not one to usually wear hearing protection but I do with it. I think the BR600 is the most fuel efficient blower in its class. I use the BR600 year round for leaf blowing, snow blowing, cleaing of the end of my driveway (its black top) and blowing gravel out of the grass from plowing snow. You can double the warranty on the BR600 if you purchase a 6 pack of the HP ultra Stihl oil.

Just curious, what is the warranty and what does it double to. I did double my chainsaw warranty this way as well.

 

[94BULLITT]

Just curious, what is the warranty and what does it double to. I did double my chainsaw warranty this way as well.

I think it is 1 year and doubles to 2 years.

Also my BR600 starts easily, 1 or 2 pulls if it has been sitting a few weeks.

 

[Cat_Driver]

Take a look at the great reviews on the Makita - I was looking at Stih, Echo etc, not any more the Makita looks pretty good.


Amazon.com: Makita BBX7600N 75.6 CC 4-Stroke Backpack Blower: Patio, Lawn & Garden

 

[murphy1244]

Take a look at the great reviews on the Makita - I was looking at Stih, Echo etc, not any more the Makita looks pretty good.


Amazon.com: Makita BBX7600N 75.6 CC 4-Stroke Backpack Blower: Patio, Lawn & Garden

Its made in China.

 

[xring100]

Ken
I normally buy stihl stuff but I've had 2 echo blowers and I love them. They cold start so much better than any of my stihls ms361, ms660, FS100RX. The first echo lasted 20 years. I now have a pb-770t it really Blows .

 

[OrangeToys]

You want a stihl br600 (I have 3) or a redmax

 

[KenB2920]

Ken
I normally buy stihl stuff but I've had 2 echo blowers and I love them. They cold start so much better than any of my stihls ms361, ms660, FS100RX. The first echo lasted 20 years. I now have a pb-770t it really Blows .

You are correct, I love my stihl saw but also love my echo products( which have all worked flawless, knock on wood). I am also hesitant as someone here mentioned the stihl DB level is loud. I checked one site which said it was about 108 DB where most of the competition is around 75 DB.

So, I think of my chart, I have narrowed it down to redmax EBZ6500, shindaiwa EB633rt, husqvarna 560bts, or possibly echo PB770.

The redmax and husqvarna are the same blower different colors :-/

 

[KenB2920]

Ok, the deal on the shindaiwa is to sweet to pass up.... Can anyone tell me the difference between eb854rt and eb802rt... They are the same price

 

[KenB2920]

Ok, well thank you for all help and PM's.


I went with the EB802rt..... The difference is this model is 2 stroke and the 854 is a hybrid 4 stroke which made it a no brainer for me.

I gave it about 10 minutes of work and it blew the rocks out of the grass with ease. Hopefully this turns out to be a nice machine.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

I also have a Stihl BR600, a bit pricey, but it's worth every penny!

 

[94BULLITT]

How is the new blower doing Ken? Why did you chose a 2 stroke over a 4 stroke?