Echo vs Husqvarna Leaf Blowers

[knerml]

Looking to buy either an Echo PB-580T or Husqvarna 150BT leaf blower. Both are well rated. Both at $299 price point. The Echo has the edge with a bigger motor and 5 year warranty.

Anyone have experience with these products that might help me with this decision?

More concerned with longevity and reliability than performance.

Thanks.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I bought an entry level Husky years ago.
CA gas ate the fuel supply lines.
Rarely ran right.
Do the Echo...
I would buy a Stihl.

 

[CT8]

I have a Husky back pack blower I bought in 2000 It has worked hard and still runs good I replaced the fuel line because it cracked where it was pinched where it entered the gas tank and replaced the gas tank and 2 caps for the gas tank. After sitting all winter with out gas stabilizer or any other Voo Doo it starts with in 3 pulls and runs and runs. What ever you pick,, buy one and cry once quality pays.

 

[CT8]

Originally Posted by JeffKeryk
I bought an entry level Husky years ago.
CA gas ate the fuel supply lines.
Rarely ran right.
Do the Echo...
I would buy a Stihl.
entry level stuff isn't worth the cost.

 

[justintendo]

been happy with my 150bt for several years now...runs great and i work it hard in the fall dealing with oak trees. i do not run any ethanol in it however..

 

[JeffKeryk]

I bought a Rancher chain saw years ago; great premium saw.
That's why I bought the leaf blower. Husky is a premium brand.
The blower gave me nothing but problems.

I actually think I got a lemon.
The local saw shop told me it was a good blower.

 

[Warstud]

The Echo with the 5 year warranty is a no brainer.

 

[Linctex]

Originally Posted by JeffKeryk
Husky is a premium brand.


Husky pro level stuff is good - - - the consumer level stuff is complete (Poulan sourced) garbage.

Echo actually makes fairly decent consumer level products that work well.

 

[Linctex]

Originally Posted by JeffKeryk
Husky is a premium brand.


Husky pro level stuff is good - - - the consumer level stuff is complete (Poulan sourced) garbage.

Echo actually makes fairly decent consumer level products that work well.

 

[bruckus]

I have a Husky 360 BT Very good unit not that much more cash.

 

[dave123]

Originally Posted by Linctex
Originally Posted by JeffKeryk
Husky is a premium brand.


Husky pro level stuff is good - - - the consumer level stuff is complete (Poulan sourced) garbage.

Echo actually makes fairly decent consumer level products that work well.



As a owner of a Husky pro saw I agree wouldn't waste my time with the consumer junk.

 

[knerml]

BTW - Be careful when comparing leaf blower specs.

Echo specifies CFM and MPH at the end of the tube. Husqvarna dealers seem to quote specs at the blower housing outlet. Go to the Husqvarna factory web site for apples to apples specs.

 

[Rand]

I have that exact echo. its a good blower starts on 2 pulls everytime.
Ipaid
More power is always nice but unless you are going to spend $500 this is about as good as you get.

It sucks air past your back as well as from the side. so nice on hotter days.. if you wear a coat it does not make you freeze on cold days.

save 20% if you have an echo dealer days coming up
List here
https://www.echo-usa.com/Promotions/One-Day-Sale

 

[spk2000]

How often do you plan to use it? Some people use blowers a few times a year to move leaves others use them every time they mow to clear driveways and sidewalks of grass clippings.

 

[knerml]

Typically fall usage on a 1/3 acre lot. Several large mature trees.

In the summer, to clean mowers.

In the winter, the blow off light snow dustings (sloped driveway).

 

[Imp4]

I've had the Echo unit for about 8 years now.
Starts 1st or 2nd pull every time.
Stabil 360 keeps the fuel system clean.

I have 3/4 of a leafy acre in the suburbs.
My only regret is that I didn't get a bigger size.
It's fine on dry leaves but any water or residual moisture and it struggles to move the piles the way I want.

I would definitely buy again but I would also upgrade to a bigger model. The extra $100 spent would definitely be worth it.

 

[knerml]

Purchased an Echo PB-580T at Home Depot.

Before purchasing, stopped by a local Echo dealer.

Matched Home Depot's price. He also stated that the Echo products at Home Depot are lower quality to the ones he sells.

Call Echo. They stated that there is no quality difference between products sold at Home Depot and dealers, therefore went with Home Depot.

 

[Rand]

Originally Posted by knerml
Purchased an Echo PB-580T at Home Depot.

Before purchasing, stopped by a local Echo dealer.

Matched Home Depot's price. He also stated that the Echo products at Home Depot are lower quality to the ones he sells.

Call Echo. They stated that there is no quality difference between products sold at Home Depot and dealers, therefore went with Home Depot.



Which dealer was that? I usually use Paul's in Massillon. While The echo dealers do carry higher end equipment if its the same model number its the same thing.

If you have trouble with it.. its better if you purchased it from a dealer vs home depot.

 

[knerml]

Beltz, on Hills and Dales

Not too concerned about service. Well rated.

The one thing I like about the Echo is it looks easy to service. The spark plug is right on top with a label giving the NGK part number.

 

[gotnogunk]

I have owned an Echo chainsaw for 40 years still starts on 2nd or 3ed pull, 2 weed eaters 100 series entry-level excellent. I do agree with buying from the dealer if they have a history.