Hitachi RB24EAP leaf blower

[JTK]

I've been watching online for a deal on one for a year or so since my ~15yr/old Echo PB2000 gas leaf blower bit the dust. I picked one up off eBay a few days ago. A refurb through CPO outlets. $85+tax shipped. It looks brand new. There's not a scuff or mark on it. Amazing thing was, I got it in less than 24hrs. It shipped from in state. I'll post back when I get some use out of it.

 

[Danno]

Bought a new one for $100 USD last fall at Lowes. Nice unit.

 

[Donald]

That one is corded right? The cordless is taking over for the medium power leaf blowers. Not sure the cordless is replacing the high output backpack blowers yet.

 

[RyanY]

The RB24EAP is a great unit! I have been using one for the past 7 years. The only problem was the original fuel line degraded after about 2 years. Installed a new line and haven't had any problems since.

This is probably the lowest maintenance blower available! The only routine maintenance is a new plug every 2 years, clean the air filter (sponge) every year, and run seafoam or equivalent through it once a year. I use it year round, so never needed stabilizer or anything like that.

 

[gner]

I have had this model for 6 years, it is a 2 cycle.
Just us it for home use, starts and runs just fine.
Haven't done anything to it. Good blower.

 

[bubbatime]

I have the same unit. Its better than the my Echo. More powerful, engine runs smoother and better, and performs better. Runs perfect, no problems. SOLID buy. They are identical to the rebranded Tanaka blower in a different color.

If you buy new, I think they come with a 6 or 7 year warranty.

 

[spasm3]

I have one as well, very powerful and not that heavy. 3 years so far so good. Commercial grade 2 stroke.

 

[JTK]

I fired up and used my Hitachi leaf blower yesterday. I used a new bottle of TruFuel 50:1 to fuel it (first time I've tried the stuff). It started on pull 2 and runs great, but I can only get full RPM if I use some choke on it. Kinda disappointed there because the carb doesn't appear to have mixture screws. Regardless, this baby has more blowing power than the Echo PB2000 it replaced and WAY more than the old Homelite I have as backup. Quieter and smoother too. I'll see how this carb thing goes and replace if needed.

 

[spasm3]

I thought i would mention a slight problem i had with my hitachi blower. It started making an odd noise i thought was rod knock. By the time it slowed down to idle it made a horrible screech and just died.

The problem was the nut on the blower fan got loose and came off. I took out the screws for the fan screen and the nut was in there. reinstalled with some locktite and all is well. 5 minute fix.

 

[andyd]

Add a shot of Berryman's Chemtool to the gas. Start it and run it a bit. It may not work instantly, but it may work in time. If it doesn't , the Chinese Zama clones have adjustable mixture screws

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted by andyd
Add a shot of Berryman's Chemtool to the gas. Start it and run it a bit. It may not work instantly, but it may work in time. If it doesn't , the Chinese Zama clones have adjustable mixture screws

Thanks Andy.

After a few more uses, she running great now. Something worked it's way through the carb? Just needed to break in more? I dunno. If it does cause issues again, I'll definitely replace that carb.

Of the three 2-stroke hand held leaf blowers I've owned, first was a Homelite (still have it), 2nd was my Echo PB2000, now the Hitachi, this Hitachi by far blows those two away in terms of air movement. I highly recommend this unit, especially for the price.