Leaf Blowers
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I just went through this when my Poulan Pro died after 6 years. It was a good blower but heavy and hard to start when warm. I'm sure I could have fixed it but it was beat up. I purchased and returned a Echo and a Toro from the big box stores. I ended up finding a Stihl dealer and purchased a Stihl BG86 CE. I love it and am glad I dropped the extra on a blower I can keep forever. Dealers and service centers are plenty. They are made in the USA and quality is top notch.
I actually really liked the Toro but I did a little research after I got it and it's made by Homelite in China. No thanks, they are bottom of the barrel and reviews said 2-3 years max. The Echo was nice and I wanted to like it as my weed whipper and chainsaw are both Echo. However, it vibrated like crazy (so much it would tip over if left running in the grass), the blower tube fit loosely and the air inlet was on the left side. This meant it kept sucking in my shorts when using it.
Check out Stihl, they make homeowner grade equipment as well that is hardly more expensive than the big box stuff. My neighbor has a BG56 CE and loves it. Also, I was looking at and almost purchased the Husqvarna 125b. But after digging into reviews, these seem to have issues after a few years with the engine case bolts coming loose and the engine grenades. From what I read, they are not much better than anything else coming out of China etc.
I actually really liked the Toro but I did a little research after I got it and it's made by Homelite in China. No thanks, they are bottom of the barrel and reviews said 2-3 years max. The Echo was nice and I wanted to like it as my weed whipper and chainsaw are both Echo. However, it vibrated like crazy (so much it would tip over if left running in the grass), the blower tube fit loosely and the air inlet was on the left side. This meant it kept sucking in my shorts when using it.
Check out Stihl, they make homeowner grade equipment as well that is hardly more expensive than the big box stuff. My neighbor has a BG56 CE and loves it. Also, I was looking at and almost purchased the Husqvarna 125b. But after digging into reviews, these seem to have issues after a few years with the engine case bolts coming loose and the engine grenades. From what I read, they are not much better than anything else coming out of China etc.
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I have a Stihl BR600. You can usually find those used for about half of what they cost new. I fooled around for years with the toys from the big box stores, get one of the stihls and you'll never look back.
Stihl.
Echo is another one to consider. They have a pretty big network of dealers and parts centers, just like Stihl. I bought my echo trimmer and blower from Home Depot, since my needs don't require anything commercial grade, but Echo dealers carry parts for these residential grade models too.
Get a Stihl, use fuel stabilizer, and you'll have it forever. I love mine at 10 years old, runs perfectly.
Originally Posted By: KrisZ
Echo is another one to consider. They have a pretty big network of dealers and parts centers, just like Stihl. I bought my echo trimmer and blower from Home Depot, since my needs don't require anything commercial grade, but Echo dealers carry parts for these residential grade models too.
The PB2520 is the one I tried out and returned. They implemented this stupid snap in blower tube that jiggles around and there is no way to tighten it. That and the air intake is on the left side, the side that faces you ( if you are right handed). Give it a shot if you are interested, it was a nice blower, good power from the updated engine this year. Nice thing is you can return it to Home Depot for 30 days if you don't like it.
Echo is another one to consider. They have a pretty big network of dealers and parts centers, just like Stihl. I bought my echo trimmer and blower from Home Depot, since my needs don't require anything commercial grade, but Echo dealers carry parts for these residential grade models too.
The PB2520 is the one I tried out and returned. They implemented this stupid snap in blower tube that jiggles around and there is no way to tighten it. That and the air intake is on the left side, the side that faces you ( if you are right handed). Give it a shot if you are interested, it was a nice blower, good power from the updated engine this year. Nice thing is you can return it to Home Depot for 30 days if you don't like it.
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I had a Makita 4-stroke hand held blower that ran great for 8 years, than starting running bad. The carb needed repaired. I didn't feel like messing with it, so I gave it to someone I know who fixed it. Made in USA. It started on the first every time regardless if it was 9 or 90 degrees outside.
You can order one from the Home Depot for $169:
https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment/Makita/N-5yc1vZbx5cZyg
You can order one from the Home Depot for $169:
https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment/Makita/N-5yc1vZbx5cZyg
Originally Posted By: Huie83
Originally Posted By: KrisZ
Echo is another one to consider. They have a pretty big network of dealers and parts centers, just like Stihl. I bought my echo trimmer and blower from Home Depot, since my needs don't require anything commercial grade, but Echo dealers carry parts for these residential grade models too.
The PB2520 is the one I tried out and returned. They implemented this stupid snap in blower tube that jiggles around and there is no way to tighten it. That and the air intake is on the left side, the side that faces you ( if you are right handed). Give it a shot if you are interested, it was a nice blower, good power from the updated engine this year. Nice thing is you can return it to Home Depot for 30 days if you don't like it.
I have not tried that one. I have the one model above, I think, PB-255LN and the tube is nice and tight, the intake is also on the left side, but the upper rear portion of the shroud is solid and doesn't create any suction against my leg. It is also very quiet for a blower, I think the LN in the model name stands for low noise.
Originally Posted By: KrisZ
Echo is another one to consider. They have a pretty big network of dealers and parts centers, just like Stihl. I bought my echo trimmer and blower from Home Depot, since my needs don't require anything commercial grade, but Echo dealers carry parts for these residential grade models too.
The PB2520 is the one I tried out and returned. They implemented this stupid snap in blower tube that jiggles around and there is no way to tighten it. That and the air intake is on the left side, the side that faces you ( if you are right handed). Give it a shot if you are interested, it was a nice blower, good power from the updated engine this year. Nice thing is you can return it to Home Depot for 30 days if you don't like it.
I have not tried that one. I have the one model above, I think, PB-255LN and the tube is nice and tight, the intake is also on the left side, but the upper rear portion of the shroud is solid and doesn't create any suction against my leg. It is also very quiet for a blower, I think the LN in the model name stands for low noise.
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I also have a Husqvarna 125B blower. They're cheap ($150), have adjustable carburetor (Zama) and parts are dirt cheap when needed. Mine is 8 years old and still does its job.
I change the fuel line (line, grommet, filter) and the air filter every 4 years for an investment of $15 and it just keeps on purring.
I have used Echo Red Armor oil at 50:1 ever since it came out and I've been pleased.
I change the fuel line (line, grommet, filter) and the air filter every 4 years for an investment of $15 and it just keeps on purring.
I have used Echo Red Armor oil at 50:1 ever since it came out and I've been pleased.
The Tanaka and Hitachi (same blower, different color) blowers are an amazing value. I bought the Hitachi used for a great price, just to try, based on the amazing reviews they get, and I love it. It blows away my beloved Echo blower that I love.
I grab the Hitachi most of the time. I grab the old Echo every now and then, just to make sure its ran, but honestly, its not as good a blower as the Hitachi.
https://www.amazon.com/Tanaka-TRB24EAP-2-Cycle-Powered-Handheld/dp/B003VYC320
https://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-RB24EAP-H...VZAN3XR4DG114DP
I honestly think these are the best blowers on the market under $200, and also the best blowers for home owner use. Even a shade tree commercial lawn care operator that uses a blower for 30 minutes a day, would probably get awesome service from one.
I grab the Hitachi most of the time. I grab the old Echo every now and then, just to make sure its ran, but honestly, its not as good a blower as the Hitachi.
https://www.amazon.com/Tanaka-TRB24EAP-2-Cycle-Powered-Handheld/dp/B003VYC320
https://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-RB24EAP-H...VZAN3XR4DG114DP
I honestly think these are the best blowers on the market under $200, and also the best blowers for home owner use. Even a shade tree commercial lawn care operator that uses a blower for 30 minutes a day, would probably get awesome service from one.
It's the best piece of yard equipment I own. I actually look forward to firing it up EVERY TIME.
Love this beast!!
STIHL BR700
Love this beast!!
STIHL BR700
I've had a Stihl BG55 for like 15 years. Have never had a problem with it.
Originally Posted By: dbias
I've had a Stihl BG55 for like 15 years. Have never had a problem with it.
Yup. They are bullet proof.
I've had a Stihl BG55 for like 15 years. Have never had a problem with it.
Yup. They are bullet proof.
Originally Posted By: Al
Originally Posted By: dbias
I've had a Stihl BG55 for like 15 years. Have never had a problem with it.
Yup. They are bullet proof.
Yes they are. During the time i've owned it it was used daily for 10 years blowing parking lots and leaves at my dozen rental properties, and at softball fields blowing water off of the infield at my daughters games. all the time i've had it i've put 3 plugs in it, and they were just done as "oh my how can it still be running" preventive maintenance.
Originally Posted By: dbias
I've had a Stihl BG55 for like 15 years. Have never had a problem with it.
Yup. They are bullet proof.
Yes they are. During the time i've owned it it was used daily for 10 years blowing parking lots and leaves at my dozen rental properties, and at softball fields blowing water off of the infield at my daughters games. all the time i've had it i've put 3 plugs in it, and they were just done as "oh my how can it still be running" preventive maintenance.
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