Leaf Blowers

[JTK]

The Hitachi gas leaf blower is a phenomenal deal when you can get them for under $100 shipped from Amazon or the likes. A few times a year I've seen them for that price.

I'm kind of in the same boat. My old Echo PB-200 locked up hard on me and I've been using an old Homelite that certainly isn't light or all that powerful.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Originally Posted By: buster
Our yard is small, but it's heavily covered in trees. I want something more powerful than the electric Ryobi I have now. Thanks for all the suggestions. I was leaning towards gas but want to check out the battery models.


What is your budget on one?
The models that pro landscappers use are very good - very strong. They start at $500+

 

[buster]

I don't want to go over $300 if possible. But i want something that has good power to it (CFM).

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Check out that gas Hitachi mentioned earlier here for around a buck & a-half. Either Lowes or Home Depot sells it. I have the Poulan Pro and love it. Blows 200MPH also, much like the Hitachi. Only paid $99 for the Poulan a couple years ago...... Labor Day Sale.

I recommend the Hitachi first, mainly because it starts easier than the Poulan, which is temperamental.... meaning it starts easy one week and not easy the following week. Drives me nuts sometimes and I'm already half-nuts according to Johnny Johnson here

 

[buster]

Thanks I'll check it out. I need to see the CFM though on it.

 

[buster]

Ok so this Hitachi does look very good and it has a 7 year warranty.

https://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-RB24EAP-H...VZAN3XR4DG114DP

 

[sleddriver]

Originally Posted By: bubbatime
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.
A neighbor has a little Tanaka chainsaw. Never heard of them. After use, I'm quite impressed. He doesn't take care of it at all, yet it easily starts even after sitting for months. The thing will actually idle. I blow the C$#P off with an air compressor, wipe it down, then sharpen the chain before I use it. Great little wood eater.

If their blower is anything close, it would be worth a good look.

 

[CT8]

I have a Husky back pack blower that is 20 years old It does my yard and 2 rentals I cleaned up. No fancy oil just gas and universal 2 stroke oil that was $14.00 per gallon I fill the tank after the last of the leaf blowing in fall. No need for stabilizer ,in spring I pump the primer bulb apply the choke and 2 or 3 pulls of the starter rope at the most and she is purring. Husky or Stihl buy once ,cry once. The commercial ope is a much better buy than the low end big box store equipment.

 

[Revving2Redline]

Thought you were talking about how bad the Toronto Maple Leafs were.

 

[JLawrence08648]

Are you interested in a hand held, backpack, or wheeled blower?I

I use to be in the tree, lawn, landscape business. Stihl is excellent, Echo lasts a long time. Tanaka is also top notch. The bigger the unit, the more powerful.

 

[Errtt]

I have a Echo backpack blower - always starts on 2nd pull. No issues ever.
For small jobs (blow off patio, dust out garage floor etc.) I also have the Milwaukee M18 battery hand held the wife uses. Gets a good bit done with the 9AH battery. I heard they are coming out with a 12AH battery. That should add time to my other Milwaukee battery tools.

 

[Spector]

Stihl
the big box stores do nothing for parts and repairs, but Stihl has a support system to get parts and they usually do repairs at the locations that sell them. A high quality product that is worth the extra bucks you pay for them.

 

[buster]

The Hitachi looks like a great value with a 7yr warranty.

 

[buster]

What’s wrong with this $129 Ryobi with a 520 CFM?

 

[bubbatime]

Do NOT under any circumstances buy a Ryobi over a Tanaka/Hitachi/Echo that sells for the same price or $20 more.

Tanaka is a world class commercial equipment manufacturer, even superior to Stihl. Commercially rated stuff that is durable as all get out. And the Tanaka blower is the same exact price as a lowly Ryobi??!!!!!!

I cannot stress enough how much of a bad decision a Ryobi blower is, compared to the competition.

Stihl and Echo also sell a $149 blower that are FAR better than a Ryobi.

Don't just look at CFM ratings!

 

[buster]

Ok thank you I appreciate it.

 

[buster]

Picked up the Hitachi at Lowes. Works good. For $129 I think it's great.

 

[thastinger]

Originally Posted By: buster
Thanks. What are your thoughts on the battery Stihl?


I really don't know anyone who has one, but they seem very expensive to me for the listed specs of air movement.

Again, my recommendation would be to get a used Stihl BR600, it'll last you the rest of your life.