Stihl, Echo, or RedMax - Inexpensive Blower

[dmanindfw]

So I am in the market for an inexpensive blower and need some opinions on which route to go. This will be used strictly for residential use maintaining a 1/3 of an acre. However with that being said, I have a yard full of trees so I need something that is capable of blowing heavy mulberry leaves as well as tremendous quantities of sycamore and cottonwood leaves. My trash mulberry is approx 40' tall and with a 40' wide canopy. The sycamores (2) and the cottonwood are all about 90' tall. Also have a pecan and a couple of American Elms. So as you can imagine I have to deal with quite a few leaves.

With all this being said, I am looking for a blower that is very dependable and is strong enough to handle these leaves...but I am also asking the in-laws for this for Xmas so price is a concern as well...trying to stay right around $150. Yes, I am asking for a lot for a little:)

So here are my choices so far...please give your feedback:
1) Stihl BG55 - 27cc, 140mph, 430cfm, and 69db, I think around $130-$150.
2) Echo PB200 - 21cc, 145mph, 350cfm, and 65db, $159.
3) RedMax - 25cc, 127mph, 363cfm, and 73db, about $159 I think.

It seems like there are a bunch of RedMax fans on here, but based on the manufacturer specs (not sure how accurately they measure though), it appears as though the Stihl and Echo have slight performance advantages.

Please provide some feedback based on real world use and opinions as well.

[exmarkmaster01]

I would most deff. go woth the echo pb-200. very nice blower. and also fun to use. It will get the job done.:)

[Martino]

I'd look at a small backpack, were I you. That sounds like a lot of leaves for using a handheld.

[ed2hess]

I would most deff. go woth the echo pb-200. very nice blower. and also fun to use. It will get the job done.:)
I agree get the Echo, the next one up is a little better but doesn't sound like you budget will allow the better units.

[The Rookie]

you can buy a 150 mph weedeater featherlite blower for 70 dollars brand new.

[newz7151]

you can buy a 150 mph weedeater featherlite blower for 70 dollars brand new.

Please go back and read this part of the original poster's post


"With all this being said, I am looking for a blower that is very dependable and is strong enough to handle these leaves"

[josh1981]

I have a stihl SG 85 blower and it gets the job done very nicely. Plus very easty to start and use.

[jkingrph]

multiply the cfm x velocity to get a rough power factor to compare.

I have an old Stihl thats about 18 years old still going strong . I keep up a 1.75acre yard with numerous trees.

[Grass-Masters]

:waving:
I have a used Stihl BR420C Magnum. It is used and older unit, but works great. I would take $150 and it is going to work alot better than the units you have listed above. pm me if interested.

A pic is here. http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?p=1645022#post1645022

[Mowingman]

I don't think any of the models you have listed will handle large amounts of leaves. You need a good size back pack blower to do that, so, your budget needs to be about double what you have listed. do not be taken in by the junk back pack blowers you see at Walmart, Home Depot, etc. They are no better than the light-duty models you listed in your post.

[J&R Landscaping]

The hand blowers that you have listed are nice but for what you describe, I think a back-pack blower is the only way to go. Look into either a redmax eb-4401 or an echo pb-403 or an pb-413. JMO The price range on those are about $299-$329

[grass_cuttin_fool]

-I have a bg55 and its a nice blower, Just not sure its gonna get the job done in a timely fashion for you. I cant comment on the other 2 brands......I havent ever used them

wayne

[dmanindfw]

Initially I got a Stihl BG65 for Xmas from the inlaws. I ended up taking it back to get the BG85 as it was only $20 more. When I took the first one back they didn't have any new in the box 85's but they had one that a guy bought and brought back in as the vacuum attachment wouldn't pick up pecans. They gave me $20 off so it was a push on price...got a 85 for the 65 price. Also got the vacuum attachment. Incredible hand held blower. Just ran 1 1/2 tanks a fuel through it for break in so about half way done. Seems very powerful and I am very happy so far. Highly recommend this blower.

[josh1981]

Initially I got a Stihl BG65 for Xmas from the inlaws. I ended up taking it back to get the BG85 as it was only $20 more. When I took the first one back they didn't have any new in the box 85's but they had one that a guy bought and brought back in as the vacuum attachment wouldn't pick up pecans. They gave me $20 off so it was a push on price...got a 85 for the 65 price. Also got the vacuum attachment. Incredible hand held blower. Just ran 1 1/2 tanks a fuel through it for break in so about half way done. Seems very powerful and I am very happy so far. Highly recommend this blower.

thats what I have (SG85) and yes its a wonderful blower. I also highly recommend it.