Yes, another blower thread

[HawKen]

As a homeowner who is tired of hours of raking for each of several days during fall, I'm ready to make an "investment" in my own quality of life. I've searched this site regarding back pack blowers and have been resoundingly reassured that I'm looking in the right direction. But as is usually the case, the details can be more demanding than they seem to warrant. I'm looking in the $300 to $400 range, with hopes of being closer to 3 than 4.

My situation is a heavily wooded lot, with several varieties of trees that all drop at different times. Each "drop" generates rather large piles of leaves. I am fortunate in that I can just clear them into the woods. Appears to be an ideal application for a blower. I killed two light duty homeowner hand helds that were limited in what they could move. Wet leaves were not an option. A rake has always been required to move the piles long before I reach the edge of the woods.

So now comes the confusing part. Based on the what dealers are closest and seem the easiest to work with, I've narrowed my search to Stihl or Redmax. The information on this site seems to weight those two the best as well. The individual unit's spec's are where I'm not able to settle on a choice.

I can get a new Redmax EB4401 for about the same price as a "demo" unit Stihl BR550. As the 550 is the second most powerful unit Stihl makes, it would seem to be the better choice. However, although the 4401 has a lower velocity (183mph vs. 199mph), it has a significantly higher volume (671cfm vs. 530). Even Redmax adds to the confusion with the EB5000. Presumably a step up from the EB4401. But looking at the spec's the 5000 is A LOT slower (142mph vs. 183mph) and A LOT less volume (590cfm vs. 671cfm). It seems that the advantage of the 5000 over the 4401 is that it is much quieter (65dbA vs 72dbA) and, due to the strato-charged engine, has a much longer runtime (1.8hrs vs. 1.2hrs). Both of those are desireable characteristics, but don't seem to justify a 25% higher price over the 4401.

One further item is the EPA durability rating (4401 = N/A, 5000 = 300hrs(class III?), and 550 = class I (50 hrs?!)). Purportedly, these units are all going to last a homeowner a long time, so why such a span of ratings?

Any recommendations? :confused: :confused: :confused:

Thanks for any insight. Also, I really like this site. Nicely laid out and the participation is exceptional.

[Potchkins]

Sthil Br 600

[HawKen]

Potchkins, thanks for the reply. Unfortunately the BR600, as capable as it appears, is a hundred dollars beyond my means.

[ed2hess]

I would not go with either one of the two models, instead consider the BR420 Stihl which is a proven blower. It doesn't need valve adjusting or valve/valve seat cleaning and has been around for a long time. And, why not try mulching the leaves before you push them around? Since you have the woods then you could get a cheap bagger for you mower and clean up the mulched pieces.

[HawKen]

ed2hess, I don't understand using a bagger. That would seem to be a great deal more work. Perhaps running the mower over the leaves would make them move easier? I had tried that with the cheapy handheld blowers and it took a lot longer.

[AndyTblc]

Sthil Br 600

Definetly Br 600, one of the most powerful BP's in the market.

[josh1981]

stihl- cant really kill them and extremely reliable and plenty of power. Just change the plugs and filter and they will last a very long time.

[walkerowner06]

The 671cfm that you have listed for the redmax is without the tubes, with the tubes the cfm is around 400 for the redmax. the stihl br550 would definitely be the one to get. I saw a guy using one recently and it seemed to have a lot of power.

[HawKen]

walkerowner06, Looking at the BR550 w/out tubes is 877cfm for comparison. That puts it all back in perspective. Too many spec's. Just figure this will likely be the first and last bp I get and want to make the best choice possible. Thanks

[roguesuerte]

Consider nothing less than th Redmax EB7000, 7001, or better. You mentioned quality of life issues as a reason for researching and buying a backpack blower. I find that buying a piece of equipment that "totally kicks ass" while I am using it greatly enhances my quality of life, and I do this for a living.

[HawKen]

I suspect that the BR550 is such a major jump from what I've been doing that I'll be overjoyed. The EB7000 is a $500 blower, whereas I can get the 550 as a demo for $300. If I did this for a living, it would be a no brainer. But I only have the one yard to do and my significant other is not too thrilled that I want to spend this kind of money on "just a blower". (Of course, she's not the one raking!)

[Matts lawn care]

Consider nothing less than th Redmax EB7000, 7001, or better. You mentioned quality of life issues as a reason for researching and buying a backpack blower. I find that buying a piece of equipment that "totally kicks ass" while I am using it greatly enhances my quality of life, and I do this for a living.

I will 2nd that plenty of power and you wont break your back wearing it! i can move 2 foot piles with ease. On the higher side of your Price range but if your going to spend 300 why not spend a little more and get the job done faster?

[Potchkins]

the BR 600 IS that much of a jump from BR 550

[HawKen]

From what I've seen, it seems the Stihl dealers stick to MSRP. The only adjustment I've been offered is the demo unit. Is that how it is? Or have I just not asked the right question?

[LarryF]

I suspect that the BR550 is such a major jump from what I've been doing that I'll be overjoyed. The EB7000 is a $500 blower, whereas I can get the 550 as a demo for $300. If I did this for a living, it would be a no brainer. But I only have the one yard to do and my significant other is not too thrilled that I want to spend this kind of money on "just a blower". (Of course, she's not the one raking!)

I live in NJ but bought my Redmax EB7001 from Landscape Supply in Waco TX (254-753-7900) for $400 plus $20 for shipping. This was brand new and not a leftover or a demo. I'm just a homeowner like you with a lot of oak trees on my lot, and in my opinion it was money well spent. There was an upgrade to the blower after I got it, so I took it with the receipt from Texas to a local Redmax dealer and he did the required work at Redmax's expense.

[HawKen]

I tried Googling Landscape Supply and didn't find them. Is there a website?

[LarryF]

I tried Googling Landscape Supply and didn't find them. Is there a website?

I don't know. Try the phone number. I got it from somebody else on LawnSite. Worked for me!

[LarryF]

I tried Googling Landscape Supply and didn't find them. Is there a website?

If you won't order unless the company is on the web, here's another one from Texas.

http://www.texasmowerparts.com/catalog/products.asp?ds=SIMPLE&category_id=59

It's price for the same one is $420, but I don't know if that includes shipping. By the way, I got the one with the RH in the description.

Good luck!

[HawKen]

LarryF - Thanks for the info. I've been doing a little Googling for the 7001 and found one place that's offering $415 w/ free shipping. I agree that the tube mounted throttle of the RH model is preferable to the hip mounted version.

[WGLC MPLS MN]

I've owned all the blowers described in previous posts. The RedMax 8001 is the one you want/need period. While on the higher end of what you want to pay, it is by far the most powerful blower on the market. Any BP blower (Stihl, RedMax, Echo) is going to last a very long time with proper maintenance. You as a homeowner will only need make this purchase once. Get the 8001, blow your leaves (dry or WET) into your woods, and get on to other things that you want to do. Ask your local dealers for a demo of their unit before you make your choice.