Blower: Redmax 7001 or Echo 750?

[ElephantNest]

Ok, I know this has been hashed out before. Was hoping to get feedback from actual users of these two models, as I'm fairly sure these are the two top of the line models, and I want the best. The 7001 is about $60.00 cheaper than the 750, and I've heard great things about this unit. On the other hand, I have two Echo BP Blowers now, and am very satisfied with both, just ready to replace 2 of my 3 with a brand new one, and like I said, I want the best of the best. Please advise, and thanks.

~Nest

[mowdini]

Red Max 7001---hands down!!!

[GLAN]

Redmax

Been runnin a 7000. Not the 7001, they came out this year. The 7000, been runnin every work day for 3 years. Never even changed the spark plug.

[ULTIMATE LAWN]

The Neverending Debate.

My Dealer sell Both.

We did tests in his Parking Lot & I Own a 750 & briefly a 7001.

The Echo Wins for Raw power but not by Much.

[Clay]

Which color do you like best??? :-)

[Tharrell]

The "ultimate" is only on top until someone makes a better one. I own a 750 and love it. I can't comment on the Redmax but a lot of people also seem to love it. My point is, your decision cold boil down to dealer support. It's more important than most people think.

[steve225]

Shindiawa. I like it better than both. I have always used the most powerful blowers I can find .I ran Vandermollen for 20yrs. but the quality went down and the price went up to $775. The new shins are the only blower I.ve used that comes close to a Vandermollen Windmill. The new Echos are about the same power as an shin , soit's a toss up on which one you like . Can't comment on Redmax
cause there aren't any dealers around.
Steve

[rob1325]

Originally posted by steve225
Shindiawa. I like it better than both. I have always used the most powerful blowers I can find .I ran Vandermollen for 20yrs. but the quality went down and the price went up to $775. The new shins are the only blower I.ve used that comes close to a Vandermollen Windmill. The new Echos are about the same power as an shin , soit's a toss up on which one you like . Can't comment on Redmax
cause there aren't any dealers around.
Steve

Shindiawa and Redmax are basically the same blower. They have the same motor on both. I own both shindiawa and redmax. I like the redmax better because it has a better air filter and has screen so the leaves don't clog the intake like on a shindiawa.

[ElephantNest]

Ok, gents. I really appreciate all the replies. Found the Redmax for $479.00, guess I'll pick it up today.

I've always been a Shindaiwa fan, have the T270, and just got the new 261 Stick edger, BUT, the thing bogs down, and hesitates when I pull the trigger. When I really need the power, it's not there. VERY unlike Shindaiwa, I'm wondering if I got a dud, or maybe after a tank or two of fuel maybe it will clear up? I'ts supposed to be the best, most powerful stick, but, alas, I don't see it. Any suggestions?

And, again, thanks for all the feedback on the blowers.

~Nest

[mcambrose]

Originally posted by ElephantNest
Ok, gents. I really appreciate all the replies. Found the Redmax for $479.00, guess I'll pick it up today.

I've always been a Shindaiwa fan, have the T270, and just got the new 261 Stick edger, BUT, the thing bogs down, and hesitates when I pull the trigger. When I really need the power, it's not there. VERY unlike Shindaiwa, I'm wondering if I got a dud, or maybe after a tank or two of fuel maybe it will clear up? I'ts supposed to be the best, most powerful stick, but, alas, I don't see it. Any suggestions?

And, again, thanks for all the feedback on the blowers.

~Nest

You probably have the exhaust screen plugged with carbon. Remove screen from muffler and clean.

[ElephantNest]

I've only used it twice. Still have the mix in it from the dealer.

[Grass Master]

Elephant...

you bought a new EPA shindaiwa and they don't run anything liek the older ones...less power by far...

If you did not but the blower yet get the Echo...the most powerful and quieter than the RedMax which makes a BIG difference in the long run!

[Buba]

Both the Red Max EB7001 and the Echo 650 are very good blowers. The Red Max is 3 lbs lighter weight and has a very large remote air filter. Both are similar is air volume, but 3 lbs adds up at the end of a day. Good luck.

[BSDeality]

the 750 has the bigger padded straps and the bigger air filter.

[Buba]

Yes, that is correct. The Echo 750 does not blow as much as the Echo 650 and the Redmax does if not more.

[Navig8r]

I've never run the Echo.. but I love my Redmax, and the "air conditioned" back pad actually is a nice little plus during a long cleanup.........
now if only someone would make a blower with electric start................

[ElephantNest]

Why, is it hard to start?

[Navig8r]

Not at all hard to start...... 1st or 2nd pull....... but it would be nice to be able to shut it down, and re-fire it on your back....:D

[BSDeality]

Originally posted by Buba
Yes, that is correct. The Echo 750 does not blow as much as the Echo 650 and the Redmax does if not more. I've never run a 650 and 750 side by side... but they are absolutely identical motors and hardware with the exception of the padded straps and bigger air filters as far as i know.

[Piedmont Lawn]

Navig8r

I can reach around and pull the cord on my my RedMax 7001 while it's on my back and start it. I don't guess it's the best thing for the rope but it's not something that I do very often.

As for starting this is the best piece of 2 cycle equipment I have, starts 1st pull every time.....

Later
Kelly

[mowdini]

Navig8r--Red Max had one for years and cancelled production because of lack of demand.

[pfisto]

ECHO MANUFACTURED IN THE USA. REDMAX NOT. Are you blowing your lawns in Japan OR the US of A. DON'T WE CARE ABOUT THIS SORT OF THING ANYMORE:confused:

[AztlanLC]

Welcome to lawnsite, and be prepare for some nice replies.

Can you tell me where the engine of the echo is manufatured?

[joed]

When I was looking for a blower last year, I tried out the Echo PB650 and the Red Max 7000. They were very close in power but the Echo was a bit stronger yet the Red Max was a bit lighter and more comfortable to use. I ended up with the Echo and like it. Either brand is an excellent choice.

[mowdini]

AztlanLC--Nice Job buddy. The Echo backpack has a Kioritz engine and it is manufactured in Japan. Red Max assembles their backpacks in Norcross, Georgia.

[pfisto]

Just to get our facts straight here. Redmax imports thier machines 99% built from Japan and only add options at thier Georgia plant. Echo and Sthil make like 85 % of thier components and fully assemble here in the states. So to sum this up if 2 machines are very good indeed I'm going with the American made unit every time to keep our workers employed. If there is a major difference in quality then you have to go with the better unit as to not waste your hard earned money.

[ElephantNest]

47.4% of all statistics are made up on the spot.;)

[pfisto]

Well if that includes me and you would that be 48%

[rodfather]

I actually have 1 of each...650, 750, 7000, and 7001. Frankly, I can't tell the difference between any one them. Now here's the kicker...1/2 of my guys say either the 650 or 750 is better than either the 7000 or the 7001...and the other 1/2 say completely the opposite!

Go figure:dizzy: :dizzy: :dizzy:

[mowdini]

And exactly what options do they add at the Georgia plant? I am real curious to know.

[Buba]

Options? added at Norcross, GA? What are you talking about?
It is true that Red Max is a division of Komatsu. The Komatsu/Zenoah engine is used by Red Max and many other major brands of commercial outdoor power equipment. The EB7001 and other Red Max products are assembeled in Norcross, GA. Does it really matter where the parent company is headquarted? Who would not prefer a better quality product that might be produced in Japan? (even though this one is not). I guess that I just don't understand.

[DennisF]

Originally posted by Buba
Options? added at Norcross, GA? What are you talking about?
It is true that Red Max is a division of Komatsu. The Komatsu/Zenoah engine is used by Red Max and many other major brands of commercial outdoor power equipment. The EB7001 and other Red Max products are assembeled in Norcross, GA. Does it really matter where the parent company is headquarted? Who would not prefer a better quality product that might be produced in Japan? (even though this one is not). I guess that I just don't understand.



The purpose behind "buying American" is to keep dollars here in this country and keep our economy rolling. If you buy a product manufactured by a foreign company, even though it may be assembled here the U.S.A. much of those dollars leaves the U.S. and contributes to our trade deficit.

As a rule I do my very best to buy American made products. Sometimes it's not possible to buy American made products for a number of reasons, but if I have a choice then the choice is American made. I'm not saying I don't buy Japanese, German or Chinese made products because many times I don't have a choice between American made and foreign made products.

Many foreign made or branded products are of very high quality and sometimes superior to the American brand, but givin a choice I have always and will always buy American made whenever I can. JMO.

[pfisto]

Ok so lets get this straight.
I do not assemble any of these blowers. I am in the market for a quality blower and want to get the best blower I can get for the least amount of money. So what do I do, RESEARCH.I look at forums like this and see what everyone is using and why as I believe that at places like this is where you will get the best info.
Now after I get overloaded with all the specs and peoples opinion's (which I blindly seem to trust since I don't know any of you) I will see which unit's offer the best pricing then go out and get the unit. Now for me the 2 major purchasing points (after my research is done)are is the unit made in the US and can I get it locally. My reason for this is I would like to support my local business's when ever possible even if I have to spend a little bit more which is often the case and on a greater scale I feel that it is my responsibility to buy AMERICAN MADE PRODUCTS whenever possible to support the American workers Which is a group I proudly am a part of.
Now I realize that we live in a world market and much of the money we spend on American made products are invested overseas by the company's we support but I have little or no control over this, My point here is that I have been a little surprised by all the talk about which blower is better but there has been no mention or consideration as to where it is built. So I called 3 company's that were in the running as far as I was concerned REDMAX, ECHO, STHIL and what I was told was that REDMAX receives ALL their units 99% allready built and all they do is add small options but the lady said that the units can not be labeled MADE IN THE US or ASSEMBLED in the US as they aren't. Now Echo said that yes the Engines are from overseas but THAT everything else is made in the US and fully assembled here thus they can be labeled MADE IN THE US and the same for STHIL.
So to sum up my point here.
We have 2 units which seem to be a flip of the coin as to which unit is better. Now one units is made in the US and the other unit is made overseas come on guys wake up BUY AMERICAN. My purpose here was not to come off as some ignorant flag waving consumer purposing to only buy American regardless of quality but under the circumstances it's a no brainier as far as I'm concerned.

[pfisto]

Thank you DENNISF ,
I agree with your thoughts as I was begining to think that I was the only one here that lives here.

[pfisto]

Hey BUBBA AND MOWDINI,
I really think you guys need to do a bit more research before you start making statements. Unless I was lied to by the people at Redmax and Echo your statements are completly wroung.

[mowdini]

pfisto--I think we're all taking this thing a bit too seriously. The fact of the matter is there are no longer any handheld equipment lines left in the USA. McCulloch and Homelite have stopped being a factor many years ago. They handed the market to the Japanese and they took it and ran with it. Let me ask you a question. Do you buy any Stihl products? Isn't Germany the country that would not join us in our efforts against Iraq recently? Why not boycott that company? What do you buy for gasoline--probably Exxon, Mobil or Shell--correct? Well those three oil companies get most of their crude from--you guessed it--Iraq. I buy nothing but Hess oil because I am not going to send over my $$$$ to Iraq. Hess gets their crude oil right here in the USA--100%. My point pfisto is where do you draw the line with this issue. The biggest corporation is the world is Wal-Mart and most of what they sell is made in China. China is communist!!! Do you shop in Wal-Mart? I'm not trying to pick a fight but we have to do what is best for us--period. I admire your determination in not buying imported equipment but it's very difficult not to. Do you run Kawasaki engines? I try to do the same pfisto.