The Green Industry's Resource Center

weaver · #41 02-07-2013, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAC669

My BR600 starts right up when its cold. I'm still going to buy a Redmax 8500 so I can have the best of both worlds!

So which one's better? The Redmax 8500 or the Husqvarna 580 BTS?

TMAC669 · #42 02-07-2013, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weaver

So which one's better? The Redmax 8500 or the Husqvarna 580 BTS?

Im having second thoughts on the Redmax. Went to the local power equipment store and this things is like walking around with a mini bike on you back. Way too heavy. Price wise its $100 more than the BR600. Seems like way to much back pack blower for everyday use.......just my .02

Ridin' Green · #43 02-07-2013, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAC669

Im having second thoughts on the Redmax. Went to the local power equipment store and this things is like walking around with a mini bike on you back. Way too heavy. Price wise its $100 more than the BR600. Seems like way to much back pack blower for everyday use.......just my .02

That's one reason I bought the Husky 570 (RM 7500). It is extremely close in power to the 8500/580 (and actually scours debris that is stuck down better), but a few pounds lighter, and only a couple more than the 600. I own both the 570 and the BR600. The 570 is worlds ahead in power when you really need it, and ten times more comfortable for run times over 15 minutes thanks to its vastly superior harness system (better than the straps that come on the 7500 too). The 600m is plenty for blowing grass and dirt under normal conditions though.

rreyn1812 · #44 02-08-2013, 07:10 AM

My local BobCat dealer just started handling the RedMax and he is very high on the 8500. Ran into him the other day and he now has a demo unit he wants me to try. After reading all of the above and reviewing the specs & reviews on the RedMax web site, looks like I will have to stop by and check it out. I have a Husky 170BT backpack blower and it doesn't come close to the specs on either of the RedMax or Stihl 600, but it does a really good job with the heavy leaves we get around here. I will probably be somewhat concerned about the weight though. My Husky is not the most comfortable thing to haul around on my back for long periods & the RedMax seems to be pretty similar weight. I like the lighter weight of the Stihl without a substantial drop in either volume or speed of air output.

TMAC669 · #45 02-08-2013, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rreyn1812

My local BobCat dealer just started handling the RedMax and he is very high on the 8500. Ran into him the other day and he now has a demo unit he wants me to try. After reading all of the above and reviewing the specs & reviews on the RedMax web site, looks like I will have to stop by and check it out. I have a Husky 170BT backpack blower and it doesn't come close to the specs on either of the RedMax or Stihl 600, but it does a really good job with the heavy leaves we get around here. I will probably be somewhat concerned about the weight though. My Husky is not the most comfortable thing to haul around on my back for long periods & the RedMax seems to be pretty similar weight. I like the lighter weight of the Stihl without a substantial drop in either volume or speed of air output.

The Husky is worth looking into, the BR600 is a great all around backpack blower. It may not be the most powerful but it starts right up, not too loud, not too heavy, and sips the fuel compared to the Redmax. Now if you are one of those guys who has to have the biggest and the baddest whatever it is, then the Redmax 8500 is the blower for you. If you have an application where you need the power of a walk blower but don't want to use a walk blower then the EBZ8500 is for you. If you have any back issues do yourself a favor and pass on the biggest baddest backpack blower on the market (Redmax EBZ8500).

jones68 · #46 02-08-2013, 08:50 AM

I have stihl br550 and redmax ebz8500 the redmax is head and shoulders over the 550. i find it very comfortable and not to heavy. but im coming in at 250lbs myself. that being said i use the stihls for everyday mowing and blowing the redmax for cleanups. now i use the redmax for snow removal this time of year. it works great on sidewalks and blowing off cars. if i had to choose only one blower to have in my garage it would be the redmax 8500. it is just too good for spring fall and winter.

KG26 · #47 02-10-2013, 03:44 AM

Red max is a work horse, parts are stocked almost where ever you go, rather simple to fix and they look good.

crazyflyboy30 · #48 02-10-2013, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weaver

So which one's better? The Redmax 8500 or the Husqvarna 580 BTS?

The Husqvarna 580 BTS is the Best all way all way round for me I love it so far and I got better price on the 580 for $477.07 out the door at my Husqvarna dealer than the Redmax dealer would do on a 8500 was $595.00 out the door.