EB802RT vs. EB8520RT

[Cutgrassfast]

Anyone have personal experience with both?

I have narrowed my choices down to these two or a BR 600 Magnum. I have more Stihl dealers in my area but none will budge on price and I hate the fact that Stihl manipulates their prices for different areas of the country. (It's only $10 more but it's still irritating to me. Why I should have to pay more for the same product is beyond me).

I like the idea of the simpler 2 banger but the C4 is advertised as having more power. I would like the opinion of anyone that has experience with both Shindy's. Any likes, dislikes, problems, etc.

Thanks!

[Cutgrassfast]

I guess nobody has run both

To add to the mix, I found out my local Redmax dealer has a special on the 8100. I plan on looking at it on monday also and getting a otd price.

[timberbrook]

Sorry, no experience w/the 8520. I do however have experience with alot of other new blowers. The Br 600 is not as powerful as the Shindaiwa EB802, close though. The EB802 is not as powerful as the EBZ8001/8100. In my area at least, the 4/mix blowers just are not as reliable as the true 2 cycles, so I do not consider them. Check out Redmax or Husqvarna machines if you really want to Blow. Really, or you will just be wasting your time or being brand loyal or following false numbers/hype. You cannot beat the brute power of the Redmax 8001 or the Husqvarna 180BT.

[Cutgrassfast]

Thanks for the input.

I am getting dizzy from reading about different blowers. I don't have enough experience from any dealer to know whether spending more with them are worth it. I am leaning towards the best price right now.

The Redmax dealer is about 5 minutes from my house. If the price is right ($500 or less + tax) on the 8100 I will probably take the plunge due to the convenience of their location. The closest shindy dealer is almost an hour away and the different dsrp pricing on the stihl still irritates me.

I'm beginning to think I could put them all in a hat and draw one out

[B Gillespie]

Any other input on the EB802 vs. EB8520RT vs. BR600 Magnum?

My hand held is less than reliable, time for a new back pack blower.

[Tennesseepowerstroke]

Originally Posted by B Gillespie

Any other input on the EB802 vs. EB8520RT vs. BR600 Magnum?

My hand held is less than reliable, time for a new back pack blower.

I looked at all 3 and bought the 802. I did not want to go with the 4 mix, right or wrong.

[Cutgrassfast]

I went with the Redmax. It was almost the same price as the others but the conveniece of the dealer being very close helped make the decision. I only have about an hour and a half on it but so far so good.

The only thing I would change is the stop switch. I accidentally bumped it several times and shut the unit off. When I get some time, I plan on taking the handle apart and trying to reverse the switch.

[GreenerSideLC]

Go with the EB802 you wont be disappointed. I havent tried the stihl but I have used both the 802 and 8510 (backpad is different then 8520 but its the same machine) I had so many problems with the 8510, spent more time gettin fixed then out makin money. First was the head gasket, then other issues after that, final straw was the crankshaft breakin while I was runnin it. Shindaiwa gave we the 802 as a replacement and it has the same power as the 8510/8520. I would definitely buy another 802.

[joesimoes2]

Originally Posted by Cutgrassfast

I went with the Redmax. It was almost the same price as the others but the conveniece of the dealer being very close helped make the decision. I only have about an hour and a half on it but so far so good.

The only thing I would change is the stop switch. I accidentally bumped it several times and shut the unit off. When I get some time, I plan on taking the handle apart and trying to reverse the switch.

You made a fine choice 50.1 is the mixing ratio

[joed]

Would love to see a comparison between Shindaiwa's EB8520 and the Redmax 8000/8001. I also wonder when both Stihl and Redmax will update the BR600 and 8000/8001 series. Both designs have been out for awhile.