More info would be helpful. Are you commercial, homeowner? What is your main use for one?

There are a ton of good blowers on the market. I'm not brand loyal, so I won't pump one over another. I run both a Stihl BR600M and a Husky 570 BTS. Both are great blowers and close in performance, with a slight edge going to the Husky 570 (which is the same blower as the RedMax 7500).
I've run the Echo 770, and Red Max 8500. They are all close in performance in the real world. The 8500/Husky 580 have the edge in CFM's, but some of the others have higher MPH which kind of offsets the CFM advantage of those two to some degree.

Having a good dealer who you can trust if you need service is about as important as which blower you buy.

 

Also the Maruyama BL8100 which is the same as Kawasaki KRB750. I was told the power is very close to the Stihl BR600, not as strong as the super big one. It is a little lighter than Stihl BR600, only about $420 or so. It is the quietest big blower bar none. It is easy to start, not much warmup needed.

You need supper power, look at Shindaiwa EB802 or Redmax etc. But you want a good blower that gets the job done, this is a good one.

 

More info would be helpful. Are you commercial, homeowner? What is your main use for one?

There are a ton of good blowers on the market. I'm not brand loyal, so I won't pump one over another. I run both a Stihl BR600M and a Husky 570 BTS. Both are great blowers and close in performance, with a slight edge going to the Husky 570 (which is the same blower as the RedMax 7500).
I've run the Echo 770, and Red Max 8500. They are all close in performance in the real world. The 8500/Husky 580 have the edge in CFM's, but some of the others have higher MPH which kind of offsets the CFM advantage of those two to some degree.

Having a good dealer who you can trust if you need service is about as important as which blower you buy.

Thanks! What I have close to me is a Scag dealer, Exmark, and Home Depot and Lowes. I have 17 regular customers so far for regular lawn maintenance which consists of mowing, weed-eating, edging, and blowing grass clippings except for a couple that are paying extra for bagging. All are residential and smaller lawns. Still have some marketing to do, so hoping for to have a lot more in the coming weeks, but no way to predict what I'll end up with. This is my first year and just starting up. Is a backpack blower something that is OK to be bought used or something that needs to be bought new? How long can I expect one to last and what price range can I expect to pay for a professional one either used or new?

 

Also the Maruyama BL8100 which is the same as Kawasaki KRB750. I was told the power is very close to the Stihl BR600, not as strong as the super big one. It is a little lighter than Stihl BR600, only about $420 or so. It is the quietest big blower bar none. It is easy to start, not much warmup needed.

You need supper power, look at Shindaiwa EB802 or Redmax etc. But you want a good blower that gets the job done, this is a good one.

Ouch, that's pricey. I don't think I need super power. Just starting up, so don't have to have the very best, but do want something that will last me a while. How much does the Stihl run? Thanks for the info.

 

Sounds like a decent handheld would be fine for now. I bought a reconditioned Echo at Home Depot for $150. It's just a backup for us and it works just fine.
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Ouch, that's pricey. I don't think I need super power. Just starting up, so don't have to have the very best, but do want something that will last me a while. How much does the Stihl run? Thanks for the info.

I think it's going to be like a $100 more. That's what I like about Maruyama or Kawasaki. They are like a good $100 less and they belong to the big blower category.

Remember, this is a true 2 cycle, nothing complicated. In this case, less is more.

From what I read so far, all the super blowers have their own little problems. If you want the baddest, get the Shindaiwa EB802, this is the only.....I repeat......the only one that has perfect record in the last 4 years. Don't get suck into the power war where you look for the last little bit. Reliability is the most important.

 

BR600!! You mean there are others to consider.

 

The 802 is a great blower, but it is just as pricey as any other top blower.

For your needs, the Husky 350 sold at Lowe's wuld be awfully hard to beat. Plenty of power, and reliable. They run about $299 IIRC.

You can keep your eye on CL too. I have two Stihl BP's that I bpught used off CL. My Stihl BR320 ws 16 years old when I bought it, and it still runs like a top. It still looks good too. I bought my BR600M from an LCO who was getting out of the business. It was only about 4 months old when I bought it. I saw his receipt, and I happened to know the salesman where he bought it, and I checked the guy's story with him. It cost me $225. There are deals are out there. I have seen several Stihl BR550's since then for about the exact same price, and in as good a condition as my 600, which looked like brand new, and still does. I take extremely good care of my stuff.

 

BR600!! You mean there are others to consider.

Yes, there are others. LOL

Like I said, I like my Husky 570 better than my 600, and it has more cohones to boot.

 

I have used j.d. backpack blowers and the stihl br600 magnum. John Deere no longer makes small equipment anyway, which is fine because they didnt last too long. The stihl br600 is lightweight and has lots of power.

 

Thanks! What I have close to me is a Scag dealer, Exmark, and Home Depot and Lowes. I have 17 regular customers so far for regular lawn maintenance which consists of mowing, weed-eating, edging, and blowing grass clippings except for a couple that are paying extra for bagging. All are residential and smaller lawns. Still have some marketing to do, so hoping for to have a lot more in the coming weeks, but no way to predict what I'll end up with. This is my first year and just starting up. Is a backpack blower something that is OK to be bought used or something that needs to be bought new? How long can I expect one to last and what price range can I expect to pay for a professional one either used or new?

Amazing, I was in your shoes a few years ago. I ended up using a handheld for about 2 years. I then spent $500 on a big Husqvarna backpack. Aside from my zero turn, it was the best investment I had made. Last fall I had a ton of leaf jobs and the Husky got too heavy so I sold it and bought a Shindaiwa EB 802 for the same price -500. It is a lot of money up front, but if you are planning on expanding like you talk, you need to go ahead and spend the money and get a good one that will last.

Yes the BR600 Mag wins the prize for the lightest one, but for a few more pounds you can get a noticeable difference in power with the EB802. Just search on here and find threads where people have used both and make your own decision, its what I did.

 

The 802 is a great blower, but it is just as pricey as any other top blower.

For your needs, the Husky 350 sold at Lowe's wuld be awfully hard to beat. Plenty of power, and reliable. They run about $299 IIRC.

You can keep your eye on CL too. I have two Stihl BP's that I bpught used off CL. My Stihl BR320 ws 16 years old when I bought it, and it still runs like a top. It still looks good too. I bought my BR600M from an LCO who was getting out of the business. It was only about 4 months old when I bought it. I saw his receipt, and I happened to know the salesman where he bought it, and I checked the guy's story with him. It cost me $225. There are deals are out there. I have seen several Stihl BR550's since then for about the exact same price, and in as good a condition as my 600, which looked like brand new, and still does. I take extremely good care of my stuff.

I just checked on craigslist- saw a Husqvarna backpack model I am going to call on, but it didn't have the model or any other info- I'm going to call on it just in case. It was listed for $200, though. Is that high for used if it's a 150 or 350? I didn't see anything else on CL. I checked on the Husqvarna 350 at Lowes. What is the difference between the 350BT and the 350BF?

 

Amazing Lawns,
We are in the same area, in fact I think I've seen your flyers on vacant houses in the same neighborhoods where I was passing out flyers. Right off Houston levee and Macon, I'm assuming thats you.

A couple thoughts, if you are planning to do leaves at all, get the strongest blower you can buy if it makes sense for you financially right now. If not, a handheld works fine. We have two RedMax 8500 and a stihl handheld, more often than not we grab the handheld for Cordova yards in grass season because it's lighter and less of an ordeal to get on and off the rack and start. Helps us save our energy!

Our first blower was also a reconditioned handheld from Home Depot, worked awesome until it was stolen, under $150. Also bought our first weedeater from HomeDepot reconditioned as well, both worked well for the first couple years.

One thing that I will tell you, stihl is a great brand, but all the 2 stihl dealers in our area take FOREVER to fix things, I'm talking 4-6 weeks in season. I have used every dealer in Memphis to see how long they take and how I am treated. Kalb and Gambrell have been the best, the most knowledgable mechanics and quickest repairs. Personally now I only by from Gambrell, the reason being they knew me by name when only had 25 yards and know all all my equipment. It is worth every penny extra you spend to buy new from a place like that, that will get you up and running quickly when your stuff breaks down. Lowes, Home Depot, and Craigslist will not have your back in July when your busy and your stuff breaks!

 

I've used the stihl br400 all 6 years I've been in business. starts up on the first pull.

mostly use it for sidewalk and driveways but in the fall I clean out mulch beds.

 

Amazing Lawns,
We are in the same area, in fact I think I've seen your flyers on vacant houses in the same neighborhoods where I was passing out flyers. Right off Houston levee and Macon, I'm assuming thats you.

A couple thoughts, if you are planning to do leaves at all, get the strongest blower you can buy if it makes sense for you financially right now. If not, a handheld works fine. We have two RedMax 8500 and a stihl handheld, more often than not we grab the handheld for Cordova yards in grass season because it's lighter and less of an ordeal to get on and off the rack and start. Helps us save our energy!

Our first blower was also a reconditioned handheld from Home Depot, worked awesome until it was stolen, under $150. Also bought our first weedeater from HomeDepot reconditioned as well, both worked well for the first couple years.

One thing that I will tell you, stihl is a great brand, but all the 2 stihl dealers in our area take FOREVER to fix things, I'm talking 4-6 weeks in season. I have used every dealer in Memphis to see how long they take and how I am treated. Kalb and Gambrell have been the best, the most knowledgable mechanics and quickest repairs. Personally now I only by from Gambrell, the reason being they knew me by name when only had 25 yards and know all all my equipment. It is worth every penny extra you spend to buy new from a place like that, that will get you up and running quickly when your stuff breaks down. Lowes, Home Depot, and Craigslist will not have your back in July when your busy and your stuff breaks!

I don't think I have checked Gambrell out yet. I went with scag for my v-ride (Mid-South Small Engines), but am back and forth on the blower. I decided to go new with the blower to be on the safe side, so I'll definitely check Gambrell out. Thanks for the info!

 

I just checked on craigslist- saw a Husqvarna backpack model I am going to call on, but it didn't have the model or any other info- I'm going to call on it just in case. It was listed for $200, though. Is that high for used if it's a 150 or 350? I didn't see anything else on CL. I checked on the Husqvarna 350 at Lowes. What is the difference between the 350BT and the 350BF?

The difference is in the location of the throttle. T= tube mounted throttle (which I prefer by a wide margin), and F = frame mounted throttle, which is the same thing as hip mounted.

Buying new is always best IMO, but don't let anyone scare you out of buying of CL. I have had excellent luck doing just that. Like I said, I saved about 60% off the price of a new BR600, and the one I bought was only 4 months old. No dealer that I deal with would put me at the back of the line just because I didn't buy it from them. I have bought enough equipment at several different places now, to get fair treatment wherever I go.

 

I love my Shindaiwa EB 802...I'm sure there are others that compare to it (not many, though), I personally don't want ANYTHING Stihl...ever. If that 802 can't handle it, you know it time to get either: 1-a Little Wonder 13HP Wheel Blower (love that too!), or 2-a rake (you won't EVER see me raking...if I had to rake, I won't take the job, period. My time and energy is worth WAY MORE than I'd be able to get paid). Just like my opinion on that Husq PZ-6034, there is no substitute for displacement. If that 802 doesn't move it, it's some thick, heavy, wet stuff. Like I said....don't get caught "wishin'. You get what you pay for, and spending a little more to get the proper equipment to EFFICIENTLY do the job will pay for itself in the end. Just my opinion. Good luck.... (did I say I HATE rakes *smile*)
--David Innis

 

keep in mind this thread is filled with opinions and a few appear to be trying to pass those opinions on as facts.

sorry had to point that out. it's a pet peeve of mine.

best anything is always a matter of opinion......

 

I started with a handheld and had no problem using it for residential property. But time is money in this business for the most part. I invested in the Shindy 802 and am glad i did. Yes its pricey, but as said, you get what you pay for. Instead of spending 20 minutes per yard to blow, with a more powerful unit, you can cut that in half. That 10 minutes per yard, times 7 yards is 70 minutes, which might give you time to take on another yard during the day.

just my thoughts.

 

I am Stihl for everything but bp blower. I bought echo PT 770. Yes it is expensive. I was using handhelds blowers before. The 770 is the best investment you can make. It makes cleaning out flower beds easy as pie. Has more than paid for itself on an almost daily basis. I think the Stihl Br600 is good, but it seemed to hesitate on acceleration.

 

OK you said the BEST backpack blower. What you mean by best is what is up for debate. Best what? Best weight, best price, best warranty, best frame, best power? There are many backpacks as well as smaller handhelds that will blow grass.
I would say to not make price your deciding factor. You are in business and if you buy a quality machine that meets to exceeds your requirement then you are spending money correctly. I dont know if you do spring cleans or fall leaves but I will guarantee that if you don't have the CFM you need at the end of that tube, you will be working harder and longer. The blower is a money making piece of equipment.
If you are just blowing off your customers driveway and sidewalk and you don't need big cfm then a handheld or a homeowner backpack will do. You may want to be careful with used stuff. Just my opinion but sometimes used stuff is just that, used. It stinks to pay and then have to buy it again because it breaks. If you know the source and trust them, its a different story but I would shy away from CL with these things. Good Luck in your choice.

 

I think best is ALWAYS a matter of opinion with any piece of equipment.

what I think is best isn't necessarily what joe thinks is best.

my vote is stihl for all hand helds. I don't really think there is a brand that is superior. they all have there strong points and they all have there weak points.

 

I have the Echo PB770, the Stihl BR600, and the Redmax 8500. They each have their strengths and weaknesses but I'd say, based on my experience, that the Echo PB770 is the best out of the three. The Redmax has a bit more power but not significantly higher than the Echo. The Stihl is the lightest and best on fuel. It's great for everyday stuff but a tad weak for leaves/cleanups etc. The Echo seems the best compromise between the 3. Good power, fits great, not too heavy, and decent on fuel.

 

sorry gotta laugh when someone tries to say the stihl br600 is a little weak for leaves. that's a first for me. I can't think of a single LCO around here except me who doesn't own and use the stihl br600 blower. I own the br400.

we have plenty of access to redmax and echo as well.

all you see on most LCO rigs are br600 blowers. especially during the fall for leaves.

 

I would recommend the TANAKA 7800 blower. It has a very light weight to it and blows with the same high volume as the other top of the line blowers.

If you are looking for a blower that won't hurt your back go and BUY TANAKA.

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