leaf blower

[Polarisrider]

my leaf blower finally quit. for now i will run the mower down the driveway to blow clippings away but need suggestions on what type of blower to buy. i was looking at a husquvarna one at lowes. not to intrested in the backpack blowers what do you guys think i should buy?:feedback

[AL Inc]

I like the new Echo blowers, models 750/751/755 (they change model #'s all the time). I ran RedMax blowers for 3-4 years and just had terrible luck with them. The Echos have been very durable and are comfortable to use. No problem getting parts, either.

[nick13]

I like the new Echo blowers, models 750/751/755 (they change model #'s all the time). I ran RedMax blowers for 3-4 years and just had terrible luck with them. The Echos have been very durable and are comfortable to use. No problem getting parts, either.
yea i also like them i would sugest these to

[MCV]

I used Echo backpacks exclusively. Over time the idle set screws had to be adjusted, fuel system had to be kept clean and flex tubes would eventually deteriorate, but nothing outside of the norm. Good machines.

Why don't you want a backpack?

[Polarisrider]

guess i don't want a backpack because i am cheap on another note i have an echo weedwacker it is a very good machine i will take a look at their blowers

[Chuck Smith]

For fall cleanups I am wearing a backpack and pushing a wheel blower at the same time! Would be a PIA without both. If I had to pick just one it would be a back pack. I had an Echo PB400E for years, my brother still uses it. I have a Stihl now, 400 something model. No where near the power of the Echo though, but lighter and quieter. It's over 10 years old, and the Echo my brother uses is over 15 years old. Red Max was a fad I think. At one point, everyone was switching to them around here, but now I see few. A local small engine shop had a whole pallet of them up for auction on eBay a month or so ago, all in need of repair :eek:

~Chuck

[AL Inc]

I know what you mean about the Redmax, Chuck...my last Redmax died this past fall, I had cannibalized 3 or 4 others to keep the last one going, I now have a graveyard of Redmax junk. I definitely believe that your old PB400E is still going, what a great blower. I just got the 2008 Echo catalog, would you believe they still make the 400E? I would have to say that has been around for close to 30 years.

[Landgreen]

I think I'm done with Redmax too. They all run but hard to start and don't turn the rpms like they used to.

In the fall, I'll be purchasing a Shindaiwa 4 stroke. I hear good things about them especially the power.

[Pelican]

So are you talking about a hand held blower? I can't imagine running my business with one of them. You'll more than make up the extra cost in time savings with a back pack. I've gotten to the point of using a walk behind blower for driveways just because of the amount of time I save over a backpack.

If you cut your cleanup time in half, how long would it take to make up the cost difference?

As for brands, I've used both Stihl and Red Maxx. The Red Maxx is more powerful, but uses a lot more fuel, while the Stihl gets real finicky about starting with age. These are both backpacks. I may try the Stihl 4 stroke, I'm real pleased with the 4 stroke trimmer I have from them.

[heyhay]

I use a Sthil ,bought used and it still runs great I bought it this summer and planed to use it for snow too, some you can and some you can'nt still better than shoveling

[Prosno]

Fradan 16 hp twin cylinder walkbehind, just ask Jay how this monster move debri's:D

[GMC Driver]

We use the Stihl 4-Mix backpacks - no complaints about them. They perform well, reasonable on fuel, aren't terribly loud. I'm not the end user, but if they were crap, I know I'd certainly hear about it!

[jbutch83]

We use the Stihl 4-Mix backpacks - no complaints about them. They perform well, reasonable on fuel, aren't terribly loud. I'm not the end user, but if they were crap, I know I'd certainly hear about it!

Same here, I bought a Stihl 550 last year. Works pretty good, does not tire you out like the old style ones that they made, I also have a 340. I have had that one for 7 years, the only thing that has been replaced is the pull cord, and a gas hose. Not bad for 7 years of use, and it still starts just fine.

[JMac]

Ill stand up for Redmax - I have 3 7001's and love each one. The newest one is 4 years old and runs as well as the day I purchased it. They get a ton of hours and keep and going.

[stargazer]

I like backpack blowers, you couldn't give me a handheld. Husqvaqrna is the best I've tried, but sthil is always a good brand.

What I'd really like is a 3 point hitch blower for my 70 hp tractor. Save the backpack for blowing roofs.

[Prosno]

I like backpack blowers, you couldn't give me a handheld. Husqvaqrna is the best I've tried, but sthil is always a good brand.

What I'd really like is a 3 point hitch blower for my 70 hp tractor. Save the backpack for blowing roofs.

Now thats what I'm talking about!!!!

[stargazer]

Whoops, just searched and found this thread. I didn't remember the Red Max comments. I thought husqvarna was now connected with Red Max and was using their designs, and I like huskys, so I took that as an endorsement.

I just bought a Red Max 8001. Hope it lasts OK. I was tempted by the Echo 755? or whatever model is the biggest. I wanted the most powerful backpack blower I could get.

I found a dealer with both and tried them on. The Red Max was definitely more comfortable, and noticeably lighter, although specs seemed to show only about a pound of difference. Perhaps it is better balanced, definitely it has more of a lumbar support pad that keeps it more upright so it doesn't pull back on your shoulders as much. Power was similar, but the Red Max has larger diameter blower housing and tube. I like as much air as possible. Also, the larger diameter tube (over 3 inches) tapers slightly at the nozzle to 3 inches which gives a perfect friction fit to a 3 inch black polyethylene pipe, so I made my own custom nozzle extension which did not fall off through several (big) gas tanks full. This is great because I like to dig and scrape with the nozzle and wear them out quickly scraping moss off roofs. I used a thick walled high pressure pipe scrap, very tough tip.

The big ones are a bit of a tank to wear, but the job goes so fast it's much more than worth it. Most of the job is getting ready, gearing up, driving there, etc. Once there, a bit more weight is not too noticeable, but the speed of the job is very apparent. More than speed, I was lifting stuff from many years previous, and cleaning rock walls and foundations etc. perfectly. I was able to blow all the matted pine needles off a large property quickly. And when the leaf pile hit the woods, I could blow them way back into the woods and spread them out, so I didn't have to pick them up. :grinz

And I like that it says "Komatsu" on it, like it's heavy equipment. So far, the best I've ever used, if it lasts I'll be happy. Fortunately, the dealer has a repair shop right there, but who wants the bother, should just work. Hope it's not Chinese junk.

[Earthscapes]

I have a Redmax 7000 backpack that I bought back in 2001, still runs like new. We have 2 Kawasaki's an old 450 and a yr old 750. The RedMax out blows both of them. I would of bought all Redmax but there are no dealers around here and I couldn't wait.......
Also have 2 Little Wonder 8HP walk behinds and a Peco bagger mounted on the ZTR.

I just billed leaf removal for Oct., 158hrs for 9 properties and most of the trees haven't even turned yet :eek:

[Powersmoke]

I have a RedMax EB7001 backpack blower. I'm not a commercial landscaper, so I can't say that I work it as hard as they do. It is a couple years old, but runs and starts like brand new. Has a lot more power than I expected when I bought it.

So, add me to the list of happy RedMax owners.

[motormouse]

Clean fuel and fuel over 87 octane is needed. Redmax had some issues a few years ago wuth mufflers and air filters but haven't had any in years. Husky did buy Redmax and is starting to use some of their designs. Everyone comes in my shop and complains about every model and name brand. Echo has bought Shindaiwa. Stihl is WAY overrated. The oold Echo' are a different breed and revved way more than anything new. Most of the old Echo's are actually illegal in some states due to the noise. I sell a TON of Redmax with very little issues. Good mix is also important. Good luck on your purchase.

[stargazer]

Thanks for all the positive feedback. It sure moves the air, that's what it's all about. The air filter is one of the things I liked most, it is huge. Thanks for the fuel tips.

Even when I use a "BillyGoat" push model I want more power, so the fact that I'm impressed with my new Red Max means quite a bit. Easier to load in the truck than the BillyGoat....................and lots better on roofs! :grinz

[Landgreen]

Fuel is extremely important. We get our premium from Shell. 8oz of Amsoil per 5 gal. Shake well.

All our redmax's lost compression this spring. Had to junk them. Either bad fuel or somebody messed up the mix. Don't know but I am the only one that mixes from now on. Overall we had reliability issues with Redmax 8000's. Our 7000 is a runner though. Good motor in that one.

We went with Stihl BR600's. So far so good. Almost no buildup on the plugs Much lighter than the Redmax's. Slightly less power though.

[JMac]

We went with Stihl BR600's. So far so good. Almost no buildup on the plugs Much lighter than the Redmax's. Slightly less power though.

I replaced a Redmax 7001 late this summer with a Stihl BR600. I have to say, I think the Stihl is superior in both fuel consumption and operator comfort.

[wmhlc]

Always used echo. Good luck so far. IF you wanted to use less fuel take the throttle lock off and throw that away. We noticed a huge fuel savings after the locks where removed. The guys run them full throttle and never let off with the locks, now that they removed we use alot less fuel. Almost 2 gallons a day.

[stargazer]

Always used echo. Good luck so far. IF you wanted to use less fuel take the throttle lock off and throw that away. We noticed a huge fuel savings after the locks where removed. The guys run them full throttle and never let off with the locks, now that they removed we use alot less fuel. Almost 2 gallons a day.

Interesting. I wanted some way to lock the throttle, don't like a cramp from holding down a trigger for 8 hours. I do make an effort to lower the throttle if not actually moving material, for example if I back up for another go.

I'd like to use less fuel, $6 dollars a day though, think I'd be more worried about tendinitis at $10,000 or whatever.

I think I may add to the length of the cross handle. A foot long would be more ergonomic.

I'd heard the 7000 was more proven than the 8000, but took my chances. Nothing beats more air. There was a 7000 there on special, $439 or $429 or something like that. I couldn't resist the larger diameter of the housing and tube. I like big bore. Just have to hope for the best, and rush it to my dealers if things go wrong. If I really needed it I'd have backup.

Just put my backup on craig's list. :wink

[Ron's Asphalt]

I have been using the Stihl 4-mix backpacks for a few years now. I really like them. I started with the 550, then got the 600. Would definately recommend the 600. I will be trying the big Kowi. next year. Echo is good also. Always buy the biggest one you can afford / justify. You'll be glad you did.

[Chuck Smith]

Clean fuel and fuel over 87 octane is needed.

One of the local small engine shops here also had a graduated cylinder, that would allow the alcohol to separate from the gasoline, and when i was there he was explaining how important it is to use fuels with less alcohol. Take it for what it is worth, Hess and LUK Oil had the most alcohol. At least Hess has signs on the pumps saying it contains alcohol...

~Chuck

[motormouse]

All fuel in NJ has ethanol/alcohol. The reason for premium or super grade fuel is the better quality and octane. All 2 cycle equipment is very high compression. I think the ethanol content is 10% in our fuel now and from what i understand they will be increasing it 5% more. The Redmax 8050/8001 DRINKS fuel for sure. The 7050 is def my most popular blower. I have been an Echo dealer forever and Echo is still a decent unit. the old Echo stuff was almost too good as it NEVER broke. (lol)Most peopl like to run their mix with a little more oil. What you need to understand is the fuel cools a 2cycle and the oil lubricates. Too much oil mix is not good either. I have had numerous homeowner 2 cycles that have been run on old fuel. The fuel will actually varnish nthe rings to piston thus giving you no compression. I always tell peopl that if a piece of equipment works for you and you like it kep on buying it. If any one manufacturer was so GREAT then everyone would be buying that and nothing else. We may never use our leaf blowers this year in NJ if the rain doesnt stop!!!!