New blower

[Four Paws]

I need a new blower. I have been getting by with an old craftsman handheld. I had a starter malfunction/failure last time I used it.

I am leaning toward a Shindaiwa 802 because that is my brand and it is a true 2 stroke.

I am willing to listen to any input you all are kind enough to give concerning models I should consider or stay away from.

I have a few acres, mostly conifers, and really would only use it for:

1) blowing grass clippings off my walk and driveway.
2) blowing gravel and cinders off my driveway in spring.
3) blowing pinecones off my driveway
4) blowing leaves from my few deciduous trees in the fall.

If this needs to be in "mowers and more" forum, moderators please move it.

 

[dolmarkid]

I have a redmax Ebz 8500 that is a true beast it moves piles of leaves and debris

 

[bryanr2]

580bts. end of thread.

 

[PissRev]

580bts. end of thread.

I love mine and wouldn't trade it for any other blower.

 

[04ultra]

EBZ8500

 

[Barneyrb]

Anything but $tihl 4mix

 

[Genius]

I agree with Randy, anything but a 4mix.

I worked on a BR600 a few weeks back, it was pathetic compared to the Echo's that I have used in the past.

 

[Stihlbro]

If you have been using a handheld, I'm certain you will find a back pack better. Going for the larger blowers, keep in mind the weight. I used to use my br320(50+cc) which was right hand operated. Carried my handheld bg85 in my left hand and ran both like a samurai with two swords. I eventually purchased a redmax 8001(79cc) and could out perform both stihls. Thought I was doing something...........
Later to realize the redmax was close to 25lbs(est.) and when running wide open I would have to take my left arm and put behind me to hold the blower centered to my back. And I was having to lean slightly forward walking.
With saying this I have came to realize that my br320 was sufficient, reliable, easy to carry and handle. So for me a blower in between the two I mentioned would be my preference. As I can only comment of my first hand experience, I hope this helps.

Before I'm done, I don't know if there is a perfect blower for all occasions. So a person should buy several and use where needed. WE DO JUST THAT WITH CHAINSAWS! Laugh out loud.


Joey

 

[KenJax Tree]

A 580T/8500 is way more blower than most people need

Kind of like buying a Ferrari just to go grocery shopping.

 

[sawmikaze]

I bought a new BR450 about 2 months ago..its a good tool.

 

[sawmikaze]

580bts. end of thread.

Same as the redmax

 

[Onan18]

RedMax EBZ7500/8500 or a Husqvarna 570/580, all excellent machines.

Joe

 

[bryanr2]

Same as the redmax

I know. I haven't gotten to try one yet. Still use a 16year old Stihl Br400 that I bought new. That sucker survived being on fire. New fuel lines and it was good to go. But from everything I've read- it's the way to go.

 

[bryanr2]

Let's throw another variable into this thread. Yesterday, I had my br400 on for a large portion of the afternoon cleaning up over at Mom and Dads. It moved a lot of debris. Then I got down under the porches to clear them out. The lowest one is about 4' in the high corner and gradually increases to 5-5.5'. At 6'6'' it sucked squatting the entire time I was under there with a backpack on that kept bumping the porch joist. Made me think that a handheld might come in handy for that application and even gutters.

That said, who makes the best/ most powerful handheld blower?

 

[Al Smith]

I've got a BR 400 myself .It will move anything,pine cones ,leaves , snow .Works real good blowing the chit out of my truck .Open the doors and turn it loose .

I also have a BG 85 I salvaged after a couple dunder heads backed a bucket truck over it .For it's size it does real well .With the gutter attachment it does exceptional .Or course you get leaves all over yourself .Best 35 bucks I ever spent .

 

[KenJax Tree]

Let's throw another variable into this thread. Yesterday, I had my br400 on for a large portion of the afternoon cleaning up over at Mom and Dads. It moved a lot of debris. Then I got down under the porches to clear them out. The lowest one is about 4' in the high corner and gradually increases to 5-5.5'. At 6'6'' it sucked squatting the entire time I was under there with a backpack on that kept bumping the porch joist. Made me think that a handheld might come in handy for that application and even gutters.

That said, who makes the best/ most powerful handheld blower?

We use the BG86 at work and they work great in tight spots. Excellent antivibe and the new ones have the HD2 filter.

The gutter kits are nice too.

I've heard the new Husky 525BX was pretty nice too but never used one.

 

[PissRev]

Let's throw another variable into this thread. Yesterday, I had my br400 on for a large portion of the afternoon cleaning up over at Mom and Dads. It moved a lot of debris. Then I got down under the porches to clear them out. The lowest one is about 4' in the high corner and gradually increases to 5-5.5'. At 6'6'' it sucked squatting the entire time I was under there with a backpack on that kept bumping the porch joist. Made me think that a handheld might come in handy for that application and even gutters.

That said, who makes the best/ most powerful handheld blower?

The Stihl BG86 and Husky 525BX both put out 459 CFM.

 

[sawmikaze]

Let's throw another variable into this thread. Yesterday, I had my br400 on for a large portion of the afternoon cleaning up over at Mom and Dads. It moved a lot of debris. Then I got down under the porches to clear them out. The lowest one is about 4' in the high corner and gradually increases to 5-5.5'. At 6'6'' it sucked squatting the entire time I was under there with a backpack on that kept bumping the porch joist. Made me think that a handheld might come in handy for that application and even gutters.

That said, who makes the best/ most powerful handheld blower?

I clean almost all the gutters in my neighborhood with a BG 86 , that gutter kit for it is garbage..i was gonna sell my handheld after i got my 450 and im glad i didnt , it has its place.

 

[Stihlbro]

I just looked at the specs on the shindawa 802. Looks to be a very strong blower. It's not good to blow over flower pots, welcome mats to the roof, but it is nice to save steps when you can clear grass clippings off a drive way 30 feet away.

@Fourpaws , swing by my house and I'll let you try out my Redmax.

 

[Boo Boudreaux]

I agree with Onan a good Husqvarna mid size for 175 bucks will last a long time. I know I have 2
of them