Actual handheld blower experience please

[KMB]

I’ve put off for 2 years getting a handheld blower (I don’t need a backpack blower for what I ‘need’ to use it for…and there’s the money thing also). Whenever I got around to thinking about getting one, something else needed paying or buying first. So with the first bunch of leaves falling, I’m again thinking about getting the blower. This year I plan on making good on my threat of actually buying one. I’ve did some research and narrowed it down to either the Stihl BG86 or Echo PB-251 (buying the flat nozzle separate for a few bucks…I’ve checked it out already…cheaper than paying for the PB-255 if I go Echo). Good ‘local’ dealers for both brands are a main reason why I’m choosing between these 2 brands. I know that mods can make other blowers better, but I’ll stick to these for now. There would be about $55.00 more to spend for the Stihl…I know not much to most of you here…but I could use it for other expenses for my family if I feel that the Echo would work for me. If the Stihl sounds that much better, than I’ll try and get it. I would like to buy once and be satisfied the first time.

I know the Stihl has the better specs as far as air volume numbers (and air speed), but I’d like to see if anybody here has ran BOTH of these blowers and to hear what they have to say about them in the way of comparison.

Kevin

 

[stihl sawing]

I've got a bg-85 and it blows really hard but it will wear you out after a while. For small jobs it's really nice but if you have something that's going to take all day you're arms and hands is gonna be tired. Now i may just be a big wus but i like the backpack blower.lol I actually think the round nozzle works better than the flat one.

 

[WildnCrazyGuy]

Kevin,

Agree with Stihl Sawing. The BG85 will wear you out for lengthy use. One thing to consider and I don't know about the Echo, I've got the SH-85 Stihl, Same as the BG85, just with the shredder option for bagging. Anyway, One thing to consider is the inlet of the Stihl is on the right side of the blower, so you will mostly be using your right hand and arm because of that. I think the Echo, check me because I don't know, the intake is on the left side. With that setup, you will likely use your left hand, arm more. I know this because I have an old BG72 Stihl and the older Stihl models intake was on the left and now the newer ones are on the right. Not a HUGE deal because you can use them both ways, but the side with the intake you'll want to keep away from your leg because it needs the air to move the leaves. You cover up the intake with you leg, clothing, etc. you cut off the air intake it needs. Just my 2 cents. So are you more comfortable using your right or left hand for blowing purposes is what I might ask.

 

[Chris Crouse]

My friend said his friend's Nipponbrowarr is a great blower. Wait, you were asking for first hand experience?

 

[KMB]

I've got a bg-85 and it blows really hard but it will wear you out after a while. For small jobs it's really nice but if you have something that's going to take all day you're arms and hands is gonna be tired. Now i may just be a big wus but i like the backpack blower.lol I actually think the round nozzle works better than the flat one.

I usually have one job in a couple of months to do the leaves for a lady that my wife cleans her house for...I'm guessing a couple of hours with a blower. After that, the blower would be used for some of the leaves around part of the yard and for grass trimmings and wherever else a blower would be useful around the yard. Something that my wife could fire up and use easily. And to get a good backpack blower is for sure out of 'budget'.

Kevin

 

[willsaw4beer]

I've got a bg-85 and it blows really hard but it will wear you out after a while.

:agree2:

I know my boss replaced an Echo handheld with the bg85 because it was lighter and more powerful, but don't know which model. I'd get the Stihl...

 

[BlacknTan]

I've got a bg-85 and it blows really hard but it will wear you out after a while. For small jobs it's really nice but if you have something that's going to take all day you're arms and hands is gonna be tired. Now i may just be a big wus but i like the backpack blower.lol I actually think the round nozzle works better than the flat one.

I've got the bg-85 also, and everything said here is true!

 

[KMB]

Kevin,

Agree with Stihl Sawing. The BG85 will wear you out for lengthy use. One thing to consider and I don't know about the Echo, I've got the SH-85 Stihl, Same as the BG85, just with the shredder option for bagging. Anyway, One thing to consider is the inlet of the Stihl is on the right side of the blower, so you will mostly be using your right hand and arm because of that. I think the Echo, check me because I don't know, the intake is on the left side. With that setup, you will likely use your left hand, arm more. I know this because I have an old BG72 Stihl and the older Stihl models intake was on the left and now the newer ones are on the right. Not a HUGE deal because you can use them both ways, but the side with the intake you'll want to keep away from your leg because it needs the air to move the leaves. You cover up the intake with you leg, clothing, etc. you cut off the air intake it needs. Just my 2 cents. So are you more comfortable using your right or left hand for blowing purposes is what I might ask.

Thanks for that...never considered the intake.

Kevin

 

[WildnCrazyGuy]

Kevin,

Also make sure if you get the Stihl, you do get the BG86. I know the difference between the older BG85 and the BG55 was the 85 has the cruise control. I assume the newer 86's are the same. Don't know for sure, but cruise control is very helpful. Don't know why they wouldn't put it on all their blowers. Has to be more cost effecient to make the same cast mouldings, parts, etc. I'm sure it's so they can sell it as a feature upgrade on the most expensive model...

 

[KMB]

I think the Echo, check me because I don't know, the intake is on the left side.

It is on the left, and I'm right handed...this might very well be the deciding factor.

Kevin

 

[Pablo26]

I have the bottom of the line BG55 and have been very happy with it. They seem like a good deal for what you get.

 

[nmurph]

the specs are higher on the 85 than on the 55 as well as having cruise control. the specs on the 86 are higher still. i have an 85 and it is nice. i am thinking of adding a BP just to be done faster.

 

[tjbier]

A wise man once told me " buy the best the first time and never look back"
I believe you want the Stihl, you just needed to be talked into it by us.LOL

 

[KMB]

A wise man once told me " buy the best the first time and never look back"
I believe you want the Stihl, you just needed to be talked into it by us.LOL

LOL. I do like Stihl equipment...but I'm not adverse to other brands. I have researched other brands such as Efco, Maruyama, and a Husky/Redmax blower have been considered. But for lots of reasons, the Echo and Stihl have come up on top...for me. The air intake thing has decided for me in my mind...unless someone who has used both blowers suggests difference.

Kevin

 

[2000ssm6]

I had a BG85 and sold it due to getting a backpack unit. I have used a BG86 since then and must say it is a better built machine(the 86 has a new intake design that fixes the 85's problems) and eaiser on the hands. If I need another hand held, the 86 will be my choice. Can't speak for the echo....

 

[16:1mix]

Now i may just be a big wus but i like the backpack blower.lol I actually think the round nozzle works better than the flat one.

Aww C'mon, we know the truth. There is something manly about wearing an internal combustion engine on your back!
<snicker>
:jawdrop:

I've got a Husky backpack blower but I can't tell you the model number of it right now. I got it as a close out at a substantial discount or I would not own it. Handiest thing I've used it for is getting the crap out of rain gutters.

 

[Bushranger1]

I have the bottom of the line BG55 and have been very happy with it. They seem like a good deal for what you get.

I have had an Stihl SH55 (same as BG55 but with vacuum bag option) for 6 years & its been great. The arms do get a bit tired when you use it for a while. Better than a broom though.

 

[alderman]

Gotta agree with the others about the handheld blowers wearing on you after a certain amount of constant use. Very handy for the small jobs.

Some small jobs where they work well are blowing off the riding mower after I wash out the mower deck, cleaning gutters, and helping to get a fire started in a wet pile of brush.

There are only a couple of jobs a year that require lengthy use and I always think about getting a backpack blower when I'm in the middle of them.
I'd try the handheld blower first and then decide if you need to get a backpack blower. Believe me, the handheld will be used enough to justify its existence anyway.

 

[Hddnis]

Echo made really good handheld units. Not sure about current models because our newest one is 15 years old now.

We switched to Stihl for small equipment when we switched dealers. The small Stihl blowers with the non-adjustable EPA carbs are hardly worth messing with. Out of seven they all quit running within about a year. We started buying the shredder vacuum models because they have adjustable carbs. Cut the tabs and they run for years.

Mostly I say get a backpack unit. So much easier for all but the smallest jobs.



Mr. HE

 

[KMB]

Gotta agree with the others about the handheld blowers wearing on you after a certain amount of constant use. Very handy for the small jobs.

Some small jobs where they work well are blowing off the riding mower after I wash out the mower deck, cleaning gutters, and helping to get a fire started in a wet pile of brush.

There are only a couple of jobs a year that require lengthy use and I always think about getting a backpack blower when I'm in the middle of them.
I'd try the handheld blower first and then decide if you need to get a backpack blower. Believe me, the handheld will be used enough to justify its existence anyway.

Another task to add to what I would use the blower for.

Yep, I'm sure there will be lots of uses that will 'appear' after I bring it home.

Kevin