Looking for a 2nd backpack blower

[gmcman]

This will be to compliment the BR600. My son loves to take the BR600 and clear out some leaves, having a 2nd hand is surely welcome.

I love the BR600 for it's break-out force but has lost it's edge to the more powerful competition.....still a competent blower. I was looking at the Echo PB 8010 and the BR800.....I really wish Stihl would stop messing around and release a blower with 1100+ CFM while keeping the air speed where it is...or more. I don't care if it's heavy, just want them to get ahead of the game.

The Echo is more powerful on paper, but many say the Stihl is far more comfortable.

Is the Echo worth the extra 160 ish CFM? Will be using it mainly for leaves and we get a lot. Stuck in around tree lines and bushes, so a walk-behind is out.

I would like to see Stihl come out with a BR900 with 240 MPH / 1200CFM...not sure if a newer model is in the works though.

So for those that have used the BR600.....should I go with the BR800 or PB8010?

I'm after the power, don't care about the price at the moment....if I have to cough up $500 then I will have to pay to play. I don't mind the extra $$ if it lasts..the BR600 is going strong after 12 years....knock on wood.

 

[Deleted member 149229]

I just bought an 8010 this year. It is a bit heavy but it has some serious power. After using it the first time I really didn’t notice the weight while running it, just putting on and off, the shoulder straps are well padded.

 

[gmcman]

Ok thanks. One thing about the BR600 is I can wear it for an hour or 2 and it doesn't bother me a bit.

I would much rather have the power than think that I'm a bit more comfortable but taking longer to complete the same job.

 

[Justin Taylor]

This will be to compliment the BR600. My son loves to take the BR600 and clear out some leaves, having a 2nd hand is surely welcome.

I love the BR600 for it's break-out force but has lost it's edge to the more powerful competition.....still a competent blower. I was looking at the Echo PB 8010 and the BR800.....I really wish Stihl would stop messing around and release a blower with 1100+ CFM while keeping the air speed where it is...or more. I don't care if it's heavy, just want them to get ahead of the game.

The Echo is more powerful on paper, but many say the Stihl is far more comfortable.

Is the Echo worth the extra 160 ish CFM? Will be using it mainly for leaves and we get a lot. Stuck in around tree lines and bushes, so a walk-behind is out.

I would like to see Stihl come out with a BR900 with 240 MPH / 1200CFM...not sure if a newer model is in the works though.

So for those that have used the BR600.....should I go with the BR800 or PB8010?

I'm after the power, don't care about the price at the moment....if I have to cough up $500 then I will have to pay to play. I don't mind the extra $$ if it lasts..the BR600 is going strong after 12 years....knock on wood.

Stihl probably won’t come out with a another blower for a bit so I would get the br 800

 

[gmcman]

Stihl probably won’t come out with a another blower for a bit so I would get the br 800

I agree it could be awhile, it's tough to drop $680 on a blower that's at least 3rd in line as far as performance.

Looking past the noise of the 8010, and the some known issues with the Husky blowers, I know the BR800 is a solid unit and would serve me well.

It's just the fact there has to be something brewing among the manufacturers that will change the playing field. Maybe a true 4-cycle engine with an oil sump, fuel injection...who knows. That's a lot of coin to drop for this amount of uncertainty...not saying it's not worth it, but a good part of me wants to wait till summer. However 49% of me says go get it...lol.

 

[Justin Taylor]

I agree it could be awhile, it's tough to drop $680 on a blower that's at least 3rd in line as far as performance.

Looking past the noise of the 8010, and the some known issues with the Husky blowers, I know the BR800 is a solid unit and would serve me well.

It's just the fact there has to be something brewing among the manufacturers that will change the playing field. Maybe a true 4-cycle engine with an oil sump, fuel injection...who knows. That's a lot of coin to drop for this amount of uncertainty...not saying it's not worth it, but a good part of me wants to wait till summer. However 49% of me says go get it...lol.

Well if you don’t use it in the winter why buy it now?

 

[landfakers]

I know it’s not in your option list but I’ve been blown away by the redmax 8500 and 8550 blowers. They are heavier but I wear them 8+ hours a day sometimes and it doesn’t bother me much. They have been reliable and the 8500 has survived being straight gassed, although I don’t fully trust it now. I havnt tried the echo 8010 but I like the redmax over the Br800 and Br700’s I’ve also ran

 

[Justin Taylor]

I know it’s not in your option list but I’ve been blown away by the redmax 8500 and 8550 blowers. They are heavier but I wear them 8+ hours a day sometimes and it doesn’t bother me much. They have been reliable and the 8500 has survived being straight gassed, although I don’t fully trust it now. I havnt tried the echo 8010 but I like the redmax over the Br800 and Br700’s I’ve also ran

Iv ran echo and Stihl and the only reason why I go back to my 600 every time is because of comfort and noise, May not be the most powerful but I can’t tell that I just used it for 10 hours compared to echo.

 

[gmcman]

Well if you don’t use it in the winter why buy it now?

Fall cleanup is about 1/3 through its cycle here. Trees are still turning and we have done a good bit of cleanup. We have a Trac-Vac 880 and I will pack that thing full at least 15 more times...gotta love the woods.

I know it’s not in your option list but I’ve been blown away by the redmax 8500 and 8550 blowers. They are heavier but I wear them 8+ hours a day sometimes and it doesn’t bother me much. They have been reliable and the 8500 has survived being straight gassed, although I don’t fully trust it now. I havnt tried the echo 8010 but I like the redmax over the Br800 and Br700’s I’ve also ran

I did look at the 8550 which shares most of its heritage to the Husky 580 Mark 2. I don't have any Redmax dealers near me so I would opt for the Husky if I went that route. That's what I was meaning by the BR800 being at least in 3rd place....for me it's about getting the job done quicker and easier but with all the ergonomics and sound level of what Stihl offers.

Iv ran echo and Stihl and the only reason why I go back to my 600 every time is because of comfort and noise, May not be the most powerful but I can’t tell that I just used it for 10 hours compared to echo.

I haven't run the Echo, but I agree, the BR600 is no slouch and I can wear it all day. There are many times I wish I had more power, at the time it was the strongest or right with the best....now the thought of 30% more air is very attractive.

Tough call, I want the 8010 in a BR800 wrapper...seems frivolous but not in the terms of getting the job done.

 

[Justin Taylor]

Fall cleanup is about 1/3 through its cycle here. Trees are still turning and we have done a good bit of cleanup. We have a Trac-Vac 880 and I will pack that thing full at least 15 more times...gotta love the woods.



I did look at the 8550 which shares most of its heritage to the Husky 580 Mark 2. I don't have any Redmax dealers near me so I would opt for the Husky if I went that route. That's what I was meaning by the BR800 being at least in 3rd place....for me it's about getting the job done quicker and easier but with all the ergonomics and sound level of what Stihl offers.



I haven't run the Echo, but I agree, the BR600 is no slouch and I can wear it all day. There are many times I wish I had more power, at the time it was the strongest or right with the best....now the thought of 30% more air is very attractive.

Tough call, I want the 8010 in a BR800 wrapper...seems frivolous but not in the terms of getting the job done.

If I were you I would go pull the trigger and use the 800 and the 600 at the same time 600 on the front and 800 in the back I do it all the time

 

[gmcman]

If I were you I would go pull the trigger and use the 800 and the 600 at the same time 600 on the front and 800 in the back I do it all the time

Coincidentally, I saw a video of someone doing that...but I'll pass..lol

I tried on the 8010 today, felt real comfortable, has the upgraded flexible portion, very easy to swing back and forth..may pull the trigger this weekend. Almost $100 cheaper than the BR800.

 

[Deleted member 149229]

Coincidentally, I saw a video of someone doing that...but I'll pass..lol

I tried on the 8010 today, felt real comfortable, has the upgraded flexible portion, very easy to swing back and forth..may pull the trigger this weekend. Almost $100 cheaper than the BR800.

I don’t regret buying mine and although a bit heavy it is comfortable.

 

[cus_deluxe]

Fall cleanup is about 1/3 through its cycle here. Trees are still turning and we have done a good bit of cleanup. We have a Trac-Vac 880 and I will pack that thing full at least 15 more times...gotta love the woods.



I did look at the 8550 which shares most of its heritage to the Husky 580 Mark 2. I don't have any Redmax dealers near me so I would opt for the Husky if I went that route. That's what I was meaning by the BR800 being at least in 3rd place....for me it's about getting the job done quicker and easier but with all the ergonomics and sound level of what Stihl offers.



I haven't run the Echo, but I agree, the BR600 is no slouch and I can wear it all day. There are many times I wish I had more power, at the time it was the strongest or right with the best....now the thought of 30% more air is very attractive.

Tough call, I want the 8010 in a BR800 wrapper...seems frivolous but not in the terms of getting the job done.

husky bought redmax. redmax was making badass strato blowers long before husky came into the picture. i have an 8500 and an 8550. the 8500 has probably 250 tanks of fuel through it? maybe more? for professional, heavy use, there just is nothing better IMO, though im sure the echo is in the neighborhood. stihl br blowers just arent for me, as said above, paying a premium for a blower with less power just because it says stihl on it makes no sense if getting the job done is the main motivator.

 

[gmcman]

To update this....I did end up with the 8010 last week, I agree it’s quite comfortable and the shoulder straps feel better than the Stihl. I was debating the BR800 for quite some time...as a disclaimer, I’m not trying to bash Stihl....just tired of waiting.

A few years ago I was hoping the BR700 would have the specs of the 800, and now something like the 800 would be where the 8010 is. I can’t imagine a fleet of 8010’s for a crew as the 550’s and 600’s are easier to wear all day, easier on the ears...even with good ear pro, as well as more fuel efficient. But, to get the piles of leaves moved...the 8010 will save some time.

I have been a fan of the styling of the BR600, I like there isn’t much to get snagged on when in and around trees and bushes. I was skeptical about the Echo with these concerns but after a few uses...I don’t see any issues as of yet. I like the fact the air filter is very easy to access...couldn’t be any easier. The primer bulb is a non-issue IMO, I actually prefer its location as I don’t worry about any punctures...but I’ve never had any issues in 12 years with the 600.

As soon as I used it the first time, I quickly forgot about my debate concerning the 800. I’m sure the 800 can hold it’s own, but I don’t want any less CFM from what the 8010 offers. After about 3 tanks of fuel, I went back to the 600 as I was out of the current spec oil for the 8010....but I couldn’t believe what I’ve been missing..that extra 400 CFM of the 8010 is a SUBSTANTIAL upgrade, no comparison.

Tube comparison.

Sorry to get long-winded, but I honestly was waiting on Stihl to come out with a big upgrade to the 600, but it seems they are coming out with products to almost close the gap, not go beyond. Perhaps they will produce something more powerful than the 8010, but I have since moved on and glad I did. I still use the 600 but this was to compliment that blower...but I find myself going for the 8010 every time, the 600 is used more by my son now or if I have smaller cleanups. When it comes to getting the job done more effectively, spending more time with the kids, etc..I wasn’t going to keep waiting to see what Stihl might do. Anyone on the fence, the Echo is a quality machine. I’ve never had issues with Echo products, but the 8010 is well thought out, no complaints or regrets.

I want to speculate if Echo needs to go one step further, the engine in the 8010 seems like it has a lot of “gas in the tank” once it gets wound up. Doesn’t seem to struggle to get that fan up to speed.

The 8010 is a beast, been hearing that for months of watching reviews and I will not doubt that for a second. The nozzle does require a little more effort at full power to swing, but not that bad. It’s louder, but it takes some power to produce this volume of air. I use the Milwaukee 32db NRR foamies with over the ear muffs...works out pretty good.

 

[CatMan Fetters]

Echo 8010 without question!!