So after 13 years +/- my Troy-Bilt backpack leaf blower no longer runs reliably and isn't worth fixing so I'm in the market for a new leaf blower, I've narrowed it down to the Husqvarna 150BT which gets pretty good reviews but it's maintenance intensive and fuel sensitive from what I've read. It is more powerful than my Troy-Bilt which is important because I want more leaf blowing power not less and the price is right on sale at Lowes for $299.

I'm also looking at an Echo PB755ST which is more powerful than the Husky but also more expensive by at least 100 bucks on sale at the local lawn equipment store. I really don't need the extra power but it's nice to have extra power and not need it than need it than not have it.

So trying to see if anyone has experience with these Echo or Husky and these two specific models since these are the models I've narrowed my search down too.

I'm looking for longevity since I don't want to have to buy another leaf blower anytime soon.

I'd go electric at this point.

Plus one for electric. How large of an area do you need to care for?

I bought the biggest one Husqvarna made, didn't want any regerts, I have none. Have had it for about three years. They were US made at the time, not sure if they still are

https://www.husqvarna.com/us/leaf-blowers/570bts/

I have an Echo trimmer and an Echo power broom. Both were recommended by a full-time landscaper with a 7 figure business.

I have no regrets on either one.

However if Husky's lawn gear is as good as their saws, you shouldn't have any regrets for going that way and saving a few bucks.

They made gas leaf blowers illegal Memorial Day to Labor Day in my town.

I would go electric at this point.

I had a Husk, it was a POS starting it.

I’ve had my Echo backpack blower since 2019. It runs as good as day 1. I took it to Florida, even though I had a Dewalt battery powered down here when I was part time. I still use the Echo most of the time. It’s just way more powerful. All my gas equipment was Echo and never had an issue with any of it. String trimmer, and chainsaw both were awesome.

My son has a Husky. That thing is a beast and super powerful. He hasn't had any issue with it.

quote:

Originally posted by Aglifter:
Plus one for electric. How large of an area do you need to care for?

I have a large yard with four trees plus my neighbor across the street his leaves always blow in my yard. The electric backpacks I looked at are a bit more than I desire to pay at this time.

I love echo brand gas power equip.

I used to have a commercial grade Echo blower, but accidentally destroyed the cylinder with a bad mix.

I'm using a batter blower now, but those don't come close to two cycle gas blowers.

Echos are known for comparative simplicity, ease of starting, and long life.

Most of the commercial lawn companies in my area use Echo blowers almost exclusively, including the larger companies who mow, trim, and blow large indusutrial properties and byways.

quote:

Originally posted by sig2392:
They made gas leaf blowers illegal Memorial Day to Labor Day in my town.

I would go electric at this point.

Fortunately gas blowers are still legal in my area and I don't see that changing anytime soon plus I doubt any of my neighbors would snitch on me if the laws did change.

I have a Husky blower. Bought it 12 years ago and still running strong. If I was going to replace it, I would probably go electric.

Have a handheld Echo blower, every spring it just keeps working. Belonged to my father, he gave it to me years ago when he went electric (because he couldn't pull start anymore) He's been through a few electric blowers now and the Echo still keeps working.

(This lead me to buying an Echo CS-620 chainsaw last spring (over a Husky or another Stihl). Been happy with it.)

I bought a used Shindaiwa (now Echo) backpack from a lawn care business at least fifteen years ago. It's been an utter beast and a must have on our difficult property. I did have to replace the coil last year.

No small engine tool leads an easier life than a blower so a good one should last a lifetime. But yeah, as mentioned some places are banning gas powered stuff.

I have had a Husky for 13 years and never had any problems with it. Never even replaced the spark plug. Starts with 1-2 pulls even after the winter break. I would buy another.

At that price point you are looking at strong machines. Around me the lawncare crews use echo or red max. Redmax is a subsiiary of Husqvarna. So... I have a redmax ebz7500. It is a beast. Been using it 21 years now. Only some gas hoses and a carb for repairs. It is good for id say an acre or smaller. I also have a bigger 8560 whoch is good for a 2 acre property i maintain. It is heavier, and more expensive, but it is good for bigger properties

Overall performance leaves wet or dry and grass are no issue. Pine cones and nuts easy peasy. Pine needles are a pain..

I love Echo products, mine just keep going and going.

I bought a Stihl Backpack blower two years ago and it's been very dependable.

I also have a Husky chainsaw and it's also been dependable. Either one would be a good choice.

quote:

Originally posted by Bluecobra:
I have had a Husky for 13 years and never had any problems with it. Never even replaced the spark plug. Starts with 1-2 pulls even after the winter break. I would buy another.

My landscapers experience parallels this, his Husky looks as though it was dragged behind the truck the 11 years he owned it.
I would go with the closest service center for either brand.