Gas Blowers

[lizardman]

I am looking for a hand held blower to clean my driveway and garage. I dont generally like to go el-cheapo, but not top of the line either. Give me some good info on the models I have found.

Stihl-any of the 5+/- models
Echo-any of the 2 models
Husqvarna-any(3? models)

I would consider any of these as some of the better quality models to choose from, but also these others:

Craftsman
Off brand nome at Ace Hardware

All of the top models appear to have 140+ mph wind with 425+/- cfm, but I would imagine that all of these are $150+ machines.

The Craftsman model for $115 claims 200 mph and 430 cfm.

Is cheap the way to go? The machine will not see heavy duty use, but I dont want to plan on buying a new one for years.

Thank for the input.

Rod

 

[Baucom]

You might also consider a Redmax handheld blower if you have a dealer locally. I bought 1 2.5 yrs ago and use it regularly to blow off the deck, porch, driveway, mower, and to blow out my storage shed. I haven't had any trouble with it yet (knocks on wood) and paid $150 OTD from my local small engine dealer. I'd skip the Craftsman, Poulan, Troy Bilt, or other off brands if I was only saving ~$30-$40. OTOH, if you have a little time to shop, keep your eye open for deals at Sears. Dad picked up a Craftsman around Christmas ~5 yrs ago for $35, and he hasn't had any problems with it either.

 

[bp fick]

heh! The models you are talking about aren't the "el cheaps", THIS ONE IS AN EL CHEAPO. Check the specs stickered on this bad boy.

Seriously, this little guy blows out my shop and does other light tasks. I paid a whole $79 for it 4 years ago. Never had a moments trouble.

I guess, what I am perhaps suggesting is that unless you have a real need for a super, duper model, the lesser ones will likely work just fine.

 

[bp fick]

BTW, Husqvarna Corp markets under the following brands.

Brands

The brands in Forestry and Lawn and garden are Husqvarna, Jonsered, Gardena, Flymo, McCulloch, Partner, Poulan, Poulan Pro and WeedEater. The major brands in Construction are Husqvarna and Diamant Boart.

You can also include Craftsman in that list. FWIW

 

[nolefan]

I have an Echo blower, not sure what model, thats about 8 years old and still works great. I also bought a Stihl BG55 about a year ago that I am very happy with. I would highly recommend either brand. If you do basic maintenance, change plug and air filter as needed and correct oil/fuel mixture they should give you years of use. These brands are well worth the extra money they will cost you over the box store brands. Good luck.

Also the Stihl can be used as a vacuum with their kit.

 

[Bird]

Do you have a good air compressor? I've never owned one of the gas, or electric, blowers, but I have enough air hose to reach anywhere in or around my house, garage, shop, etc. and both 2' and 4' blow guns. It works for me and that's one less engine to maintain.

 

[zzvyb6]

I just recently bought a Stihl 55 (older model but brand new at the hardware store). I particularly wanted a blower with an inlet on its right hand side so it doesn't suck my pants into the inlet and cut off the air supply. Most I looked at were LHS air inlet. This one has more wind at 1/2 power than my Weedeater had at full power. I use mine for cleaning out all the hay equipment after each use (baler knotter area, sickle mower bar, tractor grille screen and radiator etc. as well as the driveway and patio leaves and cut grass. I spent more money but this one has already made me glad I went for it. Just having it start on the first pull makes my day. As ever, you find more uses for one when its hand, reliable and powerful. Cleans my barn out at walking speed: hay, spider webs, bird feathers. Makes me think about using it with a skate board down at the school parking lot....

 

[JohnDeereFan8899]

I have a 4 stroke makita. It has plenty of power, but its not the most quiet machine ever. I paid 100 for it, but i think there running about 150.00 now days. Stihl is also a very high quality machine. more expensive, but is built well and will last for years to come.

 

[Burntime]

I have the bg85 stihl. All I can say is WOW. It makes short work of chores! I have had good luck with thier saws so this is just an extension...

 

[oliver28472]

I have the bg 85 also and like it. You can set the throttle to whatever speed you want or use the trigger.