With autumn on the way, it is time our attention turns to one of the biggest gardening challenges of that season – fallen leaves. There is nothing more boring than raking up masses of leaves, but there are much easier ways to get rid of them. In this article we are going to look at some Stihl backpack leaf blower models, which are undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to deal with leaves! They are also the quickest way to clean up cut grass, so they have a few different uses around the garden.
Stihl offer quite a few different models for sale, and we are going to look at some of the more popular ones so you can decide for yourself if any will be ideal for you. To start with we are going to talk about which features you should consider, and then move onto some of the popular models available. You can skip to the models section using the link below if you already have a rough idea of what you want.
What kind of features do you need?
Before you rush out and buy the first model you see, there are a few different considerations you need to keep in mind. Not all Stihl backpack blowers are created equal, and you will need to decide what features you will need first. If you haven’t made your mind up on whether you want a backpack style or a handheld model, then there are a few options to consider.
Now the first main choice you will need to make is deciding whether you want a gas powered, electic or a battery powered unit. In the past, battery powered units generally had quite a short operating time which left them with a bit of a disadvantage. However, enhancements in batteries in the past decade or so have really improved the performance you get, and some of the newer models are quite decent.
Electric models are also ok, but they do leave you a bit handicapped if you have a big yard to clean up due to the required length of the power cord. Stihl gas leaf blower models are undoubtedly the most popular choice though, especially in the professional product range.
Of course none of this matters too much if your mind is set on buying a backpack kind of blower, as Stihl gas backpack blower models are the only option! They don’t make electric or battery backpack models.
Next up you will need to consider how much engine power you need. Most home models range from about 0.8kW to around 2.5kW for the professional models. The standard blowing force measurements used by Stihl is called Newtons, which is essentially the force required to move 1kg of mass per meter/sec2. You don’t really need to worry about all the maths calculations – all you really need to know is that the higher the Newtons listed, the more blowing force it has! About 10 Newtons is common for home models, while the professional models can get up to the 30 mark.
And lastly there is the weight factor to keep in mind. A smaller engine means less weight, so this could end up being beneficial compared to a larger model. Some of the smaller home models can weight as little as 5kgs, while the professional models can weight in the 10-12kg range. Of course the bigger engines give more power, so you will need to decide whether or not the power benefit is worth the additional weight.
What is the best Stihl backpack blower?
This all depends on your budget, and what kind of features you need. Even though it is not the most expensive model, many people consider the Stihl BR600 to be the best overall model in terms of price to feature ratio. It offers some great performance, whilst not leaving your wallet feeling too light! You can find out more about it below.
Now lets take a look at some of the more popular models you will find for sale.
Stihl BR200
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It can hold up to 35.5 oz of fuel, so it should accomplish most tidying tasks around the garden without needing a refill. With a retail price of around $280, this is certainly a good option for the occasional tidy-up task around your garden. |
Stihl BR450
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Like all other Stihl units, this model is proudly made in the USA which is something we can always get behind. It has the usual Stihl features including an adjustable harness, anti vibration technology, and the multi function control handle. It may cost quite a bit more than the BR200 above with a retail price of around $450, but it is worth considering if you need a more powerful and robust unit. |
Stihl BR600 Magnum
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It has a 47.3oz fuel tank, which means fewer fuel stops thanks to the great fuel economy. If you are needing something that will make light work of any job, then this machine is the ideal one. It is designed for professional usage, but there is nothing to stop you using it as a homeowner. The price tag is around $500, so it is not the cheapest model. However if you want a reliable model that makes mincemeat out of any yard work, then this model is certainly worth a look. |
Summary
So that is a quick look at some of their blowers for home and professional use. Keep in mind that all Stihl backpack blower models are made in the USA, so that is worth supporting. All their blower models come with a 2 year warranty, which is at least a year longer than some of the competitor products. At the end of the day all three of the models are good choices, so it all depends on what your exact needs are.
Be sure to shop around to find the best deal, and your new blower will make short work of your yard work tasks!
