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I know the summer is only halfway over, but I am already thinking about fall and leaf cleanups. This year I am really going to market this service. In years past, I have made mistakes where I don't charge more for the yards I mow, but I have to spend longer there cleaning up the leaves as well as mowing. So this year I will be giving them the option of paying a bit extra, or I will just mow over the leaves (mulching them), and they will have to deal with small leaf clippings on their yard. In years past I have used the bagger on the mower to clean up the leaves and mow at the same time, but when there is a lot of leaves on the ground that becomes very inefficient. I would then use the blower, but after the pile of leaves got to a certain size I was unable to push it any further due to my blower not having enough power. So this year I will be buying an Echo backpack blower, to help me be more efficient with cleanups. I also want to get customers who just want me to do the cleanups, and not mow their yard as well, because I rarely have any of those customers. I was thinking about getting the Echo PB-500 (the tube mounted throttle model), but then this evening I was looking at my Echo catalog, and realized the 500 isn't the most "bang for my buck". The Echo PB-580 (NEW FOR 2015!) weighs the same, is not any heavier, has more features, way better blowing performance, AND IS THE SAME PRICE!! So I am going to be getting the 580 in the tube mounted throttle model. I know some people will tell me to get a Stihl BR-600, but I want an all Echo fleet. I swear by Echo, and until I have a problem, I will continue to buy Echo. Here is a comparison between the 500 and 580.

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I have a 500 Echo. Also have an 802 Shindiawa. I highly recommend a larger blower than the 500 if you are going to do leaves. The 500 is too small.

jekjr said:

I have a 500 Echo. Also have an 802 Shindiawa. I highly recommend a larger blower than the 500 if you are going to do leaves. The 500 is too small.

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We run a lot of Echo stuff. I recommend a good bit more blower. The little bit of difference will pay big dividends when you hit the field. For less than $200 more dollars you can get a 770

jekjr said:

I have a 500 Echo. Also have an 802 Shindiawa. I highly recommend a larger blower than the 500 if you are going to do leaves. The 500 is too small.

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The 580 is a step up from the 500, and I really don't want to spend $500 on a blower when I don't have the leaf cleanup accounts as of now to justify it. I got by with a handheld blower last year, so the 580 will be many steps up from that.

lawn mower fanatic said:

The 580 is a step up from the 500, and I really don't want to spend $500 on a blower when I don't have the leaf cleanup accounts as of now to justify it. I got by with a handheld blower last year, so the 580 will be many steps up from that.

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I know your an echo fan but I don't think I'd buy that 580 anyway because it just came out recently and it will probably still have a few bugs. I think you'll be disappointed with it anyway because it's not what you think it is. The Figures there giving you on there home page for the blower at 510 cfm and 215 mph aren't correct. I'd wait until they come out with the true figures before I'd buy it. I have know doubt it will be a step up from the 500 but it will be a tiny step at best.

lawn mower fanatic said:

The 580 is a step up from the 500, and I really don't want to spend $500 on a blower when I don't have the leaf cleanup accounts as of now to justify it. I got by with a handheld blower last year, so the 580 will be many steps up from that.

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Yeah I bought a 500 cause I thought "it is a step up from a hand held". I have wanted to kick my own butt. $200 is what two jobs? For a machine you are going to be using for years.

Once you buy it you either got to keep using it or lose money selling/trading it for a bigger one. Course if you never run a bigger one you will think it is a beast. However if you do, you won't like it.

jekjr said:

Yeah I bought a 500 cause I thought "it is a step up from a hand held". I have wanted to kick my own butt. $200 is what two jobs? For a machine you are going to be using for years.

Once you buy it you either got to keep using it or lose money selling/trading it for a bigger one. Course if you never run a bigger one you will think it is a beast. However if you do, you won't like it.

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I understand what your saying. The thing is its going to sit in my garage from mid December until October, because a handheld is the only thing I need for blowing grass off the sidewalks, so I really don't want to spend that much for it.

lawn mower fanatic said:

I understand what your saying. The thing is its going to sit in my garage from mid December until October, because a handheld is the only thing I need for blowing grass off the sidewalks, so I really don't want to spend that much for it.

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You say a handheld is the only thing I need for blowing grass off the sidewalks and that's fine but what you don't realize is once you use the back pack and find out how much more efficient / faster it is you'll end up using it all the time and the handheld will be left in the garage.

Ric said:

You say a handheld is the only thing I need for blowing grass off the sidewalks and that's fine but what you don't realize is once you use the back pack and find out how much more efficient / faster it is you'll end up using it all the time and the handheld will be left in the garage.

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Yeah I guess, but some of the yards I do I only blow off the driveway (which can fit around 4 cars), and the street in front of the house (maybe 4 car lengths). U figured it would be more of a hastle because the handheld blower you just pick it up and go.

And along with me really not wanting to spend $500 on a blower, I really don't want the extra noise or weight of the more expensive models.

lawn mower fanatic said:

Yeah I guess, but some of the yards I do I only blow off the driveway (which can fit around 4 cars), and the street in front of the house (maybe 4 car lengths). U figured it would be more of a hastle because the handheld blower you just pick it up and go.

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The Handheld does have that advantage of just picking it up and going but the back pack does the job faster with less steps which ups your productivity, which you being in lawn-care should be a concern. The 580 isn't going to do the job much better than your hand held to increase your productivity. That's one reason for the bigger unit.

Ric said:

The Handheld does have that advantage of just picking it up and going but the back pack does the job faster with less steps which ups your productivity, which you being in lawn-care should be a concern. The 580 isn't going to do the job much better than your hand held to increase your productivity. That's one reason for the bigger unit.

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Just curious what makes you think the specs on the 580 are incorrect? And I'm not a big guy so I was trying to keep the weight down as well, as well as the noise level, that's why I liked my handheld. And yes I know there is a low noise backpack blower but it's more expensive then the 770.

lawn mower fanatic said:

Just curious what makes you think the specs on the 580 are incorrect? And I'm not a big guy so I was trying to keep the weight down as well, as well as the noise level, that's why I liked my handheld. And yes I know there is a low noise backpack blower but it's more expensive then the 770.

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Your spec sheet you posted is undoubtedly wrong. The unit is so new they don't even have it on there Product Information PDF yet. Lets look at the PB 770T for an example, There site tells you that the 770 is 756cfm with 234 mph performance when in reality and according to there own Product Information PDF it has 765 cfm with 204 max velocity. So if the 580 with the figures they say is right at 215 Max velocity it's more powerful than the 770. Go to there site and look at the 770T click on it, bring it up and above there picture you'll see the Product Information PDF just click on it, it will take a few seconds to load then scroll to the bottom of the page and it tells you the true spec's of all there blowers and there comparisons to all the other manufacturers. The thing you wont see on there sheet is the 580 because they haven't added it yet. There PB 500 they say on there site it's 465 cfm @ 195mph yet the Product Information PDF says 450 @ 162 mph so the way I see it the 580 wont be to much better.

Ric said:

Your spec sheet you posted is undoubtedly wrong. The unit is so new they don't even have it on there Product Information PDF yet. Lets look at the PB 770T for an example, There site tells you that the 770 is 756cfm with 234 mph performance when in reality and according to there own Product Information PDF it has 765 cfm with 204 max velocity. So if the 580 with the figures they say is right at 215 Max velocity it's more powerful than the 770. Go to there site and look at the 770T click on it, bring it up and above there picture you'll see the Product Information PDF just click on it, it will take a few seconds to load then scroll to the bottom of the page and it tells you the true spec's of all there blowers and there comparisons to all the other manufacturers. The thing you wont see on there sheet is the 580 because they haven't added it yet. There PB 500 they say on there site it's 465 cfm @ 195mph yet the Product Information PDF says 450 @ 162 mph so the way I see it the 580 wont be to much better.

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So let's say I decide the 770 is worth the extra money. Is it unbearably heavy or crazy loud? Because I know 3 dB is a big difference.

lawn mower fanatic said:

So let's say I decide the 770 is worth the extra money. Is it unbearably heavy or crazy loud? Because I know 3 dB is a big difference.

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Is it worth the extra money? that's up to the individual buying it. Can you buy a blower in the same cfm & velocity range some cheaper yes. Are they heavy 22 to 24lbs is heavy yes and there all going to be in the 70's for db or noise range. If what you want is a Back Pack blower I'd go the dealer and get him to let you compare blower sizes and makes there in the parking lot and judge for your self the differences and get what your comfortable with.
If you look at price and who has the best price for top end blowers you'll have to go with the Stihl BR 600 because you can buy them at most dealers for $479 OTD. The nice thing about a top end or big blowers is they pay for themselves.

lawn mower fanatic said:

I understand what your saying. The thing is its going to sit in my garage from mid December until October, because a handheld is the only thing I need for blowing grass off the sidewalks, so I really don't want to spend that much for it.

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Even if you use your handheld for the mowing months I as well as others will tell you that you will wish you got the biggest blower you could get for leaves. I don't know why you would want to be brand loyal. Me personally I want to use the products I feel are best for the job. For me it's all Stihl products except for my newest handheld addition which is the Redmax EBZ8500 which is a monster. I'll still use my BR600 for mowing use but when it comes time for leaves I'm bringing out the 8500. But I have heard Echo is coming out with a blower that is suppose to blow 1000 CFM.

LoCo86 said:

Even if you use your handheld for the mowing months I as well as others will tell you that you will wish you got the biggest blower you could get for leaves. I don't know why you would want to be brand loyal. Me personally I want to use the products I feel are best for the job. For me it's all Stihl products except for my newest handheld addition which is the Redmax EBZ8500 which is a monster. I'll still use my BR600 for mowing use but when it comes time for leaves I'm bringing out the 8500. But I have heard Echo is coming out with a blower that is suppose to blow 1000 CFM.

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I have heard about the 1000 CFM Echo as well. That would be cool

lawn mower fanatic said:

I have heard about the 1000 CFM Echo as well. That would be cool

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That would probably be a 1000 in the housing.

Ric said:

Is it worth the extra money? that's up to the individual buying it. Can you buy a blower in the same cfm & velocity range some cheaper yes. Are they heavy 22 to 24lbs is heavy yes and there all going to be in the 70's for db or noise range. If what you want is a Back Pack blower I'd go the dealer and get him to let you compare blower sizes and makes there in the parking lot and judge for your self the differences and get what your comfortable with.
If you look at price and who has the best price for top end blowers you'll have to go with the Stihl BR 600 because you can buy them at most dealers for $479 OTD. The nice thing about a top end or big blowers is they pay for themselves.

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Yeah I'll have to go to the dealer sometime towards the end of the summer to decide.

If I go for the 770T, is it too loud that people will be upset by the noise? I live in a neighborhood, so there are houses nextdoor, and I don't want people to get angry. I can wear ear protection, but for everyone else it is going to be loud.

lawn mower fanatic said:

If I go for the 770T, is it too loud that people will be upset by the noise? I live in a neighborhood, so there are houses nextdoor, and I don't want people to get angry. I can wear ear protection, but for everyone else it is going to be loud.

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Well I don't believe anyone will say anything, it's not like you will be continually be using the thing. It's a 73 db so it shouldn't be that loud anyway. My Stihl is 75 db but it doesn't have the same sound as a two stroke. That's why I like it. Stihl built the BR 500 for those noise restricted neighborhoods. I'm not sure the model that echo has for that but I'm sure they have one. I don't wear ear protection with any of the Stihl, not that I'm telling not to but it's just to hot here for that stuff.

Ric said:

Well I don't believe anyone will say anything, it's not like you will be continually be using the thing. It's a 73 db so it shouldn't be that loud anyway. My Stihl is 75 db but it doesn't have the same sound as a two stroke. That's why I like it. Stihl built the BR 500 for those noise restricted neighborhoods. I'm not sure the model that echo has for that but I'm sure they have one. I don't wear ear protection with any of the Stihl, not that I'm telling not to but it's just to hot here for that stuff.

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This is Echo's low noise model: ECHO PB-760LNT Powerful Backpack Leaf Blower - ECHO USA | ECHO USA

Hopefully with the 770 if I get it, the leaf cleanups will go a lot quicker so I won't be making noise for as long of a time.

Ric said:

Is it worth the extra money? that's up to the individual buying it. Can you buy a blower in the same cfm & velocity range some cheaper yes. Are they heavy 22 to 24lbs is heavy yes and there all going to be in the 70's for db or noise range. If what you want is a Back Pack blower I'd go the dealer and get him to let you compare blower sizes and makes there in the parking lot and judge for your self the differences and get what your comfortable with. If you look at price and who has the best price for top end blowers you'll have to go with the Stihl BR 600 because you can buy them at most dealers for $479 OTD. The nice thing about a top end or big blowers is they pay for themselves.

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Like Ric said, they pay for themselves. I bought the 500. It is a good machine. However it is too small to do the job. I have one hanging my trailer. It is right beside the 802 Shindiawa. If we need two we run it. If not we run the bigger one. We also have an Echo hand held on the trailer as well and we do use it many times for light stuff. Now with that said, if you buy one and never run a bigger one or work along side anybody that has a bigger one you won't know the difference. If you do though and realize the difference you will be sick probably for not spending the few extra dollars,and getting the bigger unit.

jekjr said:

Like Ric said, they pay for themselves. I bought the 500. It is a good machine. However it is too small to do the job. I have one hanging my trailer. It is right beside the 802 Shindiawa. If we need two we run it. If not we run the bigger one. We also have an Echo hand held on the trailer as well and we do use it many times for light stuff. Now with that said, if you buy one and never run a bigger one or work along side anybody that has a bigger one you won't know the difference. If you do though and realize the difference you will be sick probably for not spending the few extra dollars,and getting the bigger unit.

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Ya, I think you two have convinced me on buying the 770. Don't like the price, but I'm sure I will like the results.

lawn mower fanatic said:

Ya, I think you two have convinced me on buying the 770. Don't like the price, but I'm sure I will like the results.

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I ended up paying in the $600 range for the 804 Shindiawa after taxes ect. Only regret is I did not buy a second one when I bought the 500 Echo. I know it was high but the day I bought it we were on a bind and had to have one that day and that was the closest dealer.

Going the extra mile that day on a clean up however helped me land a very good 12 month contract.

Just red/scanned your thread.

Answers to your concernes:

"I am not a big guy": Same here and I do just fine with the BR430. Even the 5' girl who works with me handles it fine. She likes it better than the handheld blower.
"Expensive" Yeah they are money at first, but then you make even more in a short time. They are worth it and get the strongest one you can. I am getting a BR600 this fall so that we can run 2 back pack blowers. Get it done faster.
"Noise" Screw that. When the neighbors get a pool installed or other work needing heavy machinery, it makes noise, but people understand. They need those tools to get the job done. The same with you. You need that blower to get the job done. Don't worry about the picky ones.

Lawnboy18 said:

Just red/scanned your thread.

Answers to your concernes:

"I am not a big guy": Same here and I do just fine with the BR430. Even the 5' girl who works with me handles it fine. She likes it better than the handheld blower.
"Expensive" Yeah they are money at first, but then you make even more in a short time. They are worth it and get the strongest one you can. I am getting a BR600 this fall so that we can run 2 back pack blowers. Get it done faster.
"Noise" Screw that. When the neighbors get a pool installed or other work needing heavy machinery, it makes noise, but people understand. They need those tools to get the job done. The same with you. You need that blower to get the job done. Don't worry about the picky ones.

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Good input :thumbsup:

Within the next week or so I am going to be making a flyer for leaf cleanups, and will post it on here to see what you all think. My goal is to target this on area I have a few lawns in that has lots of old, large trees, because I know in the fall every square inch of that area has leaves. There are around 4 big trees in every yard.

I want to get the blower soon, because I like new equipment, but I know it really won't get used much until leaf season. So maybe sometime in September. Or August if I just want to get it early.

Well my mind is set. I am going to get the 770T. I think it will be worth it. And I am going to get the tube-mounted throttle so that way if I really want to blow some leaves I can have my handheld blower in my left hand, and the backpack blower tube in the right hand (I wouldn't really do that-haha). I am going to get it at the end of August so I can have all of September to "break it in" and get used to the controls before the leaf season begins in October. Can't wait.

lawn mower fanatic said:

Well my mind is set. I am going to get the 770T. I think it will be worth it. And I am going to get the tube-mounted throttle so that way if I really want to blow some leaves I can have my handheld blower in my left hand, and the backpack blower tube in the right hand (I wouldn't really do that-haha). I am going to get it at the end of August so I can have all of September to "break it in" and get used to the controls before the leaf season begins in October. Can't wait.

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The 770 is a good blower, the problem I have with it is it's weight being just over 24 lbs and the noise it makes and I'm not talking about db, I'm talking about the sound itself. The 770 and for that matter most all the two strokes unless or except some of the smaller units are just nasty sounding. Personally if I'm a client I'd prefer listening to the the four stroke units over a two.

The thing your not considering is the sound. You use the db scale to compare sound and that's fine if your comparing the same type units. 73 db is 73 db. but that 73 db sound you get from your hand held that has a 25cc engine isn't going to any where close to a 75db from a back pack that's running a 64 cc size engine. I ran a BR 380 back pack for years and it was a great blower but being a two stroke, like the two strokes it earned it's name of screamer for a reason. That 770 is going to be twice as loud as your HH.

In comparing the BR 380 to the BR 600 that I use now I can tell you that you that the four stroke 600 isn't half as loud as the 380.

I like my Stihl BR 600 and my KM 90 trimmer!!
But I always wear hearing protection!!

Here's the thing. I am definitely going Echo. I don't want to have different brands of power equipment. It'd just easier with one. So my options are this. I get the 580. It's not as powerful, but it's a little quieter. Or I get the 770 and people can deal with the noise. Or I spend more money and get the 760LN. Same engine as the 770, but very quiet. You decide.

lawn mower fanatic said:

Here's the thing. I am definitely going Echo. I don't want to have different brands of power equipment. It'd just easier with one. So my options are this. I get the 580. It's not as powerful, but it's a little quieter. Or I get the 770 and people can deal with the noise. Or I spend more money and get the 760LN. Same engine as the 770, but very quiet. You decide.

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I don't know why it would be easier with one brand than the other or mixing brands would be easier. I don't care what you buy, the point I'm trying to make is don't be surprised at how loud and nasty these things are going to be compared to what your running now. I mean you don't double or more than double engine size and get something that's going to be less noisy with a blower. A two stroke like the four stroke have there own unique sounds all the own and you can definitely tell them apart. It's kinda like running or comparing a 6 cylinder turbo against a big V8, even though the 6 can have more Hp than the 8 the 8 always sounds better.

Personally if you like Echo I'd check out the Shin 854rt it's only $30 more.

Ric said:

I don't know why it would be easier with one brand than the other or mixing brands would be easier. I don't care what you buy, the point I'm trying to make is don't be surprised at how loud and nasty these things are going to be compared to what your running now. I mean you don't double or more than double engine size and get something that's going to be less noisy with a blower. A two stroke like the four stroke have there own unique sounds all the own and you can definitely tell them apart. It's kinda like running or comparing a 6 cylinder turbo against a big V8, even though the 6 can have more Hp than the 8 the 8 always sounds better.

Personally if you like Echo I'd check out the Shin 854rt it's only $30 more.

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So the stihl 4 mix uses straight gas? I will consider it if you think it'd worth it. But I still prefer and am leaning towards the Echo. I will probably wear headphones on top of ear plugs anyway. I take my hearing seriously. And I know I might change my mind if I buy it, but I still think the backpack blower would be a seasonal thing, as the handheld is convenient for grass cutting. So I will have my quiet handheld 3/4 the mowing season.

lawn mower fanatic said:

So the stihl 4 mix uses straight gas? I will consider it if you think it'd worth it. But I still prefer and am leaning towards the Echo. I will probably wear headphones on top of ear plugs anyway. I take my hearing seriously. And I know I might change my mind if I buy it, but I still think the backpack blower would be a seasonal thing, as the handheld is convenient for grass cutting. So I will have my quiet handheld 3/4 the mowing season.

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No The Stihl doesn't use straight gas the 4 mix uses the same mixture as your echo 2 strokes, a 50 to 1 mix. If you want the echo then buy the echo that's way I suggested the Shindiawa 854RT. That's the reason Yamabiko purchased Shindiawa. The echo and shin are made in the same place and the 854RT is their 4 mix engine. The also have a hand held (EB344) that's a 4 mix. As far as the Stihl being a better unit I'll tell you all day long they can't be beat but in reality it's a matter of personal preference.

Ric said:

No The Stihl doesn't use straight gas the 4 mix uses the same mixture as your echo 2 strokes, a 50 to 1 mix. If you want the echo then buy the echo that's way I suggested the Shindiawa 854RT. That's the reason Yamabiko purchased Shindiawa. The echo and shin are made in the same place and the 854RT is their 4 mix engine. The also have a hand held (EB344) that's a 4 mix. As far as the Stihl being a better unit I'll tell you all day long they can't be beat but in reality it's a matter of personal preference.

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Ok thanks for the info I was not familiar with how the 4 mix worked.

The Stihl BR 600 gives you light weight, low noise, serious airflow and right hand trigger throttle on the air tube.
It has a four stroke engine, but uses 50 to 1 premix fuel, Stihl synthetic oil for reduced carbon buildup.
It is a premix engine as it has no oil sump.

Mad Mackie said:

The Stihl BR 600 gives you light weight, low noise, serious airflow and right hand trigger throttle on the air tube.
It has a four stroke engine, but uses 50 to 1 premix fuel, Stihl synthetic oil for reduced carbon buildup.
It is a premix engine as it has no oil sump.

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That's one reason I don't want a Stihl....I run Echo 2 cycle mix and don't want another can just for my Stihl oil mix. But I am willing to try something new if I can get more bang for my buck.

lawn mower fanatic said:

That's one reason I don't want a Stihl....I run Echo 2 cycle mix and don't want another can just for my Stihl oil mix. But I am willing to try something new if I can get more bang for my buck.

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Not to start a oil fight. But you can use the echo mix. Heck you can use any brand 2 cycle oil.
I got a very good deal on a few cases of cheap 2cycle dollar store oil.
Been using it for 3 years now in everything.

Carscw said:

Not to start a oil fight. But you can use the echo mix. Heck you can use any brand 2 cycle oil.
I got a very good deal on a few cases of cheap 2cycle dollar store oil.
Been using it for 3 years now in everything.

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I just don't want to screw it up. It's the most expensive piece of equipment I will have other than my mowers!

Carscw said:

Not to start a oil fight. But you can use the echo mix. Heck you can use any brand 2 cycle oil.
I got a very good deal on a few cases of cheap 2cycle dollar store oil.
Been using it for 3 years now in everything.

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lawn mower fanatic said:

I just don't want to screw it up. It's the most expensive piece of equipment I will have other than my mowers!

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As Carscw said as long as you use a 50 to1 mix it doesn't matter what 2 stoke oil you use. The reason I use the Stihl oil in my equipment is because I buy it where I buy all my lawn equipment and supplies. I purchased echo oil more than once and ran in my Stihl stuff when they were out of stock on the Stihl oil. Again what oil you use is a matter of preference.

Ric said:

As Carscw said as long as you use a 50 to1 mix it doesn't matter what 2 stoke oil you use. The reason I use the Stihl oil in my equipment is because I buy it where I buy all my lawn equipment and supplies. I purchased echo oil more than once and ran in my Stihl stuff when they were out of stock on the Stihl oil. Again what oil you use is a matter of preference.

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OK. Because the last thing I want to do is wreck a new piece of equipment because of something I could have prevented. I am actually leaning towards the Stihl now. As you can see, I am probably the most indecisive person on the whole forum, and change my mind all the time. A few pages back one of the reasons I didn't want to get the 770 instead of the 580 was because of the extra noise. So I think that the Stihl would be better, and also because of the weight. I have a local Stihl dealer I will go to in the next week or two to look at a 600 Magnum.

I've read stuff about having to adjust the valves on the Stihl.....which I haven't heard about the Echo. :anyone:

lawn mower fanatic said:

I've read stuff about having to adjust the valves on the Stihl.....which I haven't heard about the Echo. :anyone:

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I've heard that stuff to. I've been running Stihl Blowers and and 4 mix trimmers, edgers for the last almost 12 years now and I've never had to have valves done. Basically the story's you here told about that crap are from people who love to have something to complain about. They are die-hard 2 stoke fans that are so far behind the times it ain't funny and you can't convince them about any new technology that comes out. The 4 mix equipment is proven equipment/technology.

lawn mower fanatic said:

I've read stuff about having to adjust the valves on the Stihl.....which I haven't heard about the Echo. :anyone:

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Good to hear. A lot of the reviews say the 600 is lighter (which the specs prove) and quieter then the competion, which I like. Maybe it's time I get a Stihl. Not that I will replace all my Echo trimmers with Stihl. Haha

lawn mower fanatic said:

Good to hear. A lot of the reviews say the 600 is lighter (which the specs prove) and quieter then the competition, which I like. Maybe it's time I get a Stihl. Not that I will replace all my Echo trimmers with Stihl. Haha

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The Stihl is lighter by like 2lbs. The Stihl turtle back fits your back better, it conforms more to your back and it's supposed to make it more comfortable to use and wear. I wouldn't replace anything until it needs replacing.

Ric said:

The Stihl is lighter by like 2lbs. The Stihl turtle back fits your back better, it conforms more to your back and it's supposed to make it more comfortable to use and wear. I wouldn't replace anything until it needs replacing.

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I will say I don't really like the look of the "turtle shell" Stihl blower, but if it is easier on me, the operator, then I am all for it.

I really think you will love the 4 mix.
I held off for a long time getting one. ( got a good deal) like ric said I am one of the ones that don't like change. ( keep up with the new Technology)
I don't have a 4 mix blower bit love the trimmer.

I'm not a diehard Stihl guy, my local Scag/Stihl and other lines dealer has it all in stock and a super parts department and this makes a difference to me as a retired mech. I prefer Husqvarna chainsaws to Stihl chainsaws, just my own twist.
I bought my BR 600 in Sept of 2009 with the intent of also keeping my Stihl handheld ??85 in my trailer to use, although it was a good handheld blower, it had COPD compared to the BR 600 and I gave it away. My BR 600 is an early unit and there have been some upgrades that have improved the performance of the 600. I have made two mods to my unit, an adjustable hook strap across the front to hold it onto me better and a similar hook strap around the angled discharge elbow to keep it facing forward. I made the mistake of disassembling the elbow to clean it up where it turns and this made the swivel too loose.
I also have a Stihl KM 90 which is 4 stroke similar to the BG 600. The KM 90 is the powerhead unit that can use different ends. I have two string trimmers, adjustable hedge trimmer, branch trimmer and one extension. This is a nice unit, but the KM 90 lacks for power. I plan to upgrade to either a 110 or a 130 having used both.
Just bought a new Bravo Scout 7 x 16 cargo trailer with some up grades for $6,500, nice trailer, so my mad money account is low!!!:laughing::biggrin::smile:

As for fall and spring cleanup, I did almost 2,000 bushels last fall with my Scag Tiger Cub/collection system. I use my BR 600 to clear leaves away from objects and suck them up with the Scag ZTR.

How much does the 600 retail for? Around $500, correct?

I'm going to go to both my Echo and Stihl dealers soon and try them both out.

lawn mower fanatic said:

How much does the 600 retail for? Around $500, correct?

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You should be able to get the BR 600 for $479 that's what I paid for each of mine. I'd keep check for sales, Stihls always putting the things on sale.

Ric said:

You should be able to get the BR 600 for $479 that's what I paid for each of mine. I'd keep check for sales, Stihls always putting the things on sale.

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OK. I am going to demo both blowers (at the dealers), so maybe after I try one I will have a more clear decision on Echo vs. Stihl.

You can double the warranty just by purchasing some Stihl prewixed fuel or some Premium oil, check out the Stihl website for details.:licking:

Something else you may want to check or that may be of interest and help you make your choice

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Mad Mackie said:

You can double the warranty just by purchasing some Stihl prewixed fuel or some Premium oil, check out the Stihl website for details.:licking:

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Echo had that deal going awhile back....it would be nice if they would do it again.

Ric said:

Something else you may want to check or that may be of interest and help you make your choice

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For me the number is not that much at all, due to the fact I will only be running it 2 months during the fall, and not a huge # of hours a week. But it's something to think about.

lawn mower fanatic said:

For me the number is not that much at all, due to the fact I will only be running it 2 months during the fall, and not a huge # of hours a week. But it's something to think about.

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I know you say it's not going to be used that much but I can see that changing and it's just something that I would take into consideration for future use. As you grow it's something that could effect your bottom line.

Ric said:

I know you say it's not going to be used that much but I can see that changing and it's just something that I would take into consideration for future use. As you grow it's something that could effect your bottom line.

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The thing is I'm pretty sure most brands have some fuel savings. It's not like the Stihl is a Toyota Prius and the Echo is a V8 Truck...I'm sure they can both save you money on fuel.

lawn mower fanatic said:

The thing is I'm pretty sure most brands have some fuel savings. It's not like the Stihl is a Toyota Prius and the Echo is a V8 Truck...I'm sure they can both save you money on fuel.

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Well No It's not like the Stihl is a Toyota Prius and the Echo is a V8 but look at this way, if you use the machine the BR 600 vs the 770T it would save you enough money in fuel cost alone in one year that you could buy another 255LN. It's not always about the biggest and baddest, it should be the bottom line at the end of the year, how much money goes in your pocket.

I think your approach to this machine is all wrong. I've always said in lawn care time is money and either machine you buy the 600 or 770T could and would save you a really good amount of time everyday, enough that you could maybe add another cut at the end of the day but if your not using it, it can't pay for itself. If your going to buy this blower and us it only for fall cleanup your wasting your time and money, don't buy it. It should be your primary blower and be used on ever job you do during the day and the 255 becomes your back up.

I use my BR 600 at every place that I mow to cleanup along the street, sidewalks and driveway. I usually trim first trying to direct the clippings toward the lawn area that I will mow and collect and lastly blow everything clean including my machine which I park on the lawn somewhere so when I blow it down, the dust and stuff stay on the lawn.
One place that I do takes me 30 to 45 minutes to blow the parking area clean. With a hand held blower, it took me much longer.
I will say that my BR 600 is very easy on fuel consumption and a full tank will outlast my endurance to wear and operate it, but I'm 71 with a bad back and torn rotor cuffs in both shoulders, but I keep trucking despite the discomfort!!! Thus my primary reason for the lightest weight back pack blower. This is my 6th season with the same BR 600, nice machine!!!
As for moving leaves in the fall, there is an art to this as it is very easy to accumulate an unmanageable pile of leaves. It is like dealing with snow in the winter. I need to make room by moving snow on my lawn areas to make room to put the snow that I clear from the driveway.
Just a few thoughts from Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:

Ric said:

Well No It's not like the Stihl is a Toyota Prius and the Echo is a V8 but look at this way, if you use the machine the BR 600 vs the 770T it would save you enough money in fuel cost alone in one year that you could buy another 255LN. It's not always about the biggest and baddest, it should be the bottom line at the end of the year, how much money goes in your pocket.

I think your approach to this machine is all wrong. I've always said in lawn care time is money and either machine you buy the 600 or 770T could and would save you a really good amount of time everyday, enough that you could maybe add another cut at the end of the day but if your not using it, it can't pay for itself. If your going to buy this blower and us it only for fall cleanup your wasting your time and money, don't buy it. It should be your primary blower and be used on ever job you do during the day and the 255 becomes your back up.

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Well maybe it will become my main blower. Once I use it for awhile maybe I will like the power and stop using my 255. But I won't know if I don't buy it. In my opinion if I can shorten the length of a leaf cleanup so I can fill the schedule with more jobs, and I can pay for the blower quickly and start making profit, then it as a good decision.

Just wanted to give you all an update. Today I went to my local dealer and picked up the PB-770T. There were just a few things that made me lean towards this over the BR 600. Some of these include the fact it is 2 cycle, which is virtually maintenance free. Even though you (Ric) said you never had to adjust the valves on your Stihl, I hear a lot of people say they do have to, and it makes me think it might depend on the climate you live in (maybe). So that kind of pulled me away from the Stihl. There were other things as well, including the fact most people say the 770 has a bit more power than the 600, and since I'm spending $500 on a blower, I figured it should have the most power possible. Other than the Redmax 8500 and the Husqvarna (don't know the model), most people agree this is the next most powerful blower. So I bought it, and I have to say that I love it. Although it weighs around 24 lbs, I will have to say it feels extremely light when it's on your back. I don't know if it was because of the padding on the shoulder straps, but it didn't feel heavy at all. It was also quieter than I thought. It wasn't QUIET, but it wasn't horribly loud. It was just an average power equipment noise level. Which is another good thing...not too loud. Now it's killing me that I don't have any lawns to do until Monday. I want to use it. But I really want to use it on leaves, to see how much more powerful it is compared to my handheld. Unfortunately that won't come until October. But I wanted to get it broken in before then, which is why I bought it now. Thank you all for your advice on here, I know I didn't get the Stihl, but what you all said did help. After all, I originally wanted to get the new for 2015 PB-580, and I'm glad I got this instead. Here are some pics. What do you think.

Just bought this machine this spring. Has disappointed. You'll be glad you made the purchase

mowerguy said:

Just bought this machine this spring. Has disappointed. You'll be glad you made the purchase

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Good to hear! Now my attention goes to getting more and more leaf cleanups, because I want to use this!! I will be getting a "family photo" of all of my Echo equipment tomorrow morning....I think this will be the centerpiece.

We all knew that you would by an Echo!!!!

Mad Mackie said:

We all knew that you would by an Echo!!!!

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I really was close to buying the Stihl, but then I just kept doing more research, and I realized I wanted the Echo.

Mad Mackie said:

We all knew that you would by an Echo!!!!

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Yeah I think we all new that was coming. There was never any doubt. I wondered why there was a discussion?

Ric said:

Yeah I think we all new that was coming. There was never any doubt. I wondered why there was a discussion?

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You should be proud, you made me get a $500 blower over a $320 blower! :laughing: I'm glad I got the top model. And they gave me one from the back, not the one that was on display. :thumbsup:

lawn mower fanatic said:

You should be proud, you made me get a $500 blower over a $320 blower! :laughing: I'm glad I got the top model. And they gave me one from the back, not the one that was on display. :thumbsup:

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I'm not going to tell you you made a bad choice and I didn't make you get anything, but I can tell you that your assumptions about the valves an climates aren't related and the difference in the power or velocity between the two units is nothing that you can compare or ever notice and both are virtually maintenance free. It sounds as if that's how you made or based your decision. I personally based my decision on the spec's and the facts as I know them and they all say the BR 600 is the better deal out of the three blowers, the 770, 580 and 600.

Ric said:

I personally based my decision on the spec's and the facts as I know them and they all say the BR 600 is the better deal out of the three blowers, the 770, 580 and 600.

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I based my decision on which blower I wouldn't later regret buying. And for me that was the 770. Just my personal view.

Photo I took today.

lawn mower fanatic said:

I based my decision on which blower I wouldn't later regret buying. And for me that was the 770. Just my personal view.

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Buying a blower or any piece of equipment shouldn't be based which blower I wouldn't later regret buying. It should be based on its cost and how much it will cost to run which effects the bottom line for the business. I'd regret a purchase only if the piece of equipment couldn't do both, save me time and make money for the business. I think you made a bad investment on a blower because in your case the blower is going to do neither.

Ric said:

Buying a blower or any piece of equipment shouldn't be based which blower I wouldn't later regret buying. It should be based on its cost and how much it will cost to run which effects the bottom line for the business. I'd regret a purchase only if the piece of equipment couldn't do both, save me time and make money for the business. I think you made a bad investment on a blower because in your case the blower is going to do neither.

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In my head it's pretty obvious it will both save time and make money. It will save time because it's one of the most powerful blowers on the market, and I can still be very maneuverable with it. It's replacing a HANDHELD BLOWER! And it will make money because when you do jobs, you make money. Using an $800 push mower hasn't stopped me from making money, so a $500 blower won't either. I will simply advertise more and get more work to pay it off quickly.

lawn mower fanatic said:

In my head it's pretty obvious it will both save time and make money. It will save time because it's one of the most powerful blowers on the market, and I can still be very maneuverable with it. It's replacing a HANDHELD BLOWER! And it will make money because when you do jobs, you make money. Using an $800 push mower hasn't stopped me from making money, so a $500 blower won't either. I will simply advertise more and get more work to pay it off quickly.

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Well in your own words.... The thing is its going to sit in my garage from mid December until October, because a handheld is the only thing I need for blowing grass off the sidewalks. Have we changed are thinking as I said we would?? I guess you think you have all this figured out and I guess you'll have to find out the hard way because I can see where it's going.

Ric said:

Well in your own words.... The thing is its going to sit in my garage from mid December until October, because a handheld is the only thing I need for blowing grass off the sidewalks. Have we changed are thinking as I said we would?? I guess you think you have all this figured out and I guess you'll have to find out the hard way because I can see where it's going.

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I don't know if I have changed my thinking. The handheld is the easiest to just "turn on and go". But the backpack isn't too heavy for "easy grass blowing", it's just the fact you have to start it and then put it on your back, and then go. But whether I got the BR 600 or the PB 770 doesn't change that, you have to put them both on your back. I find the 770 to be a lot more light and comfortable than I honestly expected it to be, so maybe I'll just one-shoulder it and go to quickly blow the grass off the street. The Stihl wouldn't be any easier for spring and summer use than the Echo.

Ric said:

Buying a blower or any piece of equipment shouldn't be based which blower I wouldn't later regret buying. It should be based on its cost and how much it will cost to run which effects the bottom line for the business. I'd regret a purchase only if the piece of equipment couldn't do both, save me time and make money for the business. I think you made a bad investment on a blower because in your case the blower is going to do neither.

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If you get work and run it then it will make money. $200 extra is only what, a half day of work?

jekjr said:

If you get work and run it then it will make money. $200 extra is only what, a half day of work?

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That much would depend on your location. You will never make up that much money or pay for a piece of equipment in that time frame. A blower isn't going to make that big a difference in your income in a month.

Come fall. A $500 Blower will make me twice the money in one day over a $300 Blower.

Some of you may not have a lot of leaf blowing experience and it is easy to accumulate a difficult to deal with pile of leaves.
I move leaves in manageable groups, making room for each group to have a place to go.
Usually I finish up with my Scag Tiger Cub with collection and depending on the season, I sometimes end up cleaning up 1,000 to 2,000 bushels and this is after they have gone thru my ZTR and collection blower.
For the most part, I blow leaves away from buildings, bushes and tree lines, driveways and then finish up with my ZTR.
Disposing of the chopped up leaves is another problem and I no longer bag and haul them away as it is a time consuming, labor intensive and money loosing situation.
Some of you may have no choice but to bag and haul the leaves, make sure that you charge enough for this type of service. If you are able to chop up the leaves, then you can reduce the volume that you have to bag and haul away.
I only do leaf cleanup where I can either dispose of them on the property or very close by.
At just one of my customers place, I cleanup more pine needles than leaves. Pine needles decompose more slowly than leaves and grass clippings.
just a few thoughts from Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:

Mad Mackie said:

Some of you may not have a lot of leaf blowing experience and it is easy to accumulate a difficult to deal with pile of leaves.
I move leaves in manageable groups, making room for each group to have a place to go.
Usually I finish up with my Scag Tiger Cub with collection and depending on the season, I sometimes end up cleaning up 1,000 to 2,000 bushels and this is after they have gone thru my ZTR and collection blower.
For the most part, I blow leaves away from buildings, bushes and tree lines, driveways and then finish up with my ZTR.
Disposing of the chopped up leaves is another problem and I no longer bag and haul them away as it is a time consuming, labor intensive and money loosing situation.
Some of you may have no choice but to bag and haul the leaves, make sure that you charge enough for this type of service. If you are able to chop up the leaves, then you can reduce the volume that you have to bag and haul away.
I only do leaf cleanup where I can either dispose of them on the property or very close by.
At just one of my customers place, I cleanup more pine needles than leaves. Pine needles decompose more slowly than leaves and grass clippings.
just a few thoughts from Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:

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Good info. In my area the municipality takes away the leaves if you put it at the road, and that makes it easy. I blow all the leaves from the front yard right to the road and put the leaves from the backyard into a pile and use a tarp to bring them to the street. Easiest way for me.

lawn mower fanatic said:

Good info. In my area the municipality takes away the leaves if you put it at the road, and that makes it easy. I blow all the leaves from the front yard right to the road and put the leaves from the backyard into a pile and use a tarp to bring them to the street. Easiest way for me.

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Lucky lol. If they did that in Florida then I would do alot more leaf cleanups haha

We only use echo backpack blowers, start them on the rack lift it off sling over your shoulder blow clippings away quickly. I guess I own one husq it was given to me by the dealer for penny's on the dollar it was a demo model. I promise you it isn't nearly as powerful as the echo's.
We also do quiet a bit of leaf removal, I like running a combination of billy goats, clam shell baggers and backpack blowers, to blow the leafs out where they can be vacuumed up.
I can also tell you that the at the end of the day a backpack blower will save you time. It will also use more fuel, so without some really tight math it might make you a few extra bucks daily. I prefer using a backpack blower and the guys using them. You'd be splitting hairs on cost savings or losses I think. If they where losing companies money I think companies much much larger wouldn't be using them.

I've had the pleasure of using a couple of Brand New Echo Backpack Blowers the Last few days, the 770 and 755 and I was not impressed to say the least. With all the talk about the blowers I sure expected more but was real disappointed and I sure wouldn't trade my BR 600 for either. They both do a reasonable job but I can't say they were as good or any better than the 600. I found the same thing about the SRM 225, they just didn't have the power that the Stihls I run have. The one thing I wasn't disappointed in about the Echo equipment and they sure beat the stihls in was the noise they make, they sure are loud.

I couldn't speak for the PB770 or any other Echo blower, but I do have to say that I love my BR600. Great blower. Compared to the BR430, it does have more power, but I really see the difference in the volume that it moves. I can be lazier with it; I don't need to get as close to certain areas to clear off debris.

Ric, you have to be reasonable about the SRM225. You cannot compare it to a STIHL FS90, FS100, etc. It can be compared to a FS55 I think. Right now, we enjoy using the SRM225 as opposed to the FS90 because it isn't as heavy. Alltho, we still like the FS90, especially in tall wet grass.

Lawnboy18 said:

I couldn't speak for the PB770 or any other Echo blower, but I do have to say that I love my BR600. Great blower. Compared to the BR430, it does have more power, but I really see the difference in the volume that it moves. I can be lazier with it; I don't need to get as close to certain areas to clear off debris.

Ric, you have to be reasonable about the SRM225. You cannot compare it to a STIHL FS90, FS100, etc. It can be compared to a FS55 I think. Right now, we enjoy using the SRM225 as opposed to the FS90 because it isn't as heavy. Alltho, we still like the FS90, especially in tall wet grass.

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You can't really compare the SRM 225 to the FS 55 even though there both residential trimmers and the FS 90 and FS 100 both weigh less than the SRM225. The dry weight on the 225 is 12lbs and the FS 90 is 11.7 and the FS 100 is 10.8 lbs. That was one of the things I did notice was my FS 100 was a lot lighter than the 225 and easier to use and there's no comparison when it comes to engine and power.

I can tell you about both, I was a Stihl guy for a long time. I switched all our hand tools to echo 4 years ago. My guys run them everyday and actually prefer the 225 heads. They have as much power as the regular round .95 line can handle and there's really nothing easier to load then the echo head. I'm not doubting anyone's Google search on weight maybe the echo is balanced better who knows. Stihl makes a great product so does echo. Fortunately for me my guys like the 225 if one wears out get the good parts off and buy another one $200. If they are used hard everyday they will all wear out. This spring we are looking at adding another crew, I can outfit a trailer with edgers, blowers and trimmers for under $2k. Depending on how you slice it graph it or make a chart they'll pay for themselves in a couple days.

TaskForceLawnCare said:

I can tell you about both, I was a Stihl guy for a long time. I switched all our hand tools to echo 4 years ago. My guys run them everyday and actually prefer the 225 heads. They have as much power as the regular round .95 line can handle and there's really nothing easier to load then the echo head. I'm not doubting anyone's Google search on weight maybe the echo is balanced better who knows. Stihl makes a great product so does echo. Fortunately for me my guys like the 225 if one wears out get the good parts off and buy another one $200. If they are used hard everyday they will all wear out. This spring we are looking at adding another crew, I can outfit a trailer with edgers, blowers and trimmers for under $2k. Depending on how you slice it graph it or make a chart they'll pay for themselves in a couple days.

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If one wears out get the good parts off and buy another one $200. :confused2: Lets see over 10 years the Echo trimmer will cost $1000 to run if they last 2 years each and you don't have any problems with them. I can buy the Stihl RX 100 for $369 msrp $350 OTD and it will last 10 years being used everyday at least my 90 and 110 have, so $350 vs $1000 over 10years...where is the savings....Problem is the Echo never pays for itself and I've used both.
I started my business with an SRM 210 and PE 200 they lasted one season and were trash. For 2K I can outfit a trailer with 2 BR 600 blowers 2 FS 90 Trimmers and 1 FC 90 Edger. The biggest problem I see with the Echo stuff is the fact they haven't moved forward with the technology, there still running the same engines they've been running forever and the only advancements they have made is changing there colors and covers.

We are running several pieces of Echo equipment right now. The 225 is a fine little lightweight trimmer. It is definitely on the low side of power however if you need to do any kind of heavy weed eating. We love the 280 but have not had great success so far with keeping ours running. The 266 does a good job also. The power is fair for heavy weed eating.

Ric said:

The biggest problem I see with the Echo stuff is the fact they haven't moved forward with the technology, there still running the same engines they've been running forever and the only advancements they have made is changing there colors and covers.

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Why fix a design when it works? I have an Echo trimmer for my backup that's from 1987. Still with the orginal spark plug, etc.

lawn mower fanatic said:

Why fix a design when it works? I have an Echo trimmer for my backup that's from 1987. Still with the orginal spark plug, etc.

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Why fix or change a design when it works ???...OK from now on I want you to leave those Honda Mowers you think so much of in the garage at home and buy two 18 or 20" Push REEL lawn mowers, without motors from Home depot to use for you business :laughing: Hey the design works perfectly so why change when it works.

This is like the gong show.

Ric, SRM225 is ligher. I think my body knows what is light and what is heavier. My helper says the same.

Lawnboy18 said:

Ric, SRM225 is ligher. I think my body knows what is light and what is heavier. My helper says the same.

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The spec's say different, Echo specifications say dry weight on the 225 is 12lbs and Stihl specifications say the FS 90 is 11.7 and the FS 100 is 10.8 lbs. You can look it up for yourself.

I have an FS 70 that one of my guys will fight you over and an Echo 280 that the other one will fight you over.

Personally I like an Echo 266 better. I had one guy who was the same way about my 225. Crazy how everybody had a preference.

Ric said:

The spec's say different, Echo specifications say dry weight on the 225 is 12lbs and Stihl specifications say the FS 90 is 11.7 and the FS 100 is 10.8 lbs. You can look it up for yourself.

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I did look it up also. Hard to believe. Maybe it is because I have a KM? Heavier because of that kombi attachment?

Lawnboy18 said:

I did look it up also. Hard to believe. Maybe it is because I have a KM? Heavier because of that kombi attachment?

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That's why I wont use a Km. The KM90 with a trimmer attachments is almost 14lbs. To heavy to use for full time business.

jekjr said:

I have an FS 70 that one of my guys will fight you over and an Echo 280 that the other one will fight you over.

Personally I like an Echo 266 better. I had one guy who was the same way about my 225. Crazy how everybody had a preference.

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Yeah, if you really want to see them fight Let them use the FS 100RX at 10.8 lbs and if you really want light and your into 2 stroke get the FS 94 and remove the shroud and your talking about a trimmer with a 24.1 cc engine that's like 9 lbs.

@Ric I'm super happy your Stihl and Toros are working for you. The thing is I'm not only guy using my echo's and in 2-3 years they owe me nothing. I've nothing against Stihl, my guys just prefer echo. Thanks for the price analysis I graduated from IU and believe it or not I can do kindergarten math. I'd be full of joy if I had a heavily used piece of equipment that lasted 10 years. From what I understand you prefer Google for opinion support and antique Stihl hand tools. If it makes you feel better I've a Stihl chainsaw and backpack sprayer.

TaskForceLawnCare said:

@Ric I'm super happy your Stihl and Toros are working for you. The thing is I'm not only guy using my echo's and in 2-3 years they owe me nothing. I've nothing against Stihl, my guys just prefer echo. Thanks for the price analysis I graduated from IU and believe it or not I can do kindergarten math. I'd be full of joy if I had a heavily used piece of equipment that lasted 10 years. From what I understand you prefer Google for opinion support and antique Stihl hand tools. If it makes you feel better I've a Stihl chainsaw and backpack sprayer.

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My Echos have served me well also---my trimmer for the last 3 years, I have not had to do a single thing. In the end, experience, not specs, are more important. :thumbsup:

I love my STIHL blowers. I have three of them. Only need to clean the spark arrestors once in a while.

The trimmers I've had some issues tho.

I have been using a husky now for 2 years.
Two things I care about when it comes to a blower.
#1 must start on first or second pull every time.
#2 must be able to blow from one side of the truck and not leave anything under the truck.
So when I leave there are no clippings in the driveway.

How much it weighs is not a issue.

Just wanted to post an update. I've had the blower for near a month, and have been using it more and more. Fall cleanups are just a few weeks away, but I have been using it for mowing a decent amount. The lawns right now are having a second growth spurt, and some are growing as fast as they did in the spring. So some clumping does happen, so this blower saves a lot of time to clean up the clumps efficiently. Maybe 60 seconds with the blower and the whole backyard is blown clean. Can't wait for the leaves to fall.....it's always nice to have a "change of scenery" when working.

Putting the leaf removal tools together getting ready for that dirty nasty payday.

TaskForceLawnCare said:

<img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachments/commercial-residential-lawn-mowing/27600-already-thinking-about-leaf-cleanup-image-60517611-jpg"/>

Putting the leaf removal tools together getting ready for that dirty nasty payday.

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Nice! I am starting leaf cleanups this week!

Good luck and if not up and out the door before daylight you're already behind for the day.

TaskForceLawnCare said:

Good luck and if not up and out the door before daylight you're already behind for the day.

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Not sure which day I have the leaf cleanups scheduled....but will post pictures in this thread! Still doing weekly cutting right now, so I have a tight schedule. We had the first hard frost last night, with a little bit of one 2 nights ago. By November things slow down with the grass, and I do one final cut the last week of November. I've never had to MOW in December except last year because it snowed the end of November so I had to wait a few days for it to melt, and finished up on Dec. 3 or something like that.

Just passed the 300 bushel mark and some of the trees are still green!!! Last PMs frost and some wind will get the leaves falling!!!:laughing:

Mad Mackie said:

Just passed the 300 bushel mark and some of the trees are still green!!! Last PMs frost and some wind will get the leaves falling!!!:laughing:

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Did a few small cleanups today (where it's actually just a lawn mowing where I charge extra to remove the leaves as well), but the true leaf cleanups should be coming any day, because trees are dropping a lot now! I'm doing the my own front yard every other day to keep it looking nice. Takes less than 5 mins.

On my Scag Tiger Cub/48" deck/collection system, the amount of cleanup is measured by what is in the collection bags. Each bag is rated at 4.3 bushels, there are three bags and the volume of the housing if full increases this to 15 bushels of chopped up leaves, grass and pine needles. I generally let the housing fill up before I empty the bags although it is difficult to determine when this happens unless I turn the machine around and look at where I have just passed over.
This has been a banner year for acorns and pine needles as it has been very dry in my area. I have to drop the deck down to 2.5 inches or lower to cleanup the acorns and this puts the blades in more danger of contact with rocks and roots which increases my awareness level as I mow.
I have been beat up by some customers when I increase my rates during spring and fall cleanup. Sometimes I use a front mounted dethatcher to make cleanup easier for me.
To compensate for this, I increased my hourly rate overall. I no longer have the customers that complained and as time passed, some of them have called me asking me to come back, but I have only reconnected with just a few. I go the extra mile for my customers, most of which show their appreciation.:biggrin:

Today I did the biggest cleanup I have ever done. This was also the first official leaf cleanup of the season (the leaves are falling later than last year). It took 1.5 hours straight of using the backpack blower (PB-770T), and then another 1/2 hr. of putting some of it on a tarp and then neatening everything up. It's a great property for leaf cleanups, as it has over 20 trees, but it would be TERRIBLE for mowing. I don't know how you would do it. It has rocks and acorns everywhere, and a cliff out front and little dropoffs everywhere. I took some pictures, but will take more in a week when I go there again. I just wanted to learn the property this time, now I can focus on picture-taking next time. :biggrin: I'll post the pics later tonight. The backpack blower was amazing. Used close to a full tank of gas, and it has helped tremendously.

Didn't get any before pics of the part with heavy leaf coverage, but here is a before/after photo of the area that had some leaves on it (not a lot). This is the only flat part of the lawn, and one of the only places with grass. :laughing: Also a photo of the leaf pile, with my blower in the photo to show the scale. The pile is a lot bigger in person. The municipality came by right after I finished and vacuumed it up, so it's already at the local farm getting ready for compost! :thumbsup: I will get pictures of the part with heavy leaf coverage next week when I do it again. Plus I have lots of other leaf cleanups to do next week.

Before:

After:

Pile at the road:

Yep, that blower saves you time and makes you money!

Lawnboy18 said:

Yep, that blower saves you time and makes you money!

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Over the next week I am super busy with lawns and leaf cleanups, but I will get some photos of before/afters of the cleanups. I struggle with figuring out a way to get action shots with the backpack blower, but I will take pics of once it's done.

Check back either late this evening or tomorrow afternoon for pics from a leaf cleanup today. Will have some more pics from 2 jobs tomorrow as well. :thumbsup:

Here's a before/after photo of one of the lawns I did today that also want leaf removal done. It turned out really well! Also a picture of my blower in action.

lawn mower fanatic said:

Nice! I am starting leaf cleanups this week!

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we are up and runnnig for a week already

ningy said:

we are up and runnnig for a week already

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I've been cleaning up some leaves while I mow for around 2 weeks, but last week was when I started to get actual leaf jobs, along with LOTS of leaves when I come by my weekly mowing customers' lawns. But I have yet to do my first cleanup on some of my lawns....it is a little behind compared to last year.

lawn mower fanatic said:

I've been cleaning up some leaves while I mow for around 2 weeks, but last week was when I started to get actual leaf jobs, along with LOTS of leaves when I come by my weekly mowing customers' lawns. But I have yet to do my first cleanup on some of my lawns....it is a little behind compared to last year.

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Leaves should hopefully be done by the end of November. Last year I did a few cleanups the first half of December, but other than that my season ends the last day of November.

I have photos from a job yesterday I'll post later. Have lots more to do but it's a washout today. I'm would be fine with no break because after all, winter is right around the corner.

It was rainy and windy all day today, which brought tons of leaves down. The cleanups I did yesterday look like I was never there. :confused2:

lawn mower fanatic said:

It was rainy and windy all day today, which brought tons of leaves down. The cleanups I did yesterday look like I was never there. :confused2:

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Was raining and windy here the past 3 days.
Got 27 yards done. Wet leaves are the easiest to mulch.
I do not do a visit to do clean ups. Every yard gets a weekly visit. Takes the same time if there are leaves or not.
Can not take off because of rain.

Glad to see you are still around cars! I know you can't get off a mower!

Very windy today and a lot of rain yesterday. Gonna attempt to do a leaf cleanup tomorrow. It is gonna be nice, but a little windy.

Good idea on the weekly visits. All tho, it gets a little out of hand sometimes after only a week (double cut).

Lawnboy18 said:

Glad to see you are still around cars! I know you can't get off a mower!

Very windy today and a lot of rain yesterday. Gonna attempt to do a leaf cleanup tomorrow. It is gonna be nice, but a little windy.

Good idea on the weekly visits. All tho, it gets a little out of hand sometimes after only a week (double cut).

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I have my big leaf cleanup today, will make sure to take pics. 1.5 hours on the blower.

lawn mower fanatic said:

I have my big leaf cleanup today, will make sure to take pics. 1.5 hours on the blower.

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My wife will come help you. LOL
She loves blowing leaves. She can go all day.

Lawnboy18 said:

Glad to see you are still around cars! I know you can't get off a mower! Very windy today and a lot of rain yesterday. Gonna attempt to do a leaf cleanup tomorrow. It is gonna be nice, but a little windy. Good idea on the weekly visits. All tho, it gets a little out of hand sometimes after only a week (double cut).

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Turned out to be a nice day. A little windy.
Just left a yard the leaves are falling as we mow.
I am just happy the days are still warm.

Carscw said:

My wife will come help you. LOL
She loves blowing leaves. She can go all day.

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I needed her help. Lol. Ended up taking 2.25 hours on the blower. Job took close to 3 hours. Tons more leaves then last week. But I got paid good for my time.

You under estimated the job by quite a bit, but atleast you got paid well.

Today was nice, but cool. The wind picked up a bit towards the end of my leaf job that took about 4.5 hours alltogether.

View attachment Feuilles #7.pdfView attachment Feuilles #5.pdfView attachment Feuilles #9.pdfView attachment Feuilles #8.pdfView attachment Feuilles #4.pdfView attachment Feuilles #3.pdfView attachment Feuilles #2.pdfView attachment Feuilles #1.pdf

Lawnboy18 said:

You under estimated the job by quite a bit, but atleast you got paid well. Today was nice, but cool. The wind picked up a bit towards the end of my leaf job that took about 4.5 hours alltogether. <img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachments/commercial-residential-lawn-mowing/27646-already-thinking-about-leaf-cleanup-feuilles-7-pdf"/><img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachments/commercial-residential-lawn-mowing/27647-already-thinking-about-leaf-cleanup-feuilles-5-pdf"/><img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachments/commercial-residential-lawn-mowing/27644-already-thinking-about-leaf-cleanup-feuilles-9-pdf"/><img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachments/commercial-residential-lawn-mowing/27645-already-thinking-about-leaf-cleanup-feuilles-8-pdf"/><img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachments/commercial-residential-lawn-mowing/27648-already-thinking-about-leaf-cleanup-feuilles-4-pdf"/><img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachments/commercial-residential-lawn-mowing/27649-already-thinking-about-leaf-cleanup-feuilles-3-pdf"/><img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachments/commercial-residential-lawn-mowing/27650-already-thinking-about-leaf-cleanup-feuilles-2-pdf"/><img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachments/commercial-residential-lawn-mowing/27651-already-thinking-about-leaf-cleanup-feuilles-1-pdf"/>

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That's why I do not haul off leaves.
To much work and to much time.
But good job that's a crap load of leaves.

Tomorrow morning I will get pics up from the leaf job from today (only took a few pics), plus a before/after photo from a small leaf cleanup I did the other day. Took around 15 mins. I also have another one to do tomorrow afternoon I'll get pics of.

Thanks cars! I don't normally haul them away. I usually put them in bags and put them at the side for city pick up.

I was so happy that I brought many tarps! It saved me.

Lawnboy18 said:

Thanks cars! I don't normally haul them away. I usually put them in bags and put them at the side for city pick up.

I was so happy that I brought many tarps! It saved me.

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I'm glad where I live the municipality picks it up if you put a pile at the road. Saves lots of time.

Here is one of the few pics I took at the big leaf job. I am learning as I go. What I learned yesterday was blowing all the leaves to the driveway where I can then blow it to the street is a bad decision. (Their whole front yard has a little cliff at the front so you can't just blow it to the street everywhere). But there were too many leaves when it was all in the driveway that it took me forever to blow it down. It was waist high once it got in a pile, and my backpack blower couldn't even deal with it well. That wasted a lot of time. In the photo you can see it's as deep as my backpack blower and at this point it's taking up the whole driveway. Also included is a before and after photo from a tiny leaf job the other day.

Nice job!

When I do leaf jobs, I do one pass to remove the vast majority. I then hit it a second time to clean up all the little corners and places I didn't do well. I still end up with a good pile when I hit it a second time.

Lawnboy18 said:

Nice job!

When I do leaf jobs, I do one pass to remove the vast majority. I then hit it a second time to clean up all the little corners and places I didn't do well. I still end up with a good pile when I hit it a second time.

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Yeah that's a good idea. It seems like every day in the fall it's windy, and you have to blow the leaves against the wind, and they blow back at you. It would help to do as you suggested in that case. Here is a before/after photo of a job I did yesterday. Not a lot of leaves, but 99% of the leaves still have to fall. You can see in the after photo where their property line ends. :thumbsup:

Before:

After:

Nice job!

You know that you could of bagged up those leaves. There wasn't many.

I hate blowing out flower beds. Especially when they are mulched beds.

Lawnboy18 said:

Nice job!

You know that you could of bagged up those leaves. There wasn't many.

I hate blowing out flower beds. Especially when they are mulched beds.

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I've used my mowers all year long....I just recently got a shiny backpack blower. NOW you see why I used the blower! :laughing: But seriously the reason was actually because it is located a good distance from my house, and you have to travel on a highway to get to it, so I prefer to only bring a minimal amount of equipment when I have to drive 65 mph. And plus I wanted to get used to the yard for when the leaves get really abundant and I can't use my mower. Tomorrow is an easy day with just regular lawns to do (trying to get used to it getting dark by 5:15), but I have leaf cleanups scheduled for 3 other days this week I will get pics of.

Lots of blowing today.
5 tanks of gas already.
Have been using this one for 3 years now.
Gave a guy $100 for it. Was almost new.

Carscw said:

Lots of blowing today.
5 tanks of gas already.
Have been using this one for 3 years now.
Gave a guy $100 for it. Was almost new.

View attachment 27666

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Looks like you've got lots of use out of that machine! :thumbsup:

This week's photos from the small property I posted pictures of last week.

A photo showing a small part of my biggest leaf job. Today it had the most leaves so far this fall, and I got the time down to 2.5 hours total. I figured out more efficient patterns now that it's my 3rd week on the property. Also a photo of a leaf job where the municipality doesn't take leaves at the street, so I had to haul them away. I fit 6 large tarp-fulls of leaves in the trailer by packing it down every time. When I tried to empty the trailer I could literally walk on top of the leaves because it was packed down so much.

That is a lot of leaves!

Lawnboy18 said:

That is a lot of leaves!

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Tell me about it!

Seen this?

View attachment Feuilles #3.pdf

Lawnboy18 said:

Seen this?

View attachment 27682

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That's a lot of leaves also! Next time when I do that leaf cleanup I'm going to put a tarp under the leaves like you did to make it easier to remove from the trailer. :thumbsup:

Yea, it helps, but it is better at covering them while driving. I just do this massive taco at the end and strap it down. Too heavy to pull out of the trailer.

Lawnboy18 said:

Yea, it helps, but it is better at covering them while driving. I just do this massive taco at the end and strap it down. Too heavy to pull out of the trailer.

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Good point it would probably be too heavy to just pull out.

I don't do many leaf cleanups. But heres one that I did. I almost forgot to take pics lol.

zmister11 said:

I don't do many leaf cleanups. But heres one that I did. I almost forgot to take pics lol.

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Nice! That seems like a lot of leaves to fall for being in Florida. I would not like leaf cleanups as much if I had to put the leaves in a garbage bag.....there would be like 50 bags!! :confused2:

lawn mower fanatic said:

Nice! That seems like a lot of leaves to fall for being in Florida. I would not like leaf cleanups as much if I had to put the leaves in a garbage bag.....there would be like 50 bags!! :confused2:

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Thanks. And yeah it sucks haha that's why I don't do many of them.

zmister11 said:

Thanks. And yeah it sucks haha that's why I don't do many of them.

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There is one yard I mow that the customer wants the grass dumped in the brown yard waste bags, and it seems like it's always windy that day and you can never get the bag to stand up. :confused2:

lawn mower fanatic said:

There is one yard I mow that the customer wants the grass dumped in the brown yard waste bags, and it seems like it's always windy that day and you can never get the bag to stand up. :confused2:

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Haha yeah that's annoying!

Did not get a before.
Did not get them all. Still real wet 3 weeks of rain.

Carscw said:

Did not get a before.
Did not get them all. Still real wet 3 weeks of rain.

View attachment 27687

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Looks good! :thumbsup:

Nice job cars!

Just curious, how long does that yard take you to do with the trimming?

Lawnboy18 said:

Nice job cars! Just curious, how long does that yard take you to do with the trimming?

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30 minutes
Just at a acre.

Thanks! I bided on a 1.5 acre property. So, it helps to see if I bidded well.

I charge $55 for this yard. Once a week

Aight. I hope I did well... We will see once I start.

Here's a picture of just one of the leaf jobs I did today (picture taken halfway through the front yard), as well as some more pictures of my backpack blower for anyone whose interested.

lawn mower fanatic said:

Here's a picture of just one of the leaf jobs I did today (picture taken halfway through the front yard), as well as some more pictures of my backpack blower for anyone whose interested.

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Tomorrow When your blowing leaves.
Take the end tube off and see how it does.
I run all mine without it.
Some people like it some don't.

Carscw said:

Tomorrow When your blowing leaves.
Take the end tube off and see how it does.
I run all mine without it.
Some people like it some don't.

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Tomorrow and Friday I scheduled mostly lawns, but I have leaf cleanups Saturday, so I will try it then. Wouldn't it reduce the amount of air hitting the leaves since it spreads out before it gets to them? I'm kind of tall so it would be a decent distance away from the leaves. I'm just asking, as I have never done before what you suggested.

lawn mower fanatic said:

Tomorrow and Friday I scheduled mostly lawns, but I have leaf cleanups Saturday, so I will try it then. Wouldn't it reduce the amount of air hitting the leaves since it spreads out before it gets to them? I'm kind of tall so it would be a decent distance away from the leaves. I'm just asking, as I have never done before what you suggested.

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I find I can move more leaves.
Give it a honest try.

Carscw said:

I find I can move more leaves.
Give it a honest try.

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Ya I'll try to remember to do it Saturday. You have to get a balance between tube width and tube length (change cfm/air speed) I think to get the best performance...I'm curious to see how what you suggested works.

We started on 5 acres today. Leaves were not that heavy. I got three loads in my new leaf cart so far. We have some more to do tomorrow.

Yesterday I cut half of my lawns for the second to last time. The rest I am going to do Monday and Tuesday and they will be good until the final cut around Thanksgiving. I was going to do all my leaf jobs today, but it's the second day in a row with 40 mph winds. It would be useless. Hint: One way to make your leaf blower seem super underpowered is to try to blow the leaves against the 40mph winds. :laughing: Good news is with the rain we had the other day, plus 2 days of wind, it should bring down the rest of the leaves on a lot of the trees. :thumbsup: I will probably work tomorrow just to get some jobs done. It's also really cold today with a wind chill in the 30's right now.

Temp is 60 today. On our way to the lake. Doing some fishing.

Carscw said:

Temp is 60 today. On our way to the lake. Doing some fishing.

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Nice! Starting tomorrow it's supposed to around 60 for 4 days in a row, but I honestly want it to be colder so the grass goes dormant. I love warm weather, but it makes it tough to know when to finish the season. :confused2: