What's this? Based on sweeping and loosening, handling, noise, and, where applicable, vacuuming. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise overall score.
Approximate retail price:
$299.00
Summary:The Echo PB-500H is a 50.8cc gasoline backpack multiple speed blower weighing 23.2 pounds.
Sweeping: Indicates the speed of moving a pile of leaves.
Loosening: Indicates the speed of removing embedded leaf particles from the lawn.
Vacuuming: Reflects how quickly and effectively models with vacuum capability pick up leaves and how finely they are mulched.
Handling and ease of use: Includes ease of maneuvering, using controls, and changing modes.
Noise at ear: Blower-mode noise is based on our measurements at the operator's ear level. Models rated Fair or Poor at ear level emitted at least 85 dBA, loud enough to warrant hearing protection.
Noise at 50 feet: Blower-mode noise is based on industry-standard measurements at 50 feet. Models rated Very Good or Excellent at 50 feet should meet common municipal limits of 65 decibels (dBA).
About This Brand
Echo makes high-end handheld and backpack professional-grade gas leaf blowers. Its gas blowers feature lower weight and high power, the latest starting and sound-reduction improvements, and high cfm. They're available at The Home Depot, outdoor power equipment dealers and hardware stores.
Features & Specs - Echo PB-500H
Weight (lbs.) To the nearest half-pound in blower mode.
Weight (lbs.)
23
cc/amp Engine cubic centimeters (cc) and motor electrical amperage (amps) are from the manufacturer.
cc/amp
50.8cc
Multiple speeds On an electric blower or a variable throttle on a gas-powered blower, these let you increase power for sweeping on hard surfaces or open ground and decrease it around fragile garden beds.
Multiple speeds
Yes
Vacuum capability Comes with the necessary attachments including a collection bag to convert to vacuuming mode for sucking up leaves and debris.
Vacuum capability
NA
Translucent fuel tank A clear tank lets you see at a glance when fuel is running low.
Translucent fuel tank
Yes
Spring assisted starting To makes starting easier, a pull-cord assembly with this feature has a built-in spring that winds up as the starting rope is pulled, to reduce the force necessary to start the engine.
Spring assisted starting
Yes
Four-cycle engine Uses straight gasoline and doesn't require an oil/gasoline mixture, as do the more common two-cycle engines used on most trimmers.
Have a < 1/2 acre lot w/ lots of oaks. This blower has made it easy to get around, and get the leaves, sticks and acorns. Bought it based on CR review & other user ratings. So far its worked better then I hoped. Just wished I could find a mulcher,
How long have you owned it:
A month or less
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
By
Sydpfloyd
from
minnetonka, minnesota
(6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Excellent blower for homeowner
4/21/2012
Pros
Built well
Decent power
Easy to Use
Well Balanced Feel
Cons
Nothing so far
Best Uses
Blowing Leaves
Blow off driveway
Dethatching yard
Comment:
My brother is a pro lawn guy and has the bigger 765t model, so it has a bit more power, but for the average homeowner, this does very well. try to use Non-Oxygenated gas in it for it will help the life of the engine. (recommended for small engines)
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
By
MeteorMagnet
from
NY
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
1/3 the time
4/7/2012
Pros
Easy to Use
Powerful
Well Balanced Feel
Cons
None
Best Uses
Blowing Leaves
Clearing acorns
Comment:
It's pretty much all been said. Getting it on your back is a bit tricky. I start it, put it on the patio table, and slip it on, no problem. Doing a lift and put on is a little trickier, but you get the hang of it. I use ear plugs AND muffs. I managed to clear a 100' x 100' property --- and my arm's in a cast. (Not a CU-recommended procedure, I'm sure! (Not a pleased-wife one, either.) But --- easily doable!)