Professional quality blower
Written: Jan 17 '07 (Updated Jan 17 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Powerful, easy to start, STIHL quality and service, did I mention it's REALLY POWERFUL?!
Cons: Gets a little heavy after a while, somewhat expensive
The Bottom Line: If you need a blower that has the power to move anything, and the quality to still be running for the next 20-30 years, buy one.
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| almabes's Full Review: Stihl Backpack Blower Br 380 D |
When we moved in May of 2006, I never could have dreamed the volume of leaves I would have to rake in our new back yard. After a weekend of raking, I decided I needed a leaf blower. The next weekend, my father in law brought over his new, hand-held Craftsman 25cc blower (made by Poulan). After a three-hour session of blowing with the little Craftsman, hands feeling like they would vibrate off, ears still ringing from the high-pitched whine, I decided I needed a high-powered backpack blower. I drove down to J & J Mower Service in Marietta, GA and explained what I was looking for. J & J Mower Service is a small, family owned business specializing in mid to high-end, and landscaper quality lawn equipment, and a STIHL dealer.
After explaining what I was looking for the machine to be capable of, I was "fitted" by one of the owners with a STIHL BR380 blower. I say "fitted" here because J & J didn't just hand me a box and send me on my merry way, they assembled, serviced, and quality checked the blower before instructing me how to start, use, and maintain it properly. This is true of how STIHL dealers operate in general.
The Machine:
The BR380 has a large 56.5 cc 2-stroke engine (50:1 mixture ratio) that puts out over three and a half horsepower. It weighs in at 20.5 pounds, which may seem heavy compared to a 12-15 pound hand-held. However, the weight is supported by your back, through wide shoulder straps, and a padded backrest. When the straps are adjusted properly, I barely notice its there.
The translucent fuel tank holds 1.5 liters of fuel--enough for about 90 minutes of full-throttle running.
The throttle is trigger operated, on a handle attached to the down tube. It also has a cruise control feature that will hold the throttle at a specific setting, so you don't have to.
The specs state the air velocity exiting the tube is up to 181 mph. Velocity is useful for breaking loose clumps of wet leaves, and such. And in my experience with this blower, it has had no problems breaking up the wettest, most stuck together clumps of decaying leaves I could find.
The specs also state the blower can move 465 CFM of air, measured at the exit of the tube, not at the housing. Generally, if a manufacturer doesn't state where the CFM measurement was taken, then it was most likely taken at the blower housing, before being accelerated, and restricted by the down tube. The CFM at the tube exit can be 40%-60% less than the measurement at the housing.
This is important because CFM (air volume) moves leaves, not MPH (velocity).
So far the blower has been easy to start. It generally fires up after 2 or three pulls. It's easy to put on. It runs very well, accelerating quickly without hesitation even when cold. For a machine of it's capability, its pretty quiet. Since the engine and fan are behind me, it didn't seem nearly as loud as the 25cc Craftsman hand-held. The blower also doesn't sound "whiney". I could only hear the throaty growl of the engine.
The only drawback I have encountered is I have a little difficulty blowing in confined areas. In the wide open spaces, though it's amazingly easy to use, and amazingly powerful.
As I said above, after a three-hour session with the little Craftsman blower, my ears were ringing, and my hands felt like they would vibrate off. With the BR380, I was able to blow more leaves in less time, without feeling like I had been vibrated to death.
The BR380, as is all STIHL equipment, is a very high quality piece of equipment. The engine has a dual ring piston, a forged crankshaft, and a chrome lined cylinder bore, all of which contribute to the amazingly long service life of STIHL 2-stroke engines. It is also built to be easily and quickly serviced.
There's a reason all of the landscapers around Atlanta use STIHL equipment. It's quite simply the quality and service of both the equipment and the dealers.
Note: STIHL does not sell, nor do they allow their dealers to sell products over the Internet. If you decide a BR380 is for you, you'll have to visit your local STIHL dealer. If you are around Atlanta, I recommend J & J Mower Service.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
almabes
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Member: Anthony
Location: Atlanta
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 0 members
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