Echo PB-580 Backpack Leaf Blower

You can tell how good a leaf blower really is by asking a professional user, as anyone working with a blower all day will quickly see through any grandiose manufacturer’s claims which aren’t backed up by performance. It is perhaps telling, then, that the “Dislikes” section of Popular Mechanics’ review of the ECHO PB-580 backpack blower simply says “Nothing noted.” This is because the PB-580 is a machine built specifically for professional use, offering power, comfort and convenience enough to make even the most challenging clearance work a pleasingly simple prospect.

The aspect of the PB-580’s performance with which the reviewer seems most impressed is its reassuring ease of use, stating that “anyone can start it, sling it on his (or her) back and start blasting leaves in seconds.” This is due to the clever ergonomic design of this impressive machine, with the sturdy backpack frame providing valuable support and minimising vibration levels during use. With adjustable straps included to ensure a perfect fit whatever your size and shape, mounting the blower on the harness also means that the PB-580 can easily be used on rough or uneven ground where less manoeuvrable blowers would prove problematic. As such even prolonged periods of use in hostile environments do not pose a problem when using the PB-580, which is an invaluable consideration for any professional landscaper or gardener.

Incredibly compact for the power it offers, the PB-580’s 50.8cc Stratified Scavenging two-stroke petrol engine is equally worthy of our attention. The term “stratified scavenging” here refers to a clever system which improves the combustion process inside the engine, thereby simultaneously boosting performance, reducing particle emissions and increasing fuel efficiency in one go! This allows the PB-500 to outperform almost any blower fitted with a conventional two-stroke engine, providing enough power to achieve a maximum airflow of up to 690m³/h at speeds of 73m/s. Clearing even wet leaves is thus a doddle, while a high capacity 1.72 litre fuel tank provides enough run time to handle heavier workloads without having to constantly stop and refuel.

A variety of other features stand out for making the PB-580 even easier to use, including the traditional recoil starter system (which ensures hassle-free ignition), the ‘Posi-Loc’ connectors (which provide excellent stability and prevent the blower tube from coming loose), and a handy all-in-one joystick-style control system mounted on the flexible blower tube (which makes it easy to direct the airstream with superb accuracy). A heavy duty air filter and a robust build throughout, meanwhile, help to ensure a long and reliable service life, backed up by the inclusion of either a five year domestic warranty or a two year commercial warranty as standard. Moreover, the PB-500 can even be used with optional rain gutter and vacuum attachments (available separately), so also provides exceptional versatility when it comes to tidying lawns, forecourts, pathways and parks.