New Echo PB-770T Backpack Blower

[Hedgemaster]

I knew I'd be needing to pick up a backpack blower and I was debating the pros and cons of buying used vs new. The other day I tried to fire up my chipper shredder (that I purchased last year used) and the thing was leaking gasoline all over the place. That settled that - I'm buying a NEW backpack blower! LOL! Picked it up this morning. Echo PB-770T As always, here are a crapload of pictures for your viewing pleasure... (^^^ Note the card holder on truck and lawn sign along curb in the distance) Reg price - They sell these all day long for $499. Driving by the other day my wife saw a sign - "Leaf Blower Sale!" so I stopped in later, but they were about to close. I asked a guy what was on sale and he said "Depends on what you want". I told him what model I was interested in and asked when the sale ended since they were closing in a few minutes - "I'll be back up in a day or two", I said. "We're running them for $469 and you can have it for that price for the next couple of days", he said. I stopped in today to get it. Fortunately the owner was in - it's always better to talk to him when you're going to be buying something other than parts or supplies - HE'S the one who gives you a deal, or throws in some extras. I waited patiently as he took a few phone calls and it was worth the wait. While they unboxed a new unit and began assembling it for me, I asked what the total was going to be. I explained that I had stopped in because of the "sale" and asked what he was ringing it up for. (punches in some numbers on the computer) "Best I can do is $435", he said. "That works for me!" It pays to avoid the staff and deal with the owner. He treats the lawn care guys well and it keeps us coming back. I tried it out a little today, but didn't do any major leaf work. I'll post my thought after I use it a few times. The only two things that jumped out at me were the fact that it's heavy (doesn't help that my back has been bugging me) and the "cooling slots" on the back pad are awesome! You can really feel the air moving on your back when you throttle up. Specs: Type........................................Backpa ck Engine Displacement (cc)............63.3 Carburetor (w/Purge Pump).........Rotary-Valve Diaphragm Starting System........................Standard Fuel Capacity............................68.3 See-Through Fuel Tank...............Standard Helper Handle...........................Standard Average Air Volume (cfm-pipe)....756 Maximum Air Speed (mph-pipe)...234 dB(A).......................................73 Dry Weight (lbs)........................23.8 Consumer Warranty....................5 years Commercial Warranty.................2 years Features: • 63.3 cc Power Boost Tornado engine • Convenient tube-mounted throttle with cruise control • Side-mounted, heavy-duty, dual-stage air filtration • Padded backrest and shoulder straps • Exclusive vented back pad for user comfort in hot weather • Leaf guard

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Last edited by Hedgemaster; 10-11-2011 at 11:18 PM. Reason: typo

Lawn care business tips

Good going! My ex boss in lawn care purchased one for this years leaf cleanup, he loves it... no complaints from him and he's picky. Ya know, those leaves in the pics look a little staged...too perfect, like ya spent time putting them in place for the photo! haha

[Hedgemaster]

Originally Posted by SaberLawnCare

Good going! My ex boss in lawn care purchased one for this years leaf cleanup, he loves it... no complaints from him and he's picky.

Ya know, those leaves in the pics look a little staged...too perfect, like ya spent time putting them in place for the photo! haha

Ummmm... funny you mention that because I DID take a handful of those leaves home with me with the intention of taking a few shots of the blower at home and laying a few leaves near it.


In the limited research I did prior to purchasing, it seemed like this model gets a lot of favorable reviews.
As I told the guy who was unboxing it for me, I started the season with a Craftsman handheld blower, progressed to an Echo PB 251 handheld, and knowing I'd need a backpack for fall, I figured if I'm spending THAT much money, I may as well just spend it on the best one Echo has to offer - "Go big or go home, as they say". He laughed and said, "I was just going to say the same thing!"

I had about $150 set aside in my "blower fund" and a credit card with 10 more months interest free, so it was a no-brainer - get the good 'un!

[mark123]

:-) I just bought the same blower 2 Weeks ago. It sucks down the gas but it moves some leaves! If you want a laugh put a brick on the driveway and use the 770 on it. You'll have to chase it!

[Martywdx]

Nice piece of equipment. Makes me jealous. Been wavering on buying a back pack for several years. Hand held blowers seem to fit my mode of operation. I really cant justify the cost. I mostly blow around the house and tight areas. Then mulch and pick up the lawn after.
Its best for me to have the leaves lay as they fall. Easy to mulch with the lawn tractor.

[Hedgemaster]

Originally Posted by mark123

:-) I just bought the same blower 2 Weeks ago. It sucks down the gas but it moves some leaves! If you want a laugh put a brick on the driveway and use the 770 on it. You'll have to chase it!

My driveway is gravel, so that could prove interesting - and dangerous! LOL

[Steve]

And when leaf season is over, you can turn it into a hovercraft.

[Hedgemaster]

Made my first $15 dollars today with the blower. LOL!

One of my "regulars" who has grass that doesn't grow asked if I would be able to blow the leaves from the driveway. It's a steep one and the leaves make it slippery. "Can you get them off - it's pretty wet?" she asked. "You don't have one of those big ones that you put on your back, do you?"
"As a matter of fact, I do!" was my reply.

Didn't even have to haul them away, just cleared the short driveway of leaves and I was done.

OH, and when I finished, a neighbor came over and asked for a quote to stop by and blow the leaves out a few times over the next month.

[Steve]

That is fantastic! What is next on your equipment purchase wish list?

[Hedgemaster]

Originally Posted by Steve

That is fantastic! What is next on your equipment purchase wish list?

Wish list? Well, that's a pretty long list, so I'll stick to the one item I'm most likely to get.
I haven't made up my mind yet, but I need to get a wide deck walk behind or a small zero turn mower. As much as I'd like a Z, a walk behind will probably be more practical.