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Echo PB-251

Discontinued

Reviewed

September 2009

Pros

Relatively quiet
Rotation-control technology
See-through gas tank
Five-year warranty

Cons

Two-cycle gas engine pollutes
Heavier than electric blowers
Doesn't vacuum

Where to Buy

Find a Local Dealer

Our Analysis

This handheld gas blower is powerful; airflow is rated at 145 mph and 390 cubic feet per minute (CFM), about as powerful as you can buy. But the Echo PB-251 is still quiet enough to meet noise restrictions in areas that impose them. Several of its features make this handheld gas leaf blower easy on the user, including two handles (the top one has three positions) and rotation control technology that keeps the force of the air coming out from rotating the blower. If you want a handheld blower that weighs (and costs) less, and don't mind dealing with a cord, the Toro Ultra Blower Vac 51599 (*Est. $70) has a similar airflow rating.

We found no expert reviews of the Echo PB-251, but owners at HomeDepot.com provide ratings and comments, and discussion threads at GardenWeb.com and LawnSite.com give firsthand opinions.

Our Sources

1. HomeDepot.com

At HomeDepot.com, about 15 owners rate the Echo PB-251 and the CARB-certified version, the PB-251C. Only one user rates it lower than a perfect five out of five. Most rave about its power and how quiet it is.

Review: Reviews of Echo PB-251, 251C, Contributors to HomeDepot.com

2. GardenWeb.com

There are several discussion threads here in which owners give their opinions about the Echo PB-251. In one thread, owners directly compare the Echo PB-251 and its closest competitor, the Stihl BG 55, in terms of performance and value. Most prefer the Echo, and give it good ratings for performance and ease of use.

Review: Tool Shed Forum, Contributors to GardenWeb.com

3. LawnSite.com

Most who enter this discussion are lawn care professionals. Several handheld gas blowers are discussed, including a few Echo models. The PB-251 receives positive feedback, along with an Echo blower that has since been discontinued.

Review: Handheld Blowers Discussion, Contributors to Lawnsite.com

4. Amazon.com

There are just a few reviews at Amazon.com for the Echo leaf blower, but all three are positive. One user compares it to a Craftsman leaf blower, and says the Echo model is far superior.

Review: Echo PB-251 25.4 cc Gas Power Blower, Contributors to Amazon.com

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