I have had my STIHL BR600 backpack blower for almost two years. It replaced my STIHL BR420C, which was also a commercial grade blower. The BR600 has more power, starts easier, and runs quiter than my BR420c. It is also lighter than a comparable RedMax. I am completely satisfied with my STIHL products. I have not owned RedMax products because they are not popular in my area. The STIHL BR600 has the 4-Mix engine. I belive the RedMax blowers all have 2-cycle engines. They both are excellent machines. Charles Ranheim

Don't want to start any fights, I am very active on another lawn forum. We have a lot of talk about problems with Stihl 4Mix and Shindaiwa C4. Their 2 cycles are very good, not the hybrids. Don't have to take my word, go read more.

Echo supposed to be very good also, do research and you'll see.

Red Max has disappeared here, the distributor dropped it due to lack of factory support. Husqvarna recently bought the line, might be wise to wait and see what they do.

Consider going to lawnsite, the pros argue about this constantly.

I was looking at the BR 550 and the Redmax EBZ 7001 last fall and ended up choosing the redmax. There are lots of problems with the 4-mix engines losing power, and they require high quality synthetic two cycle oil. All the pro companies around me use Redmax exclusively--I've seen ones 6 or 7 years old so abused that you can barely tell they're redmax, and they still blow like day one.

A lot of people buy the redmax online, because it's a lot cheaper than at dealers. if dealer support is really important for you, you'll be looking at higher costs. Dealer cost for an EBZ 7001 in my area is equiavalent to that of a BR 600.

if you get anything in the 8000 series by redmax be sure to get the 8001--it's the revised, cleaned up version.

MGF

Also there is Maruyama BL8100. I have been comparing the IPL with Kawasaki biggest blower, look similar. I wonder whether they are the same with different name. The engine is the same.
Maruyama have 5 years commercial warrante so if you have a dealer selling them, you might want to consider this too.

Anyone use this? please post your experience here. We can all learn.

I have had my BR600 for two years, I was using the Stihl oil and have switched to the Mobil 2T synthetic. With either oil I haven't had one lick of trouble, starts right up, runs like a top and never misses a beat.

I use it year round and it gets a workout in the fall. I'm curious as to what the problems are hoping I don't fall victim. But for now, it runs like the day I bought it.

It is mainly valve problem. Go to lawnsite to read the posts. We have one currently very active. 4Mix have a lot of problem. You are wise to use synthetic. Make sure you decarbon the engine and adjust the valve.

I am trying Deep Creep to decarbon my Shindaiwa C4 which is similar to 4Mix, don't know how good it is. Anyone have experience with Deep Creep for decarboning?

After reading about backpack leaf blowers on a couple of sites I checked out RedMax and called my closest dealer. He said that he didn't have any of the 50 cc models in stock but he had the same EXACT model of Husqvarna (with just a different color cover) for the same price of $299. He said Husqvarna bought RedMax because they made such a good product so it was an identical machine. I wanted this blower for Father's Day. Should I go ahead and buy the 50cc Husqvarna model for the same price of wait for more of the RedMax to come in?

Verify this info, but to the best of my knowledge, most Husky blowers except 356Bt are Redmax, particular 170 and 180. I think 150BT also. Did you check Lowes, I think they have the 150Bt for $299.

I want to say the probs with the BR600 have been worked out, others can chime in but you should have no regrets with the 600. Been doin' leaves for years, get the largest backpack you can afford...either the BR600 or the big Redmax but I think you will be much happier with the Stihl.

Buy once, cry once, how much leaves do you need to move in the fall....the 600 makes life much easier.

Thanks, I ended up buying the Husqvarna 50 cc after being assured by another dealer that it's virtually the same machine as the RedMax because it's made by them. (I think it's the BT150) I needed to buy this quick because it was a Father's Day gift for my hubby. I got it for $299 at a nearby power equipment store. The store manager told me he had ordered 10 Redmax in early spring and got only three (they were gone within 10 days). He has an additional 10 on backorder for summer. I guess I'll leave it up to my husband whether he wants to keep the Husqvarna or exchange it for a RedMax when the backorder arrives. Working with the local power equipment dealer was much nicer purchase than going to one of the Big Box stores. The owner threw in two containers of gas mix and carried it out to my car. He also mentioned to use only high octane gasoline in the unit. Individual service and no waiting for someone from "lawn care" to be paged!

I have had the Red Maxx EBZ8000 over 3 years. When comparing I was looking at the Stihl BR600. I went with the Red Maxx, my brother the Stihl. We concluded the Red Max is much more powerful, heavier and makes more noise. I like my decision and he likes his. By the way neither of us have had any problems.

any see the stihl br600vs comp video on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEePijBdgJw&NR=1

I would like to see independent test. Too many variables.

I HATE TO DISOPINT ALL OF THE STIHL LOVERS OUT THERE BUT RED MAX BACKBACK LEAF BLOWERS EXPECIALY THE EBZ 7500 IS WAY BETER THAN ANY STIHL BLOWER RED MAX ALOS MAKE THE BIGGEST BLOWERS OUT THERE SO IT GOSE TO REDMAX