Avoid the mph specs as they mean absolutely nothing. Go with CFM. (cubic feet per minute) when deciding on power.
Just my 2 cents.

Birdman

I cannot comment on the Echo as we have not used them but we do have three Redmax machines(2 blowers and a stick edger) and have been pleased with them. They all start well cold and hot, use less fuel than the conventional 2 cycles and so far have not required any service Blowers are on second leaf season. The sound is not as high pitched as many homeowner blowers suspect to lower RPM due to slightly more powerful engines than many homeowner models. (Please remember to use ear plugs of earmuffs). The blowers we have are the large backpack EBZ 8000RH and the small handheld EBZ 2600. We like the way Redmax went to meet emissions requirements with the Strotocharged engine (has the Z in model designation ie EBZ). This engine uses a two port air entry carb that permits cylinder scavinging with air instead of air/fuel/oil. This permits meeting emissions requirements with a simple and light 2 cycle engine. The added benefit is the fuel use is about 25 to 30 percent less than conventional 2 cycles. Some other manufacturers are using catalytic muffer or 4 cycle that require fuel oil mix. Likely others I am not aware of. The EBZ 5000 looks like a nice backpack for most needs.

I have a Husky 145 with a Kawasaki 2 cycle engine. I lived in an apartment for a year while house was built and it started on the 2nd pull after sitting up for a year. Not sure of all the specs. but this blower works very well for me around my house. Cost about 300.00

Both Echo and Redmax make excellent products. You won't go wrong with either one.

Birdman, do you plan on moving leaves with that blower? Large amounts or wet? Do you have a large property or a lot of trees and general cleanup? If yes to any of the above questions, the blowers you mention are underpowered. If they are in your price range, and that's all you are going to spend, find out who or where they can be serviced and choose the brand with the best dealer. Just to confuse things a little more, check out the Stihl blowers. They along with Redmax are the blowers of choice for the professionals. Again what is important to them is performance and dealer support.

Your right about the pro's choices. The Redmax EB7001 is the everyday blower and when it comes time to move leaves the EBZ8000 comes out of the trailer, usually a couple. For really big properties a walk behind is the way to go. If you are a Stihl fan, the BR340 is used everyday where the BR600 comes out when it's time to push some leaves. They may cost more money, but they get the job done quickly and easily, using less fuel and punishment to the wearer.

Kirk

I vote for redmax, echos gunk faster, pricier to fix.

I just purchased the Redmax EBZ8000. I'm very impressed. It can blow wet matted leaves, sticks, walnuts, etc.. More
than I expected. Also, for a large backpack it is light and quiet. I have 3 acres and used a Toro electric hand held. I cut my time by at least 2/3.

While I love Echo trimmers, I would have to give Redmax the nod on blowers. Echo blowers do not seem as strong.

Thanks to all for you advice. My local dealer was kind enough to let me try the RedMax EBZ5000, the Echo PB-403h and a Redmax 7000 just for comparison in the parking lot. He placed a work glove on the ground and we used that to compare air force.

As one can imagine the Redmax 7000 is a very powerful machine. Next up was the EBZ5000 followed by the Echo 403. The Echo sounded like a weedeater on my back and had less air flow that the 5000. They all started instantly, but the 5000 has a much more muffled sound and the engine is rubber mounted to the frame which makes it vibration free. A more refined product in my opinion than the 403.

I have a Little Wonder walk behind blower so the backpack blower was to get inside the flower beds and under/above the deck area. For Wet leaves it would be lacking if it were my only blower. The 7000 would have to be the selection if I did not have the Little Wonder. But with the $300 I had to spend I feel that the EBZ5000 was my best option. So far after 1 week the 5000 is a joy to use

i own the redmax 7001 backpack and the 2400 weed whip.i
love them. ive had a echo backpack good machine not designed as good as the redmax. echo years ago had some real nice commercial units but thats changed.

Does it matter if the throttle is on the blower tube or not? Is it correct that the Red Max EBZ8000 does not have a problem with the muffler bracket?

The throttle control is a matter of operator preference, most blowers sold here have the right hand tube mounted version. Some like the lever type but don't forget to flip it down before strapping the machine on.
IMHO, Echo is still a very good product but heavier than a lot of the competition.

I have owned the same RED MAX leaf blower since 1991 and it still works its only been in the shop two times and that was for a carb tune up each time about five years apart

I have a Redmax 8000 and found out there is a defective choke lever. The choke lever broke on mine and the dealer replaced it free. Redmax knows this and is issuing replacements.
- Kris

I have an Echo backpack blower which I use for the beds, cleaning up the patio and driveway and other misc chores. Its always worked well for me.

For leaves on the lawn I mulch them up with my tractor and leave them on the lawn. That works great. I usually clean out the beds first blowing the leaves onto the lawn then use the tractor.

not to hijack ur thread but i have a quick question about redmax blowers. does right hand throttle mean that the throttle will be on the blower tube and not just the hip throttle being moved from the left side to right.

Hi,

I have a Redmax 8000 and like it very much. I am not a pro but I do have loads of trees and autumn time I get alot of leaves.

Right hand throttle has the throttle control on the hand hold handle on the blower tube. Initially whent he Redmax first came out these were problamatic. May have got better now. My Redmax has the standard throttle control on the left hand side. I quite like it on the left hand side and you do not have to keep on holding down the throttle trigger. Just set and blow.

Best, Mike.

Shindaiwa, best on the planet:)

at the moment, Echo has the better consumer warranty @ 5 years. Redmax and Stihl are 2yrs. Probably varies by dealer and state, but at the moment the Echo 755 is recommended over the Redmax 7001/8001 locally. Both are great choices and don't think you can wrong with either.

STAY AWAY FROM SHINDAIWA!!!!!! Nothing but garbage. as far as what Kirk said believe it

I have had my Red Max Ebz8000 for about 4 years now. I use it for my lawn care business as my primary blower. have had no problems with it. It is very powerfully and tough.