Yes, new Homelite equipment is junk.

Redmax - expensive but runs like a clock. Not many landscape companies that don't use them.

No problems with my Stihl BR 550 either. tons of power and its so easy to start.

I live in CT. and use a STIHL BR600. It works even better than my older BR420C. It starts very easily, and runs great at all temperatures. I have not seen any Redmax units in my area. I don't think there is a dealer near me who carries them. From what I read, the Redmax and the STIHL are the two top of the line blowers most often used. I believe the STIHL is lighter and quieter. Charles Ranheim

only redmax----best blower but a little heavy and a little loud

Redmax blowers are great.. Echo blowers are built very well also and not one company out there offers a 5 year warranty except Echo!! Thats gotta tell ya something.

twostroke - The 5 year warranty tells me that Echo is trying to get sales back from its competitors.

Echo 650 for me. Same as the 750 but w/o the big air cleaner. 65cc two stroke engine. Plenty of push, as much or more than any of the other 'big' units. 5year warranty is hard to beat. Just mix your fuel correctly and you wont have any problems.