Need review on Husqvarna Blower

[Fresh Cut]

   Husqvarna 356BFx is advertised locally for $390. It says it has never been used. So I need some input from anyone with experience with Husky.

I don't know anyone with a Husqvarna blower and I can't recall ever talking to anyone about their performance.

Are they strong? By strong, I mean comparable to Redmax EBZ8000

Are they dependable?

Worth $390? I really can't afford that, so I'ma try to get him down.


Yes, my Echo PB-413H has finally given out on me. Compression messed up. A guy that works on 'em took the spark plug out and looked inside and saw metal shavings from the piston rubbing against the cylinder wall. Just my luck. I'll keep it for parts, doubt I'll ever buy anything by Echo again though.

[BurkPub]

I don't know anything about this blower, but I can vouch for Husqvarna. About 10 years ago I logged for a couple of years. I had both a Husky and a Stihl chainsaw. The Husky was my favorite in most situations. I know that this does not exactly answer your question, but it might help. I would like to hear from a mechanic's perspective. I also suggest that you do some additional research on the internet or wherever. Compare CFM's and other specs.

[Eli]

I have no personal experience with this model blower. I googled "Husqvarna 356BFX review". Here is one of the sites I found results on. Here is the quote regarding this model:

The Husqvarna 356BFx($450) was at the top of the list in many reviews because it runs much quieter than the competition. The 3.2 HP motor will supply all the necessary power to blow your leaves and debris in the right direction. The ergonomics of the backpack and straps make this easy to operate and the weight won't run you down. The shoulder straps and hip belt keep the unit stable on your back. Many owners say the handgrip is a good size and allows for effortless movement of the blower tube. The Husqvarna power blower is probably meant for professionals but for those of us with large yards and plenty of trees, it will do the work in no time.

And another one here:

Leaf Blower Reviews #5: Another leaf blower receiving glowing reviews from expert testers is the top rated Husqvarna 356 BFx Backpack Blower. Designed with absolute power in mind, this Husqvarna leaf blower offers unmatched power and quietness in its class. Powered by 3.2 horsepower heavy-duty motor delivering 473 cubic feet per minute (cfm) air volume at just 64db (50ft), you can be assured of faster cleanup when blowing dead leaves, twigs and debris into a pile. Unfortunately though it’s heavy at 24lbs and may tire you out after prolong use. Expensive at $450. Best used by pros or it you’ve got a really large backyard.
The problem I have with both of these reviews is they did not really compare them with other good quality blowers. Thus the reviews are skewed to say the least. Like I said, I have no experience with this model and I was unable to locate any review for that model that I believed to be credible.

If I were looking to buy a blower I personally would look at either Shindaiwa, Echo (I know, I know, I know. I am about to post another reply to this thread, just read it.), Redmax, or Stihl (this hurts!!). There may be some more that I have not mentioned. I believe Maruyama and Tanaka both make viable competitive models as well. I would look for a local servicing dealer that you can trust and that carries one of these models, and then buy one from them. Before you buy one, compare the power, weight, air speed AND air volume. If you want an explanation on this let me know and I'll explain why I said that.

I would avoid box store blowers at all cost. They (box stores) do not service the equipment themselves and are about as knowledgeable about power equipment as I am about the operation of a spaceship. But to top it off, they are typically only capable of selling a watered down version or some cheap brand that no one else will sell. Avoid brands like Mcculloch, Poulan, Weedeater, Craftsman, and just about any other brand that I have not mentioned. Husqvarna does make good saws, but I am not a particular fan of any of their other handheld products and locally their other products have not really "hit".... Like I stated in another thread here on this forum, most brands will focus on one or two sectors of the power equipment market but will seldom capitalize on the entire market. I personally feel that Husqvarna is one that falls into that market. Their commercial mowers are deemed to be good and their chain saws are good for the most part but their other products I am not so sure about (partially due to lack of contact them.

Good luck with it and let us know what you decide.
Eli

[Eli]

Yes, my Echo PB-413H has finally given out on me. Compression messed up. A guy that works on 'em took the spark plug out and looked inside and saw metal shavings from the piston rubbing against the cylinder wall. Just my luck. I'll keep it for parts, doubt I'll ever buy anything by Echo again though.

Is this the same blower you previously had problems with? If so, what, if any, actions were you able to take to correct that problem?

Do you know for sure what caused the scoring? Did they tell you? Some of the most frequent problems, but not necessarily in this order or the only causes, are:

1) Poorly mixed fuel (correct quantity of mix oil but just not mixed up in the gas properly),
2) Not enough mix oil,
3) Poor quality mix oil causing poor lubrication,
4) Incorrect fuel/air mixture. Among others, one of the reasons for incorrect fuel/air mixture is incorrect carburetor settings (thus my recommendation in the other thread to not adjust the carburetor.) Incorrect fuel/air mixture is one of the leading causes (if not the leading cause) of 2 cycle engine scoring and failure. When the fuel air mixture is incorrect the engine can race, causing it to get too hot. As a result, the piston will literally "melt" and the aluminum from the piston will adhere to the cylinder walls, causing the "score" marks or "scratches".
5) Another side affect of poor quality mix oil is carbon build up. You may ask why I bring this up when I am discussing the scoring of cylinders. Glad you asked. Poor mix oil quality creates carbon buildup. This carbon buildup adheres mostly to inside of the exhaust port. From there, the carbon buildup breaks free after so long and wedges itself between the piston and cylinder causing score marks.

Please understand that the scored cylinder is very likely not a result of poor workmanship and likely had nothing to do with the brand of equipment. More than likely one of the above mentioned reasons is why the cylinder scored.

Good luck,
Eli