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Nothing better than enjoying a deep shade underneath the trees on a hot summer day. Picture perfect. That changes in the autumn, when all that shade ends up on the ground. You have two choices to clean that up. Manually, or call in the cavalry. Today we are going to compare two classic representatives in the category of gas-powered leaf blowers. The Echo pb-580t vs Husqvarna 350bt are marketed as home-use machines that can handle even professional use. So, if you are a proud big yard owner or a landscaping professional, you might want to take a look at what we have prepared for you.
Echo pb-580t vs Husqvarna 350bt
We are going to compare these two models in several categories, all of which are important for these tools.
- Weight
- Power train
- Airflow
- Comfort
- Noise
- Build quality
Echo pb-580t vs Husqvarna 350bt: Weight
Since both tools are intended to be carried around, it is obviously an important feature. You would want it to be as light as possible.
Husqvarna 350bt
The weight of this model is 22.5 lbs. That is pretty much the weight that you can expect from the other representatives in this category.
Echo pb-580t
This model has a weight of 22.6 lbs. It also fits in the standards of the category.
Just to compare, the average weight of a handheld leaf blower is from 9lbs. to 11 lbs. A microwave ovens go from 25 to even 55 lbs. If you like camping, the weight of a backpack and five-day rations and a tent is around 22 lbs. Your kid reached that weight before its first birthday.
The winner in this category: Tie. The difference in weight is practically nonexistent.
Video Comparison
Echo pb-580t vs Husqvarna 350bt: Power
The engine power is significant because, well, it is what’s driving the air. Stronger the engine, stronger the airflow. The engine power is not the only thing important for airflow, but it is the starting point. Both of these leaf blowers have similar size engines.
Husqvarna 350bt
This model is equipped with a 50.2 cc X-Torq engine. It is designed to reduce harmful exhaust emissions by up to 60% and it will increase fuel efficiency by up to 20%. The power itself is enough to blow away any kind of leaves. The fuel tank volume is 42.27 fluid ounces, which should provide sufficient work autonomy.
Echo pb-580t
The 58.2cc engine on this model is enough to blow away even the most stubborn leaves. Large piles of damp leafs won’t present a problem either. The fuel capacity is 62 fluid ounces, so you will be able to do some serious work before needed to refuel.
If the engines do not seem powerful enough to you, just remember that and some endure racer bikes have similar sized engines.
The winner in this category is the Husqvarna 350bt, mainly due to the more modern motor, fewer emissions, and better fuel efficiency.
Echo pb-580t vs Husqvarna 350bt: Airflow
One of the most important categories. What good is a leaf blower that doesn’t blow a lot of air?
Husqvarna 350bt
This model can spume 494.41 CFM of air at a speed of 180 mph, which is a decent result. It is enough to break and blow off a 2-foot high pile of damp leafs 10ft away. The usual values in the category vary from 160 to up to 250mph, but the highest speeds are reserved mostly for professional machines.
Echo pb-580t.
The engineers did a good job here, The Echo pb-580t has an airflow of 510 cf, and the airspeed is 215 mph. That is a great result. That is great if you want to clear leafs from some tight spots that you can’t reach, or even from a roof and gutters. And frankly, if you are intending on using it in a smaller back yard, or with a lot of pavements, there is not much need for higher speeds. They would probably blow leafs to your neighbor’s yard or move leafs from one pavement to another.
Here is some trivia, so you would get the idea of the speeds we are talking about…. Handheld blowers average airspeed is around 170 mph. An average hair dryer blows air at a speed of 55 mph. A category 5 hurricane has winds over 157 mph.
The winner in this category is the Echo pb-580t. The difference may not be substantial, but sometimes it can be important.
Read next: Toro 51619 vs 51621: Which Leaf Blower is Better?
Echo pb-580t vs Husqvarna 350bt: Comfort
No need to explain why is this important. If you are going to carry it around on your back for hours, you would probably want to be as comfortable as possible.
Husqvarna 350bt
This model has a ventilated harness which will be greatly appreciated in hot summer and autumn days. It also has a hip belt that’s formed to fit the contours of the user and wide shoulder straps. The handle has an adaptable soft grip for easy maneuvering, and it features a cruise-control function that keeps a constant fan speed, so the user doesn’t have to constantly regulate blower’s speed.
Echo pb-580t
This model also features a vented back-pad, which allows air to circulate around the operator. In addition, there are padded backrest and shoulder straps. The user will also enjoy an ergonomic grip on the blower tube. It looks as the manufacturer paid special attention to user comfort, so quick fatigue issues are not to be expected.
The winner in this category: Tie. Both products have the challenges of this category well covered.
Echo pb-580t vs Husqvarna 350bt: Noise
Whether you are a large yard owner or a professional, the noise levels are important, because you will spend a lot of time using these machines. It is very important for the people around you too.
Husqvarna 350bt
The sound power level for this tool is 104 dB, which is not the best result. The result in the category varies from around 70 to 114 dB.
Echo pb-580t
Your ears will feel much more comfortable with this model. The noise levels are at 70 dB, which is not a bad result at all. It is in amongst the lowest values in the category.
Just to give you an example of noise levels-a conversation in a restaurant or office is measured at about 60 dB. Bird calls are about 44 dB. if you are standing 50 ft. from a freeway, you would hear a noise at 76dB. What are acceptable levels of noise, although some people can’t stand noise at the high 70s.
100 dB is an average human pain threshold. You probably hear that noise levels every time you are near a power lawnmower, motorcycle, farm tractor, jackhammer, garbage truck. The thing is that we are surrounded by noise pollution, so are ears don’t hurt, but they suffer anyway. Every time you are near such noise, you should wear ear protection.
The winner in this category is Echo pb-580t. It is a clear victory since it is much quieter than the opponent, 70 dB to 104 dB.
Echo pb-580t vs Husqvarna 350bt: Build quality
These machines are not really cheap, so you would probably want them to last. And the way that manufacturers will enable you that, is through good build quality.
Husqvarna 350bt
Coming from a company with a great reputation, this machine has some serious user expectations to live up to. And it does. The materials are excellent, the machine is sturdy and well built.
Echo pb-580t
The production and materials quality is good, but not as good as with the Husqvarna. Somewhere on places, you would expect the metal to be used, like brackets, for instance- you will find plastic. It is probably quite adequate, but it would feel sturdier with metal.
The winner in this category is Husqvarna 350bt
Pros and Cons
Husqvarna 350bt
Pros:
- Good and modern engine
- Good build quality
- Brand name product
- Great user comfort
Cons:
- Noisy
Echo PB-580t
Pros:
- Powerful engine
- Great airflow
- Noise level acceptable
Cons:
- A little bit higher price
Final Verdict
It’s hard to say. Both products are good, the result was a tie, so it is a matter of preferences. The Husqvarna350bt is a product from a well-known and trusted name, but a bit noisy and hard to start. The Echo pb-580t has excellent airflow and low noise levels. You would have to decide what your priority is. The name you can trust, or peaceful neighbors.
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API