Echo has put a lot of hard work into designing and producing a range of quieter gas blowers. I was impressed with the noise levels made by the 260 series using a 25.4 cc engine. However, I am amazed that they have managed to do it again with this much more powerful version of their backpack blowers. Indeed the PB 460 Echo backpack blower only produces 65db of noise using a 44 cc engine and for this reason it has got to be the quietest on the block. This is exactly the same level as the less powerful 260 model. The PB 460 uses special noise attenuation technology to reduce the noise down to this remarkable level. Even at full throttle it still makes only the same level of sound. It makes this model very suitable for neighborhoods where keeping the noise down is very important. Even so, you should still check your local regulations to make sure that this machine conforms to the law.
As for performance: the 44 cc two stroke engine produces an air speed of 175 miles per hour. This is comparable to the STIHL 420 machine which produces roughly the same air peed but with a much more hefty 56.5 cc engine. Air speed is important if you want to be able to move heavier pieces of debris or break up matted sticky, damp leaves and piles of damp grass cuttings. The amount of air moved is 380 Cubic Feet per Minute. This is measured at the end of the tube. This amount of air is less than the STIHL 380 model which comes in at 465 CFM. However, the engine in the Echo is smaller than the 56.5cc of the STIHL model. One should therefore expect it to be less able to keep the debris moving and a bit harder to deal with further way objects that need clearing up.
As with all Echo products this blower has the easy start pro fire ignition system. There is a cold start position on the choke assembly and a pump primer bulb to get the fuel flowing. It should start within 5 short pulls of the recoil starter handle. The electronic ignition system makes starting this machine very easy. It has a 1.9 Liter transparent fuel tank which has to be filled with a standard Fifty to One 2 stroke mixture of gas and oil. It has a heavy duty automotive style air filter which is easy to replace and prevents dirt and blowing debris from getting into the engine.
In terms of ergonomics this model has a padded backrest and shoulder straps that are easy to adjust. The design of the frame also helps with comfort, because it is actually a light weight roll cage which is made from durable high impact plastic. This also makes servicing the machine simpler as access to the main parts is easy compared to other backpack machines. The overall weight of the tool is 26.4 lbs which means that it could start to feel a little heavy if you use it for long periods of time. There is a hip mounted throttle control for easy and accessible operation.
This is a professional level backpack leaf blower that has a light weight and quiet design. It has a low noise output and produces a high air speed that will easily cope with most leaf and grass clear ups. If you are looking for a blower that is comfortable to use and has the power to do most jobs then you certainly should consider the PB 460.
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