ECHO PB-9010 Backpack Blower Crushes Our Newton Force Test
Anytime we hear a tool claim to be the strongest, we have to get it in our hands. This time, it’s the ECHO PB-9010 backpack blower and it has been exceeding our expectations!
Pros
- Strongest blower we’ve tested
- 1110 CFM, 220 MPH, 48 Newton ratings (spoiler: it hit stronger numbers in our testing)
- Large 83.8-ounce fuel tank
- Comfortable back padding with active airflow
Cons
- No hip strap
ECHO PB-9010 Backpack Blower Performance
ECHO started with a 79.9cc engine and tuned it to deliver a monster 1110 CFM and 220 MPH. In certification testing, that translated to 48.0 Newtons of force.
Our testing didn’t result in the same value. It was higher. A full 4 Newtons higher, maxing out at 52.0 Newtons on our meter. Keep in mind that environmental conditions affect blower force and we don’t have the controlled setup of a lab. But whether you want to go with the rated 48.0 or our 52.0-Newton value, it’s the strongest backpack blower we’ve tested by far.
As a comparison, Stihl’s impressive BR 800 Magnum only managed to hit 41.0 in our tests. That’s still fantastic, but ECHO’s 52.0 Newtons is significantly higher.
Practically, you can do your basic cleanup much lower than full throttle and ECHO’s cruise control helps with that. When it comes to wet grass and leaves or caked soil over asphalt and driveways, you can motivate it to get moving much easier.
As you would expect from any gas blower, there’s some noise to go with the power that should have you reaching for ear protection. At the lowest throttle, we measured 83 decibels (A-weighted, slow response) at my ear. WOT (wide open throttle) kicked it up to 103 decibels.
Editor’s Note: Check out our best backpack leaf blower article to get our top picks.
ECHO PB-9010 Backpack Blower Design Notes
ECHO PB-9010H Vs PB-9010T
There are two model choices with this blower. We tested the PB-9010T that includes trigger throttle controls. The PB9010H puts the throttle on your left hip instead.
PB-9010T Starting and Controls
If it’s been a while since you last started the blower (or it’s your first time using it), find the red choke switch above the fuel tank and push it down. Press the primer bulb underneath a few times to get fuel flowing and push the cruise control down to the low throttle/starting position. Give it a few pulls and it should come to life.
When you pull the throttle trigger or push the cruise control further down, the choke automatically kicks off so you can get to work without having to worry about resetting it.
Once it’s in constant service, you can skip the choke and just set the throttle to start, pull the cord and go. In our experience so far, it’s a first-pull starter.
Fuel and Tank
ECHO specifies using 89 octane (mid-grade) or higher gasoline. 10% ethanol is okay, but 15% is not. You need to mix your fuel at a 50:1 ratio with 2-stroke oil. Even better, go with pre-mixed premium fuel for cleaner running. It’s more expensive, but you should have fewer issues over the blower’s service life.
The fuel tank itself holds a generous 83.8 ounces and its translucent design lets you keep an eye on your levels easily.
Harness
The harness features padded shoulder straps with plenty of adjustment and an additional adjustment point across your back. We’re a little disappointed there’s no hip strap to take some of the blower’s 26.7-pound dry weight off of your shoulders. That might make a difference if you’re maintaining a large campus rather than the much shorter spans of residential lawn care.
On the other hand, the back padding is very well-developed. The padding density is high enough to keep the air channels from getting blocked and you can really feel intake pulling air across your back while you’re working. It’s also still soft enough that it’s legitimately comfortable against your back.
Air Filter
ECHO conveniently places the air filter above the engine. Two latches hold the cover on it. It’s super-easy to check at the beginning of each day and replace as needed.
Additional Features
- Metal ring reduces wear on the nozzle
- Posi-loc design keeps the pipe connection secure
ECHO PB-9010 Vs PB-8010 Quick Comparison
| PB-8010 | PB-9010 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 79.9cc | 79.9cc |
| Rated CFM | 1071 CFM | 1110 CFM |
| Rated MPH | 211 MPH | 220 MPH |
| Rated Newtons | 44.0 N | 48.0 N |
| Fuel Tank Size | 83.8 fl oz | 83.8 fl oz |
| Dry Weight | 24.5 lbs | 26.7 lbs |
| Retail Price | $599.99 | $629.99 |
As you can see from the chart, the two blowers are very similar. You add a couple more pounds of dry weight to get the higher performance. The PB-8010 was already a very strong blower, so you might not need to upgrade right away. But then again, stronger is better, so…
ECHO PB-9010 Backpack Blower Price
Look for both versions of this blower to retail for $629.99. Commercial users have a 2-year warranty and consumers have a 5-year warranty to go with it. It’s been a little tough to find online from some of the bigger Echo retailers. Be careful of Amazon, though. A couple of sellers have them but are charging hundreds over MSRP.
The Bottom Line
The ECHO PB-9010 backpack blower’s claim of class-leading power didn’t disappoint us in our testing. In fact, it exceeded our expectations. If raw blowing force is your number one priority, there’s no doubt this is the blower for you!
ECHO PB-9010 Backpack Blower Specs
- Model: Echo PB-9010T
- Fuel: 50:1 gasoline/oil mix
- Engine Displacement: 79.9cc
- Air Volume at Nozzle: 1110 CFM
- Maximum Air Speed at Nozzle: 220 mph
- Carburetor: Diaphragm
- Noise: 80 dB(A)
- Starting System: Standard
- Dry Weight: 26.7 lbs.
- Fuel Capacity: 83.8 fl. oz.
- See-Through Fuel Tank: Standard
- Helper Handle: Standard
- Newtons at Nozzle: 48 N
- Warranty: 2-year commercial/5-year commercial
- Price: $629.99
