My Favorite Yard Tool

Although this was an entry in a Monday Morning Coffee email last fall, I’ve had requests to publish this information here to make it readily accessible for those of you that wish to pass it on.

Those of you that know me are aware that I love tools, all tools. But one of my indispensable favorites is my Echo PB 603 Backpack Blower ($389). Like most folks I thought something like this would be overkill, so initially I purchased a small hand held unit for about $200. It seemed fine, except that after about an hour of use my wrist and elbow were pretty tired trying to keep it aimed where I wanted the leaves to go. I didn’t think I was making much progress getting the job done, at least not much faster than I could manage with a standard lawn rake. Disappointed, I returned it to Home Depot. Later that weekend I stopped in at McLendon’s Hardware in Woodinville. There I received an education about blowers, and manufacturers. I walked out with my Echo backpack, knowing Diana was NOT going to be happy about this frivolous expenditure on yet another tool.

Aside from the $400 investment this tool has been pretty incredible. I have used it relentlessly for 4 years to clean up not only our own yard, which is sizable, but also those of our clients when the situation calls for it. It has saved countless hours of backbreaking work and frustration. Our lawn, gardens, driveway, and even trails through the woods around our home are easily maintained with the power of a backpack. It’s almost enjoyable.

Pictured above is the Echo PB-620 which I believe is the updated version of the one I have. Mine starts easier than any 2-cycle tool that I own, except for my Echo String trimmer. It seems Echo has ease-of-starting down to a science compared to the Stihl and Honda tools that I own.

So if Fall/Winter leaves are killing your lawn and staining your driveway, get one of these and you will have one less headache to deal with. You’ll end up cleaning the street in front of your house, possibly your neighbor’s! yard as well. ALSO, be sure and get a quality set of protective ear covers.