Echo PB 755st vs Stihl br600 – What’s The Better Leaf Blower?

It can be argued that the choice between handheld leaf blowers isn’t a critical one.

Mainly because handheld (especially electric ones) leaf blowers tend to be inexpensive and suited for smaller properties and blowing chores.

However, the importance rises exponentially with the price of the blower. In other words, the more you are prepared to spend, the more you should consider your options.

Backpack-type blowers are definitely significant investments not only because of the higher price; but because if you are in the market for a backpack blower, you probably have very specific and demanding needs.

So it really helps to compare different blowers and see how they stack up against one another. That is why we went out and tested the Echo PB 755st and the Stihl BR600.

To help you make the best consumer decision, check out what we found.

Echo PB 755st Vs Stihl BR600 Overview

The Echo PB 755st and Stihl BR600 are actually very similar in most respects.

They are both backpack-type leaf blowers that would provide enough power to clear large lawns and backyards. The main differences come in the form of features that each blower offers.

Quick Facts

	Echo PB 755st	Stihl  BR600
Engine Size	63.3cc	64.8cc
Max Air Speed	233 MPH	238 MPH
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas
Weight	24.7lbs	21.6lbs

Key Differences Between the Echo PB 755st and the Stihl BR600

As you can see from the above chart, most of the key specs are almost identical between these two leaf blowers.

But when we tested them side-by-side, we found that most of the differences have to do with features and how each blower performs.

While the Stihl BR600 blower offers slightly more power and air speed, it lacks a key feature: cruise control. The Stihl BR600 is also lighter than the Echo PB 755st; but the Echo PB 755st is a bit more comfortable thanks to the padded back rest.

Echo PB 755st Key Features

• Variable Speed Throttle – You can adjust the wind speed very easily and you get a locking cruise control function too.
• Tube-Mounted Throttle – The throttle handle is attached right on the tube so it’s very comfortable and ergonomic.
• Pleated Air Filter – The pleated air filter helps keep particulate matter out of the engine.
• 2-Stroke Engine – The Echo PB 755st features a 63.3cc, 2-stroke engine capable of producing max air speeds of 233 MPH.

Stihl BR600 Key Features

• Purge Pump Primer – This feature allows for a reservoir of fuel in the carburetor so it is easier to start up and prevents the operator from flooding the motor.
• Tube-Mounted Throttle – Like the Echo PB 755st, the BR600 has a tube-mounted throttle handle.
• 8cc Motor – The 64.8cc motor is capable of generating max air speeds of 238 MPH and 677 CFM.
• Anti-Vibration System – This feature was included to help minimize operator fatigue.

Price Comparison

The Echo PB 755st goes for $480 on the official Echo website. At most retailers, you are likely to pay around $500-$530 for the Stihl BR600.

Weight & Handling Comparison

The Echo PB 755st actually weighs a bit more than the BR600; but only by 3.7 pounds. It is a negligible difference that is more or less offset by the padded back rest and shoulder straps.

Overall though, both of these blowers are pretty lightweight and easy to handle.

Power Comparison

Again, the air output and displacement volume are almost identical between these two blowers.

The Echo PB 755st is capable of max air speeds of 233 MPH while the BR600 is capable of 238 MPH.

In practice, this slight difference doesn’t make much of a difference. Both blowers were capable of lifting leaves, twigs, heavy debris and even wet leaves.

Where Do They Get Their Power From?

Both the Echo PB 755st and the Stihl BR600 are gas-powered blowers. The Echo PB 755st has a 62 ounce gas tank while the Stihl BR600 has a 47.3 ounce gas tank.

What Attachments Are Available for Them?

You can get a full rain gutter kit for the Echo PB 755st complete with downspout nozzle attachments. The Stihl BR600 can also be outfitted with a gutter cleaning kit and several accessories like a chest strap.

Efficiency Comparison

As the Stihl BR600 has a slightly larger motor, it consumes gas a bit quicker than the Echo PB 755st.

Echo PB 755st Pros & Cons

Pros:

• It’s more affordable
• It is more comfortable overall
• It’s a bit quieter
• Great for large backyards
• It has a transparent fuel tank

Cons:

• Slightly less blowing power
• It weighs more

Overall Score: 97/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Stihl BR600 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Greater blowing power
• Doesn’t vibrate too much
• Low emission leaf blower
• Tube is easy to move
• Easy to start up

Cons:

• It’s more expensive
• It has a smaller gas tank

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Who Should Buy Each One?

The Echo PB 755st would be a great choice for anyone who needs a slightly quieter leaf blower.

It may also actually be more suited to longer jobs as it has a larger gas tank so you won’t have to stop and refuel as often.

The Stihl BR600 would be a great choice if you want a leaf blower that starts up easily. We were actually very impressed with how easy it was to start the BR600 up with the traditional choke.

What Size Jobs do They Suit

Both the Echo PB 755st and the Stihl BR600 would work very well for large homes. We would say they can work for anything up to an acre.

Other Leaf Blowers to Consider

Husqvarna 150BT

The Husqvarna 150BT is a 50cc blower that is capable of air speeds of up to 251 MPH. The dampeners really help to decrease vibration in this blower that is certainly suitable for light commercial work. It also has a cruise control feature.

Pros:

• Low emission blower
• Starts up easily

Cons:

• It’s loud

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Echo X Series Backpack Blower

The Echo X Series BackPack Blower is a powerful blower that would be suitable for commercial work or for properties of up to 2 acres. It features a tube-mounted throttle and a 79cc motor. The rim of the nozzle has a metal ring that allows you to scrape up wet leaves without damaging the tube.

Pros:

• Very powerful
• Great for heavy debris

Cons:

• Expensive

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

CRAFTSMAN CMXGAAMR51BP

The CRAFTSMAN CMXGAAMR51BP is outfitted with a 51cc, 2-cycle engine. It is capable of max air speeds of up to 220 MPH.

So it would be good for medium to large sized yards; but not so much for commercial work. The CRAFTSMAN CMXGAAMR51BP

Also features a variable speed throttle and chest strap.

Pros:

• Comfortable design
• Great for homes

Cons:

• Very loud

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Final Assessment

In terms of power, both these blowers are on the same tier.

What it came down to for us was comfort, price and convenience features – the Echo PB 755st was superior in all three of these arenas.

While we really like that the Stihl BR600 was easier to start up than the Echo PB 755st, that was really the only edge it had. Overall, we recommend the Echo PB 755st for large yard work.