ECHO PB-9010T Backpack Blower Review
ECHO Model PB-9010T Backpack Blower Review
PB-9010T Backpack Blower
Manufacturer: ECHO
Model number: PB-9010
Power source: 2-Stroke Gasoline Engine
Motor size: 79.9cc
Weight: 26.7 Lbs.
ECHO PB-9010T Backpack Blower Specifications
- Engine Brand: ECHO
- Starting System: Recoil Pull-Start
- Engine Cycle: 2 Stroke
- Engine Size: 79.9cc
- Fuel Tank Size: 0.65 Gallons
- Fuel Mix: 50:1
- Volume of Air: 1,110 CFM
- AirSpeed at Nozzle: 220 MPH
- Weight (Dry): 26.7 Lbs.
- Consumer Warranty: 5 Years
- Commercial Warranty: 2 Years
Standout Features
Intuitive and Ergonomic Controls
My preference with backpack blowers is for tube-mounted controls. The PB-9010T features an excellent tube mounted control handle. The control handle itself has a large trigger that can be locked in any throttle position. The engine control switch has positive locking detents for both on/off as well as the throttle settings.
The control handle is customizable to the individual user, who can set the handle at their preference and ride height. There is about 6 1/2″ of adjustment available on the tube body itself for user arm length.
Easy Start
Even at a whopping 79.9cc’s, the PB-9010T is easy starting. The manual pull cord start does not give tremendous resistance. The user controls the choke with a single rotating lever with no added primer bulb. Starting the blower in sub 20° New England temperatures, was simple and easy.
Spring Vibration Dampening System
ECHO used a series of stiff springs in the housing design to absorb the vibration of such a large engine. There are coil springs located on the base of the backpack housing and rear fan shroud. The springs do an excellent job of reducing the felt vibration and make the blower very comfortable for extended use.
Easy Access Air Filter
The air filtration system housing is front and center on the top of the PB-9010T. The filter compartment is easy to access for cleaning or replacement. The ease of access is ideal for maintenance in the field or when wearing gloves.
ECHO designed a 2-Stage filtration system to keep dust and debris from getting into the wrong places. Because they located the filter system on the top of the housing, this position helps direct the air through the filter and separate debris more efficiently. The fan intake circulates cool air across the user’s back to keep you cooler in warmer months.
Reinforced Posi-Loc Tube
The Posi-Loc system from ECHO is a series of twist locking indents along the tube body sections. When positively seated into place, the system keeps the tube pieces secure and in position. You can also select the position that best meets your desired tube length. ECHO included a metal reinforcing ring on the nozzle of the tube to help reduce wear over time. The nozzle tapers down to about a 3.75″ opening where the max wind speed is measured at 220 MPH.
Output and Performance
The specs alone on the PB-9010T are pretty staggering. When you combine them all together, it gives the full picture of just how powerful this blower is. The 79.9cc engine combined with ECHO’s internal fan design creates a total of 48 Newtons of force. Roughly the equivalent of 10.79 Pound Force. All of that force propels the air coming out of the end nozzle at 220 MPH – a speed that is faster than a Class 5 Hurricane wind. Moving air at this speed gives the PB-9010T an Air Volume rating of 1,110 CFM. Imagine a small vacuum-sealed house utterly void of air. The ECHO blower would be able to fill most of that house with air in less than a minute.
Unfortunately, my testing of this blower is taking place after the cleanup season here in New England. The recent cold temperatures mean the ground and leaves are frozen solid. In spite of the frozen conditions, the PB-9010T was capable of breaking loose frozen densely packed leaves. The performance necessary to do that is a clear indicator that this blower will excel when performing routine cleanup projects.
Overall Size and Weight
At roughly 27 pounds dry, the PB-9010T is a large and heavy machine. However, comparing the weight of the ECHO blower to its performance paints a much different picture. Prior to this review, I used a Stihl BR700 as my go-to blower. While not the largest blower Stihl makes, the BR700 is a common and popular model. The BR700 has a 64.8cc engine, weighs 23.4 Lbs, and produces 912 CFM air volume.
In comparison, the PB-9010T smokes those numbers while only weighing about 3.5 Lbs more. While not an apples-to-apples comparison, this is a good representation of how the ECHO stacks up against one of the country’s best selling blowers.
The overall size of the PB-9010T is very large. The blower tube does not telescope or fold for storage so be aware that it will have a larger overall storage footprint.
Price and Availability
ECHO debuted the PB-9010T in December, and they were already en route to ECHO dealers across the country. Many local and online vendors have this new model in stock now. The current MSRP is $599.99. This blower has become ECHO’s flagship model and ECHO designed it to stand up to long-term professional use. The premium features and performance do come at a cost. But when comparing the astounding output and power of the PB-9010T to other models in its class, the ECHO is a great value.
If you are interested in purchasing a PB-9010T, I would highly suggest stopping at a local ECHO dealer and having a conversation with the people there. Yes, you can buy this tool online, but I have never regretted purchasing a pro-grade piece of OPE from a local shop. Buying from a local shop sets the groundwork for a possible long term relationship for service or other future purchases.
Overall Impressions of the ECHO PB-9010T
When I was a kid, I watched my father fall off our roof while using my grandfather’s handheld ECHO blower to clear some leaves. The blower hit the deck and burst into pieces. Dad was in one piece. We duct-taped the blower back together, and the blower and Dad still worked as before! ECHO has a long-standing reputation for building durable and high valued OPE. While I am not planning on throwing myself or the PB-9010T from a roof any time soon, I trust its durability and quality.
We talk a lot about cordless tools here at ToolBoxBuzz, but there are some tools where gas-powered is still king. A backpack leaf blower is a prime example of this. Leaf cleanup needs to get done as fast and efficiently as possible. That applies to pros trying to make a decent profit and homeowners who would rather be doing something fun. The ECHO PB-9010T is comfortable to wear and puts out an obscene amount of airflow and power. It is an outstanding overall option for any landscape professional but would be well suited to a homeowner with a large yard or heavy leaf cleanup every year. Don’t settle for whatever your big box store has on the shelf. A professional-grade tool like the PB-9010T is an excellent long term tool investment that will put a smile on your face the first time you open up the throttle
About the author
Wes Bartosik
Wes Bartosik is a Connecticut native with strong family ties to the construction world. Wes’ father and grandfather both were builders and developers and taught Wes the values of doing things right from an early age and getting hands on experience with every facet of the construction industry. Wes apprenticed with a carpenter throughout high school and would later attend Central Connecticut State University earning a bachelor’s degree in construction management all while working for a large excavation contractor throughout. Wes would go on to work for a local heavy-highway construction company and gain further experience with all the skilled trades associated with large civil engineering and utility projects. Though working as a manager now, Wes’ true passion is working in the field alongside the tradesman and laborers on site. Wes has been involved in community based service projects throughout his life as well as emergency services. In his spare time he takes on serious DIY projects for himself, friends and family. He is a firm believer that with a quality tool in your hands and some grit, you can accomplish anything.
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The 9010 actually does have a primer bulb. It is on the bottom of the carburetor (typical Walbro fashion). It is no longer carbon fiber housing like the 8010 was, this is why it’s about 2lb heavier. It has a different impeller, blower tube, flex pipe, and elbow.
Do you turn the choke down, prime for 8 times then pull the start pelley for it to start?
I am having trouble reaching the release levers for the straps once I want out of the machine the release leaver is way up the top of the housing. Has anyone had this problem or am I doing something wrong.