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35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Husky versus Stihl, August 19, 2009
This review is from: Husqvarna 125BVX 28cc 2-Stroke Gas-Powered 170 mph Handheld Leaf Blower/Vacuum (Lawn & Patio)
Needed a new blower vac (well, wanted would be a more accurate description) and was torn between the Husky and the Stihl 86 C-E. Was lucky enough to have a neighbor who also wanted one, so we worked out a deal where I would buy both and then sell him the one I didn't want for the price I paid (plus a case of beer).
So, picked them both up. Hard decision, but after a couple of weeks of use, I went with the Stihl. A summary of what I found to be the major points for each:
Build quality - both are excellent. The Stihl feels a bit more stout, but the Husky is no slouch.
Starting - again, pretty much a dead heat. No problems with either one when starting cold or hot.
Comfort - slight edge to the Stihl. The anti-vibration handle does work well, and it generally feels more comfortable to use. It's a close call, however - I can see where the Husky could feel better for some people.
Blowing - again, pretty much a dead heat. I couldn't tell the difference even though the Stihl's specs are a bit better in terms of air flow volume. Both got the job done very well.
Vac - this is my main use for this machine, and the area that swung me over to the Stihl. The shredder blade is more robust in the Stihl, and it can tackle a larger volume of material faster and easier than the Husky. While the Husky was a lot more clog resistant than the Echo I tried, it did clog up once on me, whereas the Stihl just kept chugging along.
The Stihl costs more, but in my area is easier to get serviced. You'll want to check in your area for service places for the Husky. If service is available and you mainly want to use it as a blower, save a few bucks and get the Husky. It's an excellent machine that, with proper care (especially when it comes to gas) will give you years of good service. However, if you want to mainly use it as a vac, the extra money is well spent on the Stihl.
I'll give it five stars, but 4.5 stars is a more accurate rating due to the vac performance.
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Super item, August 24, 2009
This review is from: Husqvarna 125BVX 28cc 2-Stroke Gas-Powered 170 mph Handheld Leaf Blower/Vacuum (Lawn & Patio)
I've owned my share of Craftsmen, Riobi and Poulan blow vacs. However this one separates itself from them. Just assemblying it (easy) you could feel the quality. It started with first pull and is quiet and powerful. I'd recommend this unit.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good Blower, Mediocre Vacuum, May 25, 2010
This review is from: Husqvarna 125BVX 28cc 2-Stroke Gas-Powered 170 mph Handheld Leaf Blower/Vacuum (Lawn & Patio)
Husqvarna is an established brand, so when my box arrived, I was surprised to see how incomplete and incoherent the assembly instructions were. If my wife hadn't been standing there watching me wrestle with the vacuum bag, I would never have figured out how to attach it to the vacuum pipe (Hint: Unzip the bag, turn it inside out, and pull it onto the vacuum pipe beginning at the small end. You won't find that in the instruction manual. I'm not giving any hints where the mystery screw goes. You'll eventually discover its use on your own.).
Once I figured out the assembly, the blower started on the first try. There's a thumb-operated speed lever that's meant to reduce hand fatigue by allowing the blower to be set at a certain speed so you don't have to keep squeezing the throttle. Unfortunately on mine, the speed lever is too loose, so once the speed is set, the engine slowly returns to an idle - a very frustrating situation. As far as I can tell there is no way of tightening the lever so that it will maintain its speed setting.
The other thing that I found surprising is that the whole thing is plastic, except for the engine. Considering the rough handling that many outdoor machines receive, I was surprised the housing wasn't metal.
For performance, the blower does a good job. Lots of air, not too much noise. As a vacuum it will handle small stuff, but don't bother to use it for pine needles or leaves the size of sycamore maple leaves. I tried several different techniques, but spent most of the afternoon clearing the suction pipe. As my wife pointed out more than once, I could have crawled into the flower borders on my hands and knees and picked the leaves out quicker (That's eventually what happened.).
Overall, the blower is good for clearing sidewalks, and great to help start a brush pile fire. It's handicapped as a vacuum. The sketchy instructions and throttle defect are disappointing.
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