Are you considering buying the Echo PB 580T Backpack Blower, but you are not sure if it’s the right pick? You are in the right place. This post covers everything you should know about this blower. ECHO is one of the most recommended leaf blower brands. This Japanese brand has been on the market for more than half a decade and manufactures some of the best leaf blowers.
In this post, we are reviewing one of their most popular backpack blowers, the PB-580T. Here is what I will cover.
- Features of the PB-580T blower.
- How the PB-580T backpack blower performs.
- How the PB-580T compares with other Echo blowers.
- Whether it’s worth buying the PB-580T and who it’s best for.
- How the PB-580T compares with the competition.
- The pros and cons of this big boy.
PB580t Echo Blower Features
| Brand | Echo |
| Type | Gas-powered backpack blower |
| Cubic feet per minute (CFM) | Up to 510 |
| Miles per Hour (MPH) | Up to 215 |
| Engine | 2 stroke 58.2 cc |
| Speed settings | Variable |
| Newtons (N) at nozzle | 22 |
| Fuel tank | 62 oz |
| Fuel/oil ratio | 50:1 |
| Noise rating | 720 dB |
| Warranty | 5 years (consumer) and 2 years (commercial) |
| Weight | 22 lbs. |
Power of the Echo PB 580T Backpack Blower
The first consideration when buying a leaf blower is power. Power indicates the strength of a blower, which determines its application. The power of a leaf blower is indicated by the CFM, MPH, and Newtons.
In our case, the Echo PB-580T delivers up to 510 CFM (cubic feet per minute) in up to 215MPH (miles per hour)
What do CFM and MPH figures mean?
The cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating of a blower refers to the volume of air coming out of the blower per minute.
As you know, a blower has either a gas or battery-powered engine and an impeller fan. The engine powers the fan rotating at high-speed. As the fan rotates, it sucks in air from outside, which then is pushed outside through the blowing hose – that’s the basic explanation of how a leaf blower functions.
The Echo PB-580T produces a volume of up to 510 cubic feet of air per minute. This air exits the hose at a speed of up to 210 miles per hour. This airspeed is strong enough to move not just leaves but also large gravel and pieces of wood. The 510 CFM volume of air covers a significant area when blowing so you will cover a large area with just one blow.
The 510 CFM and 210MPH combination give you a blowing force 22-newton force.
What is the newton force of a blower?
Newton’s force refers to the blowing force produced by a blower. This figure is a combination of the CFM and MPH ratings of the blower. Newton force is the best way to compare different leaf blowers. Instead of comparing the CFM and MPH of blowers, just compare the newton force to identify the most powerful.
Where do these specs stand compared to other backpack blowers?
The 500 air volume at the nozzle of this backpack blower places it in the middle. This makes this unit ideal for users with large yards and light commercial applications. So, if you are in the market for the most powerful backpack blower, this model isn’t ideal for you.
Examples of blowers with almost double CFM of the Echo PB-580T include:
- Echo PB-9010T – 1110 CFM at 220 MPH
- Echo PB-8010T– 1071 CFM at 211 MPH
- BR 800 C-E MAGNUM – 912 CFM at 239 MPH
- SHINDAIWA EB910RT – 1110 CFM at 220 MPH
- HUSQVARNA 580BTS MARK III – 1000 CFM at 220 MPH
- REDMAX EBZ8560RH – 1071 CFM at 211 MPH
So in terms of power, the Echo PB-580T falls at the center since the highest CFM you can get from a backpack blower is around 1000 CFM. If you want the highest CFMs for instance 1500 CFM, your only option will be walk-behind leaf blowers.
Power Source of the Echo PB 580T Backpack Blower
The Echo PB-580T is equipped with a 58.2 cc 2-stroke engine. Unlike automobile engines, 2-stroke engines complete one cycle of combustion with just one upstroke and down-stroke. Unlike heavier 4-stroke engines, 2-stroke engines are lighter, keeping the weight of the blower low.
Because the blower has a 2 stroke engine it uses a mixture of oil and gasoline. This type of engine can be turned to the sides or even upside down since there won’t be oil starvation. The engine gets lubrication from the fuel. However, 2-stoke engines are noisier and have more emissions than their 4-stroke counterparts.
Because of this design, 2-stroke leaf blowers are quite durable.
What Fuel Does the Echo PB-580T use?
The Echo PB-580T uses gasoline and oil mixed in a ratio of 50:1. The recommended fuel is fresh mid-grade to premium 89 Octane unleaded gasoline. Don’t use E-15 or E-85 fuel.
A ratio of 50:1 means you will mix 1 gallon of gas with 2.6 fl. Oz oil. Add the oil to the gas container and shake well to mix the oil and gasoline.
The recommended oil for the blower is any oil that is rated for two-stroke engines. These oils are labeled ISO-L-EGD and J.A.S.O. M345- FD, two-stroke, air-cooled engine oil.
Tips When Fueling the Leaf Blower
- Don’t refill the blower when the engine is running and hot.
- Refill the blower outdoors not indoors
- Always check for leakage after refueling and don’t start the blower if there is leakage
- Mix the gas and oil in the recommended ratio
- Only use the medium to premium gasoline
- Only mix oil and gas that you will use within the month. Stored fuel ages.
- If you want the oil and gasoline mixture to last longer, add a stabilizer and use it within 90 days.
Fuel Tank of the PB 580t Echo Blower
This blower has a 62 oz (1.83 L) fuel tank. One thing we love about the tank is that it’s transparent so that you can see when the fuel is almost running out.
Using the Echo PB 580T
Using the Echo PB-580T is pretty easy. After buying there is very little assembly required. After assembly, add the fuel/oil mixture and you are ready to go. One thing that we love about this blower is that it starts with just one pull.
Something else you will appreciate is that the lower pipe has a metal ring to reduce wear and tear as the pipe is prone to scraping debris and hitting the ground as you blow. There is also a leaf guard around the fan intake to prevent leaves from being sucked in.
The Controls of the PB580t Echo Blower
All the controls are on the tube-mounted throttle that has cruise control. The only thing you do on the engine is just powering it on – by the way you cannot power it on when it’s on your back, you have to place it down. If you accidentally power it off as you shift the modes you will have to put it on the ground.
The controls you have are the throttle switch and the throttle position level. The level lets you switch from low to high and switch off. A combination of both locks the selected setting.
Echo PB-580T Noise Level
The Echo PB-580T is rated 70dB. While this noise level is not considered dangerous to human ears, extended exposure is not good. That’s why it’s a great idea to wear hearing protection especially if you will be using it for a long time. Echo recommends wearing both safety glasses and hearing protection.
Comfort of the Echo PB 580T Backpack Blower
If there is one area that Echo got right with this blower is its comfort. When on your back, this unit sits comfortably making it feel lighter. The back is vented and straps are well padded so that you can carry the blower for hours without your back hurting the next day.
Another impressive feature is the separation of the blower and backpack mount. The advantage of this is that vibrations of the blower do not get to your back. When the blower shakes, the vibrations do not get to the backpack mount. The vented backpack also enhances air circulation on your back, keeping you cool when it’s hot.
If you are using the blower when it’s cold, you can buy a back cover to cover the vents.
Warranty of the Echo PB-580T
The Echo PB-580T comes with a 2-year warranty for commercial applications and a 5-year warranty for consumer applications. However, the warranty has a lot of caveats. I highly suggest you take the time to read the warranty statement and understand the nitty-gritty. Here are a few things that caught my attention.
DOES NOT COVER DAMAGE CAUSED BY:
- Lack of lubrication or engine failure, due to the use of the wrong two-stroke oils
- Damage caused by use of gasoline, containing methanol (wood alcohol), or gasoline containing less than 89 octane
- Certain parts and other items are not warranted, including but not limited to: lubricants, starter cords, and engine tune-ups.
- For 2-stroke engine-powered products, the electronic ignition module, flexible drive cables, and TC tines are warranted for the life* of the product on parts only.
What we love about the Echo PB-580T
- Very little assembly is required.
- This blower is very powerful.
- Starts with just one or two pulls.
- The harness is well padded and adjustable adding to the comfort when using it.
- The blowing hose rotates to either side depending on how you want to hold it.
- Motor vibrations are isolated from the user.
- Vented back for hot weather.
- The fuel tank is transparent.
- Comes with a 5-year consumer warranty and 2-year commercial warranty.
- There is a lot you can do with this blower on top of blowing leaves.
What we don’t like about the Echo PB-580T
- While this is not the manufacturer’s fault, using the wrong fuel is the fastest way to damage the blower. This is a very common mistake.
- Using the blower for the first time can be challenging if you are not used to backpack blowers. Because of the power generated, you will most probably feel unstable.
- Since this is a 2-stroke engine, it has more emissions.
- Some of the recommended maintenance routines are challenging to perform unless you are a DIY person.
- The 2 and 5-year warranty does not cover everything. There are a lot of disclaimers.
Care and Maintenance Tips for the Echo PB-580T
- Drain the fuel tank when storing the blower for more than a month
- Before every use inspect the air filter, choke shutter, fuel system, cooling system, and recoil starter rope.
- After every 3 months replace the air filter. Also, inspect and clean the spark plug, muffler spark arrestor, and cylinder exhaust port. Also, inspect and de-carbon the cylinder exhaust port.
- Every year replace the fuel cap gasket and fuel filter.
What are Users Saying about the Echo PB-580T
Apart from checking what independent product reviewers were saying about this leaf blower, I also checked what past customers and users of this product are saying.
Most customers appreciate how fast this leaf blower starts. Most of them indicate it starts in just 1 or 2 pulls. I also noted a lot of people who bought this blower as their first backpack blower appreciate how easy it is to blow leaves. One customer says he always ended up with a dead arm after blowing leaves, but now it’s easy peasy. Most users also comment on how effective the hand controls are and that the blowing hose can be rotated
Frequently Asked Questions About the Echo PB 580t Backpack Blower
What Kind of Gas does Echo PB-580T use?
Since the Echo PB-580T is a 2-stroke engine blower, it uses a combination of gasoline and oil at a ratio of 50:1. The recommended gasoline is 89 Octane (mid-grade or higher) gasoline while recommended oil is ISO-L-EGD oil.
How much does the Echo PB-580T weigh?
The Echo PB-580T weighs 22.6 pounds. While this is higher than what most handheld blowers weigh, it’s easier to carry on the back, making it feel lighter than when holding it with your hands.
How do you Winterize an Echo Leaf Blower?
Like most leaf blowers and power tools, it is pretty easy to winterize your Echo leaf blower. Start by draining all the fuel. Pour a fresh engine oil and pull the starter to distribute the oil.
Clean the outside of the unit to remove all the dirt and oils. Store it in a dry area.
Wrapping up: Echo PB 580T Backpack Blower
As you have seen there is a lot to love about the Echo PB-580T backpack blower. This model is one of the most powerful blowers in its engine class. With a 510 CFM and 215 MPH wind speed, this model is the best for those with large yards. The 23 lbs weight feels lighter on the back and the tube-mounted throttle grip makes for easier control. For around $300, this is the best backpack blower you can get.