When the leaves start piling up this fall, don't sweat it. Our high-powered yard-clearing arsenal stands at the ready to turn that age-old chore into, well, less of one
Balance and comfort: Good balance in blower mode and very comfortable in vacuum mode because of the large grip on the bottom of the engine.
Overall: The engine is 30 percent easier to start compared with Echo's previous models. The locking collar around the two-piece blower tube holds on very securely, but it has to be released with a tool, such as a flathead screwdriver. Twisting on the vacuum tube takes some effort as well, but it's secure once it's locked. The lower section of the blower tube can be slightly adjusted for height. We prefer designs, like Echo's, that use a thumbscrew to hold the impeller guard in place; it's easier to remove than the plastic catch on other models. The vacuum bag is easy to remove when full. We found the ES 255 to be an excellent blower-vac that's easy to use, once you understand how to attach and remove the tubes.
Specs: 9.7 pounds. 25.4 cc. 16.2-ounce fuel tank. Maximum blower speed/volume at tube end: 155 mph/342 cfm. 70 dB at 50 feet. 12:1 mulching ratio. 2.4-cubic-foot bag. Five-year warranty.
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