ECHO currently offers various 58V cordless power tools, one of them being the ECHO 58V Blower 550 CFM (model: CPLB-58V2AH). In this detailed review, we will examine the tool and rate it based on four sets of criteria: (1) Performance, (2) Ergonomics, (3) Battery & Charging Technology, and (4) Scope of Delivery & Price. The article will then continue with an overview of the leaf blower’s technical data, followed by a summary of ECHO’s company history.
I. ECHO Cordless Blower 58V 550 CFM – Review
Utilizing a jet fan design and a 58 Volt lithium-ion battery, ECHO created a powerful electric blower with a couple of premium specifications. The ECHO cordless leaf blower reaches an airspeed of approximately 145 miles per hour (mph) with an air volume of 550 cubic feet per meter (cfm).When the blowers turbo mode is activated, it increases its air volume by 28%, proving itself to be a capable and useful tool for the typical homeowners landscaping needs. On average, it runs for more than 60 minutes when set on low speed and around 20 minutes when on high.
Priced similarly to other brands, ECHO offers one of the best warranties for outdoor performance equipment. With this cordless leaf blower, you receive a 5-year consumer warranty and 2-year commercial warranty
1. Performance
The ECHO cordless leaf blower is a high performance power tool, reaching a maximum air velocity of 145 mph and clearing range of 550 cfm. The design features a turbo button for an increase in power, reaching the maximum cfm and providing a 28% boost in the air volume. You can easily use it on leaves, sand, and small gravel on the pavement. However you’ll have trouble when on grass – just like most electric blowers. The variable speed trigger allows you to control the power, while the cruise control makes it easy and convenient to use.
With the smallest battery pack (2.0 ampere hours (ah), you can get about 15 to 20 minutes of use when on the highest speed setting. The lowest setting can keep the battery running for well over 45 minutes. If you stay in turbo mode, it will cut your running time to less than 10 minutes.
The brushless motor provides superior performance, compared to other brands, when coupled with the jet fan design and battery pack. The jet fans reduce the air friction to allow for a greater surge in air power. Together, these features lead to an overall reduction of noise and vibration, never exceeding 62 decibel (db(a)) and making it more comfortable to hold while clearing your yard. Even though battery-powered blowers are much quieter than gas-powered ones, you should still wear ear protection when using them.
2. Ergonomics
The 58V ECHO cordless blower weighs about 8.5 pounds with the battery pack. This is a rather higher weight for a battery-operated leaf blower. The battery sits in the back, though, creating a more balanced and easy-to-hold tool. The body is plastic and makes for an uncomfortable handle. It doesn’t have any hand mold or grip to it, and it’s fairly large, although there is some texture on the very bottom to prevent sliding. The cruise control switch allows your hand to rest when using the blower over an extended period. However it can be challenging to move positions with just your thumb. The blower also features a metal wear ring at its end to prevent the tube from scraping against the ground.
3. Battery- & charging technology
Battery technology:
The 2.0 ah lithium-ion 58V battery generates a maximum of 550 cfm. The runtime depends on what settings you use during use. The turbo setting will last barely over five minutes, while the lowest could get you nearly an hour of use. The battery is designed to prevent overcharging, overheating, and overloading. The ECHO cordless blower can also be paired with a 4.0 ah battery. This increases the high speed usage to 25 to 30 minutes.
Charging technology:
The 2.0 ah battery takes about 30 minutes to reload. You can purchase the blower with or without the charger. Built using ECHO’s innovative charging technology, this charger protects and extends the battery’s life. You can also use it with the 4.0 ah lithium-ion battery, which takes roughly an hour to reach full recharge.
Compatibility with other 58V devices from ECHO:
In comparison to other manufacturers with huge ranges of power tools, for example Black + Decker, Dewalt and Ryobi, ECHO only offers a few other cordless outdoor power equipment compatible with the 58V battery packs and charger. You can for example add these four other devices to your tool shed: the string trimmer, lawnmower, hedge trimmer, and chainsaw. They are all part of ECHO’s 58V collection.
4. Scope of delivery & price
You can purchase the blower with the battery included or without the battery. You can either buy from ECHO’s website or via other sites, which might offer cheaper rates, as for example amazon.com. This price tag of the ECHO cordless blower is decent considering other competitors reach an equal threshold with machines that offer less power. As stated in the introduction of this article, with this purchase, you also receive a 5-year consumer warranty and a 2-year commercial warranty, far better than other companies who only offer 3 years.
II. ECHO Cordless Blower 58V Data
Technical Data | |
---|---|
Performance | |
Max. air speed | 145 mph |
Max. air volume | 550 cfm |
Variable speed trigger | + |
Performance boost | + |
Ergonomics | |
Weight (tool only) | < 8 lbs |
Max. noise level | 62 db(a) |
Soft-grip | (-) |
Max. battery run-times¹ | |
2.0 ah: up to 20 min (highest setting) 4.0 ah: up to 30 min (highest setting) |
¹ Battery run times times partially calculated.
Battery- and & Charging Technology | |
---|---|
Battery Technology | |
Voltage | 58 Volt |
Battery range | Li-Ion 2.0 Li-Ion 4.0 |
Electricity use | 2.0 ah: 116 wh 4.0 ah: 232 wh |
Charging Technology² | |
Charging times | 2.0 ah: 30 min 4.0 ah: 60 min |
² Charging times times partially calculated.
III. ECHO – Company history
Founded in 1972 as Kioritz Corporation of America in Illinois, USA, it initially imported engines and hand-held products from Japan. In 1978 it changed its name to ECHO Incorporated and switched its focus to manufacturing lawn care power tools. ECHO prides itself on leading the industry and setting high standards with its engineering and manufacturing prowess. The company has remained dedicated to creating quality products over their 40-year history.