Stihl Gas-Powered Backpack Blower, 79.9cc, 4.4 HP, 912 CFM

We’re the very first to get our hands on the brand new STIHL BR 800 backpack blowers. At least we’re the first outside the STIHL camp to do so. This new blower delivers more than 900 cfm of air volume, and it creates a wind velocity of more than 230 mph. For the true measure of work, we’re impressed with the 41 Newtons of force. It’s not just about power with these units either. STIHL has added a few impressive features as well.

Recently, news has spread of other companies releasing big blowers, and it seems that STIHL didn’t want to be left out. They’ve done a great job at keeping this under wraps. Redesigning a whole new blower and engine, then manufacturing it, before anyone finds out – impressive.

STIHL BR 800 Magnum – 80cc Punch

The heartbeat of the new STIHL BR 800 blowers is a new 79.8cc engine that cranks out more than 4.4hp. Are you kidding me, already?! That’s a go-kart strapped to your back. STIHL designed a brand new blower housing and impeller to work with the new powerplant. They didn’t just stick an 80cc engine on the STIHL BR 700 Blower, they engineered a completely new system.

Side Start Technology

Ok, this is what every lawn pro has been waiting for, for a long time. No longer do you have to take your backpack blower off to restart. The new STIHL BR 800 blowers are available with side-start technology. Rather than a T-handle pull start on the rear of the blower, the unit gets a wand that protrudes toward the operator, on the left side of the machine.

It’s not only about the placement and type of handle either. They incorporated their easy-start system with the pull of the rope, as they use on some of their STIHL chainsaws. Using this was a breeze – no joke. Pull the handle slowly to find top-dead-center (compression stroke on the engine – ready to fire), a quick pull, and it started right up.

STIHL BR 800 – Models C-E and X

As before in the BR 700 line, the STIHL BR 800 series gets a model C-E and X. The C-E model gets the adjustable nozzle, while the X gets a stationary nozzle, with your choice of long or short. The X shaves some weight off, which is especially noticeable while swinging back forth. If you’re concerned with weight and ergonomics, the X may be the right choice.

Transport Clips

Another nicety feature on both models is the clip built onto the blower housing to be attached to a metal ring strapped to the blower tube. This aids in stress relief for the handles and tubes, especially during transport, on the trailer or in a truck.