redmax ebz8550 blower review

Redmax EBZ8550 Backpack Blower Review

When those pesky leaves start falling, or when it is time to clean up the property after the lawn is serviced, the Redmax EBZ8550 is the perfect blower to get the job done. It has enough power to blow the debris wherever necessary for the ideal clean-up and is comfortable to use. We will cover all the information available to help you make the perfect decision if this is a suitable leaf blower for you.  

Redmax EBZ8550 VS Stihl BR800 

SpecsRedmax EBZ8550Stihl BR800
EngineStrato-charged 2-stroke engine4.4 bhp engine
Displacement75.6 cc79.9 cc
Air Volume941 cfm912 cfm
Velocity206 mph239 mph
Fuel Tank Capacity77.8 fl. oz.67.6 fl. oz
Weight24.9 lbs23 lbs
Warranty2 years2 years
PriceCheck PriceCheck Price

When looking at the Redmax and Stihl blowers above their are some noticeable difference. The Stihl BR800 is slightly lighter than the Redmax EBZ8550. This is a big improvement Redmax made over the EBZ8500. This blower used to be around 30 lbs.

The Redmax EBZ8550 has a slight advantage on air volume (CFM). This is the real spec that matters in terms of blowing power. Other than this, the blowers are very similar when looking at the specs. There are some features on each mower that some like better than others.

Redmax EBZ8500 VS EBZ8550

The nearest item we can compare the Redmax EBZ8500 to is the EBZ8550RH. Listed below are only the different features to compare. The basics of all Redmax blowers are the same as what you will find throughout the EBZ8500 review. The EBZ8550RH is the new, upgraded version of the old EBZ8500.

There are two models of the new Redmax blower… the EBZ8550 and EBZ8550RH. The only difference between the two is where the throttle control is located. This is common among many backpack blowers on the market. The EBZ8550 has the left arm throttle control, seperate from the blower hose, and the EBZ8550RH has the throttle control located on the blower tube. Personally, I prefer the throttle control with my right hand, on the blower hose. However, this is mainly personal preference.

EBZ8500

  • Length: 22.9 inches
  • Weight: 30.8 pounds
  • No battery is needed
  • 908cfm
  • Horsepower: 4.4hp
  • Price: $689.95

EBZ8550RH

  • Length: 14.06 inches
  • Weight: 24.9 pounds
  • Battery is needed
  • 941cfm
  • Horsepower: 4.3hp
  • Price: $589.99

Features

Below are the features that we find to make the EBZ8550 a unique but grand leaf blower for commercial use. 

  • Hip throttle makes it an easy reach for controlling the speed.
  • Commercial grade made for constant and continual use throughout the workday. 
  • The pad on the back is cooled from the fan housing. This feature I find is one of my favorite on hot days. 

Specs

We cover the specs of the motor and what you can expect when using this Redmax blower. I am sure the user will also find this information most impressive. 

Like all commercial and residential motors, it is highly recommended to maintain and put the proper ratio of gas to 2 cycle oil mixture. Failure to do so will cause extensive damage to the engine. 

  • Engine type: Strato-charged two-stroke motor
  • Air Volume: 941cfm
  • Air Velocity: 206mph
  • Fuel Capacity: 2.3L or 77.8fl. oz. 
  • Weight: 24.9 pounds
redmax ebz8500

Power

The power is explained by the engine size and horsepower. It has a 75.6cc engine displacement with 4.4 horsepower. It is a big Redmax motor and can get those leave moving along wet or dry. Some blowers work off of battery power; this one does not. 

Durability

Redmax is known for its high-quality parts and reliability. The EBZ8550 is built to last a long time. However, it sells quickly and may be challenging to get your hands on it as it is a favorite among the Redmax users. The housing and parts are made to protect the entire mechanical and electrical system. It is a tough and thick plastic that can take a beating on the go. 

The only thing we can say that is weak about this product is the attachments need to be readjusted from time to time. Over time with constant use, the nozzle attachments to the blower will wear down at their connections. This will cause problems with the 206mph airspeed pushing out of the motor. The attachments and extensions will fly off if they are not completely locked into place.   

Weight 

As mentioned earlier, the total weight of the EBZ8500 is 30.8 pounds. In comparison to other blowers, it may be slightly heavier than the rest. There is about a five-pound difference from the updated version: the EBZ8550RH weighing 24.9 pounds.

Other commercial blowers, on average, weigh around 25 to 30 pounds, so the weight is not something of concern. However, five pounds does make a difference at the end of the day.  The weight improvement on the EBZ8550 was a huge upgrade from the previous model that makes this blower much more appealing.

Pros / Cons 

The good and bad points can be determined by using the product hands-on. Sometimes the specs and features can help determine the decision. We support the users through our experiences and knowledge to come up with weighing the differences. Below are the good and the bad points.  

Pros 

  • Robust with a high-velocity wind speed
  • Cooler to use on those hot summer days with the pad used for the back
  • The pad also adds a cushion for comfort.
  • Easy to start with the choke lever, primer, and pull rope
  • Large fuel tank, able to run for hours.
  • High fuel efficiency, saves on gas. 
  • Easy to control with the perfect angle handle for the tube. 

Cons

  • Heavy, especially when the fuel tank is full
  • Overpriced, there are cheaper blowers
  • Complaints from several customers about the Redmax company's customer service

Warranty 

It is listed under the warranty stipulations; there is a two-year warranty for consumer and commercial handheld products. The EBZ blowers are listed as such. The warranty is considered limited and may be voided for consumer mishandling, such as putting the wrong mixture of gas to oil ratio. 

Two years is a reasonable timeframe for any company to list their warranties for commercial grades especially. Some manufacturers have them listed for a year for commercial and two years for residential. We feel this is fair.     

Our Rating

Performance:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Blow Power:5 out of 5 stars (5.0 / 5)
Durability:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Comfort:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Price:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Overall:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Price

The price for the Redmax EBZ8500 is inline with most other comparable backpack blowers. When comparing to Stihl, Echo, Makita, and other brands they come in at a pretty competitive price.

Video Review

Wrapping It Up

Other than the price and the heavyweight, everything we find is in favor of the Redmax EBZ8550. It makes for an outstanding commercial item to add to the collection of equipment onboard the lawn service and landscaping companies.

It is quick and easy to operate, and the hip throttle is most convenient with the setting holding at the desired speed. Overall, this commercial leaf blower is worth the investment for overwhelming jobs.

What Do You Think?

Are you looking into getting the EBZ8500 after reading this Redmax EBZ8550 review? Let us know in the comments.

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