The PB-251 is now the PB-2520.
The phrase “lies, damn lies and statistics” is a statement popularised by Mark Twain (always one with a pleasing way with words) and often used to describe the deceptive power of numerical data. We mention it here simply because ECHO’s PB-251 is a handheld leaf blower which, according to Popular Mechanics Magazine, is a perfect example “of how misleading air-movement numbers can be”. It’s not even that the PB-251 is a slouch in this regard, with a maximum airflow of up to 510m³/h at 65m/s fairly impressive by anyone’s standards. However, the clever design of the PB-251 means that it can even outperform machines which boast of a significantly faster airstream.
The reviewers at the aforementioned magazine suggest that this goes to show that “an airstream has to be more than fast or have high volume—it has to be shaped for maximum impact”. This is precisely what the flattened nozzle on the PB-251’s blower tube is designed to do, providing more than enough pushing power to shift wet leaves and other debris from lawns, driveways and paths with superb efficiency. This intelligent design means that the PB-251 can compete with machines featuring much bigger engines while also remaining compact and lightweight enough (only 4.3kg) to ensure superb portability and great accuracy at all times.
Another rather fancy sounding feature is described by ECHO as an “anti-gyroscopic laterally eccentric blower tube”. Peculiarly, this convoluted terminology refers to a design feature which is just as elegant as it is simple; a sight curve in the blower tube which produces a slight pull away from the user and thus prevents the blower from rotating toward your legs. Little touches like this, a cruise control mechanism and the PB-251’s ergonomically designed handle might not sound like much on paper, but can make a world of difference when faced with challenging clearance work. As such, the PB-251 stands out for offering an exceptional balance between powerful performance and user-friendliness.
This can also be seen in the PB-251’s 25.4cc two-stroke petrol engine, which definitely punches significantly above its weight. This is down to ECHO’s Power Boost Vortex™ technology, which improves combustion to enhance performance, increase fuel efficiency, and decrease emissions. Were this not enough, the PB-251 also features a magnificently convenient EasyStart system which reduces the resistance of the starter cord in order to guarantee hassle-free ignition every time, thereby ensuring that time and effort is not wasted unnecessarily before you’ve even got the machine running.
A heavy-duty air filtration system, meanwhile, ensures superb performance even in dusty environments and helps to prevent power loss over time, thereby ensuring a long and reliable service life. This dependability is backed up by ECHO’s offer of either a five year domestic warranty or a two year commercial warranty with every machine, so satisfaction and long lasting performance is guaranteed, while the PB-251 can also be used with an optional rain gutter attachment for pleasing versatility in the garden.
Undecided on what to buy? Be sure to read our free advice article about choosing the best leaf blowers and vacuums for clearing-up in the garden.
