It's not that my first one was a lemon -- they're all lemons.
I'm on my second Echo PB-500T after a no-questions-asked exchange at the local big box where it was purchased.  This blower is a P.O.S.  It worked well for the first roughly 10 times.  Then, just like the first one, it started to require more and more pulls to get it started.  10, 20, 50.  Today, after about 150 yanks, starting and then dying after 5 seconds or not starting at all, re-reading the manual, following the instructions (cleaned the air filter, cleaned the spark arrestor, cleaned the fuel filter, adjusted the choke repeatedly, etc.), I am giving up on Echo as a brand.<br /><br />We owned a small Echo blower for about 20 years and it eventually and sadly died.  The present machine is not nearly of the same quality.  I live on 7 acres and have a very long driveway that must be kept clean because it is steep with a great many large trees.  Cars will slide if I'm not diligent.  I must own a good blower because sweeping and raking are not an option.  As with most products, buying excellent quality is less expensive in the long run, less frustrating, and more productive and leaf blowers are no exception.  Unfortunately, Echo has apparently followed the same path of so many others: build an excellent reputation, then squeeze as much money out of the company as possible by cheapening one's products.  They lost a good customer.
Rating: 1 stars