The PB 460LN Echo Backpack Blower Does Good

Echo has put a lot of hard work into designing and producing a series of less noisier gas blowers. I was impressed with the noise levels made by the 260 models using a 25.4 cc power plant. However, I am stunned that they have been able to do it also with this much more powerful version of their backpack blowers. Indeed the PB 460 Echo backpack blower only produces 65db of sound using a 44 cc engine and for this reason it has got to be the quietest on the street. This is precisely the same level as the lower powered 260 model. The PB 460 uses particular noise attenuation mechanisms to lower the noise down to this extraordinary level. Even at full throttle it still produces only the same amount of noise. It makes this model very suitable for areas where keeping the noise down is very desirable. But, you should still check your local regulations to make sure that this machine agrees with the law.

As for capability: the 44 cc two stroke engine produces an air speed of 175 miles per hour. This is similar to the STIHL 420 machine which gives roughly the same air peed but with a much larger 56.5 cc engine. Air speed is important if you want to be able to blow heavier bits of debris or break up matted sticky, wet leaves and piles of damp grass clippings. The amount of air moved is 380 Cubic Feet per Minute. This is measured at the end of the tube. This quantity of air is less than the STIHL 380 model which produces 465 CFM. However, the engine in the Echo is littler than the 56.5cc of the STIHL blower. One should therefore expect it to be less able to keep the debris moving and a bit more difficult to deal with further way objects that need clearing up.

As with all Echo tools this machine uses the easy start pro fire ignition system. There is a cold start position on the choke assembly and a pump primer bulb to get the fuel going. It should start with up to 5 short tugs of the recoil starter handle. The electronic ignition system makes starting this machine very easy. It has a 1.9 Liter clear fuel tank which has to be filled with a standard 50:1 2 stroke mixture of gas and oil. It has a heavy duty automotive style air filter which is easy to change and stops dirt and air debris from getting into the engine.

As far as ergonomics, this model has a padded backrest and shoulder straps that are easy to adjust. The production of the frame also aids with comfort, because it is really a light weight roll cage which is made from durable high impact plastic. This also makes servicing the machine easier as access to the main parts is easy compared to other backpack blowers. The overall weight of the tool is 26.4 lbs and so it could start to feel a little heavy if you use it for long periods of time. There is a hip mounted throttle control for simple and easy to get to operation.

This is a professional level backpack leaf blower that has a light weight and quiet operation. It has a low noise output and creates a fast air speed that will easily cope with most leaf and grass blowing jobs. If you are looking for a machine that is comfortable to work with and has the power to do most tasks then you certainly should think about the PB 460.


A leaf blower is for working and not resting in the corner of your garage broken or useless. Making the right choice is therefore important. For full details on leaf blower choices and the ratings that are important you should take a look at TJS Vincent's web site. You should then be able to choose your leaf blower with confidence Echo backpack Blower