RYOBI Backpack Blower First Impressions
RYOBI Backpack Blower Model BP42
RYOBI BP42
Manufacturer: RYOBI
Model number: BP42
Price: $199
Power source: 2-stroke engine
Motor size: 42 CC
Weight: 18 poundsThings I really like
First, it’s really light. It’s only 18 pounds where comparable models are about 4 pounds more. The well-formed backpack harness makes it feel light as well. I’ve worn it a couple times for about 40 minutes each and I wasn’t fatigued.
Second, it’s easy to start. Granted it’s a 2-stroke engine so it’s pretty foolproof already but RYOBI wanted to make it even easier. They printed starting instructions right on the air cleaner. More gas powered lawn and garden equipment should do this. The sticker is nice and big.
Third, the motor is isolated from the backpack frame. The motor is set up on 3 springs that decouple it from the backpack. The springs handle the vibration and torque twist instead of your back. It’s a great feature that contributes to its overall comfort.
Room for Improvement
The only issue I have with this tool so far is that you have to remove the backpack to start it. It isn’t a big deal when you’re first getting started but if you have to stop in the middle to move a garden hose or some other obstacle, the backpack has to be removed to start it again. If you’re out in the yard working with someone else they can always come over and restart it though. I’d like to see the recoil snaked out to the sides of the pack so I can restart myself. In a motion like a knight drawing his sword from his belt.
Quick Walk-through
Here’s a short Youtube video so that you can see the tool up close. I’ll post another video later in the fall so you can see it in action.
Giveaway
If you want to win this blower visit Facebook, Like RYOBI Outdoors, and enter the Power Your World giveaway. You have until 9/30/13 to enter. Click here to visit RYOBI Outdoors on Facebook.
Where to Buy
The RYOBI Backpack Blower BP42 can be found in store or online at the Home Depot for $199.
About the author
Jeff Williams
Contributing Editor Jeff Williams is a carpenter for a commercial General Contractor specializing in concrete, steel, and wood buildings. Jeff comes from a long line of contractors. His parents started a commercial General Contracting firm many years ago and it has afforded him life-long, hands-on learning opportunities from rough and fine carpentry all the way to structural steel and concrete. Jeff has a Construction Management degree and loves the thrill of coordinating and successfully managing large jobs from start to finish. Inspired by the difficulties sometimes encountered to complete punch lists his motto is, "Work hard until the job is done."
2 Comments
Leave a comment
Disclosure
Product reviews on this site contain our opinion of a product or service. We will always strive for objectivity and transparency in our reviews. Our goal is to provide readers with honest, objective information based on our own experiences. We never have and never will accept payment in exchange for a positive review. Many of the products that we review are provided to us for free by a manufacturer or retailer. In some cases, we also have advertising or affiliate relationships with manufacturers and retailers of products and services we review. For additional information please visit our additional disclosure policies.
I use my Ryobi cordless blower almost weekly to clean (sweep) my garage out. If this gas version is as good as the cordless version I’m sure it’s a great tool. Thanks for sharing Jeff!
My shop/garage was the first place I tested this thing. It aerosolized the sawdust in seconds. Too much power for the garage (but awesome for outside). Proves that I need better dust collection and air cleaning in the shop.