Gas Backpack Blower Review

STIHL BR 600 Backpack Blower Review – Specs, Pros & Cons

⚡ Overview: STIHL’s Professional Gas Backpack Blower

The STIHL BR 600 is a professional gas backpack blower with a 64.8 cc STIHL 4-MIX engine. STIHL’s US spec rates it at 31.7 N of blowing force, up to 237.6 mph and 686 CFM at the round nozzle, with a dry weight of 22.3 lb. The tank holds 1.4 L, and STIHL’s US description highlights a simplified starting procedure, a four-point anti-vibration system and a three-position adjustable blower tube. Older listings call it the BR 600 Magnum.

This is a gas blower, not a cordless one. It runs on a 50:1 mix of gasoline and two-stroke oil, so there is no battery to charge or swap. I’ve covered it here so you can weigh it against the cordless models on this site. STIHL’s battery equivalent is the BRA 600, which carries a 35 N rating.

The trade-off is simple. You get a refuel-and-go backpack with the force pros expect, and you take on weight, noise, exhaust and two-stroke upkeep. I found no independent bench measurement for the BR 600 itself, so the force figures below are STIHL’s ratings. This STIHL BR 600 review covers specs, starting, fuel, maintenance, troubleshooting, and how it compares with STIHL’s other backpacks and with cordless blowers.

Check Current Price on Amazon ➔
Check the listing for the exact model, the seller, and what’s included

Yes, if you need a professional gas backpack blower for a large property and can live with mixed fuel, engine noise and about 22 lb on your back. STIHL rates it at 31.7 N with a 1.4 L tank, so you refuel and keep going. It’s pricey, sold through dealers, and one dealer says it isn’t available in California. Choose the STIHL BRA 600 if you want a 35 N rating on batteries, or a handheld like our STIHL BG 56 D review covers if your yard is small.

• Best for: landscapers and owners of large or tree-heavy properties who want a professional gas backpack with no battery to manage
• Standout strength: a 31.7 N rating, a 1.4 L tank, a harness that spreads the weight, and a dealer network for parts and service
• Biggest weakness: it’s a gas machine: 22.3 lb before fuel, loud, mixed fuel and two-stroke upkeep, and roughly $550 at dealers
• Skip it if: you want a quiet cordless tool, have a small yard, can’t buy where STIHL ships it, or need more force than a BR 600 gives

Score basis: raised by the force rating, the large tank, the harness and anti-vibration design, strong owner feedback, and dealer support; lowered by the weight, the noise, the price, the fuel and upkeep, dealer-only sales, and the fact that I found no independent bench test of the BR 600. It’s an editorial judgment, not a lab score, and it isn’t based on hands-on testing.

Availability note. US dealer pages I found list the BR 600 at $549.99. Koenig Equipment, an authorized STIHL dealer, shows it as a special order and says it isn’t available for purchase or delivery in California (checked October 30, 2026). One other dealer showed it out of stock. I couldn’t open Amazon, so I can’t confirm who sells this blower there. Check the seller, whether it’s new, and what warranty comes with it before you order, since STIHL sells through dealers and some towns and states restrict gas blowers.

Expected in the box

Blower with harness

Backplate, padded straps and waist belt

Blower tubes and pleated hose

Plus a control handle with throttle trigger

Round (straight) nozzle

Listed in the manual; not in all versions

Needed or optional

Gasoline and two-stroke oil

90 octane minimum, mixed 50:1

Hearing and eye protection

Called for in STIHL’s manual

Curved nozzle, bike handle

Optional accessories sold separately

📊 Full Specifications

Core specs

Figures that vary by source or region

These are the numbers where sources disagree or use different bases. I show each one instead of picking a winner. The manual I read is an English edition with an EU declaration, so US units may differ slightly.

💨 Power and Airflow: What 32 Newtons Means

CFM and MPH sell blowers, but blowing force in newtons says more about how one handles a heavy pile. STIHL’s US spec rates the BR 600 at 31.7 N, and the manual lists 32 N. Those are manufacturer figures. I found no independent bench test of the BR 600, so I can’t tell you how it measures against the rating.

For context, Family Handyman puts typical cordless blowers at roughly 8 to 17 N and professional backpack models at roughly 28 to 41 N. Pro Tool Reviews measured STIHL’s BR 800 C-E at around 41 N, and EGO’s cordless LBPX8000 at 36.9 N. On this site, the EGO LBX6000 measured 18.2 N. So the BR 600 sits in the professional backpack range, below STIHL’s BR 700 (35 N, per a dealer roundup) and BR 800.

The force may not always show up as speed on dry debris. A STIHL dealer’s informal timed test found the BR 600 about as fast as the cheaper BR 430 on dry leaves, so the extra force is more likely to matter on wet, matted or heavy debris. That’s my reading of one dealer’s test, not a lab result.

What STIHL says it’s for

The manual lists blow-sweeping leaves, grass, paper and similar materials in gardens, sports stadiums, car parks and driveways, plus forest paths. It warns against blowing hazardous materials. STIHL’s US description adds that it’s the ideal choice for heavy-duty cleanup. The straight nozzle aims and widens the airstream, and the control handle slides along the blower tube so you can set a comfortable reach.

If you’re comparing options, the current Amazon listing shows what’s bundled.

🔑 How to Start and Stop the BR 600

This is a summary of the starting procedure in STIHL’s manual for the BR 500, 550 and 600. Read the full manual for your exact version before first use.

1. Start the engine outdoors, on clean, dust-free level ground, at least 3 meters (about 10 ft) from where you fueled, with everyone clear of the nozzle outlet.
2. Move the setting lever to the run position (F).
3. Press the manual fuel pump bulb at least five times, even if the bulb looks full.
4. Set the choke knob: the cold-start position for a cold engine, or the warm-start position for a warm engine, or one that has run but is still cold.
5. Hold the unit steady on the ground with your left hand on the housing and one foot against the base plate.
6. Pull the starter grip slowly until it engages, then give it a brisk, strong pull. Don’t pull the rope all the way out, and don’t let the grip snap back.
7. Crank until the engine begins to fire. After no more than three attempts, turn the choke knob to the warm position and keep cranking until it runs.
8. Once it runs, blip the throttle trigger so the choke returns to the run position and the engine drops to idle. In very cold weather, open the throttle slightly to warm it up briefly.
9. To stop, push the setting lever toward the stop position. It springs back to run afterward.

Setting lever and throttle lock

The manual says the BR 600 can come with different types of control handle. In the run position the throttle trigger moves freely. Some handles let you lock the trigger at any position, and others lock it in three positions: one-third, two-thirds and full throttle. Moving the lever back to run releases the lock.

If it floods or stalls: if you didn’t move the choke to the warm position quickly enough after the first firing, the combustion chamber is flooded. The manual says to move the setting lever to the full-throttle lock position, engage the trigger at full throttle, and keep cranking until it runs. If it stalls in the cold-start position or under acceleration, move the choke to the warm position and keep cranking. If the tank ran completely dry, refuel and press the primer bulb at least five times before starting.

⛽ Fuel, Mixing, and What You’re Buying Into

With no battery, the tank sets your runtime. It holds 1.4 L, and STIHL’s documents I found don’t publish a runtime per tank. A UK dealer says matching the BR 600’s run time, which it cites as 69 minutes, would take four AP 500 S batteries on the BRA 600, but it doesn’t state the conditions. Treat that as a rough figure. Refilling takes seconds, which is the practical advantage over a battery backpack on a big property.

Cost and buying are the catch. Dealers list the BR 600 at $549.99, and you’ll also buy fuel, oil and a spark plug or two over its life. STIHL’s cordless BRA 600 carries a 35 N rating, and a dealer’s STIHL data lists 18 to 34 minutes on an AP 500 S battery, but I didn’t verify its price. To check what you’d pay for the BR 600 today, see the Amazon listing.

🛠️ Maintenance Schedule and Storage

STIHL’s manual gives a maintenance chart and says intervals should be shortened for long days or dusty work. The table below is my plain-language summary of it, so check the chart in your manual for exact intervals.

Winter and summer air intake

The air filter housing has a shutter. Below 10°C (50°F), the manual says to move it to the winter position, and above 20°C (68°F) it must go back to the summer position, because otherwise the engine can run badly from overheating.

Wear parts

STIHL lists filters (air and fuel), the rewind starter, the spark plug and the anti-vibration damping elements as parts that wear with normal use.

Storing it for 3 months or longer

• Drain and clean the fuel tank in a ventilated area, and dispose of the fuel properly
• Run the engine until the carburetor is dry, which helps prevent the diaphragms sticking together
• Clean the machine thoroughly, paying attention to the cylinder fins and air filter
• Store it in a dry, high or locked place out of children’s reach

🔧 Troubleshooting Common Problems

These come from STIHL’s manual. If the fix isn’t listed or the problem returns, STIHL recommends a servicing dealer for anything beyond the owner tasks it describes.

⚖️ Weight, Noise, Safety, and Use by Job

Weight and handling

STIHL US lists 22.3 lb without fuel, and the manual gives 9.8 kg (21.6 lb), or 10.2 kg (22.5 lb) with the base plate. A full 1.4 L tank adds roughly 2 lb (my estimate from typical gasoline density). That’s far heavier than a cordless handheld such as the EGO LB5302 at 7.4 lb with its battery, but a backpack carries the load on your shoulders and waist belt, and Family Handyman’s review praised the straps while listing weight as a drawback. The manual says to adjust the harness so the backplate sits snug against your back, and to practice quickly opening the waist belt fastener so you can drop the unit in an emergency.

Noise

STIHL’s US spec lists 75 dB(A) at 15 m (about 50 ft), a distance rating. The manual lists 100 dB(A) sound pressure and 107 dB(A) sound power, which describe noise at the machine and its total output. They can all be true at once because they measure different things. Ear-level noise from a gas engine is much higher than a rating taken at distance, and the manual calls for hearing protection. Family Handyman’s review lists loudness as a drawback. Local rules may limit noise by time of day, so check your ordinance.

Vibration

The manual lists 1.8 m/s² at the right handle, and a UK dealer lists 2.1 and 2.5 m/s² at the left and right. Owners in one UK review thread said they noticed little vibration. The manual still warns that prolonged use can cause vibration-related circulation problems in the hands, and advises keeping hands warm and taking breaks.

Safety rules in the manual

• Keep bystanders and animals at least 15 meters (about 50 ft) away, and don’t aim the airstream at people or pets
• Wear hearing protection, close-fitting safety glasses, sturdy non-slip shoes and snug clothing, and tie up long hair so the air intake can’t pull it in
• Start the engine outdoors at least 3 meters (about 10 ft) from where you fueled, and never run it indoors or in poorly ventilated places
• Take the pack off and put it on the ground before refueling, and don’t refuel a hot engine
• Walk slowly forward, watch the nozzle outlet, and don’t walk backward
• Never leave a running machine unattended, and stop work if you feel nausea, headache or dizziness, which can come from exhaust fumes
• Don’t put the hot machine down near dry grass or wood chips, and don’t run it with a damaged muffler or loose spark plug boot

Working technique from the manual

STIHL suggests loosening debris with a rake or broom first, dampening very dusty surfaces, running the blower at the lowest speed that does the job, and not blowing debris onto a neighbor’s land. Work at reasonable hours, not early, late or during midday rest periods.

What the numbers suggest, by job

These are reasoned from the specs and the manual, not from my own testing.

• Large or tree-heavy properties: the main use case. Refueling beats waiting on batteries.
• Commercial crews: a professional machine with dealer support, though roughly 22 lb plus fuel all day is real work.
• Wet or matted leaves: 31.7 N is strong for a handheld-class comparison, and owners describe it clearing wet piles. Heavy, packed debris may still favor a BR 700 or BR 800.
• Driveways, car parks and flat hard surfaces: all listed uses in the manual.
• Small yard: more machine than you need. A cordless handheld is lighter and quieter.
• Pine needles and light debris: low throttle should be enough, which is my inference from the specs.

⚔️ How the BR 600 Compares

Inside STIHL’s backpack line

Force figures are STIHL ratings from dealer roundups unless noted, and the BR 800 C-E figure is a Pro Tool Reviews measurement. Prices change, so I don’t compare them here.

Against other platforms

Force is the only figure I could compare across sources, but it comes from different tests. STIHL’s numbers are ratings, and the EGO and Milwaukee figures are Pro Tool Reviews measurements. Treat the ranking as a rough guide.

Blowing force (newtons): gray bars are manufacturer claims, blue bars are Pro Tool Reviews measurements

If you want a gas backpack from a dealer network, the BR 600 is a straightforward pro pick. If you want the same class of force without fuel, STIHL’s BRA 600 and EGO’s LBPX8000 are the cordless options to price. If force and weight matter less than quiet, a cordless handheld fits better.

⭐ Owner Feedback, Pros and Cons

I read a US editor’s review and owner reviews from UK sellers and blogs. Family Handyman named the BR 600 its best overall backpack blower, praising the power and speed, the comfortable straps, easy starting and durability, and listing weight, loudness and price as the drawbacks. A UK retailer shows 4.97 out of 5 from 29 ratings, but that’s the seller’s own review page and the UK market, so it likely skews positive. Owners there praise the power, easy starting and quick work on big areas, and one called it almost too powerful on wet piles. One said the unit is heavy to hoist on, though the padded straps spread the load, and another said the tubes were stiff to fit together at first. A UK owner blog reports five years of trouble-free running. It’s a small, informal sample, so treat it as patterns I saw, not a survey.

The points below are my analysis of the specs and sources above:

🎯 Who Should Buy It

❓ STIHL BR 600 FAQ

Is the STIHL BR 600 worth buying?

It’s worth it for landscapers and owners of large properties who want a professional gas backpack with no battery limits. STIHL rates it at 31.7 N, and owners praise its power and easy starting. If you want quiet, low weight or a battery, a cordless blower fits better.

Is the STIHL BR 600 cordless?

No. The BR 600 is a gas-powered backpack blower with a 64.8 cc STIHL 4-MIX engine that runs on a 50:1 gasoline and oil mix. STIHL’s battery equivalent is the BRA 600, which carries a 35 N rating.

How powerful is the BR 600?

STIHL’s US spec rates it at 31.7 N of blowing force, up to 237.6 mph and 686 CFM at the round nozzle, and the manual lists 32 N. These are manufacturer figures, and I found no independent measurement of the BR 600.

What fuel does the BR 600 use?

A 50:1 mix of brand-name gasoline (90 octane minimum) and two-stroke oil, according to STIHL’s manual. STIHL warns that other fuels or ratios can damage the engine, and that more than 10% ethanol can cause running problems in engines with a manually adjustable carburetor.

Is the BR 600 a two-stroke or a four-stroke?

STIHL calls it a 4-MIX engine, which runs on mixed fuel. Sellers describe it both ways, so use STIHL’s name and follow the 50:1 fuel rule in the manual.

How do I start the BR 600?

Move the setting lever to run, press the primer bulb at least five times, set the choke for a cold or warm engine, then pull the starter grip. After no more than three attempts, move the choke to the warm position and keep cranking. Once it runs, blip the throttle.

How long does a tank of fuel last?

STIHL doesn’t publish a runtime per tank in the documents I found. The tank holds 1.4 L, and a UK dealer cites 69 minutes for the BR 600 without stating conditions, so treat it as rough.

How loud is the BR 600?

STIHL’s US spec lists 75 dB(A) at 15 m (about 50 ft). The manual lists 100 dB(A) sound pressure and 107 dB(A) sound power. They measure different things, so wear hearing protection and check your local noise rules.

How much does the BR 600 weigh?

STIHL US lists 22.3 lb without fuel. The manual lists 9.8 kg (21.6 lb) dry, or 10.2 kg (22.5 lb) with the base plate.

When should I change the spark plug?

STIHL’s manual says to fit a new one after about 100 operating hours, or sooner if the electrodes are badly eroded. It lists an NGK CMR 6 H or Bosch USR 4AC resistor plug with a 0.5 mm gap.

How do I replace the air filter?

The manual says to turn the choke knob to the cold-start position, loosen the screws, remove the cover and the filter, fit a new filter, then refit the cover and tighten the screws. A dirty filter reduces power, raises fuel use and makes starting harder.

What’s the difference between the BR 600, BR 550 and BR 500?

In STIHL’s shared manual, the BR 600 is rated at 32 N, against 27 N for the BR 550 and 22 N for the BR 500, with a higher air flow rate of 1,150 m³/h against about 930 and 925 m³/h.

What’s the difference between the BR 600 and the BRA 600?

The BRA 600 is the battery version: 72 V, 35 N rated, 22.4 lb without batteries, and 18 to 34 minutes on an AP 500 S per a dealer’s STIHL data. The BR 600 runs on gas and has a 1.4 L tank.

Can I buy the BR 600 online and have it shipped?

It depends on the seller. STIHL sells through dealers, and one authorized dealer says the BR 600 isn’t available for purchase or delivery in California. Check the Amazon listing’s seller before ordering.

What warranty does the BR 600 have?

I couldn’t verify current US terms, so ask the dealer. A UK dealer lists 1 year for professional use and 2 years for domestic use. Check that the seller is authorized.

Is there a cordless alternative on this site?

Yes. See the EGO LBX6000 review for a commercial backpack-battery system, the EGO LB5302 review for a boxed cordless kit, and the DEWALT DCBL722B review if you own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries.

🏆 Final Verdict: Is the STIHL BR 600 Worth It?

The STIHL BR 600 is a strong professional gas backpack. It’s rated at 31.7 N, carries a 1.4 L tank, spreads its weight on a proper harness, and owners trust it. What holds it back is everything that comes with gas: weight, noise, mixed fuel, two-stroke upkeep, the price, and dealer-only sales.

If you maintain a big property and want unlimited runtime, it fits well. If you want a battery, STIHL’s BRA 600 and our cordless reviews cover the alternatives. If it fits how you work, you can check the latest price, the exact model and the seller on Amazon.

📸 STIHL BR 600 Backpack Blower Photos

Click to see full view

📚 More Blower Reviews

EGO Commercial LBX6000 56V Backpack Blower: Specs & Pros
A commercial handheld that runs from a backpack battery.

STIHL BG 56 D Handheld Blower: Specs, Pros & Cons
A light gas handheld for small to mid-size yards.

EGO LB5302 56V 530 CFM Leaf Blower: Specs, Pros & Cons
A boxed 56V cordless kit with a battery and charger, and measured force.

DEWALT DCBL722B 20V MAX XR Blower: Specs, Pros & Cons
A light cordless handheld for DEWALT 20V MAX owners.

✅ Before You Buy: Quick Checklist

A few details vary by seller and region, so it’s worth a minute on the listing to confirm:

• The exact model: “BR 600” or the older “BR 600 Magnum” name, and whether it’s new
• The seller: an authorized STIHL dealer, so parts and warranty service are straightforward
• Shipping: whether it ships to your state, since California is excluded by one dealer
• Fuel and oil: you’ll need 90 octane gasoline and 50:1 two-stroke oil, or MotoMix
• Protective gear: hearing protection and safety glasses

See all five on the Amazon listing ➔

How this review was made: This is a research-based review. It draws on STIHL’s BR 500, 550, 600 instruction manual, STIHL US spec data as published by dealers, Pro Tool Reviews, Family Handyman, and retailer and owner reviews. I haven’t tested this blower myself. Where sources disagree, I show both numbers, and I update the page when specs, prices, or availability change.

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