A backpack blower is one of the most useful tools you can have on hand, and they can help you achieve a perfectly landscaped look for your yard. As one of the premier manufacturers of outdoor tools, Husqvarna makes several great blowers that would be a smart addition to your shed or garage.
But which model is best for your needs? Today, we’ll take a closer look at two of Husqvarna’s most popular blowers. We want to see which one is best for you in our Husqvarna 150BT vs 350BT shootout.
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Why You Need a Leaf Blower
Sure, a leaf blower may not be the most oft-used tool in your arsenal, but that doesn’t mean that they should be overlooked, either.
The time you save raking leaves in the fall is worth the investment alone. Especially if you have lots of trees on your property. Beyond that, a leaf blower can help you achieve a perfectly manicured look when you’ve finished cutting and edging your lawn.
What Separates the 150BT from the 350BT?
At first glance, the 150BT and 350BT look virtually identical and cost about the same amount. Below the surface, they’re also similar, which is explained by the fact that the 350BT model is a direct successor of the 150BT.
There are, however, some small differences that may affect your decision.
Both machines feature nearly identical engines at 50.2 cc. The 150BT has 2.15 horsepower while the 350BT comes in a hair lower, with 2.1 horses. Both blowers are the same size and weigh the same, as well.
The 350BT features a newly redesigned ergonomic harness system designed to fit the shape of the wearer’s body. This makes the blower more comfortable to wear than its predecessor. The handle of the 350BT is also new. It allows the user to utilize maximum blowing force with less arm strain.
The main difference between these two blowers is the blower tubes that each model includes. The tubes for the 150BT feature a narrower inner diameter, which helped to concentrate airflow, which results in higher airspeed with a smaller air volume. The 350BT tubes are wider, making for lower airspeed and greater air volume.
The 150BT reaches an airspeed up to 251 MPH with a volume of 434 CFM. Meanwhile, the 350BT only reaches an airspeed of 180 MPH but has a much greater volume at 494 CFM.
Interestingly enough, the tubes for each model are interchangeable. This means you could technically purchase one and order tubes for the other model from the manufacturer and change the tubes out depending on the situation.
What is Each Tool Best For?
Both tools are strikingly similar. Each will do a great job of clearing leaves, grass clippings, gravel and other debris from your property. But, given their differences, one may be better suited for you than the other.
Since the 350BT has a higher air volume, you’ll be able to clear more area in a single pass compared to the 150BT. So if you have a large yard that’s filled with trees, the 350BT may prove to be a better choice for you.
Opposite the 350BT, the 150BT has lower air volume but higher airspeed. The 150BT provides more concentrated power than the 350BT, but it won’t clear quite as much ground in a single pass at the 350BT will.
If you’re dealing with wet leaves or larger debris, the 150BT may end up being a wise choice for you compared to the 350BT
Husqvarna 150BT vs 350BT Shootout
Now that we’ve evaluated what separates these two models let’s take a closer look at the specs, features, and benefits you can expect with each model.
Husqvarna 150BT
The 150BT has been around for several years. It’s one of the premier choices of serious home landscapers and professionals alike.
This model has a large 50cc engine with 2.15 horsepower that moves a serious amount of air. Capable of reaching speeds of 251 MPH, this blower is ideal for stubborn or wet debris. Smaller blowers tend to have trouble moving stubborn, wet debris.
The 150BT features Husqvarna’s X-Torq engine system. The engine system reduces harmful emissions by up to 60% while upping fuel economy by 20%. The improved fuel economy coupled with the large 42 oz gas tank allows you to complete multiple jobs without having to worry about refueling.
This blower is also remarkably quiet and comes in at 72 dB, so it can be operated without hearing protection if you like.
A vibration dampening system helps keep the rattle down, so you can use the blower longer with less fatigue.
The tube length is adjustable, which allows the 150BT to adapt to each user’s height. This feature contributes to how comfortable this blower is to wear and use.
This blower also features a cruise control system. This allows you to set the blower speed and operate the blower without pressing the trigger, which is another intuitive feature that makes this blower such a popular choice.
What We Like
- High power
- Lower emissions than other blowers
- Quiet
- Easy to start
What Could Be Better
- Does get uncomfortable after extended periods
Husqvarna 350BT
The 350BT model is one of the latest offerings from Husqvarna, but it shares tons of specs with the 150BT.
The 350BT model also features a 50.2cc engine; this one generates a hair less power at 2.1 hp. It also has the X-Torq engine system, cruise control, adjustable blower tubes, a vibration dampening system, and quiet operation. This model is slightly quieter and generates only 71 dB.
This model produces less airspeed but a higher air volume. It generates 180 MPH of speed and a volume of 494 CFM. The larger air volume makes this model ideal for covering large areas quickly. However, it doesn’t perform quite as well with wet leaves or heavier debris.
It also features an ergonomic harness system which makes this model especially comfortable to wear, even for extended periods.
What We Like
- Clears a large area quickly
- Quiet
- Easy to Start
- Comfortable to wear
What Could Be Better
- Not as powerful as the 150BT
Final Verdict
Since both blowers are so similar, each one would make a great addition to your collection. In the battle of the Husqvarna 150BT vs 350BT, I prefer the 150BT. I appreciate the extra power more than the larger air volume or comfort features.
Depending on your reasons for getting a new blower, you may find that the 350BT is a better fit for you. Whichever you choose, both are excellent blowers that should stand the test of time. What’s the most popular blower in your book? Let us know in the comments.
