In Brief: Stihl BR 200 Vs Stihl BR 350
The Stihl BR 200 and BR 350 are both backpack leaf blowers. The Stihl BR 200 is more suited for beginners and DIY usage as it is light-weight, cheaper and less noisy. The Stihl BR 300 has higher engine capabilities, better force delivery which enables it to clear larger lawns and gardens making it suitable for professional and commercial usage
So you are all set on buying yourself a backpack blower and are seeking a professionally equipped backpack blower at a decent reasonable price.
Your search leads you to the famed brand Stihl and you set on exploring the models and find the Stihl BR 200 and BR 35- particularly to liking. Read on to find out which is especially suited for you.
Stihl BR 200
The Stihl company, founded in 1926, has gained a notorious reputation for designing and manufacturing professional standard products at a reasonable rate for homeowners and experts alike.
The design of their power tools is lauded by critics and Stihl products are viewed quite favorable in the market by an average customer.
The Stihl BR 200 is a backpack leaf blower powered by gas. Gas is a reliable power source as refilling is easy and it can deliver high power.
The Stihl BR 200 delivers a power of 800W which offers a blowing force of 12N, and a maximum air speed of 150 miles per hour.
The design of the tool is comfortable and it is of low weight, ensuring minimal strain on the back while working.
Here is a video by the Stihl company itself, that reviews and unveils the Stihl BR 200:
USPs
- Lightweight and the ergonomic harness makes it easier to carry and work with
- Less noisy makes it easier to work in a home environment where other people live around you
- A better running time when the tank is full due to better fuel optimization and simple design
- The light-weight anti-vibrating mechanism that makes the operating tool easier and minimizes fatigue and injuries
- Easy start-up procedure makes it ideal for beginners
- The adjustable nozzle makes it easier to clear elevations like stairs or ledges
- Versatile, as can perform many jobs with the right kind of accessories.
- Cheaper and more reasonably priced for its features
- Multi-function Control handle makes the tool quite easy to control since the user can explore all the functionalities of the tool from a single handle.
Limitations
- Less engine capacity compared to the BR 350 which makes it tough to cover larger lawns and areas
- Less power delivered and less air speed makes it confined to smaller yards and tinier places
- Less blowing force poses a problem in clearing heavy settlements of leaves.
- No vacuum capability which forces you to buy another tool for collecting the blown leaves
Suitable for
The Stihl BR 200 is a light-weight backpack leaf blower which is perfect for beginner and home usage, especially by DIYers.
It has adequate engine capabilities that make it a great fit for clearing your yard or gardens, however, it cannot be extended to be used as a professional leaf blower.
It is available at a decent price and has smart features that make daily usage easier like the start-up mechanism and the anti-vibration system in place.
Stihl BR 350
Stihl is a German manufacturer of chainsaws and other handheld power tools and it has a global presence. Its products are available for sale in all parts of the world, from America to Asia.
Their power tools cover a huge range, they specialize in chainsaws but manufacture any tool, from a hedge trimmer to a mist blower.
Their tools come with branded Stihl accessories which help them add versatility to their feature list.
The Stihl BR 350 is quite similar in design to the Stihl BR 200, being a backpack leaf blower powered by gas, but it is very different in its capabilities.
The Stihl BR 350 has higher engine power, a higher blowing force of 17N, higher power output at 2100 Watts, a higher airspeed of 201 miles per hour and more such differences which make it an ideal tool for covering large lawns and heavy-duty jobs such as huge gardens and forest areas.
The following video performs certain test runs on a new Stihl BR 350 backpack blower which will offer you more insight into its capabilities:
USPs
- The light-weight anti-vibrating mechanism that makes the operating tool easier and minimizes fatigue and injuries
- Superior engine technology which reduces emissions into nature and makes the product environment-friendly
- Adjustable support harness which helps distribute the weight of the tool on the back of the user, minimizing fatigue
- Purge Pump Primer which allows the user to prime the carburetor with fuel in the beginning, before use, enabling smoother and easier starting.
- Multi-function Control handle makes the tool quite easy to control since the user can explore all the functionalities of the tool from a single handle.
- The adjustable nozzle makes it easier to clear elevations like stairs or ledges
- Versatile, as can perform many jobs with the right kind of accessories.
Limitations
- Rather expensive for a backpack leaf blower to be used by an individual
- Heavyweight makes it harder to carry and use for long stretches of time
- Less running time on a fuel tank makes the operating cost high as more refills needed for a longer time period
- Noisier than the BR 200 which makes it inconvenient to use in home environments.
- No vacuum capability which forces you to buy another tool for collecting the blown leaves
Suitable For
The Stihl BR 350 is a superior backpack leaf blower with above average engine capabilities. This tool can clear large fields, yards, gardens in the blink of an eye and can perform heavy-duty jobs with ease.
It does not make a lot of sense for a homeowner or a DIYer to invest in this tool, simply because the Stihl BR 350 is designed for professional usage and its expense can only be justified if you have large enough yards for it to clear.
Key Differences – Stihl BR 200 and the Stihl 350
Both the Stihl BR 200 and the Stihl 350 are quite similar since they are both made by Stihl and belong to the same tool line.
The Stihl make offers quite a guarantee in terms of the working and operation of the tool, since it is a German make and this brand is known for its versatility and durability.
Both these tools mainly differ in their engine and force capabilities, and these specifications and more are explored below:
Parameter | Stihl BR 200 | Stihl BR 350 |
---|---|---|
Cylinder displacement | 27.2 cc | 63.3 cc |
Capacity | 27.2 cc | 63.3 cc |
Power | 0.8 kW | 2.1 kW |
Weight | 5.7 kg | 10.1 kg |
Sound pressure level | 96 dB | 98 dB |
Fuel tank capacity | 35.5 fl. oz. | 57.5 fl. oz. |
Blowing force | 12 N | 17 N |
Airspeed | 125 mph | 168 mph |
Maximum airspeed with a round nozzle | 150 mph | 201 mph |
Running time (for a full tank) | 131 minutes | 97 min |
Summary
As discussed, the Stihl brand is ingenious and its power tools are heavily used all around the globe. In purchasing either of the leaf blowers, the BR 200 or the BR 350, you cannot go very wrong.
They are excellent designs and will drastically lessen your fatigue, improve the ease of operation and not compromise on performance. The decision lies in the range of jobs you plan to take upon yourself.
The Stihl BR 200 is a good basic backpack leaf blower, most suited for homeowners, beginners, and DIYers. It is available at a decent, economical price and is less noisy.
Its engine power and the force it delivers are ideal for small jobs such as yard cleaning and garden maintenance. More accessories can be attached to this tool to increase its functionalities and further better your investment.
The Stihl BR 350 is all that a Stihl BR 200 is and more. It has higher engine capabilities and better delivery of force which makes it able to clear large yards, large lawns, and forest areas.
It is available at an expensive price, which makes it apt for commercial usage and professionals. The heavy-duty work they will undertake with the Stihl BR 350 will justify its price and offer unparalleled effectiveness and efficiency.
Evaluate what jobs you have to perform with a backpack leaf blower and then take a decision, Happy Buying!