Echo ES-250ES

First start following the provided instructions was difficult. I ended up starting without the choke. Once started, its performance was outstanding. I’ve got trees with very large and plentiful leaves. The vacuum picked up large piles of leaves without clogging. I’ve had three garden vacs this is the first that actually sucks up the leaves without clogging. Very happy. Show details

Fantastic Performer – When my Echo yard vac recently gave up the ghost, after some 20 years of reliable service. I decided to give it a respectable disposal instead of fixing it. So without hesitation I purchased my fourth Echo blower/vacuum over a thirty plus year period, I still have one of the originals (Grey coloured) working and used as a blower only. So you… Read more

might say I am impressed with the product. I have never had any of them serviced, I just add fuel and go. I have never had trouble starting any of them. Yes there are cheaper ones on the market, but I think this may just be a case of getting what you pay for, it even has a 5 year manufacturers warranty! or 3 years for commercial users. This new one - which I use as a vac only - is now orange coloured and has the 'second' handle fitted in an alternative place to the older models. Converting from vac to blower or visa versa is now a very simple task, no tools required and all in less than a minute. As a vac it does what you want it to do, it has a throttle lock which you can set to cater for what you are trying to pick up. It has much more power than required when used as a leaf vacuum and if you use full throttle you will collect too many leaves at once and the outlet into the bag is where it will block, the motor and shredder handle whatever you throw at them. So you set it to the correct throttle (vac. level) and suck the leaves from the edges and you will go without problems. Previous models had an issue with wearing out the collection bag around the area where the debris first entered it. They (Masport) have installed an inner liner to the entry area of the collection bag but small gravel etc. will still impact this area and cause additional wear, I don't think this could be alleviated as if the bag inlet is restricted then this is where you will get a blockage, which can happen now if you suck up large amounts of wet leaves at once. Yes it will suck wet leaves without any hesitation at all. So I am expecting to have to buy one or two replacement bags over the life of this new machine - it's just how it is. If you are in the market for a new yard vac/blower and you can afford the extra dollars of the Echo I say go for it you will not be disappointed. I've seen some say it is hard to start!? I have never ever over 30 years had a problem with starting any of the machines I have owned. Choke on, pump primer till I feel slight pressure, pull the cord, when cold it will cough, choke off, pull again and off you go. Do let it idle for 30 seconds to warm up before you go full noise. This new one starts even easier as it has a pre-loaded pull cord or similar? All I know is that it is about a 150mm pull only to start.

UPDATE So following a ton of use and three months on. Great machine no performance problems at all, it has a ton of power and I never need to use anything like full throttle. BUT when the designers decided to rotate the rear handle from vertical to horizontal they stuffed up - BIG TIME! The older models had the rear handle in the vertical position. This new one it's in the horizontal position. It starts off feeling good but it only takes a few minutes in and it is just all wrong. It places a strain on your wrist and requires full arm movements. It is not ergonomically designed at all. I would still buy again and it's not a deal breaker it just requires me to stop every five minutes or so and flex my right hand a few times to alleviate the ache.

Searched many and found a good one – Recently purchased this little orange gem and a gem it is. Looked at Sthil and other products which I am a big fan of. I needed a blower and vac and after much consideration bought the echo , starts easy, the nozzle for blowing is great. Not too long not too short , easy to attach and remove to change to vac like all things it’s just a little… Read more

knack to it all ,variable speed and Cruze control a nice touch, it can move wet and dry leaves and debris no problems. The vac is powerful enough and shreds well feels a little strange at first but with some adjustment is fine. The bag is great and easy to empty the machine can become a little heavy depending on how long you work for as well as the vac bag but hey that’s natural with all things. My yard is perfection now no more electric ones is a huge bonus wish I had got one sooner , so quick now and so easy

faulty product-should be recalled – I originally purchased this model and found it to be defective – the elbow holding the vac bag continues comes off the main body whilst in vac mode. I returned this machine for a new replacement and guess what the same thing happened. Can anybody tell me if there is a solution to this problem. Which time before use I have applied additional pressure to make sure the elbow is locked into the main unit – it is only held on by a small plastic lug Show details

Echo ES 250ES - Blower – Pros - Lots of power, Starts first pull every time, easy throttle lock, easily converts to vac, large quality bag. Picks up leaves without sucking up rocks Cons - Left hand operation, Sucks clothing when using right hand