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Solo Backpack Blower – 53 CC, 235 MPH, 705 CFM, Model# 471-KAT

That Solo makes great equipment is no secret – That Solo makes the BEST backpack blowers just might be… The Solo 471/472 are really, truly, very high quality commercial equipment that simply work better and harder than just about every other Large blower out there.

IN the past I’ve used most of them, including the usual competitors for ‘top spot’ among most landscapers, the Stihl BR600 and the Redmax 8000/1, Echo, etc… And while they all have their strong points, none of these seems to get it all right like these Solo’s.

For instance, the Redmax blows pretty hard no question, but no harder than the 471 (the 472 is stronger) and the airstream is much harder to direct, they are REALLY a lot heavier (35lbs to the Solo’s 20), very, very loud, and they have had a lot of issues lately including recalls, design problems and now the Husquavarna merger which is generally agreed upon to be a very, very bad thing… I’m pretty sure we’re going to keep on hearing of the problems with these things. Some earlier models were more reliable, but not in the same class as the Solo’s. The Stihl ‘600 is VERY popular, but again if you read a lot of reviews and opinions about this type of equipment you see the same sort thing. Continual complaining about the 4MIX engines, not nearly as powerful as the hype would have you believe, some pretty cheap plastic build quality and again and again you hear people saying that they prefer older, less powerful models (like the tried and true BR400) from this company for reliability factors. I don’t really like mine, although it is much easier to use and direct than the Redmax line.

The Solo line-up is smaller, just three blowers, one hand-held and two almost identical backpacks, but a long history of design with backpack equipment (Solo also makes A LOT of the very best sprayers – since like the 50’s or something…) and to be honest, I think that they are smarter for it. They certainly have all of the bugs worked out. I’ve not spoken to anyone yet with any problems at all. The two BP models have almost all identical parts. Easy to get too. Of the largest blowers, they are the strongest (see below)and the lightest -21lbs or so… with fuel… which by the way, gives you 2 hours on a single tank! And it meets the California standards….(noise AND emissions)

They are also know as EXTREMELY quiet machines (64db), which is a huge problem with all other manufacturers. Leaf blowers are notorious in this regard and this figure alone probably puts them on top for a lot of people. REally comfortable to use for long periods of time.

The specs are all usable, end of tube figures too(235/255 mph and 700+/900+ cfm’s) which is a huge help when comparing – not to mention when working… Really, there isn’t a lot wrong to say about these things. More and more of the pro’s are switching over after bad experiences with the bigger companies. Solo makes their own stuff, and it really works well. And to finish, they a a little less expensive too…

Hard to argue with that!

I did SO MUCH research before I bought my newest blowers and these things continually amaze me. Simply better designed than any blower I’ve used.

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Overview

Popular Mechanics and Popular Science have selected this blower for an Editors Choice and the Best of Whats New awards, respectively. Quiet 64.5 dB rated leaf blower. Pistol grip control makes it easy to direct the powerful air stream. Easy fill fuel tank. Large air filter and muffler. U.S.A. Blower Type: Backpack, Cylinder Displacement (cc): 53.6, Air Velocity (MPH): 235, Air Volume (CFM): 705, Noise Level (dB): 64.5, Tool Weight (lbs.): 26

Feature

• Solo #471 52CC Back Pack Blower
• SOLO INC

Customer Reviews

perpetual motion – heinz emmerick – stuggart germany
i heard that a solo 470-01 green blower could run forever without gas. well it’s a nice idea, the perpetual motion. sometimes i feel that the snail shape of the solo green blower is a dream, it is inclusive. the green plastic is so outrageous and high quality it is superior to even the fabled cifarelli. hot air you say…it makes air and lots of it. but it is sweet. the only problem i found is the hp can blow the muffler gasket, it’s that strong. i wound mine out so far it popped, and hasn’t been the same since. too much power and too much air. it is the porsche of blowers, the german answer to the garden autobahn. gets dirty inside the housing after using it for 100,000 hours. love garrido

Great Product!!! – Philip C. Hutter – Richmond, VA
This backpack blower is great for any size yard. We have over 60 oak trees and it has performed well with no issues. This has to be the easiest power tool to start. I’ve tried a few other backpack blowers and this one is better by far. It’s not only powerful but has less noise and lasts between 2-1/2 and 3 hours on full blast with the gas/oil mix. If you are looking for a blower this is the one to get.

Couple of issues – David – Tryon, NC
Received unit and was missing the end nozzle. Also trigger linkage not working correctly. Started and ran well (though not able to control the speed), comfortable to wear.

Called Solo 800 number and talked to a technician — VERY responsive — they are shipping a replacement end nozzle and are sending UPS to pickup the unit to repair it in Newport VA (home office)and ship it back.

Great service so far – will try and rereview the item performance once I get it back.

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See Also : Backpack Blower Review