I have had great luck with small Echo chainsaws but notice that every lawn company in my area uses Redmax (likely the 7000 or 8000 series)

The dealer says they are both equally reliable in a homeowners hands and will last quite a long time giving trouble free service.

I cannot comment on the Echo as we have not used them but we do have three Redmax machines(2 blowers and a stick edger) and have been pleased with them. They all start well cold and hot, use less fuel than the conventional 2 cycles and so far have not required any service Blowers are on second leaf season. The sound is not as high pitched as many homeowner blowers suspect to lower RPM due to slightly more powerful engines than many homeowner models. (Please remember to use ear plugs of earmuffs). The blowers we have are the large backpack EBZ 8000RH and the small handheld EBZ 2600. We like the way Redmax went to meet emissions requirements with the Strotocharged engine (has the Z in model designation ie EBZ). This engine uses a two port air entry carb that permits cylinder scavinging with air instead of air/fuel/oil. This permits meeting emissions requirements with a simple and light 2 cycle engine. The added benefit is the fuel use is about 25 to 30 percent less than conventional 2 cycles. Some other manufacturers are using catalytic muffer or 4 cycle that require fuel oil mix. Likely others I am not aware of. The EBZ 5000 looks like a nice backpack for most needs.

Your right about the pro's choices. The Redmax EB7001 is the everyday blower and when it comes time to move leaves the EBZ8000 comes out of the trailer, usually a couple. For really big properties a walk behind is the way to go. If you are a Stihl fan, the BR340 is used everyday where the BR600 comes out when it's time to push some leaves. They may cost more money, but they get the job done quickly and easily, using less fuel and punishment to the wearer.

Kirk

As one can imagine the Redmax 7000 is a very powerful machine. Next up was the EBZ5000 followed by the Echo 403. The Echo sounded like a weedeater on my back and had less air flow that the 5000. They all started instantly, but the 5000 has a much more muffled sound and the engine is rubber mounted to the frame which makes it vibration free. A more refined product in my opinion than the 403.

I have a Little Wonder walk behind blower so the backpack blower was to get inside the flower beds and under/above the deck area. For Wet leaves it would be lacking if it were my only blower. The 7000 would have to be the selection if I did not have the Little Wonder. But with the $300 I had to spend I feel that the EBZ5000 was my best option. So far after 1 week the 5000 is a joy to use

For leaves on the lawn I mulch them up with my tractor and leave them on the lawn. That works great. I usually clean out the beds first blowing the leaves onto the lawn then use the tractor.

I have a Redmax 8000 and like it very much. I am not a pro but I do have loads of trees and autumn time I get alot of leaves.

Right hand throttle has the throttle control on the hand hold handle on the blower tube. Initially whent he Redmax first came out these were problamatic. May have got better now. My Redmax has the standard throttle control on the left hand side. I quite like it on the left hand side and you do not have to keep on holding down the throttle trigger. Just set and blow.

Best, Mike.