Husqvarna 125BVx 28cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered 170 MPH Blower/Vac With Smart Start

Needed a new blower vac (well, wanted would be a more accurate description) and was torn between the Husky and the Stihl 86 C-E. Was lucky enough to have a neighbor who also wanted one, so we worked out a deal where I would buy both and then sell him the one I didn't want for the price I paid (plus a case of beer).

So, picked them both up. Hard decision, but after a couple of weeks of use, I went with the Stihl. A summary of what I found to be the major points for each:

Build quality - both are excellent. The Stihl feels a bit more stout, but the Husky is no slouch.

Starting - again, pretty much a dead heat. No problems with either one when starting cold or hot.

Comfort - slight edge to the Stihl. The anti-vibration handle does work well, and it generally feels more comfortable to use. It's a close call, however - I can see where the Husky could feel better for some people.

Blowing - again, pretty much a dead heat. I... Read more

Husqvarna is an established brand, so when my box arrived, I was surprised to see how incomplete and incoherent the assembly instructions were. If my wife hadn't been standing there watching me wrestle with the vacuum bag, I would never have figured out how to attach it to the vacuum pipe (Hint: Unzip the bag, turn it inside out, and pull it onto the vacuum pipe beginning at the small end. You won't find that in the instruction manual. I'm not giving any hints where the mystery screw goes. You'll eventually discover its use on your own.).

Once I figured out the assembly, the blower started on the first try. There's a thumb-operated speed lever that's meant to reduce hand fatigue by allowing the blower to be set at a certain speed so you don't have to keep squeezing the throttle. Unfortunately on mine, the speed lever is too loose, so once the speed is set, the engine slowly returns to an idle - a very frustrating situation. As far as I can tell there is no way of... Read more

I did a lot of research and read a lot of reviews before committing to the Husqvarna Blower/Vac. I had a Sears model that worked out well for nearly 13 years and wanted something that I could count on as much. I was very disappointed that most of the reviews for the Sears models as well as other brands were for the most part less than 4 stars. I have only had the Husqvarna Blower/Vac for a couple of weeks, but I am very satisfied with the results it has given me. The blower gives off plenty exhaust & the vac is much stronger than I expected. Most of the reviews I read said that the vac wasn't very good, however I have to disagree. Without a dough I would definitely recommend this Blower/Vac. It is well worth the $179.00 price tag compared to the other brands and models out there. If you are able to get it on sale like did it's even better. The only con I have is the Vac tude is longer then most, at least for me. (5'7") For taller folks it shouldn't be a problem.