Stihl BR 500 (Discontinued)
The Stihl BR 500 is a gas-powered backpack leaf blower delivering up to 544 CFM and 208 MPH. It features a 4-stroke 64.8-cc engine. (Read full specs)
This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.
You might still find it second hand on eBay, by clicking on the button below.
eBay Page Content
Description
Reduce the noise without sacrificing the power. The STIHL BR 500 features a powerful, low-emission engine and specially designed muffled blower tube so that it operates at a quiet 65dB(A). This makes the BR 500 an excellent choice for use in residential neighborhoods or in municipalities with noise restrictions. The blower also includes a 2-position adjustable blower tube, giving you greater control over its powerful air flow.
Zoom on the Stihl BR 500
The Stihl BR 500
With its gas backpack design, the Stihl BR 500 is a good match for homeowners with an average-sized yard that requires regular upkeep, generally around a quarter to half an acre.
Its maximum output is 544 CFM of air volume and 208 MPH of air speed. These values mean that it should manage everyday yard leaves rather efficiently, but also have the power to handle denser material or small piles of heavier debris across lawns, patios, and garden paths.
A 64.8-cc 4-stroke 4-Mix engine powers the BR 500, which needs a 50:1 fuel-oil mix despite being a 4-stroke. The fuel tank holds 47.3 fl. oz., helping to keep the BR 500's weight as low as possible.
To provide more control over their job to the user, the unit has a variable speed control setting. No matter the size of the job, the user can adjust the airflow of the Stihl BR 500 to match it. On top of that, maintaining the selected speed is effortless, as it also features cruise control.
Weighing 22.5 lbs (dry), wearing the blower on the back keeps it stable and lets the operator guide airflow with the tube hand. Its throttle is located on the tube, which allows to keep the left hand free.
Product Video
The Stihl BR 500's performance versus other blowers
The following charts are provided to give you an idea how the key specs of the Stihl BR 500 compare with similar leaf blowers.
- Weighing only 22.5 lbs, the Stihl BR 500 is on the lighter side compared with many gas-powered backpack blowers between 60.1 and 75cc. Should weight be a deciding factor, the Stihl BR 350 is worth a look at just 22 lbs.
- Maxing out at 208 MPH at full power, this blower is on the lower end in terms of air speed for gas-powered backpack blowers between 60.1 and 75cc. For the fastest air speed in this category, you may want to consider the Stihl BR 600, which can expell air at a velocity that can reach 238 MPH.
- Its max air volume rating (544 cubic feet per minute) means it is really not the biggest air producer of gas-powered backpack blowers with a comparable engine size. For the highest air volume, you may want to have a look at the Stihl BR 700, which boasts with 912 CFM.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
4-Mix Engine Technology
Stihl's 4-Mix engine combines the advantages of 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. This award-winning 4-stroke engine runs on a mix of gasoline and oil (1:50). For this to happen, the gasoline-oil mix enters the cylinder head through a bypass channel in order to offer full lubrication, which avoids the need for parts like an oil pump, sump or tank (which are compulsory for traditional 4-stroke engines). Therefore, there is no oil servicing to do (easy maintenance), the leaf blower is lighter (due to fewer parts) and its overall noise is lower. Additionally, all 4-MIX engines are fitted with a system that considerably reduces the effort needed to pull the starter rope.
The bottom line
- Cruise control
- 4-Mix Engine
- Lightweight (22.5 lbs)
- Small tank (47.3 fl. oz.)
- Low CFM (544 CFM)
- Low MPH (208 MPH)
Do you own the Stihl BR 500 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Type | Gas-Powered |
|---|---|
| Handling | Backpack |
| Air volume | Up to 544 CFM |
| Air speed | Up to 208 MPH |
| Blowing force | Up to 22 N |
| Engine type | 4-stroke 4-Mix |
|---|---|
| Engine displacement | 64.8cc |
| Fuel/oil ratio | 50:1 |
| Fuel tank capacity | 47.3 fl. oz. |
| Speed settings | Variable |
| Cruise control | Yes |
|---|---|
| Noise rating | 65 dB |
| Throttle position | Tube |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 2 years |
| UPC | 795711420871 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it. For full technical details on the Stihl BR 500, the user manual is available here (opens in a new tab).
About Stihl
Stihl AG & Company KG was founded by Andreas Stihl in 1926. The German company specializes in handheld outdoor power equipment. Over the past fifty years, Stihl has opened manufacturing plants in Brazil, the United States, and China. The German company’s sure and steady expansion has made it a leading provider of in the lawn, forestry, and landscape maintenance industries.
Warranty Information
The Stihl BR 500 is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may not cover all parts of the blower.
For more information about the warranty of Stihl blowers, please consult Stihl's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-467-8445.
