Stihl BRA 500 - 72V 848 CFM Cordless Brushless Backpack Blower
The Stihl BRA 500 is a cordless backpack leaf blower delivering up to 848 CFM and 244 MPH. It is powered by 36V AP batteries. (Read full specs)
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Description
The BRA 500 battery-powered blower, compatible with the AP 500 S battery, features an exceptional power-to-weight ratio for heavy-duty work and optimal operator comfort.
Zoom on the Stihl BRA 500
The Stihl BRA 500
The Stihl BRA 500 is a cordless backpack blower that is mostly aimed at homeowners with big residential yards that extend beyond half an acre and require ongoing upkeep, and professional landscapers who maintain several properties.
Its maximum output is 848 CFM of air volume and 244 MPH of air speed. Practically, this means the blower should handle large amounts of leaves across yards, patios, or driveways while also having enough speed to move damp leaves, acorns, or small twigs.
With a 72V brushless motor, the BRA 500 operates as a fully cordless unit, giving freedom to move around your yard. The Stihl BRA 500 works with Stihl's AP batteries, and 2 batteries are required for operation, which are not included with the unit. When operating with two AP 500 S batteries, the user can expect a runtime of around 39 minutes.
Featuring 4 speed settings, the BRA 500 offers users flexibility in adjusting airflow.
With a weight of 22.4 lbs, the backpack format helps the user move more easily while holding and directing the tube. Its throttle is located on the tube, which allows to keep the left hand free. The telescopic tube enables quick and easy adjustments: shortening for tight spaces and extending as needed. On the unit's throttle, a control panel that Stihl calls "HMI display" enhances control by allowing users to monitor diagnostics such as battery life and adjust settings like cruise control and power level.
The Stihl BRA 500 is rated IPX4, offering protection against water splashes from any direction, such as moisture kicked up from wet surfaces.
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The Stihl BRA 500's performance versus other blowers
The following charts are provided to give you an idea how the key specs of the Stihl BRA 500 compare with other cordless backpack leaf blowers.
- With a weight of 22.4 lbs, the Stihl BRA 500 stands out as a heavier option in the cordless backpack blowers in the 60 to 80V range. To enjoy the lowest possible weight in this category, you could have a look at the Greenworks Pro BPB80L2510 which is only 9.4 lbs the bare tool.
- Air exiting this blower's nozzle can reach speeds of 244 MPH, marking it as considerably swifter than most battery-operated backpack blowers. If you wish to benefit from air expelled at the fastest possible speed, the Stihl BRA 600 and its 253 MPH could be an option to consider.
- With an airflow rating of 848 CFM (cubic feet per minute), the BRA 500 is unquestionably on the high end among cordless backpack blowers with a comparable voltage. If air volume is important to you, the Senix BLBX6-M, with 950 CFM, could be in your good books.
- Users can expect a maximum autonomy of 39 minutes from its battery, which means the BRA 500 won't run as long as many other cordless backpack units before needing to be plugged in. To enjoy the best possible autonomy in this category, you could have a look at the Toro Revolution 66100 which offers up to 330 minutes of runtime.
- While runtime is an important metric, it is closely tied to battery capacity. To understand performance more clearly, it’s also useful to look at runtime efficiency, how long the unit runs relative to its battery size. In terms of runtime efficiency, the Stihl BRA 500 ranks on the lower side, delivering less runtime per unit of battery capacity than many comparable battery-powered backpack blowers. If you are focused on getting more use per charge, the Toro Revolution 66100 offers the highest runtime efficiency, at 0.28 minutes per Wh.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 60-80V cordless backpack blowers, the Stihl BRA 500 is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it could most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- Brushless motor
- Convenient control panel
- High CFM (848 CFM)
- High MPH (244 MPH)
- On the expensive side
- High bare tool weight (22.4 lbs)
- Low autonomy (39 mins)
- Low power efficiency
Do you own the Stihl BRA 500 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Handling | Backpack |
| Air volume | Up to 848 CFM |
| Air speed | Up to 244 MPH |
| Blowing force | Up to 32 N |
| Motor type | Brushless |
|---|---|
| Battery system | 72V (2 x 36V) AP |
| Battery capacity | 9.4Ah (676.8Wh) |
| Autonomy | 39 mins |
| Speed settings | 4 |
| Battery included | 0 |
|---|---|
| Noise rating | 64 dB |
| IPX rating | IPX4 |
| Weight (tool only) | 22.4 lbs |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Other model numbers | BA070115901US |
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 BRA 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 BRA 500 is covered under a warranty for up to 3 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.
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