Stihl BRA 500 - 72V 847 CFM Cordless Brushless Backpack Blower
The Stihl BRA 500 is a cordless backpack leaf blower delivering up to 847 CFM and 244 MPH. It is powered by 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
With its cordless backpack design, the Stihl BRA 500 is ideal for homeowners with residential properties where lawns or gardens fall between a quarter and half an acre, and for professionals handling large-scale landscaping jobs.
It is capable of expelling a maximum air volume of 847 cubic feet per minute (CFM). Its air speed is rated at 244 MPH. 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.
Equipped with a 72V brushless motor, the unit operates on battery power for untethered use. 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 20 minutes.
With its 4 speed settings, the BRA 500 ensures adaptable airflow output, catering to varying needs with ease.
Weighing 22.48 lbs, this backpack unit sits on the user’s back, reducing the need to support the full weight with the arms during operation. 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.
- Weighing 22.48 lbs, the Stihl BRA 500 is heavier than many 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.
- Forced air exiting this blower has been clocked at a max speed of 244 MPH. This puts the BRA 500 ahead of the pack as far as air speed is concerned in 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.
- The BRA 500 is powerful, with an airflow rating of 847 CFM (cubic feet per minute). This is certainly on the high end compared to other 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 anticipate a maximum autonomy of 20 minutes from its battery, suggesting that the BRA 500's runtime is below average among cordless backpack units. 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.
- Because larger batteries naturally increase runtime, it can be helpful to consider runtime efficiency, a measure of how effectively a blower uses the energy available. 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 (847 CFM)
- High MPH (244 MPH)
- On the expensive side
- High bare tool weight (22.48 lbs)
- Low autonomy (20 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 847 CFM |
| Air speed | Up to 244 MPH |
| Blowing force | Up to 31.5 N |
| Motor type | Brushless |
|---|---|
| Battery system | 72V (2 x 36V) AP |
| Battery capacity | 9.4Ah (676.8Wh) |
| Autonomy | 20 mins |
| Speed settings | 4 |
| Battery included | 0 |
|---|---|
| Noise rating | 64 dB |
| IPX rating | IPX4 |
| Weight (tool only) | 22.48 lbs |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 3 years |
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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