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 AP batteries. (Read full specs)
Some of the retailers below may only allow online purchase and in-store pickup of Stihl products.
eBay 
Ace Hardware 
Acme Tools Page Content
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 properties with wide lawns, large gardens, or estate-sized grounds over half an acre, and for professionals providing regular landscaping work.
Its maximum output is 848 CFM of air volume and 244 MPH of air speed. For the user, this translates into a blower that should move leaves effectively across lawn sections and hard surfaces, while also being capable of shifting compacted leaves or light yard debris like twigs.
The BRA 500 features a 72V brushless motor, providing cordless operation for flexibility and mobility. 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.
With 4 speed settings, this blower’s output can be set to meet the needs of jobs big or small.
This cordless backpack blower weighs 22.4 lbs and carries most of its weight on the back, so the user only supports the tube with one hand. 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.
With its IPX4 rating, the Stihl BRA 500 can handle occasional splashes from wet leaves or puddles during operation.
Product Video
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.
- In its category of cordless backpack blowers in the 60 to 80V range, the Stihl BRA 500 represents one of the heavier builds at 22.4 lbs. 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.
- It can push air from the nozzle at 244 MPH, which puts it ahead of its class in terms of air speed for 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 Stihl BRA 500 is a powerhouse, boasting an airflow capacity of 848 CFM (Cubic Foot per Minute), firmly establishing itself among the most potent 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.
- Its battery provides a maximum autonomy of 39 minutes, placing the BRA 500 on the lower end in terms of runtime among its cordless counterparts. 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.
- Runtime alone doesn’t always tell the full story because it depends heavily on battery capacity. Runtime efficiency can give a clearer picture by showing how much work you get per unit of battery power. 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.
Questions & Answers
There are no questions yet. Ask the first question.
