Troy-Bilt TB4BP 32cc 4-Cycle Gas Powered 150 MPH Backpack Blower

John K. Says:
February 28th, 2010 at 18:07

Seems obvious that a 32cc, 150 MPH blower is a small unit. I’ve seen some advertising copy, though, that would have you believe otherwise. Just want to set the record straight on that point.

Picked this up at a big-box store for $219.00 – a respectable deal. The next one on my short list (Husqvarna) would have set me back another 100 bucks. Although the Husky had a 51cc engine and higher air speed and volume, I decided that I just didn’t need the extra power – at least not often enough to justify the cost and extra weight.

I’ve got a little less than an acre of land, with a whole lot of hardwood trees. Normally it isn’t a problem keeping the leaves mulched down, but this year was different. All our trees lost their leaves within a two-week period – while it rained every other day. What a mess! Needless to say, the mower couldn’t handle that job.

I bought this little blower to break up the packed, wet leaves so I could finish up with the mower. It took several hours, but the Troy-Bilt did a bang-up job. I could have finished faster with a wheel-blower, but then it would be sitting in my garage for who knows how long. I think I struck a good compromise here.

Assembly was a snap. Can’t imagine that it would take anyone more than one half-hour to assemble. Put in the pre-measured oil (nice touch), fill the gas tank, and pull the cord.

Mine started on the second pull, and ran smoothly with no smoke or smell. It’s a tad noisy for such a small engine, but not that bad. Noise tolerance is subjective anyway – your mileage may vary. After 15 minutes of use, you pretty much get used to the noise level. Any longer than 15 minutes and I’d recommend muffs, though.

Was delighted to discover how lightweight the unit was. I’m about 175 lbs, but my back has seen better days. The unit is easy to lift up and sling on your shoulder. My 115 lb wife could easily handle this blower. The suspension looks rather primative, but actually does a great job of distributing the weight of the machine. No problems with my back after several hours of use. Vibration isn’t an issue, probably due to the 4-stroke engine. Good to know if you plan to use it constantly.

Ah, but I can’t neglect the single feature that really sold me – the 4-stroke engine. After using it, I can easily overlook the machine’s other shortcomings (which isn’t a long list). No pre-mixing and little vibration are the two biggies. Even though it’s an overhead valve engine, there is negligible noise from the internals. Seems well-built, and that suggests reliability. Time will tell, but my first impression leads me to believe I’ll be using this for a long time.

Only con worth mentioning is the same one others have expressed. The engine seems to be trimmed for low noise, not max power. I feel that the little engine has much more to offer than the factory tuning suggests. That extra push when you mash the throttle comes in mighty handy during tough jobs.

All in all, I’d recommend this unit to anyone in the market – long as you understand it’s limitations. This is a weekend warrior model – but it does that job VERY well. At 219 bucks or less, you won’t find another model that’s close.
Rating: 4 / 5

5 Responses to “Troy-Bilt TB4BP 32cc 4-Cycle Gas Powered 150 MPH Backpack Blower”

Jim Rau Says:
February 28th, 2010 at 15:08
The unit was scheduled to ship. The Amazon vender had a problem and the shipping date was pushed out. Communications with the vender was difficult.

The blower arrived in good condition and is operating properly

Rating: 5 / 5

Walter S. Thomas Says:
February 28th, 2010 at 17:28
The oil not with the gas makes this a winner. Does a geat job blowing. GO SAINTS!!!!!!
Rating: 5 / 5

John K. Says:
February 28th, 2010 at 18:07
Seems obvious that a 32cc, 150 MPH blower is a small unit. I’ve seen some advertising copy, though, that would have you believe otherwise. Just want to set the record straight on that point.

Picked this up at a big-box store for $219.00 – a respectable deal. The next one on my short list (Husqvarna) would have set me back another 100 bucks. Although the Husky had a 51cc engine and higher air speed and volume, I decided that I just didn’t need the extra power – at least not often enough to justify the cost and extra weight.

I’ve got a little less than an acre of land, with a whole lot of hardwood trees. Normally it isn’t a problem keeping the leaves mulched down, but this year was different. All our trees lost their leaves within a two-week period – while it rained every other day. What a mess! Needless to say, the mower couldn’t handle that job.

I bought this little blower to break up the packed, wet leaves so I could finish up with the mower. It took several hours, but the Troy-Bilt did a bang-up job. I could have finished faster with a wheel-blower, but then it would be sitting in my garage for who knows how long. I think I struck a good compromise here.

Assembly was a snap. Can’t imagine that it would take anyone more than one half-hour to assemble. Put in the pre-measured oil (nice touch), fill the gas tank, and pull the cord.

Mine started on the second pull, and ran smoothly with no smoke or smell. It’s a tad noisy for such a small engine, but not that bad. Noise tolerance is subjective anyway – your mileage may vary. After 15 minutes of use, you pretty much get used to the noise level. Any longer than 15 minutes and I’d recommend muffs, though.

Was delighted to discover how lightweight the unit was. I’m about 175 lbs, but my back has seen better days. The unit is easy to lift up and sling on your shoulder. My 115 lb wife could easily handle this blower. The suspension looks rather primative, but actually does a great job of distributing the weight of the machine. No problems with my back after several hours of use. Vibration isn’t an issue, probably due to the 4-stroke engine. Good to know if you plan to use it constantly.

Ah, but I can’t neglect the single feature that really sold me – the 4-stroke engine. After using it, I can easily overlook the machine’s other shortcomings (which isn’t a long list). No pre-mixing and little vibration are the two biggies. Even though it’s an overhead valve engine, there is negligible noise from the internals. Seems well-built, and that suggests reliability. Time will tell, but my first impression leads me to believe I’ll be using this for a long time.

Only con worth mentioning is the same one others have expressed. The engine seems to be trimmed for low noise, not max power. I feel that the little engine has much more to offer than the factory tuning suggests. That extra push when you mash the throttle comes in mighty handy during tough jobs.

All in all, I’d recommend this unit to anyone in the market – long as you understand it’s limitations. This is a weekend warrior model – but it does that job VERY well. At 219 bucks or less, you won’t find another model that’s close.
Rating: 4 / 5

M. Tolonen Says:
February 28th, 2010 at 18:10
Very nice 4 stroke blower. Starts great, fired right up first pull out of the box. Assembly was easy. I did slow the idle down a little bit (personal preference, not necessary). Very comfortable, and a good price. I would recommend it
Rating: 5 / 5

F. Anderson Says:
February 28th, 2010 at 18:32
used this blower 3 times on the 3rd attemp starter rope snapped not covered by warrenty great !!!!
Rating: 3 / 5

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