If you’re looking for a powerful and practical leaf blower for your yard, you’ve likely come across the Husqvarna 350BF. This review will give you a comprehensive and reliable assessment of this popular model. We’ll look at its strengths, its weaknesses, and whether it’s the right tool for your property.
It’s a backpack blower designed to make quick work of leaves, grass clippings, and general debris. It promises a good balance of power and comfort, which is exactly what many homeowners need. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype.
Husqvarna 350BF Review
Overall, the Husqvarna 350BF is a strong contender in the mid-range backpack blower market. It’s built with the quality you expect from the brand, offering a great mix of performance and user-friendly features. It’s not the most powerful blower out there, but for typical suburban lots, it often hits the sweet spot.
Key Features and Specifications
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here are the basic specs that define this machine:
- Engine: 2.1 hp, 2-stroke, X-Torq for lower emissions
- Air Volume: 765 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
- Air Speed: 206 MPH (Miles Per Hour)
- Fuel Capacity: 1.9 quarts (1.8 liters)
- Dry Weight: 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg)
- Noise Level: Reports vary, but it’s a typical gas blower sound
Performance and Power in Real Use
The 350BF has plenty of power for most residential tasks. The 206 MPH airspeed is effective for moving wet, matted leaves and heavier debris. The high air volume (765 CFM) is what really helps you clear large areas quickly, as it moves a lot of material with each pass.
You’ll find it handles autumn leaf cleanup very well. It’s also excellent for clearing grass clippings off driveways and sidewalks after mowing. For lighter duties like clearing a patio or garage, you can easily use the variable speed trigger to dial down the power.
One thing to note is that it uses a 2-stroke engine, so you must mix gas and oil. Always use fresh fuel and the correct Husqvarna oil mix ratio for best performance and to avoid engine damage.
Comfort and Ergonomics
This is where backpack blowers really shine over handheld models. The weight is distributed across your back and hips, which reduces fatigue significantly. The harness on the 350BF is well-padded and adjustable.
You can fit it to your body for a secure, comfortable feel. Even after an hour of work, you shouldn’t feel the same strain you would with a handheld blower. The controls are placed sensibly on the blower tube for easy access while you’re working.
Starting and Controls
Starting is generally straightforward thanks to the Smart Start feature. This system reduces resistance in the starter cord by up to 40%. In practice, this means it usually starts within a few pulls when the engine is cold, and often on the first pull when warm.
The master control lever combines the choke, stop switch, and throttle lock. It’s intuitive once you use it a few times. The cruise control button lets you lock the throttle at a desired speed, which is a wrist-saver for long jobs.
Maintenance and Reliability
Husqvarna equipment is known for its durability, and the 350BF is no exception. With proper care, it should last for many seasons. Key maintenance tasks are simple:
- Always use fresh, properly mixed fuel.
- Clean or replace the air filter regularly.
- Check and clean the spark plug annually.
- Use fuel stabilizer if storing for more than 30 days.
The air filter is easy to access, which encourages regular cleaning—a must for engine health. The fuel tank is a good size, letting you work for a decent amount of time before needing a refill.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced View
Let’s break down the good and the not-so-good based on user experiences and testing.
Pros:
- Excellent power-to-weight ratio for its class.
- Comfortable, adjustable backpack harness.
- Easy starting with the Smart Start system.
- Good fuel capacity for longer runtime.
- Effective cruise control for constant speed.
Cons:
- Requires 2-stroke fuel mixing (a con for some).
- Can be loud, like all gas blowers (ear protection is recommended).
- The tube can feel a bit long for shorter users, though it is adjustable.
- Some users report the carburetor can be sensitive to old fuel if not maintained.
Who Is the Husqvarna 350BF Best For?
This blower is an ideal choice for homeowners with a half-acre to a full acre of land covered in trees. It’s perfect if you have large lawns, many deciduous trees, or long driveways. It’s also a great choice if you find handheld blowers to tiring or underpowered for your needs.
It might be overkill for a tiny, treeless lot. And for professional landscapers dealing with massive properties daily, a more powerful commercial model might be better. But for that middle ground, it’s a fantastic fit.
Final Verdict
The Husqvarna 350BF delivers on its promise of being a powerful, comfortable, and reliable backpack blower. It makes fall cleanup and regular yard maintenance much less of a chore. While it has the minor drawbacks common to gas equipment, its performance and ease of use are standout features.
If you need serious blowing power without the weight and price of a pro model, this one deserves your serious consideration. It’s a tool that gets the job done efficiently, season after season, with proper care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the Husqvarna 350BF compare to a handheld blower?
It’s significantly more powerful and way more comfortable for large areas. The backpack design distributes weight, reducing arm and back fatigue during extended use.
What is the fuel mix for the Husqvarna 350 blower?
You should use a 50:1 fuel mixture. That’s 2.6 ounces of Husqvarna 2-stroke oil per 1 gallon of fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89. Always check your manual to be absolutly sure.
Is the Husqvarna 350BF too loud for suburban neighborhoods?
It is a loud machine, as are most gas blowers. It’s courteous to use it during reasonable daytime hours and to wear hearing protection yourself. Some neighborhoods may have noise ordinances to consider.
Can you use this blower for clearing light snow?
Yes, it can be effective for clearing light, powdery snow from driveways, decks, and walkways. It’s not suitable for wet, heavy snow.
How long does the Husqvarna 350BF last?
With regular maintenance—cleaning the air filter, using fresh fuel, and proper storage—it can last for many years of homeowner use. The build quality is generally very good.