The BGA 300 Cordless Backpack Blower
The BGA 300 cordless backpack blower is the same power as the BR 430 petrol backpack blower. However, the cost is very different! I’m amazed at how quickly the manufacturers of garden and landscaping equipment have moved forward in producing battery-operated equipment. Not only are small handheld garden tools that are available, but commercial mowers are also available with battery power.
It’s a great idea to have battery power; however, I see the biggest problems are the cost and the charging for battery equipment. With a petrol machine, it’s easy to refuel when you run out of petrol, but with a battery-powered machine, you either need a spare battery or an exceptionally fast battery charger.
I have seen some very poor domestic battery equipment, which really is a complete waste of money, as in many cases, the batteries just do not last long enough between charges. I must admit with the Stihl battery equipment has a very good system, but there is a price to pay. I know of many tree surgeons who use their battery equipment, and they like the battery equipment, but once again, there is a price to pay.
You Can See The Video On The BGA 300 Cordless Backpack Blower Below
Overview Of The BGA 300 Blower
We’re specifically looking at the BGA 300 cordless battery blower. This model is priced at £600, but keep in mind that you need to purchase the battery, charger, and lead separately to be fully set up. Interestingly, this blower is said to have the same power as the BR 430, which retails at £629. I’m currently on the Stihl UK site, so these are full prices, and you might be able to find some discounts.
Helpful Review From Main Street Mower Channel
I came across an excellent review from the Main Street Mower Channel, a dealership based in Florida, USA. They’ve done a thorough review, and I highly recommend watching it if you’re considering buying this blower. Here’s a quick excerpt from their intro:
“$800 to have this blower up and running, so we’re going to put them on this scale and see what they total. Woo! We also grabbed a gas BR 430 so that you could see the side-by-side comparison. The good news is this is as powerful as your gas backpack blower. Now for the bad news.”
The Advancements in Battery Power
I’m genuinely amazed at how quickly garden machinery manufacturers have advanced with battery power. According to some friends in the industry, the Stihl battery-powered equipment is quite good. While it’s not cheap, it’s particularly useful in restricted areas. Personally, I prefer petrol-powered equipment, but I understand that electric is necessary for some situations despite the cost.
Cost Comparison: Battery vs. Petrol
Let’s look at a side-by-side comparison. The BGA 300 blower is priced at £600 without the battery. Here are the battery options:
Smaller Battery £1086, providing 97 minutes maximum battery life, realistically about an hour on average.
Larger Battery £1620, providing 140 minutes (over 2 hours and 20 minutes) of battery life, realistically about an hour if used continuously.
While the runtime is impressive, the total cost adds up quickly. When you factor in the high-speed charger and connecting cable, the complete setup with the more expensive battery can total around £2500. Additionally, attaching the battery adds 10 lbs to the blower’s weight, making it about 27 lbs in total.
Considerations Before Purchasing
The biggest concern for me is the cost. Moreover, when the battery runs out, you need a spare battery pack and a way to charge it. Even if chargers are available for vehicles, it still takes time to recharge. I own a similar machine, the petrol Stihl BR600, which is two models down from the Stihl BR800 (the most powerful Stihl backpack blower). The BR800 retails at £934, and its power is impressive, yet it’s still much cheaper than the battery-powered model.
In my opinion, unless you absolutely need an electric blower, a petrol model is more cost-effective and practical. You can get four equivalent petrol blowers for the price of one battery model, and you won’t have to worry about the additional weight or recharging issues.
Additional Resources
We offer a variety of backpack and handheld blowers on our website. Alternatively, you can carry out a search in the search bar for blowers, etc.
Conclusion
When considering an electric blower, remember that it requires a significant investment. Think about the cost, additional weight, and recharging time before making your decision. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment. I’m here to help.
