Repair-It

FINALLY!

Found it on FBM last night, picked it up this morning in Killingly area. $150 asking and that's what it took to close. Happy with that.

It's a 1996 machine with a 1999 engine? Not sure. Either way this is the kind of hardware I want. All made in the USA. In fact made in CT. Neat.

Front wheel rides on roller bearings.

https://www.govdeals.com/en/asset/115/7785

$210 for this, apparently. I win. So much for government auctions.

Really no issues with it aside from maybe a slightly clogged low speed jet based on the surging idle. But it revs up cleanly and holds max rpm so....don't care?

Tires/wheels are newer and seem to be in good shape. And he says he just changed the oil (with SAE30, which is really the only oil you should use in a Briggs flathead other than a snowblower). I guess the gas tank shut off valve can weep a bit but that's a very easy fix if I care enough.

I tried it on the driveway and front yard/street area where I was picturing it being efficient and omg was it ever. Totally worth it, should have bought one of these years ago. Has the switchable air output for forward or to the left. Definitely keeping my other blower but for clearing big areas quickly no backpack machine can beat an 8 hp blower. I'm fully satisfied.

The ad Home Depot sells this, which the internet says is 6.6 HP for way more money and will probably fall apart sooner.

I was able to order a new handlebar grip and nozzle direction switcher spring from this listing, but it is definitely not the same machine.

https://www.partstree.com/models/lbx851 ... 85151kh-0/

I am hoping the spring and handlebar foam are compatible.

This is one downside. I have not yet found a parts diagram for this 80BP. I noticed the missing spring while straightening the front wheel. I actually removed the mounting brackets and worked them in a vice.

I don't even think the spring is necessary - the airflow holds it in side/front divert position but I'll add the spring because I like to put things back to stock. The foam handlebar has some duct tape and it's fine but I'll see if the new foam is a match and maybe treat it to that, since crappy touch points can degrade the experience. I was delighted to use it though and didn't really mind. Just trying to make it right.

Used it to clear my side yard. First time I've ever been able to do that without also using the lawn tractor and bags. This is great.

https://www.husqvarna.com/us/leaf-blowers/590bts/

This is Husqvarna's top back pack blower for nearly $900 and still is only 5.5 HP. Just saying.

kevm14 wrote: Mon Nov 10, 2025 3:41 pm I was able to order a new handlebar grip and nozzle direction switcher spring from this listing, but it is definitely not the same machine.

https://www.partstree.com/models/lbx851 ... 85151kh-0/

I am hoping the spring and handlebar foam are compatible.

My order from Jacks Small Engines was canceled. Parts not available.

I can probably find a generic foam grip if I get desperate but the one it has is fine for now.

I can probably also get a generic extension spring from Ace for the diverter.

Just used it Sunday to clear the entire front, driveway, back and side yard. So good.