The Husqvarna 130bt is a backpack leaf blower designed for easy use in residential and commercial settings.
It features ergonomically gathered controls on a stick lever located on the tube for straightforward and fatigue-free access to the variable speed throttle and cruise control.
In this Husqvarna 130bt review, we’re going to lay out all the details on this machine, telling you what it can do and who can benefit most from buying one.
We’ll also give you our honest opinion about any of this blower’s limitations so you can make an informed buying decision about this product.
Contents
Pros and Cons of This Husqvarna Backpack Blower
Husqvarna 130bt Specs and Highlights
This Husqvarna leaf blower is designed for easy and comfortable use without skimping on overall power. As a result, it is a suitable backpack leaf blower for medium-sized clean-up jobs in medium and large residential settings and commercial users who don’t need a full-size leaf blower.
- X-Torq engine with high fuel efficiency and low emissions
- Light, comfortable, and easy to carry
- 360 cfm air volume and 145 mph top airspeed
- Variable speed throttle with cruise control
- Low weight
- Adjustable tube length
– Husqvarna 130bt Review
This Husqvarna commercial blower starts up quickly, and the engine runs smoothly while delivering plenty of power for average-sized clean-up jobs at home or work. One of the best features of this backpack leaf blower is the low weight of only 14.7 pounds, making it an exceptionally comfortable gas-powered tool for sustained use.
Many other leaf blowers with an engine comparable in size to this one weigh about 10 pounds more. Heavier blowers can be taxing to use for long periods. A blower with as much power and weight as low as this blower is hard to find. But here it is.
The only significant drawback of this machine is the small-sized fuel tank which makes it necessary to stop and refuel about every 45 to 60 minutes. However, while running, this machine delivers considerable air volume and airspeed for many regular clean-up jobs.
The buyers who can benefit the most from this product are residential users with large yards, lots of trees, and extensive lawns where they need to pile up debris and grass clippings after mowing.
Commercial buyers who need a light and easy-to-use leaf blower for landscaping work or on a construction site are also likely to be pleased with the fuel efficiency, low weight, ergonomics, and low maintenance requirements of this tool, all at a reasonable price.
Husqvarna 130bt: Main Product Features
– Engine
Husqvarna has designed their innovative X-Torq engine to purge all un-spent fuel from the cylinder before drawing in a fresh gas/oil mix. This process results in approximately 20 percent higher fuel efficiency and up to 60 percent lower emissions.
Better fuel efficiency saves you money at the gas tank and means you don’t have to stop as often to refuel the machine. Lower emissions are good for the environment, and they’re also a benefit to the operator’s health by not breathing as many toxic fumes while working.
The engine in this Husqvarna leaf blower has a displacement of 29.5cc and a top RPM of 7,500. It is a 2-stroke engine requiring a gas of 92 octanes or higher mixed in a 50:1 ratio with 2-stroke engine oil. It’s vital to use the correct type of oil for this mix, and using Husqvarna’s brand can improve engine performance and lifespan and get you extra time on the warranty.
The air filter compartment opens without the need for any tools, and the foam filter is washable. However, the filter requires a few drops of foam filter oil to work effectively. Using the correct oil type on the filter is crucial for best performance and keeping the warranty valid.
The throttle sits at the top of the tube on a lever that you can adjust back and forth for the comfort of your right hand and arm. The one-handed operation of the variable speed throttle and cruise control on the stick leaves your left hand free while you work. Unfortunately, the machine is not adaptable for left-handed use.
Startup involves pumping the air purge button a few times to eliminate air from the fuel line and carburetor. A sliding choke lever helps with starting in cold weather and when the tool sits idly for longer than about one-half hour. Once you’ve purged the air and set the choke, give the startup cord a solid pull one to three times, and the engine fires right up.
You can then set the throttle speed to exactly where you want it for the job at hand and use the cruise control feature for keeping it in place and freeing your right hand for directing the tube and airflow where you want it.
The simplicity of use and low maintenance on the X-Torq engine significantly benefit anyone who regularly needs to use a leaf blower at home or work.
– Fuel Tank
The translucent fuel tank sits at the rear of the engine, holding 28.06-ounces of gas. This capacity is not high, but it’s also about the same as most other leaf blowers of this power rating. A smaller fuel tank has the advantage of not adding too much weight to the machine when the tank is full.
However, due to the relatively small fuel tank size, you can expect to stop refueling every 30 to 60 minutes. This hassle depends on the throttle speed you are using and other factors such as altitude and ambient air temperature.
– Airspeed and Air Volume
This Husqvarna backpack blower delivers an air volume at the end of the tube at 360 cubic feet per minute (cfm.) The top airspeed is 145 MPH, and these ratings are plenty high for average leaf blowing needs in many situations, such as cleaning off a driveway or blowing leaves out of a gutter.
However, if you have a large yard, or if you are a commercial landscaper, the air volume and airspeed on this model might be a bit low for your needs. In that case, a larger and more powerful Husqvarna commercial blower like the 560bts or 570bts might be a better choice for you.
– Dimensions, Weight, and Noise Level
The overall dimensions of this blower are compact, measuring 17-inches wide, 15-inches high, and 69.5-inches long with the tube attached.
The dry weight is 14.7 pounds. With a full tank of gas, the weight goes up to approximately 16.5 pounds.
The noise level of this machine is 91 dB, which is similar to many other powerful, gas-driven leaf blowers. However, it’s relatively noisy if you are working in a quiet neighborhood on a weekend morning.
If noise is a significant concern for you, and you have a small or medium-size yard, we recommend considering a handheld gas leaf blower with a lower noise rating.
– Ergonomic Features
The throttle lever has a comfortable grip, and it’s adjustable to fit your hand. The backpack frame and shoulder straps are well-padded and made from foam that conforms to the operator’s body shape.
The variable speed throttle and cruise control feature sits on the upper end of the tube and is gathered together for ergonomic access and comfort. In addition, you can adjust the length of the tube depending on your height and the type of work you’re doing.
Anyone concerned about being uncomfortable and exhausted while using a backpack leaf blower is likely to appreciate the well-designed ergonomics and low weight of this blower and how comfortable it is to carry while working.
– Warranty
This Husqvarna leaf blower comes with a standard 2-year warranty for residential use and a 1-year warranty for commercial use. However, if you purchase Husqvarna brand premixed fuel along with the blower and register the product online within 30 days, you can get the warranty extended for two or three years. Depending on how much of the fuel you bought with the machine.
Also, it’s crucial to read and follow the instructions in the User’s Manual to keep the warranty valid. If a User’s Manual does not arrive in the box with the tool, you can download one for free at the Husqvarna website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of tasks can the Husqvarna 130BT be used for?
The Husqvarna 130BT is a powerful backpack leaf blower that can be used for various outdoor tasks such as clearing leaves, debris, and grass clippings from lawns, driveways, and sidewalks.
2. Is the Husqvarna 130BT easy to start?
Yes, the Husqvarna 130BT is designed to be easy to start with its air purge function and Smart Start technology, ensuring hassle-free starting every time.