Husqvarna 150bt Review: How Powerful Is It Really?

In this Husqvarna 150bt review, we’ll give you professional insight on the pros and cons of this backpack, gas-powered leaf blower, and how it stands up on the job.

We’ll take you through the ins and outs of how this Husqvarna machine works, the performance you can expect from it, and the types of work it’s built to tackle.

You will also get a summary of our experience using the machine — what we like and hate about it.

Read on to know if this Husqvarna backpack leaf blower model is what you need for your home or landscaping business.

Husqvarna 150bt specs

Here is a summary of the basic specs on this leaf blower:

Now, let’s dive into the details.

– Husqvarna bt150 Review

Main Product Benefits:

• Robust, professional-grade X-Torq® engine
• Integrated backpack-style harness
• High air volume and velocity for tough jobs
• Variable speed and cruise control throttle

The Husqvarna 150bt backpack blower is a tool meant for commercial applications in landscaping businesses and agricultural settings. However, it’s also ideal for homeowners with large residential properties.

Backpack leaf blowers are specially designed for extended use because of the integrated harness. This ergonomic feature takes the strain off your arms and transfers it to your back, allowing you to handle the load for long periods.

Backpack type leaf blowers like this Husqvarna model give you the power, air volume, and airspeed needed for rapidly clearing dry or wet leaves, dry and wet grass, gravel, sand, small branches, and other hard-to-move yard debris with ease.

But how does the Husqvarna BT leaf blower really perform, and how powerful is it? Read on to find out.

– Engine:

The Husqvarna 150 BT comes with the manufacturer’s patented X-Torq® 2.15 hp engine, and you can quickly start it using its pull-cord.

The red on/off switch automatically resets to the ‘on’ position after turning the machine off. This auto-reset device is helpful, so you won’t be wasting time and flooding the engine by forgetting to set the switch to ‘on’ the next time you start up the machine.

X-Torq® engines are the newest in 2-stroke technology used by Husqvarna in their E-TECH II engines. They reduce fuel usage by as much as 20 percent while also reducing exhaust emissions up to 60 percent compared to similar traditional 2-stroke gas engines.

Husqvarna accomplishes the goals of better fuel consumption and reduced emissions with this new engine design by increasing the engine’s torque over a wide range of speeds to maximize power output at all throttle settings.

Husqvarna now uses X-Torq® engines in many of its gas-powered tools, including trimmers, trimmer alternatives, chainsaws, and leaf blowers like the Husqvarna 150 bt.

The engine in the 150 BT leaf blower from Husqvarna is of commercial grade, built for durability, reliability, and frequent use.

Here are some of the most essential features of the engine on this leaf blower:

• Engine displacement of 50.2cc
• Variable speed throttle settings
• Air purge button on fuel line for easy start-up
• Cruise control on the throttle
• 434 cubic feet per minute (c/f/m) air volume
• 251 mph air velocity

As with all 2-stroke engines, the gas used in this engine must be mixed in a 50:1 ratio with 2-stroke engine oil. The manufacturer recommends Husqvarna’s brand of 2-stroke oil for optimum performance and reduced maintenance.

The engine in this leaf blower is air-cooled, so there is no separate engine oil needed for lubrication except what you add to the fuel.

Husqvarna states it is not advisable to use an extra-rich fuel/oil mixture during engine break-in. Doing so can result in damage that may invalidate the warranty. Stick to the 50:1 mix ratio from the start.

– Fuel and Tank

This Husqvarna backpack blower has a fuel tank that holds 35.2 ounces of gas/oil mix. This capacity is a bit low compared to other similar leaf blower models. Lower fuel capacity results in more frequent refuel stops.

However, the smaller gas tank reduces the overall full-tank weight of the machine, which can be a significant advantage when working for long periods.

The fuel tank is translucent, making it easy to see how much gas you have left without opening the tank lid. However, the tank is located on the back of the machine, so you can’t quickly look at it without taking the blower off your back.

This leaf blower runs on unleaded gas with an octane rating of 89 or higher. As mentioned above, you must follow the 50:1 gas to 2-stroke engine oil ratio before adding it to the tank. Using freshly mixed gas starts the engine faster and prolongs its life.

At the end of the fuel line inside the tank, there is a small filter to keep the carburetor clean. You have to change it seasonally or whenever it gets dirty.

To change the fuel filter:

• Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull the fuel line gently out of the tank
• Disconnect the filter from the end of the fuel line
• Replace it with a clean one
• Check the owner’s manual for specifications on the correct replacement fuel filter

– Noise Level:

The noise level of this engine is 94 dB, which is comparable to the noise created by a handheld electric drill, a belt sander, or the sound inside a subway car when it’s on the move.

The engine is loud enough to warrant wearing ear protection while using the leaf blower, but the noise level is approximately the same as for many other leaf blowers of this engine size.

– Engine Maintenance:

Regular engine maintenance required on this leaf blower includes replacing the air filter and fuel filters when they become dirty, checking the spark plug gap, periodically replacing the spark plug, and cleaning the spark arresting screen located above the muffler.

The use of stale gas creates blockages in the exhaust system and increases maintenance costs and downtime. By completely draining fuel from the tank and gas lines during storage for longer than a few weeks, you can prevent unnecessary repair costs and difficulty starting the engine.

The engine idle speed is factory set at 2,200 rpm, but it might need occasional adjustment. To adjust the idle speed, use a small screwdriver on the adjustment screw at the top of the carburetor to reset the idle speed to the 2,200 rpm setting using a multi-meter.

If the engine rpm setting is not correct while the product is still under warranty, take it to a certified Husqvarna repair center for adjustment.

This Husqvarna comes with a printed owner’s manual, and it’s crucial to read the manual and keep it with you when working. The manual contains important information on using this leaf blower and maintaining it for optimum performance and to keeping the warranty valid.

– Ergonomic Features:

Equipped with multiple ergonomic features, this leaf blower is significantly less stressful to handle.

And that’s all thanks to these features:

• Heavy-duty dampers between the chassis and engine, reducing engine vibration transfer to the operator
• A cruise control throttle to avoid hand strain from holding down the throttle lever
• An auto-return stop switch which automatically resets the start-up button to ‘On’ for faster starting
• Ergonomically located controls for easy access
• A padded and ventilated backpack harness and belt for ease of transport and comfort while working

The harness is fully padded and adjustable with multiple settings to fit most body sizes.
To set the cruise control feature, look for a knob located next to the throttle lever.

The throttle lever, cruise control, and handle are located at the top of the tube on the right-hand side of the machine. Your left hand is free while you work and control the machine with your right hand. However, there is no way to convert the controls and handle for left-handed use.

The total weight without fuel in the tank is 22.5-pounds, which is comparable to similar backpack leaf blowers. With a full tank of gas, the blower weighs approximately 24.5-pounds.

– Commercial and Residential Uses:

Backpack-style, gas-powered leaf blowers like this one are designed and built for large jobs and frequent use. If you are a homeowner with a small to medium-sized yard without too much yard maintenance, this machine is probably a lot bigger than you need.

People with small yards, flower beds, and planting areas are likely to find this leaf blower hard to navigate in tight spaces. The high air velocity could do damage to delicate plants or blow mulch out of planting areas.

However, if you have an expansive landscape, orchard, or wood lot, or if you are a landscaping contractor, the Husqvarna 150 BT is one of the top leaf blowers around.

Smaller leaf blowers can struggle or fail when moving sand, gravel, small branches, and pine needles. Pine needles are notoriously hard to blow around with a leaf blower due to their low surface area. You won’t have any problem blowing them with the Husqvarna 150 bt leaf blower.

This blower is a single-function model. It only blows air out and does not have a vacuum or mulching function.

The blower comes with several nozzle attachments, letting you control the airflow and speed in different working situations.

Operator Safety

The loud noise generated by this machine makes it strongly advisable to wear a good pair of hearing protectors.

The high airflow volume and airspeed can create a hazard from flying dust, debris, and even sand and gravel. Wear safety goggles or a face shield to protect your eyes.

The handgrip is padded for operator comfort, but wearing a pair of heavy-duty work gloves can give you additional protection against the strain of vibration from the engine and the airflow in the tube.

The powerful flow of air coming from the tube in this leaf blower often results in dusty working conditions, which can be a respiratory health hazard. Consider wearing a dust mask to avoid this hazard.

Never use a gas-powered tool like this Husqvarna leaf blower indoors. The accumulation of exhaust fumes such as carbon monoxide can be hazardous in an enclosed space.

– Warranty:

This product comes with a standard 2-year warranty covering material defects and workmanship, as long as the leaf blower is used under normal operating conditions and the product is properly maintained.

To activate warranty repairs or replacement, you must show proof of purchase and have a completed warranty card or online warranty registration on file with the manufacturer. Husqvarna recommends registering the product online or through the dealer at the time of purchase.

Husqvarna offers an extended warranty if you purchase 2-stroke engine oil from them when you buy the leaf blower. Purchasing a six-pack of Husqvarna 2-stroke oil extends your warranty to three years.

You can also purchase premixed fuel from Husqvarna when you buy the blower and get an extension of the warranty period. Contact Husqvarna for complete details on these special warranty offers.

Results from Our Field Tests

In our tests using this blower in a residential landscape, we found it up to the task of blowing massive amounts of leaves in a short time. It really does deliver powerful airspeeds and air volume.

Out of the box, this machine did require time to assemble, and the instruction manual is not easy to follow. However, once it was up and running and the tank was full of gas, the machine started right up and ran beautifully.

This machine started up on the first pull every time we fired it up, and it produces massive volumes of air flow. In fact, it was so powerful, we had to be careful not to blow gravel around and damage nearby windows.

On the downside, our operator found the pull cord stiff, and it took a lot of strength to yank it and fire up the engine.

The harness was easy to adjust, and it fit both a tall and short person comfortably. The harness on this machine is more comfortable than many other models we have tested, and the weight is average and comfortable for a leaf blower of this engine size.

One problem for the taller person who tested this machine for us is that the pipe length is a bit short for comfortably reaching ground level. He had to bend forward a bit to get the nozzle close enough to the ground for hitting the leaf pile at the right angle.

Another drawback was the amount of vibration. We found it to be somewhat higher than other machines of this caliber. Wearing anti-vibration work gloves helped.

The noise level is average for the commercial grade engine in this blower, and that means ear protection is essential. We also recommend using a face shield because it stirs up a lot of dust along with the leaves.

Overall, in our field tests we found this Husqvarna backpack blower powerful and up to the task of blowing leaves, pine cones, and even medium-sized branches with ease.

Another plus for this blower is the low level of exhaust it produces. Many leaf blowers we’ve used leave the operator smelling like exhaust after working, but this machine was exceptionally low on fumes.

Overview of this Husqvarna Backpack Leaf Blower

The Husqvarna 150 BT leaf blower is a robust, commercial-grade product that can help you clean large yards, orchards, and wooded areas.

It’s also an ideal tool for landscaping service providers due to its sheer durability and effectiveness in preparing yards quickly.

This Husqvarna 150 BT is nothing but reliable. However, it may be overkill for the average Joe with a small or medium-sized property.

We also created a comparison review between two of the most popular Toro leaf blowers, Toro 51619 vs 51621.