Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

As part of my latest OPE Madness,   I've been thinking about a backpack blower. It seemed to me that a handheld would become tiresome on the arm if used for an extended period of time and a backpack would fit the bill. While in HD today I came across an ECHO 40 cc reconditioned blower that was laying on the floor unopened. I never tried one on before and thought, what the heck. Man, I was suprised at the weight and how it felt. I found as I walked around with it that I was bending forward to counter act the weight of the blower. This in itself seems like it would be tiresome.  Now I admit, I'm only 5'4" and 144 lbs, but I'm no weakling. I liked the idea of a backpack blower, but not sure if thats the direction I want to go in now. Any opinions or suggestions as to a lighter machine or alternative are appreciated. I figure at worst if I buy one, I could hook up a dual tube to the back and fly around the neighborhood.

                                                  Thanks,  Kevin