At Echo’s recent media event in Lake Zurich, Illinois, CEO Harold Redman looked on as the company introduced 10 new products.
Products like the new DPB-7700T backpack blower joined Echo’s 56V battery system lineup. At the same time, the company also introduced its first gas-powered mower, the LM-2119SP.
Redman says that Echo’s trying to stay active in the battery and gas markets. He’s seen more landscapers interested in battery-powered products, and for those who aren’t, they often face restrictions on gas equipment or noise levels. Still, he believes there’s a real demand for gas-powered equipment as well, one that’ll keep gas relevant for years to come.
“We’re not defocusing our efforts on gas products where there are opportunities in the market,” Redman says. “Whether it’s a consumer looking for a premium product like ours or a commercial landscaper looking for different gas products that we don’t offer, we’re still focused on development of gas product technology because we think it’s going to be here for a long time.
“In addition to that, we’re investing in a net portfolio of battery products,” Redman adds. “It’s a matter of balance.”
Redman kept plenty busy at the media event last week, accepting a sustainability award from Lake Zurich’s mayor Tom Poynton. And event attendees had plenty to do, too — they toured Echo’s manufacturing facility before demoing the company’s newest slate of products. Of the nine new products, seven are designed for commercial use.
VIDEO: Lake Zurich's mayor awards Echo a local Green Business Award
NEW BLOWERS. Echo unveiled three new blowers, including the DPB-2610 handheld and the DPB-5900T and DPB-7700T backpack blowers. All three of the new blowers will be available for purchase in the first quarter of 2025. They come with a two-year commercial warranty and five-year consumer warranty.
All three blowers belong to the Echo 56V lineup, so cartridge batteries can be used with other Echo tools in the same lineup.
The handheld blower offers 549 cubic feet per minute and up to 158 miles per hour of blow force. Its run time reaches 25 minutes on high speed and operates on Echo’s 5Ah battery. It’s kitted with the battery and rapid charger. Its MSRP is $299.99. Without the battery and charger, it’s $179.99.
Meanwhile, the DPB-5900T backpack blower produces 795 cfm and 195 mph of force. Its triple-port design means landscapers can use three 8Ah batteries, which helps the runtime reach up to 60 minutes even on maximum speed. The LED grip control tells users how much juice is left in each battery. Buyers will also receive three 8Ah batteries and two dual-port rapid chargers. Echo’s MSRP for the DPB-5900T is $1,299.99 and $399.99 as just the bare tool.
The DPB-7700T generates the most force of the bunch, offering 850 cfm and 220 mph with a run time that reaches 26 minutes on high speed. For reference, the company debuted five new blowers last year, four of which were designed for commercial use. Two of the gas-powered blowers they released generated maximum air speeds of 283 mph, but this new, battery-powered DPB-7700T outpaces Echo’s DPB-5800T from last year.
Echo equipped the DPB-7700T blower with an LCD screen rather than an LED indicator. The DPB-7700T’s MSRP is $1,599.99 and $699.99 without the three 8.0Ah batteries and pair of dual-port rapid chargers.
MORE BATTERY POWER. The DSHC-2600 shafted hedge trimmer joins the 56V lineup as well. Last year, Echo debuted five new battery-powered hedge trimmers, though this tool offers a 21-inch, double-sided, double-reciprocating set of blades. Echo estimates a runtime of 80 minutes with one of its 5.0Ah batteries. The tool will run for an MSRP of $739.99 but $619.99 without the battery and rapid charger.
Of course, keeping batteries charged in the field proves tricky for landscapers. Echo revealed its 6-port rapid field charger at the event, which allows users to charge up to six Echo 56V batteries at the same time, all plugged into one outlet. Landscapers can cart the portable battery storage anywhere because Echo’s equipped this tool with wheels, a folding handle and a locking lid. Landscapers can also see how close their batteries are to being fully charged with an LED on-board display.
An optional trailer or wall mount can be provided. Its MSRP is $799.99 and it will be available in the second quarter of next year.
A NEW MOWER. Then there’s Echo’s entry in the gas-mower market with the LM-2119SP, which is ideal for properties up to an acre. It can be used for homeowners or lighter commercial jobs. The mower joins Echo’s existing battery-powered DLM-2100SP and DLM-2100 mowers.
The new mower’s got a 21-inch steel deck that offers options to mulch, bag or side-discharge. A single-point height adjustment and dual-blade design helps cut lawns more precisely. The mower offers a 90-day commercial warranty with an MSRP of $579.99.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS. Echo also unveiled its DSRM-225 battery-powered string trimmer and SRM-2120 gas-powered string trimmer, though those tools are primarily designed for homeowner use. The new DHS-3006 handheld pruning saw falls somewhere in between, as landscapers could use it for lighter, quick jobs. The six-inch bar guides Echo’s 80TXL cutting system, which can be found on the company’s other prosumer and commercial chainsaws like last year’s DCS-2500TN.
The DHS-3006 pruning saw is an electric system that runs on a 2.5AH battery and belongs to Echo’s 56V lineup. It features a quickdraw harness for easy landscaper access while out in the field. Its MSRP is $249.99 and $179.99 without the battery and top-mount charger.
Echo will bring its newest products to dealers this fall to see which locations will take on each of the new tools.
“We’re excited for the customers to test and demo these new products,” Redman says. “All of the battery products that we’ve introduced really help us fulfill the portfolio, especially to commercial landscapers.”
A GOOD CAUSE. Echo is offering pink-colored DPB-2500LE blowers this October to raise awareness about Susan G. Komen’s breast cancer research. The blower is not a new model but simply a limited edition version of the tool designed for homeowners in mind. Its MSRP is $199.99 and will be available Oct. 1.
Redman says Echo manufactured the pink blowers last year, too, but this year’s collaboration with Susan G. Komen also includes a $20,000 donation to the organization, regardless of how many units are sold. He says it’s important to Echo to donate because a lot of people, including members of his own team, have been affected by breast cancer.
“This year, we decided to escalate our responsibility and became a partner with Susan G. Komen,” Redman says. “Of course, the contributions that we make are there to help them make better cures.”
EXTRA RECOGNITION. Poynton, Lake Zurich’s mayor, joked at the event that he’s an “Echo-holic.” Whether it’s his own use of the tools at home or it’s Echo’s sponsorships at Lake Zurich events like its outdoor Rock the Block festival, he’s a big fan of what the company has done for the community.
VIDEO: Echo's Ryan Ladley explains the company's sustainable regrind practice
Poynton was on hand last week to award Echo the Lake Zurich Green Business Award, highlighting the company’s initiatives in the process of handing over the award to Redman. Among other things, Echo has implemented recycling measures like regrinding all of its molded plastic scrap and it has helped control the area’s invasive species by the nearby wetlands. Additionally, the company installed solar panels on its manufacturing facility, spelling out the word “Echo” on the roof with the panels. The company estimates it offsets 38% of its energy consumption that way.
“The Green Business Award honors organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in integrating sustainable practices into their daily operations, driving positive change in the Lake Zurich community,” Poynton says. “Echo has implemented numerous earth-friendly initiatives aimed at promoting green business practices across its operations.”
