Just read this old thread & checked my records; my makita blower was bought on 7/12/11 & is still going strong. But I should probably change the oil before it craps itself.

I had Stihl BG85's & BG86's for 10 years prior to this makita and am never going back!

Been running 37.5:1 two stroke mix through it exclusively for the last 5 years or so & have had no issues whatsoever.