The Basics
Leaf blowers originated in Japan in the 1970s, and were adapted from agricultural sprayers. Blowers quickly became popular in the United States, but have been banned or regulated by some cities because of the noise they generate. You can choose from cordless, corded electric and gas models. Gas models include hand-held, backpack and large wheeled or walk-behind units. Some models are blowers only designed to clear driveways, decks and other smaller areas. Increasingly, models include a vacuuming and mulching feature as standard equipment, and are often referred to as 3-in-1 units. Two-cycle engines power most gas blowers; however, some manufacturers are adding four-cycle gas models that decrease pollution and noise, and new models must meet more stringent environmental regulations. Most feature tool-less nozzle connections, as well as a one or two-year warranty from the manufacturer, some limited and some full coverage.
Electric models continue to be most popular with homeowners. Electric blowers perform very well when compared with gas models and they are much easier to start. Electric units are also lighter weight, less noisy and less costly. Cordless rechargeable blowers offer the least power, but are the lightest and most portable alternative.
Five Key Questions
1. How large is your yard? If your yard is very small and you simply need to clear light leaves and debris, a cordless unit or small electric model may do the job. If your yard is less than half an acre, you may need a corded electric or small gas blower. If you consider a corded electric blower, be sure to check where your outdoor electrical outlets are positioned. It's best to keep your cord to 100 feet. If you must go up to 150 feet, make sure you use a heavy-duty cord. Should your yard extend beyond half an acre, you will probably need to look at gas engine blowers for their portability. Both hand-held and gas models can do an admirable job.
2. What do you need to clear? The right blower for your yard depends partly on the type and amount of leaves, needles, cones and other debris you need to remove. A few small, light leaves can be moved easily with a handheld cordless unit. If you need to move piles of heavier leaves, wet leaves or other yard waste, look for a heavier-duty electric or gas model. To mulch the debris, find a unit that offers this feature or that you can convert with an optional vacuum kit.
3. Cordless, corded electric or gas? A cordless rechargeable blower offers complete portability, but less power than a corded electric or gas blower. The run time on a fully charged unit may be as little as 15 minutes, and the recharge time might be several hours. Still, cordless units are lightweight and easy to use. A corded electric unit typically needs little maintenance and many perform very well. The cord, however, can be a nuisance. Most models have cord holders, but not all of them secure a cord well enough that it will not occasionally come unplugged. Corded units are limited to a range or no more than 150 feet, and less than 100 feet is better, from a power source. The cord also must be kept out of the way of your blowing path and of your feet. Electric units typically weigh less than gas models and are generally quieter. If the size of your yard and job dictate a gas blower, you still have a choice of hand-held, backpack, or wheeled. Hand-held gas units are heavier than electric, but more portable; backpack units are the heavier, but take the load on your back instead of your arms and shoulders. Wheeled or walk-behind models are the heaviest and require significant storage space.
4. How much power do you need? When you are cleaning up your yard, the power you want from a blower-vacuum is the concentrated air power to move the leaves and debris, and the vacuuming power to suck it all up. Cordless battery-powered blowers offer the least blowing power, making them suitable only for the smallest, lightest jobs around the yard. Electric and gas models both offer enough blowing and vacuuming power for many jobs. You need to know both the MPH (miles per hour) and the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating on each unit you consider. MPH measures the speed of the air exiting the blower tube. CFM measures the volume of air that the unit's fan moves. For the best blowing and vacuuming performance, you want a unit that maximizes both air speed and volume.
5. Blower or blower-vac? The most basic models are simply leaf blowers. If you have a place to blow away leaves and debris, a blower-only unit will do the job effectively. However, if you also want to vacuum and/or mulch, you will need a combination unit or a unit with an optional vacuum kit. Vacuuming and mulching offers the advantage of greatly reducing the volume of your yard waste, though typically not as dramatically as the advertised reduction rates. Once the material is mulched, it can be disposed of or used as ground cover to mulch around your yard or garden.
How to Shop
When you begin to shop, you'll find many choices in manufacturers and models of blowers and blower-vacs. Toro, Troy-Bilt, Black and Decker, Husqvarna, Stihl, and several others make dependable models in several price ranges. In fact, so many models are available that your retailer may not carry the one you want; if that is the case, ask your retailer for similar models from the same or even other manufacturers. If your yard and task are small, you can likely purchase an acceptable model for less than $150, sometimes much less. A simple blower with no frills can be well under $50. Because blowers are considered seasonal items, the best choices and newest models will be available in late summer and early fall in preparation for fall and early winter clean up.If you live in an urban area, check local ordinances for restrictions or even bans on leaf blowers. The issue is noise; some communities find that blowers violate acceptable sound levels, often limited to 65 or 69 decibels. Gas blowers are noisiest and you should wear ear protection. Check the manufacturer's decibel rating of any model before you purchase.
When you are shopping, handle, lift and move each model you consider. Find one that fits you comfortably, feels good in your hand(s) or on your back, with operating switches in easy reach. A model with variable speed control ensures that you won't damage flowers or plants with gale-force wind. If you shop for an electric model, lighter is better. Several models weigh less than seven pounds, but can handle many tasks. If you need a mulching model, look for the highest possible mulching ratio, currently advertised at up to 20 to 1, but don't expect reality to meet the ratio--All manufacturers seem to be overly optimistic about mulching ratios. Many units perform at about half the advertised rate.
Look for a unit with a wide-mouth or flared nozzle. Tapered nozzles tend to scatter leaves and debris. A nozzle that swivels is more comfortable to use. If you choose a model that mulches, look for a metal impeller; it will chop up leaves and debris efficiently and last longer than other materials.
Finally, learn exactly what is included in with each model you consider. Many units are capable of vacuuming and mulching, but some require purchase of an optional kit for such tasks.
