The Troy-Bilt TB320BV is a fully featured 3-in-1 gas blower-vacuum-shredder that is powerful and easy to use once running. However, it can be a bit difficult to start.

The 31 cc, two-cycle gas engine offers a respectable 205 mph of airflow velocity with 405 cfm (cubic feet per minute) airflow volume. The unit includes a vacuum kit for vacuuming and shredding leaves at a 12:1 reduction rate, according to the manufacturer. The unit uses a proprietary SpringAssist starting system and offers variable-speed settings with locking throttle control.

The Troy-Bilt TB320BV has plenty of blowing power to clear leaves and yard debris off the sidewalk, driveway, lawn and shrub beds. In our tests, it moved and piled leaves easily, even when the leaves were damp.

The vacuum feature, however, is not quite as quick and efficient, which seems to be typical of most models. It takes a long time to vacuum and mulch leaves, and the 1-bushel bag requires frequent emptying. We found the reduction rate claimed in the manufacturer's specifications to be overly optimistic.

But the biggest problem with the TB320BV is that the SpringAssist starting system does not make starting the unit truly easy. It sometimes took us several hard pulls on the cord to achieve a start. And, of course, as with any two-cycle gas model, you have to deal with mixing oil and gas.

The Troy-Bilt TB320BV is relatively light at 11.5 pounds. The unit includes a 1-bushel vacuum bag and boasts an EZ-Start choke system. It also features a dual-operating molded plastic handle. The blowing end of the nozzle is oval.

Although the Troy-Bilt TB320BV can be noisy, it offers good leaf blowing power and is highly portable for clearing debris from the yard.


Pros: Good power, lightweight, portable
Cons: Can be difficult to start, noisy

Warranty
2 years, limited