Wiktor Wise
Electric leaf blowers are a great option for small lawns and properties. They are low-maintenance, lightweight, and easy to manoeuvre. When choosing an electric leaf blower, you have the option of a corded or cordless (battery-powered) model. Corded blowers offer unlimited runtime but are restricted by the length of the cord, whereas cordless blowers offer more mobility but have limited runtime per charge. It's important to consider factors such as the size of your yard, the weight and noise level of the blower, and the power needed for the job. Handheld, backpack, and walk-behind blowers are the three main types of leaf blowers available, with the handheld option being the most popular for home use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld, backpack, walk-behind |
| Power Source | Gas, corded electric, cordless (battery-powered) |
| Size | Small, medium, large |
| Runtime | 8 to 30 minutes (cordless), indefinite (gas) |
| Power | CFM (cubic feet per minute) and MPH (miles per hour) ratings indicate power |
| Noise Level | Gas blowers tend to be louder than electric blowers |
| Maintenance | Electric blowers require less maintenance than gas blowers |
| Weight | Corded blowers are lightweight, gas blowers are heavier |
| Ease of Use | Consider one-handed speed control and overall ergonomics |
| Price | Cordless blowers tend to be more expensive |
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What You'll Learn
Power source: gas, corded electric, or cordless electric (battery-powered)
Leaf blowers can be powered by gas, or corded or cordless electricity. Here are some things to consider when deciding which power source is right for you:
Gas-powered leaf blowers are the most powerful option and are ideal for large properties and frequent use. They can be used indefinitely as long as they are refuelled, and they are the only type of leaf blower that comes in a wheeled variety, which makes for quicker cleanups. However, gas blowers tend to be heavier and louder than electric blowers, and they require more maintenance. Some towns ban gas leaf blowers altogether due to noise restrictions.
Corded electric leaf blowers are lightweight, low-maintenance, and relatively quiet. They are also free of emissions. However, they require access to an electrical outlet and are limited by the length of their cord, so they are best suited for small yards or areas near the house.
Cordless electric (or battery-powered) leaf blowers are a good option if you don't need to blow leaves for long stretches of time. They are powerful enough for typical yards and can rival or exceed the performance of gas-powered blowers. However, they have limited runtime per battery charge, usually around 8 to 30 minutes. To maximise your cordless tool kit, consider buying lawn tools from the same brand so that you can use the same battery and charger across multiple devices.
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Form factor: handheld, backpack, or walk-behind
Leaf blowers come in three form factors: handheld, backpack, and walk-behind. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and physical capabilities.
Handheld leaf blowers are the most popular option for home use. They are compact and self-contained, making them a great choice for small jobs or for grouping leaves that you plan to bag up and haul away. Handheld blowers are also a good choice if you want a model with a vacuum option, which allows you to clean up leaves and debris in hard-to-reach areas. Power ratings for handheld blowers can range from 150 to 300 miles per hour (MPH) and 300 to 500 cubic feet per minute (CFM). Pricing for handheld blowers starts at around $100, but can exceed $400 depending on features and power rating.
Backpack leaf blowers are designed for comfort and mobility. They are worn on the back, distributing the weight across the shoulders and freeing up the hands for maneuvering the nozzle. This design is particularly beneficial for large or uneven properties where carrying a handheld unit could become tiresome. Backpack blowers are often more powerful than handheld blowers, and they are a good option for long periods of use. They are generally more expensive than handheld models, ranging in price from around $160 to $600, with professional-grade models exceeding that range.
Walk-behind blowers are the most powerful of the three types, and they are also the least physically demanding, making them a good choice for large yards. They are operated by walking behind them and they may even be self-propelled. They are usually 4-stroke engines that can produce up to 200 MPH and up to 2900 CFM. Prices for walk-behind blowers start at around $500 but can easily exceed $3000. However, the time needed to properly store and maintain them may be too much for some homeowners.
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Noise level: check local restrictions
Leaf blowers are notoriously loud, and noise level is an important factor to consider when choosing one. Gas-powered leaf blowers tend to be louder than any type of electric blower, and some towns ban them altogether. Even if your town permits gas-powered leaf blowers, it's worth considering how much noise they make.
Before purchasing a leaf blower, it is important to check your local regulations to see if there are any restrictions on the use of gas-powered or electric leaf blowers. For example, in the District of Columbia, there is a ban on the sale and use of gas-powered leaf blowers, with fines of up to $500 for each offence. Similarly, California has also banned gas-powered leaf blowers. In Virginia, an advocacy group called Quiet Clean NOVA has been promoting a bill that would give localities the power to regulate or prohibit gas-powered leaf blowers due to noise and pollution concerns.
To avoid any issues, it is advisable to opt for an electric leaf blower, as they are generally much quieter and less obtrusive. Electric blowers are also low maintenance, requiring just a simple wipe-down and attention to dirt build-up around the air intake. Corded electric blowers are lightweight and ideal for small yards, while cordless electric blowers are a good option if you don't need to blow leaves for long stretches of time.
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Maintenance: gas requires more upkeep than electric
Electric leaf blowers are known to require less maintenance than their gas-powered counterparts. While all blowers require some maintenance to operate at their best, gas blowers demand more upkeep.
Gas-powered leaf blowers, with their gasoline engines, often come with a handful of components in cascade. They require a tune-up every year or so, and you'll need to keep fuel on hand. Two-stroke motors require a gas/oil blend, so you'll need to mix your own or buy a pre-blended option. Gas blowers also come with two types of filters: an air filter and a fuel filter. Air filters should be cleaned after 10 to 15 hours of use or as specified by the manufacturer, and fuel filters should be replaced annually.
In contrast, electric blowers require little maintenance. Simply wipe them down and watch out for dirt buildup on the air intake. For cordless electric blowers, follow the manufacturer's instructions for battery maintenance, which may include removing the battery from the charger once it's fully charged or periodically charging it during the off-season.
The maintenance requirements for gas and electric leaf blowers are a key consideration when deciding which type to purchase. Gas blowers may offer superior power and extra portability, but they demand more upkeep, including regular tune-ups, fuel management, and filter maintenance. Electric blowers, on the other hand, are relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional wipe-downs and basic battery care.
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Weight: electric is lightweight, gas is heavier
When it comes to leaf blowers, weight is an important factor to consider, as it will impact the overall usability and comfort of the device. Electric leaf blowers are known for being lightweight, which is a significant advantage over their gas-powered counterparts.
Electric leaf blowers typically fall into two categories: corded and cordless. Corded electric leaf blowers are extremely lightweight as they do not have a gas engine or a battery pack. Instead, they are powered by plugging into a standard electrical outlet, which can restrict mobility due to the length of the cord. However, this type of leaf blower is highly manoeuvrable and well-suited for tasks like cleaning gutters or blowing leaves in small yards. Examples of popular corded leaf blowers include the Toro PowerJet F700 and the Worx WG521, with the former being praised for its lightweight design and easy one-handed speed control.
On the other hand, cordless electric leaf blowers are battery-operated and provide more flexibility in terms of mobility. While they are heavier than their corded cousins due to the weight of the battery, they are still generally lighter than gas-powered options. The weight of cordless electric leaf blowers can vary depending on the size and type of battery used. For example, the Ego LB6504, a cordless blower, weighs around 10 pounds, which is approximately 4 pounds heavier than the corded Toro F700. Despite the weight, reviewers found the Ego LB6504 manageable to use, occasionally switching hands to compensate.
Gas-powered leaf blowers, on the other hand, are heavier due to their engine and gas tank. They are typically available in handheld or backpack form factors. While the backpack style distributes the weight more evenly, making it easier to carry for extended periods, it still contributes to a heavier overall setup. The weight disadvantage of gas-powered blowers is more pronounced when compared to electric options, especially corded electric blowers.
In summary, weight is a critical factor when choosing a leaf blower, and electric leaf blowers offer a clear advantage in this regard. Corded electric blowers are the lightest option, followed by cordless electric blowers, while gas-powered blowers are the heaviest. This weight difference can significantly impact the usability and comfort of the device, influencing your decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Leaf blowers can be categorized by how they are carried and what kind of fuel they use. They can be handheld, backpack, or walk-behind. They can be gas-powered, corded electric, or cordless electric (battery-powered).
Electric leaf blowers are low-maintenance, lightweight, and quiet. They are also easy to start and don't emit fumes like gas-powered machines.
Electric cords can be a pain to manage, and battery-powered leaf blowers have limited runtimes.
The best leaf blower for you depends on the work required and your preferences. Handheld blowers are great for small jobs, while backpack blowers are more powerful and comfortable for long periods of use. Walk-behind blowers are the most powerful but require more storage space and maintenance.
Look for a leaf blower with a long runtime, easy-to-use controls, and a comfortable handle. Also, consider the miles per hour (MPH) and cubic feet per minute (CFM) ratings, which indicate the blower's power and volume of air moved.
