Leaf Blowers

Let's face it. Raking  is hard work. Especially if you have a big yard, with lots of trees. Every year those trees grow more leaves, and every autumn those leaves are all over your lawn. You rake and rake, and it feels like the only thing you're accomplishing is working up a sweat. 

Leaf blowers  make cleaning up the yard a breeze, literally. Instead of breaking your back to scrape every last leaf out of the yard or patio with a rake, opt for a leaf blower as a quick way to clean up large spaces. There are two types: electric  (either corded or cordless) and gas-powered. 

Before buying, be sure to check if your area allows leaf blowers. Many areas, including Arizona, New Jersey and parts of California, have banned or considered banning them because of health concerns. Leaf blowers are noisy and may also contribute to airborne pollutants by stirring up pesticides from lawns. (Not to mention the fact that they will irritate your neighbors if you use them too often or too early in the morning.) However, many newer models, especially electric but also some gas-powered, run more quietly and with fewer emissions. Even so, it's a good idea to check with your local government to be sure you won't get a fine during your autumn cleanup.

Also consider whether you want the blower to have a vacuum or shredder feature. With a bag attached to the blower, it will collect the leaves instead of simply blowing them around the yard. As the name suggest, a shredder will shred the leaves, and some powerful models may be able to handle lightweight branches and twigs as well. Popular Mechanics suggests that you may be better off with an independent vacuum/shredder; many blower/vac combos are not especially good at being vacuums and clog easily, especially with wet leaves.

Recommendations are from ConsumerSearch; consult Popular Mechanics as well, but their article is a few years old.

Handheld Blowers

Handheld Electric  Lightweight, quiet, inexpensive. No exhaust. Ideal for one-handed use. Perfect for flat terrain. Some have ability to vacuum and shred. Corded versions are limited in mobility, which means that they aren't built for using in large yards. More expensive cordless  versions make you mobile, but they fall short on power making them better for porches, patios, and pathways. Prices range from $30-$100. Top Picks -- Toro Super Blower Vac 51599  (corded), Toro Power Sweep 51586  (corded), and Black & Decker NS118 Cordless Broom  (cordless). Handheld Gas  More expensive, heavier (7-12lb), and noisier. Maximum mobility. Suitable for use in large yards and gardens. Fuel and oil mixing is also required for two-stroke engines, which kills the convenience factor and ups the messiness quotient. To avoid this, pick a four-stroke model that will allow you to stick to just gas. They cost $75-$250. Top Picks -- Echo PB-200,  postinitial Homelite Vac Attack II Stihl BG46 Leaf Blowers

Backpack Blowers

Backpack-style Gas  These are quite heavy (17-25lbs.), but that's why they are built into a backpack. Powerful models. They can last a long time without refueling. Overall, these are very noisy models! You definitely should invest in hearing protection  if you plan to use this type of blower. Best for large yards. Not as good as the handheld gas models for cleaning gutters because of their bulk and lack of precision blowing. Plus, they are not equipped to vacuum. Prices are from $300-$420. Top Pick -- Echo Pro Lite PB260L  Stihl BR 340L

Wheeled Gas Blower

Wheeled Gas  These are four-stroke, gas only (no mixing required), powerful machines for large areas. Big and heavy, which makes them harder to move around. Primarily intended for large open spaces that don't require much precision blowing. Hearing protection  is a must with these models. Prices go from $400-$2600.

Electric Leaf Blowers

Electric leaf blowers are typically better performers than their gas counterparts.

• Less noisy.
• Less expensive.
• Environmentally friendly.
• No hassle continuous power provided without having to refill a tank or fuss with engine maintenance.
• Most home consumers should stick to the electric versions to save their ears and avoid the stink from exhaust fumes.

What to Look For

• An easy on/off switch and starter.
• Variable speed and throttle for dealing with wet or dry leaves.
• Choke on gas-powered models.
• Round nozzles are best for cleaning out gutters while square ones are best for blowing leaves on flat ground.
• Auxiliary handles make maneuvering easier.
• Wide fuel spouts make refilling easier on gas-powered models.
• A clear tank makes it easier to see when you need to refill.
• CFM: this is the vacuum rating measured in cubic feet per minute. Most models fall in the 200-600 CFM range.
• Reduction Ratio: you'll see this on mulching blower/vacuums. It indicates how many units of leaves the mulcher can process. A 10:1 ratio means that 10 bags of leaves can be reduced to 1 bag of mulch.
• Decibels: noise rating.

Major Manufacturers

Electric

• Black & Decker 
• Craftsman (Sears) 
• Homelite 
• Ryobi 
• Toro 
• Weed Eater 

Gas-powered

• Echo 
• Husqvarna 
• John Deere 
• Stihl 

Related Products

Tillers	Chainsaws	String Trimmers	Snow Blowers	Lawn Mowers

External Links

• ConsumerSearch -- reviews of many kinds of blowers.
• Popular Mechanics -- buying advice for leaf blowers (along with other yard cleanup tools) and a few recommendations on the next page.
• NoNoise.org -- list of cities in CA with leafblower bans.
• This Old House -- short article about different kinds of leafblowers and their uses.
• Ecocycle.org -- short article about pollution and leaf blowers and how to reduce their environmental impact.