- 1. DeWalt Leaf Blower
- 2. Salem Master Cordless Leaf Blower
- 3. Black Max 2-Cycle Gas Axial Fan Blower
- 4. Hart 20-Volt Turbo Fan Blower
- 5. Makita Stroke Engine Blower
- 6. Black+Decker Electric Leaf Blower
- 7. Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower
- 8. WORX Turbine Electric Leaf Blower
- 9. Toro UltraPlus Leaf Blower
- 10. Ego-LB5302 Turbo Cordless Blower
- Best Leaf Blowers Buying Guide & FAQ
By Lisa Conant
Few pieces of lawn equipment are as versatile and efficient as the leaf blower. There’s no need to suffer through hours of back-breaking, blister-causing raking. A powerful leaf blower will handle the job in a fraction of the time. And, they’re not just for leaves, as you can quickly remove dirt, sand, grass clippings, and other debris from lawns, walkways, driveways, patios, and more. There’s also the fact that leaf blowers are way more fun to use than a rake.
Your biggest issue is going to be choosing the best leaf blower to suit your needs. There are plenty of great leaf blowers to choose from, and also lots of not-so-great options. That’s where we come in. We’ve sorted through the various offerings and have come up with what we believe to be the best leaf blowers currently available. Our informative buying guide will also help you make a confident and knowledgeable choice.
The Best Leaf Blowers
The DeWalt XR Brushless Blower is the best way to begin our product review on leaf blowers. When searching for the perfect unit for your lawn, you’re advised to look out for a highly efficient, and durable unit that maximizes each operation session. The DeWalt blower is one such product, and it is manufactured by a trustworthy brand that understands all your needs and demands. We recommend this leaf blower for all lawn owners with the desire to do away with their debris and lawn clippings as quickly as possible, leaving no traces behind.
The blower features a brushless motor system that delivers excellent performance at all times. This DeWalt leaf blower comes with several other features, which set it apart from many competing models. One of such features is its performance of 90 miles per hour and the use of 400 CFM for its operation. The DeWalt blower has a speed lock and variable trigger to offer the user with more operational control. Manufacturers have created this unit as a lightweight and highly ergonomic unit, which minimizes stress on your arm while maximizing power.
- Brushless Motor
- Innovative axial fan design
- Variable trigger and speed lock.
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- Brand DeWalt
- Model DCBL720P1
- Weight 9.7 pounds
The axial fan is mighty
Has a variable-speed trigger
Includes a lithium-ion battery
Battery drains too quickly
If you’re looking for a lightweight, streamlined, and powerful leaf blower that won’t break the bank, check out the Salem Master Cordless Leaf Blower. Salem Master is a relatively new player in the market, and this cordless leaf blower gets high praise for being an ideal solution for light-duty residential applications, like clearing decks, patios, walkways, garages, and more. It’s a great alternative when a bigger blower would be overkill.
This model is equipped with a 21-volt, 4.0Ah lithium cordless battery that gives you variable speed operation lasting from 13 to 35 minutes. It has an air speed capacity of up to 190 km/h and a motor that can achieve up to 20,000 RPMs. We love that this electric blower weighs in at only 5 pounds, making it a great choice for just about any user.
- Streamlined, lightweight 6-speed electric blower
- 21-volt, 4.0Ah rechargeable lithium battery
- Operating noise level of less than 85 decibels
- Operating time of 15 to 35 minutes
- Brand Salem Master
- Model sm-blower
- Weight 5 pounds
Affordable
Environmentally friendly
Lightweight and easy for anyone to use
Battery life is short
Suitable for light-duty tasks only
The Black Max 2-Cycle Gas Jet Fan Blower gets a nod for being a powerful yet streamlined and affordable handheld blower that can easily handle some bigger jobs around the yard. It has a two-stroke gas-powered motor that is capable of producing airflow rates up to 520 CFM and wind speeds of 160 miles per hour, giving you enough power to clear wet leaves and grass clippings quickly and efficiently.
This blower starts easily on the first or second try thanks to the reliable three-stage jet fan and full crank engine. Its variable speed trigger allows you to tailor and focus your activities easily. Well-designed molded grips and an anti-vibrating handle maximize user comfort for longer run times.
- 2-stroke gas-powered handheld blower
- Airflow rate of 520 CFM
- Wind speed of up to 160 miles per hour
- Variable speed trigger
- Brand Black Max
- Model BM25ABVNM
- Weight N/A
Powerful enough for some bigger jobs
Starts easily
Comfortable ergonomic design
Louder operation than some models
Requires mixing of gasoline to work properly
Hart is quickly making a name for itself in the household tool and equipment industry for being an affordable, but high-quality brand name, and the Hart 20V Turbo Fan Blower is the perfect example of why. This handheld blower is powered by an efficient and environmentally friendly 20-volt, 4.0Ah, cordless, rechargeable lithium battery. The best part is that the 20-volt battery is compatible with all tools in the 20V arsenal, so you can use it to power lots of other things as well.
This particular model gives you 315 CFM of airflow and up to 100 miles per hour in wind speeds, making it ideal for light-, medium-, and some heavy-duty jobs. The turbo fan technology provides you with uninterrupted and reliable airflow during your use of the blower. This blower can function for 20 to 30 minutes on a single charge, making it comparable to other electric blowers on the market.
- 20V, 4.0Ah rechargeable, lithium battery-powered, handheld blower
- Variable speed trigger
- Airflow rate of 315 CFM and wind speeds up to 100 miles per hour
- Three-year limited warranty
- Brand HART
- Model HGBL031VNM
- Weight N/A
Powerful airspeed
Lightweight
Easy to use
Somewhat bulky
Battery life could be longer
Makita has launched its most excellent leaf blower yet. Behold, the fantastic Makita Stroke Engine Blower. If you need a blower with an impressive 4-stroke engine that helps you to save 60 percent of fuel cost savings. Besides being fuel-efficient, the Makita Blower is the most powerful and efficient, commercial duty engine. With a fuel capacity of 17.7 ounces, this blower will probably be the best investment you will ever make.
For easier, quicker starts, you can rely on the Makita Blower, thanks to its mechanical automatic engine decompression system. The design is compact and lightweight for maximum performance. It has undergone all the necessary testing and inspection sessions which meet and exceed CARB and EPA certifications. For a more convenient cruise control in fewer vibrations, this product has a soft grip level for a reduction in operator fatigue.
- 24.5 cc
- Mm4 4-stroke engine
- Crankcase capacity: 2.7 ounce
- Evaporative emissions
- Brand Makita
- Model BHX2500CA
- Weight 9.8 pounds
Extremely powerful
extra two batteries for additional runtime
Fairly quiet
More expensive than competitors
Heavy
Not suitable for larger jobs
The Black+Decker leaf blower is a 3-in-1 cordless leaf blower made for the everyday person. This unit features a mulcher, vacuum, and blower all in one. It operates with a beautiful 12-amp motor that delivers 250 miles per hour with two-speed selections to choose from. A blower is a heavy-duty machine with a weight of 8.1 pounds for clearing all deck, sidewalks, driveways, and garages of fallen leaves and debris from the yard.
If you need a blower for your twigs, grass clippings and pine needles, the Black+Decker unit will be perfect for you. To change the function of this unit, you only need to use the switch provided along with the blower’s handle. This blower comes with a vacuum tube, blow tube, concentrator, and an EZ-empty reusable collection bag. Operations are virtually silent thanks to the recent redesign of this high blower.
- Mulcher with leaf vacuum kit,
- 12-amp
- Two-speed selections
- Disposable leaf bag system
- Brand Black+Decker
- Model BV6000
- Weight 8.1 pounds
Quiet and very easy to operate
Compact, easily assembled
Inexpensive
Blower works well on hard, smooth surfaces
Not suitable for larger jobs
The Poulan Pro Gas Backpack Blower is one of the most powerful blowers on our list. It can easily do double-duty as a residential or commercial option. This blower is equipped with an ultra powerful 48cc two-stroke engine that gives you whopping wind speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and airflow rates of up to 475 CFM. This blower will make short work of heavy leaves, wet grass, and other debris that other blowers just can’t move.
The backpack design of this blower helps to alleviate lower back and shoulder fatigue that many other handheld blowers create. The variable speed throttle and cruise control make this a very user-friendly and customizable product that you can use for extended periods without undue fatigue. It also comes with adjustable shoulder straps for improved comfort and fit.
- 48cc two-stroke, gas-powered backpack blower
- Variable speed throttle and cruise control
- 475 CFM and wind speeds of up to 200 miles per hour
- Two-year limited warranty
- Brand Poulan Pro
- Model 967087101
- Weight 22 pounds
Super powerful motor can move heavy and wet debris
Suitable for commercial or residential use
Backpack setup alleviates lower back strain
Louder operation than most other options
Heavy weight may not be ideal for some people
Meet the WORX turbine 600 Electric Blower. It operates like the typical leaf blower, but it features certain design elements which allow it to offer you value for your money than any other leaf blower would. The WORX electric leaf blower, unlike many leaf blowers, uses an innovative turbine technology, meant to deliver high capacity and forceful air volume. This output is twice that power generated by professional gas blowers.
It also features the variable speed control system, which enables you to adapt to your outdoor cleaning challenges with more ease and comfort. For even better performance, the company has included a Hyper Stream nozzle technology and a dynamic airflow design to their leaf blower. This electric leaf blower is easy to control with a single hand, thanks to its lightweight design. It reduces the occurrence of fatigue in users which means that everyone in the family can use it.
- 600 electric
- Turbine fan technology
- Dynamic airflow design
- Hyper stream nozzle
- Brand WORX
- Model WG520
- Weight 7.2 pounds
Comes with deflator cone, and dust brush
recharges rapidly, with or without battery
Extremely lightweight
Not very powerful
Attached power cord limits usage
The Toro UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum unit offers incredible performance. We are recommending this electric leaf blower to all lawn owners with the desire to clear their lawn spaces as quickly as possible without any issues. Over the years, we have seen the Toro Company grow into a high-quality brand, with every item produced being more innovative and efficient than the last. This results in the constant growth of the customer base and a steady increase in their positive reviews online.
The Toro Plus leaf vacuum comes with the required elements of a leaf blower, but it also has unique and distinct features which help set it apart from all the competition. The product delivers superior mulching and blowing, and these benefits are proven by controlled laboratory testing sessions held by manufacturers. For an excellent operation, it uses a 350 CFM blow mode and a motor with up to 250 miles per hour. There are two modes this product works with, the vac mode and blower mode. Each setting is controlled via the blower’s variable speed control buttons.
- Variable-speed
- Metal impeller
- 12 amp
- Controlled laboratory testing
- Brand Toro
- Model 51621
- Weight 8.9 pounds
Superior blowing
Variable speed control
3 in 1 Machine
Somewhat costly
Less ergonomic and user-friendly than some models
The Ego Turbo Cordless Blower is making waves as a super efficient electric blower that offers the power and strength that you would expect to see in a heavier, noisier gas-powered model. With its impressive 56-volt, 2.5Ah ARC rechargeable lithium battery, this blower can give you a mind-blowing 75 to 90 minutes of uninterrupted run-time when set on high-efficiency mode. A variable speed dial gives you airflow rates of 250, 400, or 530 CFM, which is virtually unheard of in an electric blower.
The high-performance brushless motor and turbo fan engineering give this blower a super quiet operating noise level of only 65 decibels. It also gets big points for being very lightweight, weighing only 7.4 pounds. You can use this blower for extended periods without experiencing a lot of lower back or shoulder pain and fatigue.
- 56-volt, 2.5Ah ARC rechargeable lithium battery-powered blower
- Airflow rates up to 530 CFM
- Noise rating of 65 decibels
- Five-year tool warranty
- Brand Ego
- Model LB5302FC
- Weight 7.4 pounds
Super powerful
Quiet and efficient operation
Environmentally friendly
Pricey
Best Leaf Blowers Buying Guide & FAQ
Features to Look for in a Leaf Blower
The following considerations need to be made before you select the perfect leaf blower.
Ease of Use
Look for a leaf blower that doesn’t require an advanced degree to operate. The most user-friendly designs offer simple operational controls such as the cruise, on/off and turbo controls. You don’t need to purchase a complicated, commercial-grade leaf blower to clear your 10×10 foot patio or driveway. To ensure that you select the best leaf blower, read all the specifications of each product before you make a selection.
Warranty
While most leaf blowers have extended warranties that back up their products, some don’t. The best and most reputable companies will offer a three- to five-year warranty that protects your investment from any unforeseen manufacturer defects.
Power
There are two measures of a leaf blower’s power that will give you an idea of whether your selected blower will be strong enough for the job you need done. The first is a volume measurement, or airflow rate, which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). For smaller, more lightweight jobs, lower CFM rates are fine, but for heavier or larger areas, look for something above 500.
The second measure of a leaf blower’s power is its wind speed capacity, which is measured in miles per hour . Small or lighter jobs will be fine with 100 to 150 miles per hour, but for larger jobs, you might consider something above 160 miles per hour.
Battery Run Time
When purchasing an electric blower, especially the cordless leaf blower, you must ensure that the Overall Production Efficiency is taken into consideration. The length of run time will determine your ability to make use of this unit for long between charges. Check the amperes and volts of your group or purchase a leaf blower that uses lithium-ion batteries. Some cordless blowers only offer short run-times of 15 to 20 minutes. If this is the case, consider purchasing an extra battery to extend your usage time. There are some electric blowers that offer longer run-times on a single battery, you just need to check the specs prior to purchase.
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Why You Should Use a Leaf Blower
- Landscapers use a leaf blower because they are much more efficient and time saving than manually raking. This is the same reason you should use a leaf blower. It will save you not only valuable time in your yard, but will take a much less physical toll on your body than spending hours raking and bagging leaves and debris.
- Another benefit of leaf blowers is that they can be very multifunctional. They can quickly remove leaves and grass clippings, but also dirt, sand, acorns, even snow. Some also do double- or triple-duty as vacuums or mulchers, making them a very versatile and useful landscaping tool.
Types of Leaf Blowers
Gas-Powered Blowers
Gas-powered leaf blowers are the more traditional form of blowers. These leaf-clearing machines never require a charge when they’re in use. They are super powerful and ideal for larger areas or heavy-duty jobs. Used primarily by commercial landscapers, they’re also popular with people who have large yards or heavily wooded lots.
These blowers come in either handheld or backpack models. The drawback to these blowers is that they’re often heavier, noisier, less environmentally friendly, and require more maintenance than other types of blowers. They can also be quite pricey.
Cordless-Electric Blowers
The cordless electric leaf blowers are lighter in weight and very easy to maneuver. They are the most common blowers in today’s residential market and the best option for individuals who want to avoid constant maintenance or the stress of a power cord. The cordless blower comes with rechargeable batteries that operate for about 15 to 30 minutes before needing a recharge.
The drawback to these blowers is that they often lack the strength of a gas-powered blower, and they’re limited to much shorter run-times.
Corded-Electric Blowers
Corded electric blowers are super lightweight machines designed for single-handed use. Like their cordless counterparts, they come with a zero exhaust emission system and a no-hassle push button start that allows you to clear all your leaves swiftly. The corded electric leaf blower weighs eight pounds or less, and it is recommended, provided you have a power outlet within 100 feet of your work area. Corded blowers remove the annoyance of running out of battery power midway through a job.
Of course, the drawback to these blowers is also the fact that they’re corded. This limits your usage to within a certain range of an outdoor outlet. The cord can also get tangled and wrapped around obstacles in your yard, making them a major pain to use.
Handheld Vs. Backpack Blowers
The two significant types of leaf blowers are the backpack and handheld blowers, and these models are very different in construction and function. Handheld blowers are lighter in weight than backpack blowers. They are great machines that offer you greater access to tight areas. They still provide a significant amount of power that’s suitable for medium- to heavy-duty jobs.
The second type of blower is the backpack blower. These units are ideal for larger, more commercial jobs. As you would expect, they’re heavier and bulkier than handheld blowers. If you have lots of leaves or debris to clean up over a large area, a backpack leaf blower offers the capacity and power that will be the perfect fit for you.
Gas vs. Electric: Picking the Right Leaf Blower
As you may have already noticed, there are two ways to power a leaf blower: with the use of gasoline or electricity. What makes one better than the other and how do you know which one you need?
Gas-powered blowers are perfect for people who have large or multiple areas to clear. They’re also ideal for those who live in heavily wooded or semi-rural spots that get a ton of falling leaves and debris, or heavy grass clippings. If you live in an area that gets plenty of snowfall, a gas-powered leaf blower can often do double-duty as a back-up snow removal tool.
If you live in a more urban area or have a smaller yard, patio, or walkway, your best bet will be the electric-powered blower. These blowers are very user-friendly, require no maintenance, and are much less noisy and smelly than they’re gas-powered counterparts. Whether you choose corded or cordless, they’re a compact option that’s perfect for smaller scale residential jobs.
Best Leaf Blowers FAQ:
Q: What is a leaf blower, and how does it work?
A leaf blower is a machine developed to pack leaves away from your lawns, sidewalks, driveways, and garages. It operates with the centrifugal force which helps it sucks in air through the unit’s vent. The leaf blower features a unit known as the compeller. It comes with a fan and spinning blade that forces the leaves down the funnel into the carrying bag if it’s attached.
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Q: Can a leaf blower clear away snow?
If you have snow on your sidewalks, steps, vehicles, and driveways, you can use a leaf blower to clear it away, provided the snow isn’t too heavy or wet and your leaf blower is strong enough. The strength of your leaf blower is dependent on the kind of engine your model uses.
Q: What’s the best leaf blower brand to buy?
The manufacturers of leaf blowers are numerous, and this offers customers a wide array of choices to select from. There are a lot of well-known brands including Worx, Husqvarna, DeWalt, Greenworks, Toro, Kobalt, and Ryobi. Some lesser-known brands still deliver outstanding performance. Really, it’s almost impossible to say what the very best leaf blower brand is, as this will be dependent on your specific needs and personal preferences. That said, the best leaf blower brands feature a solid manufacturer’s warranty that backs up the product in the event of an untimely breakdown or other issues.
Q: How do I use and maintain a leaf blower?
Maintaining a leaf blower Is simple and doesn’t require a lot of resources. If done regularly, you can avoid damages and wasting your money. Some of the typical maintenance tasks include:
- Steering clear of obstructions such as plastic parts, as they can easily get cracked. This prevents you from banging your blower against unwanted items.
- Give you blower the best fuel, which is often a mix of unleaded gas and 2-cycle oil. Other models use other kinds of fuel; thus, you must read the manufacturer’s manual to identify the type of fuel allowed.
- Wear safety gear as a means to protect yourself from harm when operating the leaf blower. Some of the standard equipment used include close-fitting clothing, non-slip shoes, earplugs, and goggles. –Run your leaf blower with the lowest power setting. This reduces the amount of stress exerted on your blower and enhances its durability. Start with the lower setting and work your way up from there depending on the demands of your task.
Our Top Pick
Now that you know what to look for in a solid, powerful, and dependable leaf blower, it’s easy to see why the DeWalt XR Leaf Blower is our top pick. It’s a powerful, easy-to-use, environmentally-conscious blower that’s ideal for small to medium jobs. It comes backed by a great warranty, and the 20-volt lithium battery system is designed to work universally with a wide range of DeWalt power tools.
For a lightweight, yet powerful and durable choice, check out the Salem Master Cordless Leaf Blower. It’s an affordable option that weighs only 5 pounds, but boasts an impressive wind speed of up to 190 miles per hour.
Sources:
- Leaf Blower – Wikipedia
- Where else can I use a leaf blower? – Quora