The leaf blower is essential to keep gardens, paths, or outdoor spaces always neat and without foliage. Let’s see the best leaf blowers for professional and home use, the types, and how to choose which one to buy based on your needs.
The leaf blower allows quick, complete, and bending-free cleaning in different versions, sizes, and price ranges. However, anyone who owns a garden sooner or later will have to deal with the leaves that fall from the trees and cover the turf clogging the external drains. In addition, grass clippings and debris can clog the wells or driveways, making the outdoors not aesthetically pleasing and impractical.
When the leaves fall, the manual harvest or the classic rake, besides being tiring, does not accurately solve the discomfort and is even impossible in gardens or huge areas. The leaf blower is the most functional tool to blow the leaves quickly and perform precise work without fatigue in all these cases. Using the leaf blower, you can gather all the leaves in a single point and remove them without wasting time.
Furthermore, the leaf blowers can also be used indoors in cellars, garages, and the like. Many also buy them for cleaning sheds and gutters, thus avoiding clogging in case of rain. Using a leaf blower regularly means having gardens and patios that are always clean, comfortable, and free of debris that is not pleasant to see.
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How to choose a leaf blower: Types and Features
To correctly choose which leaf blower to buy, we must first evaluate the space’s size to be cleaned, the type of use, and the budget we want to spend. Then, depending on the type of garden and the more or less recurrent use it intends to do, it is possible to understand the professional or home blower model that best suits your needs.
The first distinction lies in the typology. There are petrol, battery-powered blowers, the best ones for more intense uses, and on medium to large spaces, and these are the electric leaf blowers, the quietest and least polluting. Each type has different advantages, and the choice depends on the intended use and the area concerned.
Gas Blowers
Professional gas blowers, in general, are more suitable for large gardens. These are blowers fed with gas or a mixture with a 2 or 4-stroke engine. Generally, they are preferred for large-scale maintenance, being larger and more powerful than battery-operated.
The gas-driven blowers are the best for large areas and exceed 1000 square meters; they are the most reliable and allow you to clean gardens and lawns, allowing ample freedom of movement since they do not have a power cord.
Using a motorized blower, it is possible to complete the job without continuous interruptions. It does not foresee any battery to be recharged. Therefore, it does not have problems with autonomy. However, gas blowers can lead to more complex maintenance and emit fumes and odor.
They may not start immediately following periods when they are not used or after intensive use. Even a low temperature can affect immediate non-ignition. Modern manufacturers make blowers with easy starting systems that consume less and less.
Moreover, it is necessary to consider the noise level among the possible disadvantages. Technological advances make even the 4-stroke professional leaf blower much quieter. In any case, it is an aspect that must take into consideration. The leaf blowers with the motor are the most expensive ones, but today it is easy to find fuel blowers for domestic use with excellent value for money.
Battery-powered blower
Battery-powered blowers are more compact and manageable. Therefore, they are the best for small/medium-sized domestic gardens, and in general, they are the best solution in private environments. However, they must recharge them at the end of the session as they work with small lithium batteries.
When buying, consider the charge expressed in amperes per hour and the voltage of the battery supplied. High values denote good performance and greater autonomy.
Evaluating these features is very important to avoid buying a model that can only work for a few minutes and is unreliable.
Electric blower
Finally, there is also the electric leaf blower aspirator for completeness, which is very light and silent. The most innovative power of up to 3,000 watts can generate air starting from 8 cubic meters per minute.
These blowers have a speed of between 150 and 350 kilometers per hour. The latest generation models also chop the leaves and reduce their volume up to 16 times, thanks to a powerful turbine with metal blades. On the other hand, the cheaper models have turbines made with robust plastics.
Despite the excellent performance, professional electric leaf blowers have the discomfort of the wire. In addition, the operation occurs through an outlet connected to the electric current; they do not offer much freedom of movement, and the power cable could (in some cases) become twisted between plants and shrubs.
Electric leaf blowers are perfect for their high silence to disturb the neighborhood in the private sphere. Also, they do not emit fumes odor and are less polluting than gas blowers.
Blower, aspirator, and shredder
In addition to the puff function, some blowers simultaneously suck the leaves by conveying them into a collection bag. Moreover, complete ones and vacuuming have a shredder that reduces plant debris into small pieces, reducing the volume and facilitating further collection.
They are multi-purpose tools sold with interchangeable tubes that allow the functions of blowing, suction, and shredding to be converted. Afterward, the aspirated material is conveyed into the collection bag. The leaves are crushed through the shredding function to reduce the volume significantly.
In the purchase phase, evaluating the size expressed in liters, the collection bag, and the shredding ratio is necessary. The latter is often from 1 to 10, 1 to 14, or 1 to 16. The higher the ratio and the smaller the volume of the crushed leaves.
Which parameters to verify during the purchase phase
These are the most important features to consider for an ideal choice of the best leaf blower to perform finished and quick jobs, depending on your specific case.
Power
Power is the first important feature that makes the difference in a leaf blower. As they are powered by petrol, professional leaf blowers have greater power, considered the 2 or 4-stroke engine. They are fitted with a cylinder capable of developing 25 cubic centimeters of air, but more performing models can reach even 70 cubic centimeters.
The latter becomes ideal for cleaning up parks and large green spaces. Otherwise, the power of battery-powered blowers and electric ones usually starts at 750 watts and can reach 3000. When you look at the air jet’s power, you must consider that this is strictly linked to the motor’s. The power can generally be at two speeds, variable, or expressed in miles per hour (mph).
Weight
Another aspect to consider is the weight. The gas blowers can weigh up to 50 lbs, while the battery-powered ones are very light so women can use them without strain on their arms and shoulders. The weight of battery-powered or electric models is between 5 and 14 lbs.
Portability
Transportability is important, especially when the leaf blower is used in large areas and demanding jobs. There are portable leaf blowers equipped with ergonomic handles. Still, the manufacturers offer the best shoulder blower, a model that can be worn and transported thanks to a sturdy or adjustable shoulder strap.
This way, the tool’s weight remains balanced, and the longer work sessions become less strenuous. When choosing the best professional leaf blower, we must not neglect those equipped with self-propelled wheels and wheels fixed to the end of the suction pipe.
Transport on the ground becomes very simple, especially when the green area is quite large. Moreover, a more powerful and efficient version of the backup blower comes with a comfortable harness regarding transportability.
In this case, the wearing is more comfortable, thanks to the wide belts and the backs. Some houses also produce blowers worn like backpacks, which are the best for long jobs.
Power regulation
Some models, especially the best professional leaf blowers, allow you to adjust the power of the breath. For example, a shredder and electric suction blower can be intensified, even about suction.
This function is essential, especially when the soil to be treated has pebbles and gravel. In addition, by moderating suction and blowing intensity, the tool can be used with greater precision, preventing it from coming into contact with foreign bodies.
Generally, the less-performing models do not have this function, while in the mid-range models, there are two-speed modes. The best leaf blowers have cruise control, which regulates the speed and keeps it constant throughout the session.
Collection bag
The collection bags can hold from 30 to 50 liters of leaves. The most powerful leaf blowers, especially the gas blowers designed for large parks, have even larger bags of 250 liters. Usually, these are sturdy bags made with light and tear-resistant fabrics.
Easy start-up
Easy starting is a characteristic that mainly affects leaf blowers, where often, the missed or delayed starting can depend on the climate or a lack of maintenance. On the best models, the best brands include gearboxes that make starting easier.
Some models even have an automatic starter to cancel fatigue and always have the leaf blower ready. Others have special primers, an easy starting system that helps idle the engine.
Ecological engines and low emissions
The manufacturers are also increasing the production of leaf blowers with ecological engines with low emissions for the environment. These are leaf blowers that consume less and less fuel while still ensuring great power. Once turned on, the engines do not generate fumes harmful to the user and the environment.
Anti-vibration system
Another function that professional gardeners especially appreciate is the anti-vibration system, which allows you to minimize and dampen the flickering on your arms, making gardening sessions easier. Some models are also equipped with a double anti-vibration system at the ends of the tool to offer maximum comfort to the end user.
Noise
The noise of the leaf blowers is expressed in decibels. The level can even exceed 100, and the tool could be quite annoying and difficult to tolerate after long use. The manufacturers have built blowers with deficient noise levels compared to the past.
The best leaf blowers do not exceed 80 decibels, making them very quiet. The electric and battery models are much quieter and are preferred to avoid disturbing the neighborhood.
Kit for gutters and other accessories
Additional nozzles and lances are accessories used to blow specifically along the gutters or get to places difficult to reach with the traditional pipe. The narrow vents also allow for an even more powerful air jet and work flawlessly, even along the cavities, behind hedges or bushes.
There are also specific beaks to allow the collection of wet foliage, which normally require more power and are not sucked with the traditional tube.
Dimensions
Those with space constraints should consider blowers reduced size to make an object easier to store when not in use. In this regard, the backed blowers with extractable tubes are the best choice; they can be removed and are the least bulky once turned off.
The best leaf blowers to buy, prices, and offers
Below is our selection of the best leaf blowers with their respective characteristics and prices.
- Turbo button delivers a staggering 765 CFM, up to 200 MPH with tapered nozzle attached
- Up to 90 minutes of average runtime with included 5.0Ah ARC Lithium battery
- Variable speed dial from 260 CFM to 580 CFM for ultimate control
- Energy-efficient and Powerful Motor - Mueller leaf blower is propelled by an upgraded...
- Highly Versatile - Blow debris or grass clippings off of driveways, sidewalks, patios,...
- Super Light and Compact – Do you need to maximize yard productivity? This 3.3 lbs...
- 7 Amp motor provides a powerful and efficient blowing performance
- Moves up to 180Mph to 180CFM for fast and easy cleanup of leaves and debris. Uses: Ideal...
- Built in cord retention prevents frustrating interruptions during cleanup, Moves up to...
- Battery operated leaf blower with max air flow 100CFM.Applications : Tuck pointing...
- 3-speed variable speed switch of the cordless blower provides control and versatility
- Variable speed trigger of battery leaf blower allows adjustment of blowing power in use
- Turbo button delivers 530 CFM, up to 110 MPH to power through heavy debris
- Up to 75 minutes of runtime on a single charge with the included 56V 2.5Ah ARC Lithium...
- Variable speed dial from 260 CFM to 400 CFM with lock on button for ultimate control
- [Cordless Design]: MZK leaf blower is designed to be wireless, giving you the freedom to...
- [Long-lasting Battery]: MZK leaf blower features a powerful battery that can run for up to...
- [Lightweight and Portable]: Our product weighs only 3.9lbs, making it incredibly...
- 3-IN-1: Eliminate hand raking or bagging. This versatile electric leaf blower, vacuum &...
- SPACE-SAVING COLLECTION: The blowers for lawn care slices and dices yard debris like never...
- SIMPLIFIED SPEED CONTROL: Leaf vacuum mulcher with bag offers variable speed control,...
- 40V COMBO KIT – This string trimmer / blower combo kit allows you to keep your walkways...
- 12” STRING TRIMMER – Powers through the toughest grass and weeds. 12” cutting path,...
- LEAF BLOWER – Provides powerful clearing performance featuring 390 CFM air flow and 110...
- 3IN1 DESIGN – Easily converts into a corded leaf blower, leaf vacuum, or mulcher for...
- POWERFUL AIR SPEED AND AIRFLOW – Air speeds up to 250 mph and airflow up to 400 cfm...
- BACKPACK STYLE – Easy-to-wear backpack with up to 2x the bag capacity allows for...
- ☢【Powerful Motors】Leisch Life leaf blower is equipped with a copper motor, which has...
- ☢【Lightweight & Portable】Leisch Life lightweight cordless leaf blower Weighs only...
- ☢【Suitable for Small Areas】Leisch Life Handheld leaf blower is ideal for cleaning...
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