Choosing the Best Leaf Blower for Your Yard

When it comes to cleaning a yard, lawn, or garden area from dry grass and fallen leaves, you cannot do without a quality leaf blower. Those who have used it at least once in their life know how convenient and irreplaceable this device is. If you want to buy the perfect tool, you will find the information you need in this article. After reading it, you will be able to choose the ideal product based on your needs. For other professional tips and advice on gardening and lawn care, visit bumpercroptimes.com.

Blower Types

All devices can be divided into three main groups depending on how you carry them:

• Handheld;
• Backpack;
• Wheeled/Walk-behind.

The first two are the most frequently purchased, and it is worth dwelling on them in more detail. As for wheeled (or walk-behind) products, it is worth mentioning that they are suitable for cleaning huge areas and are mainly used for commercial purposes, as they can reach tremendous speed and are very expensive. For private use, you better purchase either a handheld or a backpack tool. Each of these types has its pros and cons, which are discussed below.

Handheld

Most homeowners prefer this type of device. Blowers can be both battery and gas-powered. They are generally much more lightweight than backpack models, making them suitable for people with different physical abilities. Handheld devices are intended for cleaning small areas as they are not very powerful.

They do not have the highest CFM and MPH scores. Most often, they range between 300-500 CFM and 150-300 MPH. These blowers cannot handle heavy debris. You can blow off dry leaves, grass, sand, and fresh dry snow with their help. However, they are not powerful enough to remove stones or wet leaves. But they are very maneuverable and compact, so you will be able to remove garbage even from hard-to-reach places.

Backpack

Models of this type can also be gas or battery-powered. Regardless of the source, they are more powerful than handheld tools. As a rule, their speed is approximately equal to 175-300 MPH, and the volume of created airflow can reach 900 CFM. Of course, this affects the cost of a product, as well as its weight. Not everyone can carry a device that can weigh more than 20 pounds on their shoulders.

It is the backpack models that are chosen by owners of medium and large sites, as well as professionals and cleaning companies. Their capacity is enough to remove even difficult debris such as fallen branches, gravel, and wet grass. Before purchasing such a device, assess your strength and endurance correctly. Consider not only a tool weight but also the noise and vibration you will have to endure when cleaning a large lawn.

Other Things to Consider

Of course, the blower type is not all you need to look out for when choosing the right tool. There are several additional factors that you should consider depending on your area.

Noise

The use of any power tool is subject to local regulations and controlled by various organizations (such as OSHA) since it can be incredibly loud. In some regions, they set hours when specific devices can be used; in others, they fix the maximum permissible noise level. Research shows that the noise from leaf blowers can exceed 90 dB. It is enough to damage your hearing within just a couple of hours of use. Before buying, be sure to check the local acts that govern the matter to make sure you don’t receive a penalty. As you probably know, handheld tools are quieter than backpack ones.

Power source

Now, you can find blowers that have different power sources on the market. Gas-powered and electric models meet. Gas tools are more powerful than any other device and are more suitable for large areas. At the same time, they are heavier, have a limited operating time (depending on the volume of a tank), and can also be difficult to maintain due to a large number of moving elements inside the engine. Besides, they release combustion products during operation, which has a negative impact on the environment and can adversely affect those with asthma and other breathing issues.

Electric models can be divided into two groups: corded and cordless. The former is not limited by the size of a battery; however, you cannot move freely throughout the entire area as they operate from an outlet. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase them for small lawns. The latter is more suitable for medium-sized yards since they are more maneuverable, but their operating time is limited. Although modern batteries charge quite quickly, you will have to pause while cleaning. Electric models are environmentally friendly and easier to maintain than gas blowers.

Price

Your budget is one of the most important factors that ultimately determine which device you buy. Hand tools are traditionally less expensive than backpack ones. However, the price range for any type of blower can vary greatly. Electric handheld tools can be very cheap (under $50) or quite expensive (about $400). Backpack devices generally come in around $200-600. The more powerful a device, the higher its cost.

Additional features or accessories also affect the price. Some appliances are equipped with a vacuum function that allows you to collect debris in a bag quickly. There are also tools with a built-in mulcher that cuts picked leaves into small pieces. Among the useful accessories are replacement nozzles, blower cleaning tools, an extra trash bag, etc.

Which One Is the Best for You?

Summarizing the above, we can give the following recommendations. If you have a small lawn or garden on the order of 2500 square feet, you might be better off purchasing a compact handheld device that runs on an outlet (affordable) or battery (more expensive). Its power will be enough for you to keep your territory neat and clean. If you have a medium (about 5000 square feet) or large (about 10000 square feet) site, it is better to buy a backpack model that runs on gas. Such devices cope perfectly with heavy-duty tasks. Additional functions and accessories are not required for high-quality cleaning.