How Long Do Leaf Blowers Last? – With Essential Care Tips

The longevity of leaf blowers depends on their type. Thanks to the advent of technology, today, the market is flooded with various kinds of leaf blowers. They also come made using different materials and in multiple sizes, designs, colors, and prices.

How Long Do Leaf Blowers Last?

How long leaf blowers will last depends on the type of leaf blower, how they are used, and the maintenance. A gas leaf blower should last for more than 10 years with proper maintenance. Electric leaf blowers will last even longer but need different maintenance than there, gas relatives.

Types of Leaf Blowers

● Gas Leaf Blowers:

You will enjoy the convenience that comes with these blowers because they can run the whole day. You only need to make sure that their tanks get filled with gas. Also, unlike the corded blowers, your working area doesn’t get limited. You can clean any length. Besides, they are affordable and come in various power ranges and styles.

● Corded Leaf Blowers:

These blowers work well and are pocket-friendly. But their cords limit you to around 100ft from its powering point.

● Cordless Leaf Blowers:

With these blowers, you don’t get limited to a particular area due to cord lengths. Also, they are convenient and can clear lots of leaves in a specific area. But for a big yard, you need a cordless model with a big and powerful battery.

● Electric Leaf Blowers:

You will love how fast and hustle-free these blowers are to use. They can either be cordless or with a cord and use either battery or electricity. So if you are looking for a leaf blower that will serve you for many years, you may need to consider an electric blower.

When you choose a leaf blower that lasts long, it means that you will enjoy its services for a long time. As a result, it makes it worth having as you get to enjoy value for your money. But how long do leaf blowers last? Let’s start with the electric leaf blowers.

How Durable are Electric Leaf Blowers?

It’s a no-brainer; electric leaf blowers are renowned for their ease of use and convenience. An electric leaf blower outlives the gas-guzzling alternative if treated and taken care of properly. Also, you need to contribute to their longevity by doing and keeping the following aspects in mind.

● Caring Tips of Electric Leaf Blowers:

Extension cord: Electric leaf blowers may come with or without a cord. They also can get powered through electricity or battery. If you are using a corded model, ensure the extension cord is the right and of good quality. Extension cords come in various gauges and lengths. Kindly note that using a longer cable than expected or a wrong gauge may reduce your blower’s power supply.
Power supply: Each blower gets designed to use a matching certain power supply. If the power supply is less, the leaf blower may not work at all. You could wonder what kind of cord fits your blower. No need to worry; check the manual that came with your leaf blower.
Power outlet: Sometimes, your blower may stop working. In such a case, check if the cord or its powering outlet is faulty. Are you wondering how? Try using a different cable. It will help identify if its cord has a problem. Also, try using a different power outlet. If it works, know that your power outlet has a problem. The same case applies to the cord. If a different cable works with your leaf blower, it means that the other cord has a problem.
Storing: Always keep and store your leaf blower properly. Avoid leaving it outside. Elements like rain, snow, sunshine, or sleet may severely damage your electric motor.
Battery maintenance: For the battery-powered leaf blowers, extend their batteries’ life span by keeping the cells indoors. When you store the batteries at cool and even temperatures, they hold their strength longer than when exposed outside.

As illustrated above, electric leaf blowers can last long if taken care of and well maintained. You may ask, what about the gas leaf blowers? Here is an insight into how long they can last.

How Durable are Gas Leaf Blowers?

According to Family Handyman, a gas leaf blower can service you for approximately 1,000 hours without any repair needs if maintained and taken care of properly. The duration is around ten years. Like many leaf blower users, you may want to learn how to take care of your gas blowers. To grab some knowledge, check out the following;

● Caring Tips of Gas Leaf Blowers:

Old oil: Avoid using recycled or previously used oil. It may affect the operating system of your blower. In addition, some recycled or used gas may contain impurities that can restrain your leaf blower from functioning correctly. Ensure the gas used is fresh. If you have to use recycled oil, let it be a mixture of two-cycle oil.
Air filter: It is essential to change your blower’s air filter when necessary. To know the exact time you need to replace your air filter with a new one, check the manufacturer’s manual. If you have no idea how to do it, try following the manufacturer’s instructions. For the right air filter to use, check the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Air filter: If you still find it hard to change your blower’s air filter after following the manufacturer’s instructions and guidance, you shouldn’t worry. Seek the services of an expert to fix the air filter for you.
Spark plug: Ensure that you change the spark plug as directed and recommended by the manufacturer. Like the air filter, if you find it challenging to replace your blower’s spark plug, ask a professional to assist.
Storing: Always store it in a cool place and away from fire.

Leaf blowers are among the best tools that have made our house chores easy and fast. Long gone are the days that we used to spend the weekend raking, mulching, pilling, and bagging leaves and other dirt. Looking back at those days, you may wonder when leaf blowers got invented.

When Leaf Blowers Were First Introduced?

It was in the 1970s when the first leaf blowers got invented and used. Since then, better versions have been created with various configurations. Today, you will find backpacks or handheld units. Others get powered through electricity and gas. Besides, they come in multiple colors and designs. Also, some blow leaves and debris from the yard into a pile while other blowers vacuum such dirt inside their collection bag.

Currently, leaf blowers are a favorite of most yard owners because of their convenience and speed in cleaning up their outdoors. But despite helping us in cleaning our yards, we should be careful how we handle them, especially in the presence of young children. Reports indicate cases of injuries caused by leaf blowers.

What Injuries Can a Leaf Blower Cause?

If you decide to buy a leaf blower, you may need to consider placing some safety measures. If faulty or mishandled, leaf blowers can cause bruises, electrical injuries, cuts, and pinches. Also, projectile debris may injure your eyes. Some leaf blowers may cause fires or electrocute you. If you are using noisy blowers, your hearing could get affected or your ears damaged. Besides, while blowing the leaves, other dirt and dust also get blown and could enter your body and affect your breathing or cause infection.

How Do You Get a Safe-to-Use Leaf Blower?

To ensure you get a safe-to-use leaf blower, consider purchasing leaf blowers that have met all the required safety standards set by government agencies or consumer groups. To identify a leaf blower that has been approved by safety agencies, check if it has a sticker from any of the renowned safety associations like the CSA, CPSC, NSC, or IEC. If you are from the USA, you should be cautious while buying leaf blowers from a country like China. It is because each state comes with different regulatory standards. Get a leaf blower that suits your country’s rules, regulations, and laws.

Also, before buying a leaf blower, investigate if its safety features are quality and working well. For example, inspect its air intake mounted on the blower’s bottom. If it’s a gas model, check its gas tank. Don’t forget to test its on-off switch and the dust collection kit. For the electric leaf blowers, ensure that together with its extension cord, it has double insulation. In this regard, the user gets protected from electrical shock.

Avoid taking warranties for granted. Fill them or the registration cards and send them to the manufacturers. As a result, you will get assistance in case of any problem. Also, you may receive notifications of any safety information or recalls.

After buying your preferred leaf blower, operate it safely. Here is how you run a leaf blower safely.

How to Operate a Leaf Blower Safely?

First, avoid operating your leaf blower when tired or you’ve taken alcohol or drugs. In such a state, the probability of getting hurt is very high. Second, you may forget that your leaf blower is on and leave it while active. As a result, you or anyone around you could get hurt. Third, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for use. Finally, avoid leaving your blower unattended.

If you have got long hair, tie it to the back before operating your blower. Also, remove all loose jewelry and clothing. Prevention is better than cure; always use safety gadgets and equipment like noise-canceling headphones, googles, or glasses, while using your leaf blower. About the dust and other inhalable pollutants, consider wearing a dust mask. Prevent your hands from getting blisters or cuts by wearing gloves.

The extension cord can make you fall and hurt yourself if you stumble on it. Ensure that it’s out of your way while using your blower. Also, ensure the cord fixed to your leaf blower is ideal for outdoor use. In case you have a problem with your cable or power output, never modify them. Instead, seek the services of a professional leaf blower repair and electrician.

Apart from leaves, it is inevitable not to have other debris like rocks in your yard. Before using your blower, you get advice to first remove them because they can pose as a dangerous projectile while been sucked into the leaf blower or been blown strongly.

Also, avoid operating your blower while on the ladder or roof. If you should, ensure that you are well secured before you start the leaf blower. When coming down, ensure your footing is not overreaching and is secure.

If your leaf blower is gas-powered, get keen on the kind of fuel you use and how you store the unit. Avoid placing the leaf blower near a fire, and all spills should get cleaned up as soon as they happen. Also, you should wash your hands thoroughly after operating your leaf blower.

Even when cleaning your leaf blower, you should take safety precautions. Are you wondering how? Check out the following;

How to Take Safety Precautions While Cleaning Your Leaf Blower?

First, shut off the power completely and unplug the blower before changing its attachments or cleaning. Then use the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendation to change the blower’s air filter. As a result, the air will not only be clean but also the unit will last long. Your leaf blower will always develop problems if it’s dirty. Ensure that the blower and its cooling fans are always clear and clean. If you are not sure of how to clean a specific part of your blower and it’s not in your manufacturer’s manual, don’t hesitate to call and inquire from them.

Sometimes, you may implement all the safety precautions, but still, an accident happens. In such a situation, many users panic and don’t have a clue of what to do. Are you one of them? If so, here is what to do.

What to Do In Case an Accident Happens While Using a Leaf Blower?

First, stop using the blower immediately. Then disconnect it from the power source and move from the place the accident has occurred immediately. Next, act on your injury straight away. For mild injuries, cuts, or a pinch, consider getting first aid treatment if necessary. Contact emergency rescuers like 9-1-1 if your injury is serious.

You may now have insight into leaf blowers and want to get yourself one. But before purchasing one, you should consider some aspects. As a result, you will be able to get a blower that suits your budget and needs. To get the right leaf blower, here is what you should keep in mind.

Factors to Keep in Mind before Buying a Leaf Blower

1. The Size of Your Yard:

You may not go for a powerful blower if your yard is small and has fewer leaves and debris. For such an area, a less complicated leaf blower will work out great. Also, since the area to get cleaned is small, a corded leaf blower is ideal. You need freedom of movement to clear leaves and debris from a large space or yard. Corded blowers will limit the area to get cleaned, and also waste your time when you keep on changing the blower to another position based on the location of the power output and the length of its extension cord.

2. Model:

The market gets flooded with various leaf blowers in different designs and models. Consider getting a model that will suit your needs. You shouldn’t get a handheld blower if your yard is big. Consider a unit with wheels and a backpack. Also, leaf blowers with motorized engines are ideal to use in a big area.

3. Weight and Size:

A heavy and large leaf blower will have you exhausted before you finish. Consider a leaf blower with comfortable physical attributes to help you clean your yard with ease and effectively.

4. Power Source:

Consider the power source of the blower you want to buy. It can be either gas, electricity, or rechargeable batteries. You may not go for an electric blower when you have no power. A gas or battery leaf blower would work out best for you. Also, if you want a light and convenient leaf blower, you may need to consider going for an electrical leaf blower. The other types of leaf blowers are heavy because you need to fill them with gasoline or fix a massive battery for them to operate. Also, gasoline pollutes the air, and the gas blowers make a lot of noise.

5. Price:

Due to their various designs, purpose, power source, and materials used in their making, leaf blowers come at different prices. Consider your budget and go for a blower that will not only meet all your needs but also not strain your budget.

Final Remarks

As illustrated above, leaf blowers can either be electrical, gas, or battery-powered. Also, they get made using various materials and come in different designs and sizes. As a result, their durability differs. But for any leaf blower to last for long, you need to take proper care of them as described above. Also, have safety measures implemented as leaf blowers are machines and can cause accidents. Therefore, always remember to consider the factors explained above before purchasing a leaf blower.