Leaf Blower Buying Guide: 14 Things to Check, With Checklist

As many of you know, a leaf blower is a machine used to scrape off leaves and debris from a yard. You mostly use it during the fall and winter. However, if you do not own one, you should be aware of the factors to consider before purchasing your ideal machine.

The main factors to consider before buying your perfect leaf blower:

• What type of leaf blower do you prefer?
• What type of power should you consider?
• What do you want to do with it?
• What is the size of your yard?
• Do you need additional features?
• What is your budget?

Our team of professionals is always focused on helping people to be in a position to shop for that perfect leaf blower. So you can now get ready for the ideal guide of purchasing a leaf blower.

What Are The Types Of A Leaf Blower? What Should You Look Into Before Making The Big Purchase?

Every leaf blower is designed for a particular space. However, they all have the same function-they can blow leaves without a problem. But if you desire to own a quieter machine, you can always pick one over the other. On the other hand, if you are one of those individuals who need a tool to help handle a slightly bigger field and a yard, you may require a heavy-duty device.

Not to mention, a new homeowner would aspire to reuse the leaves for mulch as well as compost.  And as a prospect, you can quickly get a specified kind of attachment accessory for a leaf blower in order to suit your cleaning needs. There are three main types of leaf blowers that you should consider picking from. They include:

• Handheld
• Backpack
• Walk-behind

Handheld Leaf Blowers

As the name suggests, a handheld leaf blower is light by design. And when it comes to versatility and portability, this is an ideal option for porches and gazebos. You can also use such a small lawn because the leaf blower can easily blow away large debris. However, it can also handle light snow and dust without bogging down.

Backpack Leaf Blowers

This leaf blower is also ideal if you are looking for one that exudes more power and has a longer run time. It is perfect for large shops and garages coupled with fields. It can easily blow away leaves and twigs. It is also ideal for metal shavings. The big gun needs a lot of power.

Walk-Behind Leaf Blowers

Walk-behind leaf blowers are known as gadgets that a professional crew can use to blow away the leaves, garbage, cardboard, as well as heavy papers left on the ground. Professionals would use this device since it can easily blow away robust materials.

Things To Consider When Purchasing A Leaf Blower

When looking to purchase a leaf blower, there are things you need to weigh in on. The first thing you should note is the power of your tool. Here, we are looking at the energy it utilizes. Is it power, corded, or battery? How much noise will the machine make? The sound made by your leaf blower will definitely influence your choice. In this case, you need to keep in mind that you may be affected by the noise when you are busy working in your yard. For most residential uses, a quieter leaf blower is preferred. You do not want to have issues with the neighbors complaining that you are working on the lawn, cleaning the gutter, or blowing dust from your garage.

At the same time, you need to purchase a device that, when used, will not wake up people in the house. Here, we have a reliable link to different decibel levels as well as their equivalents. Therefore, you can have an idea regarding the meaning of the numbers. An ideal rule of thumb is that electric leaf blowers are quieter. Gas leaf blowers are loud, while those with bigger motors make the most noise. If you are purchasing a leaf blower for your residence, it does not matter how loud the leaf blower is until the quiet hours. Depending on the state or city you reside in, these hours will vary a lot. It is, therefore, essential to know the exact hours, specifically if you are used to waking up early to get your things done.

The Type Of Power

Power is a crucial element to consider when it comes to purchasing a leaf blower. You need to buy a device that has a unique balance of two vital things. These simple items you should look into include the device’s cubic feet-per-minute as well as the miles-per-hour. The two have the same value. Perhaps it is important to note that most first-time buyers’ major mistake is thinking that a leaf blower with a great MPH directly translates to more power that needs to be pushed. But that is not factual. To understand the importance of speed in leaf blowers, you need to comprehend certain terms outlined in the next paragraph.

MPH refers to the speed of the air when it leaves the leaf blower. This is one of the other ways to measure the strength of the device. Your leaf blower is capable of blowing air faster, depending on its peed.  This implies that it will also be capable of blowing away massive objects.

At the same time, the air will come out of the barrel faster. The more leaves in the compound, the more you will need to use the blower to handle more tasks. High speed, in this case, does not imply that there is more leaf blowing power in the machine. It just means that the air shall come out faster. You will also realize that in a tube with an equivalent of up to 400 MPH, not much work will be done.

Besides the MPH, you also need to take a look at the CFM of your prospect leaf blower coupled with the MPH. 

In this regard, CFM refers to the air volume that your leaf blower is capable of exuding. Usually, it is measured in cubic feet for every minute-hence the name, which refers to the air blown out of the machine. A leaf blower that has a high CFM rating is definitely going to blow more air. It is also capable of blowing off more debris and other additional materials. The number of the CFM here directly translates to how far the blower’s fan pushes the leaves out of the yard.

Pushing those leaves off an area should not be so involved if it takes a shorter time to handle the task. The values are required to get the job done as quickly as possible.

Which Leaf Blower Is Ideal For You?

As we mentioned earlier on this blog post, every leaf blower has its drawbacks and advantages. Every blower has the same operating mechanism. But space is an essential element to weigh in on.

● If You Have Small Cleaning Tasks

If you have a small yard that needs cleaning, a handheld leaf blower is always the best. Typically, this is a light tool, meaning it is pretty easy to store in the garage without it occupying a large area. And although it may be weaker at times when it comes to power issues, it is still one of the best there is on the market.

● For Medium And Large Jobs- Look At The Size Of The Yard You Shall Be Cleaning

If you have a large yard, then there is an ideal leaf blower for the clearing job- a backpack one will do the job. This leaf blower is one of the best in both worlds. It does not provide more power coupled with run time. But it has the needed mobility as well as comfort-this is thanks to its straps. And while comfort, in this case, is a relative term, it really does make it easier than holding on to the six-pound tool for hours. This machine can clear snow and leaves on your sidewalk.

● For Large Professional Jobs- Consider The Size Of The Job

Finally, there is the walk behind leaf blower. This is a wheeled leaf blower that works well for people with bigger lawns and yards. Such a blower has power that can easily send debris flying. You can rest assured that you will have that clear yard for people as well as animals. It is crucial to note that the blower does not have mobility like the other two options of leaf blowers. This implies that the wheels make it easier to maneuver around open space, thereby, making it possible to clean stuffed areas quickly. You can see this in a yard where several leaves have fallen. It could also be at a stadium following a big game.

● Fuel Types – Look At The Differences

The fuel your leaf blower needs is a vital element to consider before purchasing it. When looking at fuel types, you can break down the leaf blowers into corded, gas, as well as battery. Each model is useful in this case. It will also get that job done. But your selection depends on the extent of the job that needs to be handled. One leaf blower can always be more useful than the other.

● Battery Type – Again, Weigh In On The Differences

Without a doubt, the appearance of a home speaks volumes about your personality. It is also an important place as one of the first places your visitors will see is your garden. Leaf blowers have been designed to make our lives easier, especially when it comes to yard cleaning. For that reason, it may become challenging to come up with a viable decision on which one is right for your desired task.

According to the extensive research we have conducted, battery-powered leaf blowers are pretty much more advantageous. They work well in different environments and are easy to use as well. In this article, we major on the battery type of your preferred leaf blower.

Of course, there are several types of batteries on the market. If you are a first-time owner of a leaf blower, then you need to be aware that there are a variety of brands coupled with different battery needs too. Perhaps it is important to note that you would find it useful to own a battery-powered machine. If you are a new user, then maybe you have not seen the gas-powered and electric leaf blowers. These are two major brands you also need to take a look at.

With battery-powered leaf blowers, the operation is as precise as inserting the battery into the tool and finally squeezing the trigger. And depending on the type of machine you purchase, motor maintenance can be non-existent. While at it, you need to note that battery-powered leaf blowers are user-friendly. They are also an ideal choice for first-timers since they have a limited run time.

Corded Leaf Blowers- What To Look At Before Purchasing

If you are one of those few individuals who do not own a battery-powered brand, then you can go with the corded version. These leaf blowers are the middle ground, usually between the electric as well as gas-powered leaf blowers. Their drawback is what makes them powerful. That is, they have a cord, which limits your reach to how far an individual can go with the device. If you own an average yard that has a fence, it could be a perfect device. On the other hand, if you own a large yard, you should look for something else.

Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers- Why You Should Go For Them

As stated multiple times in this article, gas leaf blowers can be intimidating. However, those who have had one before understand that it can be one of the most effective tools for yard cleaning. The blower is known for being powerful when it comes to blowing leaves off your yard. It is also louder than the others. For most gas leaf blowers, there is a small ratio between the oil and the gas you need to fill in the tank before starting.

The oil found in the gas is there to assist you in lubricating the engine not just when using it but after clearing the leaves too. This amount can always change depending on the volume your gas tank can hold.

The ratio will, however, remain the same. On that note, there is also the premixed fuel that you need to think about. This can often take you guesswork in case you decide to acquire one.  Pure gas leaf blowers also exist. They are as simple to operate as they sound.  All you need is to fill the gas tank and closing it.

Electric Leaf Blowers

Autumn may be the best of all the four seasons; however, when the trees shed their leaves, you will have to clean the lawn. To clear the leaves, you may have to acquire a leaf blower. The electric leaf blower is preferable.

Apart from ensuring that the lawn is tidy, there are different reasons why people should clear the fallen leaves. For starters, the grass many turn from green to yellow since the leaves shield the sunlight. The grass may also be affected by different diseases. For instance, the grass may get some bare patches during spring.

The leaves may harbor different diseases including apple and pear scab, rose black spot, among other diseases. The leaves may re-infect the grass. If the leaves turn into brown mush, they can make paths, patios, and steps slippery.

Fortunately, clearing leaves is no longer a cumbersome task. The electric leaf blowers are quite efficient and easy to use. In the past, people would use rakes, and they would get blisters in the process. At the moment, there are different versions of the leaf blowers. Such appliances have proven to be convenient and versatile. They are also easy on the ears.

Most of the electric leaf blower models usually pick up the leaves without clogging. Therefore, the electric leaf blowers can be used throughout the year to blow the leaves and grass clippings off the patio and paths. When purchasing a leaf blower, carry out background research on the most preferred electric leaf blower models. After that, look into the specifications of each leaf blower. Each client has varying needs, and you should purchase a leaf blower depending on the number of leaves to be blown, among other factors. Thanks to the electric leaf blowers, your garden can be tidy at all times regardless of the season.

Additional Features To Consider

You may think that all the capabilities of a leaf blowing device are well summarized in the name of the machine-just blowing leaves via a leaf blower. But ideally, this device comes with several advantages. Modern equipment is definitely a subtle beast than the simple machines used in the past. As of now, several can be augmented to extend their broad range of applications far beyond what a homeowner can expect. An ideal example, in this case, is leaf collection. A leaf blowing machine is a great tool in the basic form, not just for moving leaves from one place to the other but clearing hardened debris from different surfaces. But this does not imply that you will not be dealing with the difficulties involved in gathering leaves manually when you are done pushing them towards the collection point.

To save yourself the difficult tasks, it is pretty much possible for you to equip yourself with a leaf blower that comes with a vacuum kit that is currently readily available in several stores. They are not just kits-they are easy to attach and are generally made of a viable suction funnel and a collection bag that has a shoulder strap. Together, they enable quick vacuuming and the collection of various leaves, light debris, and grass clippings. The collected material can be quickly disposed of without the need for a wheelbarrow, thereby saving significant time and effort during the fall period when different lawns and yards have been carpeted with leaves. Another useful set of leaf blower accessories is the gutter clearance attachment.

You need to own these. Some blowers come with the extended versions of the same. They are blower tubes that are attached to the machine. They also feature a unique curved feature section at their nozzle end. This element enables the quick clearance of built-up detritus from a gutter without the demand and need to climb up your ladder and hold a cumbersome device above the shoulder height for extended hours. The accessory makes it easy for you to clean up the gutters in the safest ways possible. You can also quickly blast dried leaves as well as other additional debris when keeping both your feet planted on the ground. 

Ideal for homeowners and professionals, vacuum cleaners and the kits have successfully demonstrated that if you have the right type of accessories in hand, then a leaf blower can provide an exceptional level of versatility accompanied by the simplicity of the design. On that note, our leaf blower’s accessories are equipment machines designed by industry experts and the world’s most renowned manufacturers like ECHO and Efco. As a result, you can always rest assured of long-lasting performance coupled with quality, depending on your chosen attachments.

How Much Should You Pay For A Leaf Blower?

The corded electric model is one of the most affordable leaf blowers in the world. You can always get a high-quality one at $50.

Cordless leaf blowers are expensive because of their convenience. The cheapest brand is roughly $100. However, its battery life is not as mind-blowing. If you want a better battery life, coupled with additional impeccable features, then you can pay more than the standard amount stipulated initially. And if you would like to own a powerful machine powered by petrol, then you can pay something between $100 and $400. This highly depends on the features as well as brand type. Save your money on the battery.

Many manufacturers have two standard batteries coupled with chargers. They are compatible with various tools. So before you purchase one, you need to check and ensure that the existing tools have a battery and a charger that will be used with the one you intend to purchase, as this can save you money. At the same time, you may see it as a perfect chance to buy another battery for the tools. This is because, in many cases, batteries are cheaper, especially when purchased with a machine. Most of the time, it is useful to have a second one charged as well as ready to go immediately you are prepared to blow those leaves away.

You need to note that the price of a leaf blower does not necessarily guarantee its quality. So you should check our leaf blower reviews before finding the best brand that suits your budget. By using an ideal and high-quality leaf blower, you will be in a position to deal with the autumn leaves. A lousy model on the other side is likely to make you struggle when it comes to cleaning.

– The features below make the whole difference.

What features do different types of leaf blowers have? What elements do the best brands on the market contain? We did extensive research. In this next paragraph, you shall learn what it takes to pick the right leaf blower for your cleaning needs.

 Every type of leaf blower comes with its pros and cons, as we stated earlier. For the gas-powered devices, one drawback you need to weigh in on is the fact that it is heavier than an electric leaf blower.

On the other hand, an electric leaf blower comes with a cord. This limits your movement in many ways. Deciding what really works best for your cleaning demands can play a role in synching your research. All too often, it is essential to learn that gas blowers come with two leading engine types, but they all use gas, of course. Some leaf blowers with the four-cylinder engine need a gas and oil hybrid that can cost slightly more than the typical gas-fed motors.

And of course, even in the case of the gas-fed engine motors, you shall still need to incorporate additional maintenance costs such as purchasing oil. On that note, gas-powered leaf blowers appear to be more advantageous. The electric leaf blowers are quieter. They are also lighter as they do not require oil maintenance. But the blowers come with a cord as well as a bare battery charged.

They are also lighter as they do not require oil maintenance. But the blowers come with a cord as well as a rare battery charged. The batteries can quickly run out, depending on the frequency of usage. Here, electric leaf blowers appear to be ideal for smaller jobs.

Checklist

To choose the best leaf blower for you, you have to look at several factors. Here is a detailed checklist:

1. Need: First of all, it is important to be sure about your needs coupled with the requirements. You need to think about the services served by the leaf blower you intend to purchase.
2. Use: You should be informed about the use as well as the operation of every leaf blower type
3. Budget: What is your budget. Also, think about maintenance.
4. Types: There are different types of leaf blowers, as we have mentioned before. You need to weigh in on this factor before selecting the right one.
5. Websites: Every manufacturer has a website to represent them online. This can be a great source of help as the website you decide to visit and buy the leaf blower should be reliable.
6. Maintenance: Leaf blowers have their maintenance needs. You also need to ensure that you have sufficient time out of the regular schedule to fulfill the existing requirements of your leaf blower.
7. The manufacturer: The manufacturer of the leaf blower should be reliable as well as authentic. You need to check the ratings, suggestions, coupled with the reviews. Choosing the right manufacturer will save you the trouble of having to visit a repairer from time to time.

Final Remarks

Acquiring a leaf blower is a necessary purchase. It should take you some time as well as consideration. Our breakdown herein entails what you need to look for, especially for a start. Using our buying guide, you should be in a position to select an ideal leaf blower for the demands you have. Share our tips with your friends, co-workers, or family who may need a user guide.