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

Are you struggling to decide which leaf blower to buy? It’s a common dilemma. Our comprehensive guide simplifies the process, outlining 14 key factors to consider. With our checklist, you can confidently make an informed decision.

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

When buying a leaf blower, consider yard size, type, power source, noise, air speed/volume, accessories, price, and brand. Make a needs, uses, budgets, types, research, and maintenance checklist. Research features.

Are you overwhelmed by the multitude of options in the market? We’ve got you covered! Our detailed guide breaks down the essentials to look for when purchasing. Continue to discover how to navigate the buying process with ease.

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 you can always pick one if you desire to own a quieter machine.

On the other hand, if you need a tool to help handle a slightly bigger field and a yard, you may require a heavy-duty device. A new homeowner would also aspire to reuse the leaves for mulch and compost. 

As a prospect, you can quickly get a specified attachment accessory for a leaf blower 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 regarding 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 want one with more power and 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 gadgets a professional crew can use to blow away leaves, garbage, cardboard, and heavy papers 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 purchasing a leaf blower, you must weigh in on some things. 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 influence your choice. In this case, you need to remember 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.

• Understanding Decibel Levels

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 and their equivalents. Therefore, you can get an idea of 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 purchase a leaf blower for your residence, it does not matter how noisy it is until the quiet hours.

These hours will vary greatly depending on your state or city. 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 purchasing a leaf blower. You must buy a device with a unique balance of two vital things. These simple items you should look into include the device’s cubic feet per minute and 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 specific 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.

– The Impact of Speed on Leaf-Blowing Power

Your leaf blower can blow air faster, depending on its speed. 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 more leaf-blowing power in the machine. It just means that the air shall come out faster. You will also realize that not much work will be done in a tube with an equivalent of up to 400 MPH.

Besides the MPH, you also need to 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 can exude.

– The Role of Airflow in Power

Usually, it is measured in cubic feet for every minute, and the name refers to the air blown out of the machine. A leaf blower with a high CFM rating will 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 in handling the task takes a shorter time. The values are required to get the job done as quickly as possible.

Which Leaf Blower Is Ideal For You?

As mentioned in this blog post, every leaf blower has drawbacks and advantages. Every blower has the exact 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 light tool is easy to store in the garage without occupying a large area. Although it may sometimes be weaker regarding power issues, it is still one of the best 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, 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 and comfort, such as comfort straps. And while comfort, in this case, is a relative term, it 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 the leaf blower. This wheeled leaf blower works well for people with more extensive lawns and yards. Such a blower has power that can easily send debris flying. You can rest assured that you will have a clear yard for people and animals.

Notably, the blower does not have mobility like the other two options, leaf blowers.

This implies that the wheels make it easier to maneuver around open space, 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, and battery.

Each model is helpful 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 valuable 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 crucial as your garden is one of the first places visitors will see. Leaf blowers have been designed to make our lives easier, especially regarding yard cleaning.

Therefore, deciding which is suitable for your desired task may become challenging. 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. This article focuses on the battery type of your preferred leaf blower. Of course, there are several types of batteries on the market.

– The Advantages of Owning a Battery-Powered Leaf Blower

If you are a first-time owner of a leaf blower, 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 helpful to own a battery-powered machine.

You may not have seen the gas-powered and electric leaf blowers if you are a new user. These are two significant 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.

Depemotor maintenance can be non-existent depending on the type of machine you purchase; while at it, you must note that battery-powered leaf blowers are user-friendly. They are also ideal 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 and 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. It could be a perfect device if you own an average yard with a fence. 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 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 Importance of Lubrication for Your Leaf Blower’s Engine

The oil in the gas is there to assist you in lubricating the engine, not just when using it but also after clearing the leaves. 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 if 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 close it.

Electric Leaf Blowers

Autumn may be the best of all the four seasons; however, when the trees shed their leaves, you must 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. Many grasses 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 scabs and rose black spots, among other diseases. The leaves may re-infect the grass. If the leaves turn brown mush, they can make paths, patios, and steps slippery.

• The Efficiency of Electric Leaf Blowers

Fortunately, clearing leaves is no longer a cumbersome task. The electric leaf blowers are pretty 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 electric leaf blower models usually pick up the leaves without clogging. Therefore, electric leaf blowers can be used throughout the year to blow the leaves and grass clippings off the patio and paths.

• The Importance of Background Research

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 always be tidy regardless of the season.

Additional Features To Consider

You may think that a leaf-blowing device’s capabilities are well summarized in the machine’s name- just blowing leaves via a leaf blower. But ideally, this device comes with several advantages. Modern equipment is a more subtle beast than the simple machines used in the past.

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 an excellent tool in the basic form, not just for moving leaves from one place to the other.

However, clearing hardened debris from different surfaces. But this does not imply that you will not be dealing with the difficulties of manually gathering leaves when you are done pushing them toward the collection point. To save yourself the complex tasks.

• The Convenience of Leaf Blower Vacuum Kits

You can equip yourself with a leaf blower kit 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 with 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 needing a wheelbarrow, saving significant time and effort during the fall period.

When different lawns and yards have been carpeted with leaves, the gutter clearance attachment is another valuable set of leaf blower accessories. You need to own these. Some blowers come with extended versions. They are blower tubes that are attached to the machine.

• Unique Curved Feature Section

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 shoulder height for extended hours.

The accessory makes it easy to clean up the gutters in the safest ways possible. You can also quickly blast dried leaves and other debris when keeping your feet planted on the ground. Ideal for homeowners and professionals.

• Versatility of Leaf Blower Accessories

Vacuum cleaners and the kits have successfully demonstrated that if you have the correct type of accessories in hand, then a leaf blower can provide an exceptional level of versatility accompanied by the simplicity of the design.

Our leaf blower 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. You can pay more than the initially stipulated amount for better battery life and impeccable features.

And if you want to own a powerful machine powered by petrol, you can pay 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.

• Understanding the Compatibility of Leaf Blowers with Various Tools

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.

• Price vs Quality: What Matters More in a Leaf Blower

Most of the time, having a second one charged and ready to go immediately after you are prepared to blow those leaves away is helpful. 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. You can deal with the autumn leaves using an ideal, high-quality leaf blower. 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 suitable leaf blower for your cleaning needs.

As we stated earlier, every type of leaf blower has pros and cons. One drawback you need to weigh in on gas-powered devices is that they are 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 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 a four-cylinder engine need a gas and oil hybrid that can cost slightly more than the typical gas-fed motors. And, of course, even with the gas-fed engine motors, you must still 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 and a battery charge.

They are also lighter as they do not require oil maintenance. However, the blowers come with a cord, and battery-charged 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, you must look at several factors. Here is a detailed checklist:

1. Need: First, being sure about your needs and requirements is essential. You must consider the services served by the leaf blower you intend to purchase.
2. Use: You should be informed about the use and 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. It would be best to weigh 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 leaf blower’s manufacturer should be reliable and authentic. You need to check the ratings and suggestions, coupled with the reviews. Choosing the proper manufacturer will save you the trouble of having to visit a repairer from time to time.

Remarks

Acquiring a weed eater leaf blower is a necessary purchase. It should take you some time and consideration. Our breakdown herein entails what you must look for, especially for a start. Using our buying guide, you should be able to select an ideal leaf blower for your demands.

Firstly, consider the weight of the leaf blower. A model that weighs around 10 pounds or 8 pounds is usually manageable for most people. However, some gas-powered models can weigh more.

Secondly, consider the power source. Gas-powered handheld blowers are the most widely used due to their mobility and power. However, these engines require maintenance and may not be suitable for everyone.

• Advantages of Electric Blowers

On the other hand, electric blowers are lighter and quieter but require a charge and can be limited by the length of the power cord. Thirdly, consider the volume of leaves that are embedded in the lawn. If you frequently have to deal with 500 pounds of leaves, you might need a more powerful blower.

Also, consider the blower ratings. You can find the best leaf blower for your needs by comparing the ratings of different models. Remember to use the flattened-tip nozzles to loosen leaves and other debris embedded in grass or gravel.

Lastly, be aware of your town’s regulations regarding noise and emissions. Some towns may restrict the use of sure blowers altogether because of noise or pollution concerns.

• Sharing Leaf Blower Tips

Share our tips with your friends, co-workers, or family who may need a user guide. This guide should meet their needs whether they’re dealing with the toughest of leaves or just a light dusting. And remember, sometimes it’s necessary to supplement your leaf blower with other tools to get the job done.

So, take your time, separate the facts from the marketing hype, and you’ll find the suitable leaf blower for your needs. Happy leaf-blowing!