A carpet of autumn leaves marks the turning of the seasons, and photogenic though the leaves may be, they tend to pile up and become a messy obstacle as you walk to your car or try to enjoy time in the yard. While a simple rake can help, it requires considerable effort. But there's a faster, less physically demanding solution: the backpack leaf blower.
In this article: Echo 58. 2 Cubic Centimeter Gas Backpack Leaf Blower, Makita 75.6 cc Gas Backpack Blower and LawnMaster 31 cc No-Pull Gas Backpack Leaf Blower with Electric Starter.
Most obviously, they use gas for power, rather than you exhausting yourself with rake wrestling. While electric leaf blowers tend be much lighter, they require you to stay within range of an outlet. With plenty of energy at your disposal, a gas-powered backpack blower can make quick work of both smaller and larger jobs.
Think about the size of the task and how often you're likely to use your blower. Do you have a porch or deck to clean, or is it something larger like a yard or a long driveway? Smaller models suitable for lesser jobs often have the advantage of being lighter, and therefore easier to maneuver. If you have a lot of leaves to move, a larger backpack leaf blower will have the kind of power and endurance you need.
Every suburbanite, including many a sensitive pet, knows the special droning howl of the leaf blower. So when buying one, you should think about what volume level is acceptable for your situation. If you have neighbors nearby, a quieter model can do a lot to preserve local amity. If you find it hard to measure the volume, a sound level meter can help. A more powerful model will inevitably produce more noise.
Instead of lugging your leaf blower around by hand, backpack models put the weight of the engine on your back. Your wrists and forearms will thank you, but you must be realistic about how much weight you want to carry. Again, there is a direct correlation between the blower's weight and its cleaning power. Lightweight ones will strain your back less but may require more time and effort than heavier, more powerful models.
Echo 58.2 cc Gas Backpack Leaf Blower
Relatively lightweight considering its power, this blower weighs 23 pounds with a full fuel tank. You control it with a tube-mounted throttle. Its pleated air filter extends its life, and you can change filters without any tools.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot and Amazon
Ryobi 38 cc Gas Backpack Leaf Blower
You can blow an impressive 760 cubic feet per minute with this backpack leaf blower designed with a contoured back and adjustable straps. Its anti-vibration mount makes it comfortable for bigger tasks.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Troy-Bilt 51 cc Full Crank Gas Backpack Leaf Blower
This tool offers precise control with an ergonomically designed throttle attached to the tube. It employs the company’s SpringAssist technology, which makes for quick, reliable starts.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot and Amazon
Badger Super-Duty 43 cc Gas 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower
With enough power to remove even heavy and wet leaves, this two-stroke gas leaf blower features a comfortable padded harness that absorbs vibrations. The 5-foot tube makes it easy to clean corners and gutters from a distance.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Makita 75.6 cc Gas Backpack Blower
Weighing only 11.1 pounds, this blower from a trusted brand in tools boasts a 75.6 cc engine that is tough enough for commercial applications. Padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a molded harness provide a comfortable fit.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
LawnMaster 31 cc No-Pull Backpack Leaf Blower with Electric Starter
Compact and relatively lightweight at 18.5 pounds, this blower uses a rechargeable battery for fast starts at the press of a button. A tube-mounted throttle lets you control speed and has a cruise control option. The blower has an automatic choke.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
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Robin Allday writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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