Leaf Blowers Saves Raking Time
If your home and yard is surrounded by trees this is great in the summer because of the shade that they provide. However, in the fall, the same trees and trees from your neighbors can dump lots of leaves all over your yard. With all of these leaves, you will need to do lots of raking to make your yard ready for the spring. This is where a leaf blower can come in handy. The leaf blower review will provide you with information on which type of blower is best for your blowing needs. Having a leaf blower will save you raking time which is great for your back.
Types of Leaf Blowers
Before you go out and purchase any leaf blower, you need to know the basic types that manufacturer’s make today and they are: cordless handheld, electric handheld, gas handheld, gas backpack, and gasoline wheeled models. They will all vary in size, weight, noise and price.
Homeowner Concerns
Depending upon where you live, your municipality may actually prohibit any unreasonable noise, which includes leaf blowers. Before going to the store and buy one, check first with your local village hall and obtain their approval or read any literature they may have concerning noise. Some villages do allow home owners to use blowers if they meet certain number of decibels, usually 70 or less. Most municipalities do impose a time restriction usually between the hours of 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. Once you know your local law requirements, you are now ready to go about finding the best blower for your specific needs. Most of the blowers in our list do come in at 70 decibels or less.
How to Choose
Choosing a blower will basically be determined on the health of the owner and the amount of leaves that must be blown in one’s yard. The best method is using a handheld gas powered model. However, electric and even some cordless models do great jobs for medium to small areas.
Battery or Cordless Models
These models are less expensive than gas powered models. They do have some restrictions which you should know about. They run only on the single charge of the battery. Battery run times may vary from manufacturer and model. Before selecting this type, determine the run-time and how long the battery takes to re-charge. If you should have significant yard to clear, we recommend you purchase a back-up battery to cover the times when you may need to use the blower longer than one charge. We would not recommend this model if your yard has lots of leaves. Most cordless models are quiet and should meet most noise restrictions that your local village may impose. Some of these models meet the high CARB standards in California and the environment.
Electric Models
The electric leaf blowers are quiet and will meet most noise restrictions your local village. They are also less expensive than gas powered models. However, they do have some restrictions. You can only use them within 100 feet from the nearest outlet. If your yard has areas farther than 100 feet to blow or clear from the nearest outlet, then using this type of model may not be for you. You should consider using gas or battery powered blower. Some of these models meet the high CARB standards in California and help the environment.
Gas Powered Models
Gas powered blowers come in two basic types; handheld and backpack models. Gas powered models are generally more expensive than the electric or cordless models. Backpack gas models are more expensive than gas handheld models. You must decide on which type is best for the area you need to clear.
- Gas Handheld Models
Handheld blowers do provide the greatest flexibility because they can go most anywhere in your yard without any restrictions. The only exception is running out of fuel.
- Backpack Gas Models
Backpack gas blowers besides being more expensive than other gas models, they also offer more power for blowing leaves while transferring weight from your arms to your back and shoulders.
Gas Wheeled Models
Gas wheeled models are the most expensive blowers and heavier and they offer the most power of any model type described above. If you have lots of leaves, then our recommendation is a wheeled blower model. Please note these models can be tough to push and control especially if you should have a rough terrain in your yard.
What Else to Consider?
Here are some additional tips to consider when purchasing any of the blower models:
- Know the law. Some villages prohibit gas blowers. If gas blowers are authorized, know the decibel limits.
- Decide whether you need to vacuum. Many handheld blowers also pick up yard debris. They have small tubes which limit how much debris you can suck up at one time. If this is important to you, look for models that offer better vacuums and more mulch storage.
- Factor other features. Flatter nozzles tend to be better for sweeping leaves, while rounded ones are best for loosening them. Adjustable speeds let you power down around fragile garden beds, and a clear gas tank shows the fuel level. Consider which of these features you like to have on your model. Some of these features may cost a little more but may be worth it.
- Look for labor savers. Look for better balance and grips for added control. A bottom-mounted air intake will tug less at clothing than an intake at the side. A shutoff switch that lets you cut the motor or engine quickly for emergencies.
- Beware of dirt-cheap models. Don’t be fooled by cordless electric blowers which pack even less power than the corded models. These models tend to either not do a good job or the motor burns out sooner because of over use. Some of these models may come with a shorter warranty period. Buyer beware.
Conclusion
The leaf blower review should have been helpful guide for you in deciding on which type of leaf blower is best for your needs. Since, all of these blowers require maintenance, read my article on leaf blower maintenance.
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