Which backpack leaf blower is best?
If you have a yard or acreage, you may have a hard time getting rid of fallen leaves in the fall. Smaller yards with fewer trees can usually be easily cleaned up with a handheld leaf blower. But if you have a large yard with lots of foliage, you might want to consider investing in a backpack leaf blower. These handy devices can significantly reduce your workload. And there are a number of great options in all price ranges.
What You Need to Know Before Buying a Backpack Leaf Blower
They are perfect for big jobs
Because backpack blowers are considerably more powerful than handheld models, you won’t have to walk as much. They transfer most of the weight to your back, hips, and legs rather than your shoulders and arms.
Most importantly, backpack blowers allow you to work on your entire property without being tethered to an electrical outlet. This versatility makes them the go-to choice for contractors and commercial lawn care companies.
Noise factor
Backpack blowers are more powerful than handheld models because they are powered by an internal combustion engine. One of the biggest concerns is the noise level they produce. Four-stroke backpack blowers typically emit between 70 and 80 decibels, and two-stroke models can easily exceed 90 decibels. In addition to wearing proper hearing protection, you will need to consider noise level regulations. Some communities have laws prohibiting the use of lawn power tools that exceed 65 decibels.
Fuel mixture
Most backpack leaf blowers have two-stroke engines, which use a mixture of gasoline and engine oil. It is extremely important to remember to use this mixture, as the wrong mixture could damage your leaf blower. Most use a fuel-oil mixture, but this can vary depending on the model. Take the time to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to make sure you are using the correct formula.
What to Look for in a Quality Backpack Leaf Blower
Air Velocity and Cubic Feet per Minute
Speed and volume are two important factors to consider. They are related but not necessarily correlated. These factors vary depending on the design of the specific model and brand. If you want a truly efficient backpack leaf blower that can handle a good amount of space, look for leaf blowers with a speed of close to 200 mph or more and a volume of at least 500 CFM.
Throttle Position
The location of the leaf blower throttle is a subtle but important detail. Most users find tube-mounted throttles more convenient and comfortable to use. Leaf blowers with hip-mounted throttles tend to be slightly less expensive, but this depends on the brand. Ultimately, the choice will come down to personal preference.
How Much Can You Expect to Spend on a Backpack Leaf Blower
The most affordable backpack blowers cost just over $200. The best options for private landowners fall in the $500 to $700 range. Landscaping companies that do multiple jobs per week may want to invest in even more expensive models, some costing several thousand dollars.
Backpack Leaf Blower FAQs
Are Battery Powered Backpack Leaf Blowers Worth It?
A. Not really. If you have enough land and debris to need a backpack leaf blower, there aren’t any battery-powered models that will last long enough to get the job done. Some systems allow you to strap high-powered, long-lasting batteries to your back to run specific leaf blowers, but they cost upwards of $1,000.
What is the best safety gear for using a backpack leaf blower?
A. Wear good-grip work boots, sturdy pants, and long-sleeved shirts. These are important basics when working with potentially dangerous tools. Additionally, you should also use other safety gear when using a commercial-grade leaf blower, such as safety glasses, earmuffs, earplugs, and work gloves. All of these will help keep you safe and ensure that you are protected when using this heavy-duty equipment.
What is the best backpack leaf blower to buy?
Premium Backpack Leaf Blower
Echo PB-580T
What you need to know: It combines the performance of a commercial leaf blower with affordable cost and lightweight design.
What you’ll love: It’s powerful enough to satisfy homeowners with large plots and lots of brush. Echo is a well-respected manufacturer, so it’s an investment you can trust. It boasts a maximum air speed of 215 mph and weighs just over 22 pounds.
What you should consider: One of its few drawbacks is that you cannot adjust or repair the carburetor.
Best Backpack Leaf Blower for the Money
Tory-Bilt TB51BP
What you need to know: This relatively affordable option doesn’t sacrifice power or comfort.
What you’ll love: It’s one of the few options that costs less than $300 and still offers lasting efficiency. It’s about as light as a portable model and significantly more powerful.
What you should consider: It doesn’t quite have the same kind of power that many lawn care professionals need.
To be absolutely checked
Echo PB-755ST 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Leaf Blower with Tubular Throttle
What you need to know: This easy-to-maneuver gasoline blower is perfect for professionals.
What you’ll love: The throttle tube has a cruise control function. It is easy to use and powerful enough to handle large jobsites. It also has adjustable speed and anti-vibration technology.
What you should consider: It’s not very comfortable to wear.
Prices shown reflect the time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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