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Whether you are a homeowner who can’t tolerate the sight of a leaf-streaked yard or a commercial landscaper (like myself) you should keep this guide to the best leaf blower 2016 handy in readiness for the next time you go shopping for garden supplies.
This detailed review of the best leaf blowers this year has been compiled after comparing dozens upon dozens of offers from all the top manufacturers.
Top 3 Best Leaf Blowers on the market
Top 9 Best Leaf Blower Reviews
Here is our detailed guide to the top 10 best leaf blower brands in 2016
1. Husqvarna 350BT 1.6 – Best Backpack Leaf Blower to buy 2016
The Husqvarna 350BT designed for the most heavy duty, lengthy leaf and debris blowing tasks in the yard.
It is perfectly suited for landscape contractors and homeowners with large compounds with plenty of debris and heaps of shed leaves to deal with.
With its 2.1 horsepower engine operating at speeds of up to 7,500 revolutions per minute, this backpack leaf blower is redefining the approach to sweeping leaves in the yard and setting altogether new standards in the industry.
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
Product Features
Pros
- Highly efficient gas engine drastically reduces harmful emissions while still guaranteeing maximum efficiency at work
- Newly redesigned harness incorporates ventilated and load reducing features
- The gas backpack leaf blower is CARB (California Air Resources Board) compliant with a rating of 692.17 cfm
- Easy start. You will never have to pull at the starter more than twice to get the engine purring and ready to follow your bidding in the yard
- Free shipping offer when you buy from Amazon.com
- Low noise levels – rated 104 dB(A)
- Comes with a two year limited warranty covering both parts and labor
- Ergonomic design makes working a refreshing, even pleasurable exercise
Cons
- Some customers have complained that the harness, with all its ergonomic design and comfort features, can often give you fatigue too quickly.
- Some users have complained of the unhealthy fumes getting in the nose.
The Husqvarna 350BT backpack leaf blower, it is easy to see there are many qualities which will prove a great attraction for both homeowners and landscapers.
Its powerful yet surprisingly efficient engine is good enough to help you get through even the toughest yard cleaning tasks without a problem.
In the final analysis, the question of whether this is the right leaf blower depends on what you are looking for.
If you are a residential user with just the occasional scattered leaves to blow off the deck or pathway, the Husqvarna 350BT backpack leaf blower is without a doubt too much of an extravagance.
But if you have to constantly deal with layers upon layers of leaves, debris and other waste as would be the case if you are a landscaper, then this leaf blower is just the right fit for the task.
2. Hitachi RB24EAP – Best Gas Leaf Blower
The Hitachi RB24EAP gas leaf blower is designed with the singular objective of providing a piece of yard equipment which makes light work of sizable yard cleanup tasks.
It is powered by a robust yet low emission 29.3 cc commercial grade gas engine. For convenience of use, you have at your disposal a two finger throttle lever as well as an auto-return stop switch.
With an air volume of 441 cubic feet delivered in a minute at speeds as high as 170 miles an hour, you have a real workhorse of a yard tool raring to go.
With the Hitachi Hitachi RB24EAP gas leaf blower in your hands, all leaves and debris in your driveways, paths and the yard are done for.
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
Features
Pros
- No need to worry about recharging low life batteries
- Low emission yet highly efficient gas engine means you can save money and still perform highly challenging cleaning tasks with remarkable efficiency
- Comfortable grip handle
- Easy start. You will never have to pull at the starter more than twice to get the engine purring and ready to follow your bidding in the yard
- Free shipping offer
- An unmatched and comprehensive seven year manufacturer’s warranty covering parts and service
- Ergonomic design makes working a refreshing, even pleasurable exercise
Cons
- While the entire machine presents an epitome of ingenious all rounded design, the carburettor is not as efficient as it could have been; a factor that is often glaring in some of the more negative reviews. Owing to the unique positioning of components, a fuel feed often gets kinked in the start operation. A change in the approach you use in starting the leaf blower’s engine should resolve this problem once for all though.
- If you take an energetic pull at the starter, the resultant recoil can jar your arm and cause mild discomfort. However, there is little need to be so forceful. A smoother start is possible with just a gentle tug.
While electric powered leaf blowers are becoming the rule rather than the exception when it comes to the choice yard sweeping instruments, gas leaf blowers still have their place in the market.
This philosophy is clearly evident when you consider the irrepressible qualities of the Hitachi RB24EAP gas leaf blower as outlined above.
The blower is not only efficient but robust in performance on a range of leaf cleaning challenges.
In a way, this should be the leaf blower of choice when it comes to complex, heavy duty tasks in the yard.
3. Husqvarna 560BTS – Best Leaf Blower for the money
If you are in search of a versatile leaf blower which will provide effective solution for all yard cleaning tasks, the Husqvarna 560BTS 65.6cc 2-Stroke X-Torq Gas Powered 232 MPH Backpack Blower is your best bet.
It is not only built to last but has key ergonomic features incorporated in its design so you do not have to suffer fatigue as you use it.
To offer you a complete perspective of what the leaf blower has to offer, we have carried out an in-depth review of its key features as detailed forthwith.
Our Rating: (4.6 / 5)
Features
Pros
- Sold with a comprehensive 2 year warranty. Customers who also order at least 3 32-ounce cans of Husqvarna pre-mix fuel and then register their purchase online will get this warranty period extended to four years.
- A series of convenience features
- Husqvarna’s proven quality and performance
- Suitable for both commercial and residential use
- large airflow at very high speeds too
Cons
- With its 23 – 1/2 pound weight, there is enough justification for those who consider this leaf blower way too heavy.
The Husqvarna 560BTS 65.6cc 2-Stroke X-Torq Gas Powered 232 MPH Backpack Blower is without a doubt the best leaf blower when it comes to versatility of use as well as heavy duty capability.
It is designed with plenty of ergonomic and high performance features to interest both the average home user as well as the avid landscaper.
4. Husqvarna 125B Gas Powered Handheld Blower
The Husqvarna 125B 28cc 2-Stroke 170-MPH gas-powered handheld gas blower is one of the best pieces of yard equipment you can buy. It combines a set of highly useful features and lightweight frame to guarantee you versatility in different yard cleaning tasks.
In order to gauge its suitability to needs of different homeowners, we carried out comprehensive tests and compiled this detailed buyer’s guide and expert review for you.
Our Rating: (4.3 / 5)
Features
This fan comes with a large collection of convenience features but the ones which stand out the most are:
Pros
- A comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty covering both parts and workmanship
- Backed by Husqvarna’s five star brand reputation
- Powerful gas motor to reduce every leaf blowing task to a trifle
- Lightweight design reduces fatigue and risk of injury
- Convenient and intuitive set of controls
Cons
- Some users have complained that the gas leaf blower often stalls at full speed.
Everything from our comparative test and analysis to the customer reviews points to the Husqvarna 125B being a great leaf blower for every yard cleaning task.
When you factor in the company’s reputable brand ratings as well as the comprehensive warranty, you have a real contender for the best leaf blower money can buy.
However, you do not have to rake our word for it. Order the Husqvarna 125B 28cc 2-Stroke 170-MPH gas-powered handheld gas blower from Amazon.com and see just how good it is for yourself.
5. Toro 51585 Power Sweep 7 Amp 2-Speed – best electric leaf blower
The Toro 51585 Power Sweep 7 Amp leaf blower is designed with heavy duty usage in mind. It will prove the perfect tool for blowing away leaves from sidewalks, pathways and decks with irrepressible ease.
It is yet another product from Toro, the well known Turf and Landscape Maintenance brand.
Since 1914 Toro has been designing award winning home improvement products which have earned the trust of homeowners down the years.
The 51585, with its well rounded construction and high performance features, is adequate testament of the effectiveness of the company’s expertise and proficiency in what they do.
Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)
Features
The following is a running summary of features which makes the Toro 51585 Power Sweep 7 Amp 2-Speed Electric Blower from Toro stand out from the competition:
Pros
- The Toro 51585 Power Sweep 7 Amp 2-Speed Electric Leaf Blower is ranked as the outright bestsellers on Amazon.com’s inventory of leaf blowers and vacuums.
- A comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty assures you of a product that will continue performing at peak potential.
- For a leaf blower with such powerful and packaging so many versatile features, it operates very quietly.
- The leaf blower is UL listed, a mark of quality guaranteeing the product you buy has been taken through all the quality control checks and found compliant with the best industry standards for performance and efficiency.
- The ergonomic design coupled with the light weight means you can work with the blower for long hours without suffering fatigue.
- Costs much less than competing leaf blowers but still offers higher performance and more features
Cons
- The speed lock could be improved for even more intuitive operation. There are users who find it hard to operate the switch as it does not have a very tactile feel to it. But considering the switch operates smoothly from the lower speed setting to higher and vice versa, the fact that it is not as tactile should not be much of a bother.
- The leaf blower does not come with its own power cord. Admittedly, some users may consider having to buy a power cord separately as too much trouble but this is a short sighted view of the state of affairs. Even if you factor in the cost of a power cord, the blower will still be much cheaper than comparable products. The leaf blower also has a standard power connection and you may not have to buy a specific power cord as it will plug to any standard one you have for other home electrical appliances.
When shopping around for a leaf blower, or any piece of yard equipment for that matter, the most important factors to keep in mind include how adaptable it is in performing tasks which require different settings.
The 51585 Power Sweep leaf blower from TORO meets this requirement by offering a twin set of speed settings. The leaf blower however goes further by including a handy power speed button so you can move from one speed setting to another with irrepressible ease.
While the cost of a leaf blower should not be the decisive factor in determining if a particular product is worth investing in, a low price cannot hurt. In this case, you will scarcely find another comparable product that is priced so low. It is not exactly a throwaway price tag but it represents the best value for your money.
6. BLACK+DECKER LSW20 20-Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Sweeper
The Black and Decker LSW20 20-Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Sweeper,Includes 20v Battery to make your yard cleaning duties a joy to look forward to every weekend.
The following buyer’s guide and comprehensive review provides all the lowdown you need on how to get the best of the yard cleaning implement.
Our Rating: (4.2 / 5)
Features
The Black and Decker LSW20 leaf blower looks great from the outside but that is just part of the story. In this implement you have at hand an instrument you can use to perform all sorts of tasks with complete ease. The following is an in-depth look at the blower’s three most outstanding features though:
Pros
- Suitable for sweeping leaves off from a wide variety of surfaces
- Works even when the surface is at a considerable angle of inclination
- Sold with sufficient manufacturer guarantees and warranties
- Buy it at an all time low discount today
- Free shipping available when you orders yours from Amazon.com
Cons
- The manual could be more detailed in aspects like how best to charge the battery as well as including tips for energy saving and efficiency.
When all is said and done however, this is a very highly effective leaf blower. Its versatility is apparent in the largely positive customer reviews. Order one of your own today and enjoy a big discount from Amazon.com today before the offer runs out.
7. Black & Decker LH5000 – best leaf blower for large yard
As electric leaf blowers go, the Black and Decker LH5000 comes with enough versatility of action to suit different uses in the yard. It can be set to work as a leaf blower or a mulcher and even as a vacuum blower with amazing ease.
All the accessories and attachments needed to achieve this versatility are included in the shipping package. As we shall presently see in this detailed review, this is exactly the tool your yard and tool shed has been craving for years.
Our Rating: (4.3 / 5)
Features
This versatile yard cleaning implement has plenty to recommend it. However, when all is said and done; the following features are the ones which make it a really special tool to have in the shed.
Pros
- You can set the blower to work at just the right speed setting for the task at hand
- Efficient power usage
- Silent in operation
- Sold with a comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty covering both parts and labor
- Competitive pricing
- Multi functional operation covering leaf blower, mulcher and vacuum blower
Cons
- Most of the complaints registered seem to be centered on the packaging or inefficiencies of the shipping process. That said though, it would help if the blower was sold with its own made-to-match power cord.
Your yard cleaning tasks just received a big boost with the launch of this Black and Decker LH5000 electric leaf blower. It works silently but is nonetheless of heavy duty capability.
With the right power cord, there is no leaf blowing or mulching task in the yard or garden that is too hard to accomplish with considerable ease. Your home, yard, pathways and patio will never be the same.
8. Black and Decker LSW36 – best cordless leaf blower
Simple, elegant and effortlessly hassle free, the Black and Decker LSW36 40-Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Sweeper from Black and Decker is a must have piece of yard equipment for every home.
Powered by Black and Decker’s 40-volt lithium ion battery, the portable leaf blower is powerful enough for heavy duty sweeping tasks while still surprisingly lightweight.
What is more, the battery is versatile enough to be used with other cordless yard equipment in the Black and Decker range.
Our Rating: (4.1 / 5)
Features
Pros
- Cordless design makes it easier to work anywhere without worrying about the extent of your electric cables.
- Ergonomic design makes working a refreshing, even pleasurable exercise
- Comfortable grip handle
- Free shipping offer
- A two year comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty covering parts and service
- The highly efficient Black and Decker electric motor greatly reduces the roar common with gasoline blowers; protecting your hearing and ridding your home and neighborhood of unnecessary noise pollution
Cons
- For heavy duty jobs requiring maximum speed and power of the blower’s electrical motor, the battery can die pretty fast.
In the final analysis, the main question is whether or not to buy the Black and Decker LSW36 40-Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Sweeper. On the main, this is a pretty good product especially for the environmentally conscious homeowner.
Compared to other products in the range, this cordless leaf blower is much quieter and efficient compared to a gas leaf blower for example.
It may lack the power and capacity to work for long periods of time as you would expect of the best leaf blower (and costs considerably more besides) but the convenience of use and efficiency credentials of the cordless leaf blower are untouchable.
9. Husqvarna 125BVx Gas Powered Blower/Vac
The Husqvarna 125BVx 28cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered 170 MPH Blower/Vac With Smart Start leaf blower is a lightweight gas powered leaf blower that has excellent performance credentials both in the home and for commercial applications.
Equipped with a flare nozzle and a vac kit as well, it is not only excellent for blowing leaves and debris from surfaces but also for mulching and vacuuming.
Features
Though not as versatile as the Husqvarna 350BT 50.2cc 2-Cycle X-Torq Gas Powered 180 MPH Midsize Back Pack Blower, the Husqvarna 125BVx is packed with a set of features intended to make it easier for you to deal with the problem of leaves and debris in the yard with ease.
The following is but a running summary of the most conspicuous and important features /specs as far as performance and design of the leaf blower are concerned.
Pros
- Powerful yet comfortable to use
- 2 year automatic warranty, extendable to four years when you register online
- Enjoy free shipping offer when you buy from Amazon.com
- Fully adjustable blowing tube
- The proven quality of Husqvarna engineered parts is an assurance of top quality in itself
- Equipped with Husqvarna’s Smart Start technology
Cons
- It does not come with the same quiet efficiency of electric and battery operated leaf blowers.
When all is said and done, the Husqvarna 125BVx 28cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered 170 MPH Blower/Vac With Smart Start leaf blower represents a new generation of gas blowers which combine fuel efficiency and ergonomic design for ease of use by both homeowners and professional landscapers.
It comes with Husqvarna’s world renowned top engineering to boot as well as 4 year limited manufacturer’s warranty. Order yours today from Amazon.com and enjoy the discount of the year.
Best Leaf Blowers Buying Guide
1. Airflow and Speed
The airflow and speed are the two single most important performance indicators when shopping for the best leaf blower. Airflow is usually indicated in cubic feet per minute (CFM). A leaf blower’s CFM gives you a good idea of how much debris the blower will clear at a time. Of course, the higher the CFM rating, the more powerful the blower is. Air speed on the other hand is a measure of how far and how quickly the blower will sweep fallen leaves and debris in the yard. A leaf blower’s airspeed is given in miles per hour.
Unless you are looking for a pretty basic blower for the purposes of say, blowing leaves off the deck every once in a while, you will want to buy one with a variable airspeed. A device with variable speed will let you blow off laves on a dry smooth terrain on a low speed setting and enable you perform the task better at a higher speed setting if the surface is moist or uneven. It is also pretty clear to see that the task of blowing leaves off a paved surface will require lower speed than what you would need when the leaves are spread over a flower garden.
2. Weight
As a piece of equipment you will need to lug around in your hands or strapped to your back, the fewer the pounds, the better the leaf blower will be suited for you. As a general rule, gas powered leaf blowers will be heavier than their electric cousins owing to the added weight of the gas engine and the fuel itself. The weight of handheld leaf blowers is a bigger consideration than is the case with backpack varieties. With the former, all the weight will be borne by your arms while in the case of backpack leaf blowers, the harness helps distribute the weight across your back, shoulders and upper arms.
3. Warranty
As with all types of mechanical devices you are likely to buy, there is always a danger that your leaf blower will give up the ghost an hour after you have powered up. To protect your interests, manufacturers of the best leaf blower brands sell their products with adequate guarantees
4. Ergonomic Design and Comfort Features
A good leaf blower should be designed in such a way that it conforms to your natural working posture rather than forcing you to assume a stance that can cause fatigue and, at worst, work related injuries. The device’s engine or motor must operate with just the right amount of vibration as well. High vibrations not only imply energy inefficiency but can also cause unwelcome sensation during work. When it comes to handheld leaf blowers, you should also look out for designs which have a nice and comfortable grip handles.
5. Noise Level
If your leaf blower makes too much noise, this represents a number of handicaps and inconvenience. Noise is not only an irritant in the environment but can also cause your hearing. What is more, you may end up on the wrong side of local authority regulations about noise. To be certain if a particular blower’s noise level is safe, check if the device is compliant with standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the US Department of Labor.
6. Energy Efficiency
Whether you are talking of a gas powered leaf blower or one which runs on electric power, energy efficiency is a premium consideration either way. Inefficient leaf blowers will end up costing you more money in the long run and may have other disadvantages such as high noise levels, discomfort due to vibrations as well as carrying a higher risk of breaking down. It is always important to establish if a leaf blower has a quick shut off valve so you can switch off power when not actively using it to blow leaves.
7. Price
While it is important to hunt of a good deal when shopping for leaf blowers, the best leaf blower is rarely the cheapest one. As such, the price in and of itself should never be the guiding factor. A properly priced device should represent good value for money. In other words, if you spend a considerable amount of money purchasing the blower, this should prove a good investment in the long run. The leaf blower should provide good service over time and require little, if any, maintenance along the way.
Types of Leaf Blowers
As far as gardening equipment go, the leaf blower may not lay claim to the enduring history of such traditional tools as the lawn mower or hedge trimmer for instance. However, when it comes to utility value and convenience, the best leaf blower brands are right at the top of the hierarchy. Since the gardening implement was discovered by some serendipitous happenstance in the 1950’s, it has risen to become one of the must-have tools for both homeowners and landscapers.
The task of selecting the best leaf blower can be exasperating, even for the most adept and conscientious homeowners. This is mainly because over the decades a large number of brands, designs and varieties have come to the market. This is why this site is dedicated to helping you get the best varieties for your needs and budget. We provide you a detailed guide on the different types in the market, objective reviews of the best products in each class and then we provide you with a step by step shopping guide on how to select the best blower for your yard.
1. Backpack Leaf Blowers
A backpack leaf blower is powered by a relatively more powerful gas engine and is intended for heavy duty leaf blowing tasks. It is a favorite for landscapers but is also suited for homeowners who have to deal with large heaps of dead leaves and other debris in the compound of their homes.
Advantages of Backpack Leaf Blowers
- More powerful than other varieties
- Convenient to use anywhere
- Has more power and speed options compared to electric powered varieties
Disadvantages of Backpack Leaf Blowers
- Noisy
- Much heavier than other varieties
- Needs oil and gas to run
- Emits environmentally harmful compounds
2. Gas Leaf Blowers
Gas leaf blowers are the more traditional of teh four types above though they have been falling out of favor in recent years as environmental consciousness becomes a rallying cry for consumers and equipment manufacturers around the world.
Advantages of Gas Leaf Blowers
- More powerful
- Have more options
- User not restricted to a limited area as the blower does not have a cord
Disadvantages of a Gas Leaf Blower
- Usually loud
- Costly to run and maintain as they require gas and oil to operate
- Much heavier than alternatives
- Release harmful emissions to the environment
3. Electric Leaf Blowers
Electric leaf blowers are designed to operate when pluggged directly to a mains power source. As such, they require a power connection cord, restricting the range of operation to areas where an electric connection is within easy reach
Advantages of Electric Leaf Blowers
- Works quietly
- No dealing with messy oil and gas
- No need to maintain engine or recharge battery
- Lightweight
- Does not emit environmentally harmful waste products
Disadvantages of Electric Leaf Blowers
- The cord limits the range, can be a safety hazard and also makes for a somewhat clumsy operation
- Less powerful compared to gas powered leaf blower
4. Cordless Electric Leaf Blowers
A cordless electric leaf blower operates under the power of a rechargeable and often removable battery. It is the least powerful of the varieties in this guide but comes with more convenience in terms of operation compared to the other 3 alternatives.
Advantages of Cordless Electric Leaf Blowers
- Does not require messy oil and gas to work
- More lightweight than gas powered alternatives
- Not limited in range
- Quiet operation
- Does not emit environmentally harmful waste products
Disadvantages of Cordless Electric Leaf Blowers
- The electric battery lasts for a very limited time after a recharge
- Not as powerful as alternatives
- Battery needs charging
Buying Considerations for Gas Leaf Blowers
1. Engine Cycle
In general gas leaf blower engines are available in either of two specifications: 2 cycle and 4 cycle. Some people prefer 2 cycle leaf blowers are more lightweight and easy to work with. However, there is a solid case for buying a 4 cycle engine leaf blower as it will produce lower carbon emissions, operate more quietly and with lower vibration levels. Moreover, 4 cycle engines do not require messy mixing of gas and oil to work.
2. Fuel Efficiency
With gas prices shooting through the roof in recent years, you cannot afford to have a gas guzzling leaf blower in your garage. If a certain gas powered blower is sold as CARB compliant, that is all the indication you need to establish that it meets the strictest energy efficiency guidelines.
3. Ease of Starting
A great gas powered leaf blower should be equipped with an engine that starts effortlessly. A light tug and the engine should start. There is no need to work with a leaf blower which will rip off your arm before the engine roars into life.
4. Monitoring fuel level
The best designs of leaf blowers come with gas tanks made of a clear material. As such, you can easily tell the fuel level at any moment. In this way, you will never have to suffer the irritation and disappointment of the gas tank running dry while you are in the middle of an absorbing task.
Buying Considerations for Electric Leaf Blowers
1. Electric Power Settings
It is important to ensure that your electric leaf blower is compatible with your domestic power supply. It would be a disaster of sorts if the blower could only work with a 240 volt electric system if yours is a 110 volt type for instance. The power plug should also be compatible with the power sockets you have at home.
2. Battery Runtime (Rechargeable Leaf Blower)
If you have just bought a battery operated leaf blower, all its convenience of use and lightweight advantages can be easily undone if the battery dies off within minutes of switching it on. A good rechargeable leaf blower should be capable of operating at full power settings for at least half an hour before it becomes necessary to either change the battery or plug it back for a recharge. It is also important to establish if a spare battery is available and if you can order for one at a discount from the manufacturers when you buy the new product.
Conclusion
As you can tell from the foregoing discussion, there is more than meets the eye when you go in search of the best leaf blower.
For starters, there is no one variety or brand which meets the needs of all homeowners and landscapers. To identify the one which is perfectly suited to your needs you need to look at factors such as volume of work, energy efficiency, budget as well as the cost of running and maintaining it.
This guide has all the vital information you need for that purpose. After differentiating between different types of leaf blowers and enumerating their advantages and disadvantages, we have provided a set of objective reviews base on the highest quality leaf blowers from the different categories.
Lastly, we have given a treatise on the factors you need to keep in mind as you embark on shopping for the best leaf blower. We hope the guide has proved informative and well worth your time.