Collecting leaves can be complex, especially if you live in an area with many trees and bushes.
Fortunately, technology has made it easier to maintain a clean compound by using a tool that propels air out of a nozzle to move leaves, dry cuttings, and other lightweight debris.
Before purchasing a blower, there are numerous factors to consider. Different blowers have various features that improve their performance, such as speed control.
It would be best to choose a blower that meets all your requirements based on factors such as the amount of space to be cleaned, your budget, noise sensitivity, and frequency of use.
Cubic feet per minute (CFM) and miles per hour are two essential aspects of bowers to consider (mph)
CFM refers to how much air the blower’s nozzle lets out, whereas mph refers to how fast the air moves.
A high CFM allows you to blow multiple leaves at once, increasing efficiency, whereas a high mph will enable you to clean up heavier debris and wet leaves.
A wide variety of blowers are available at a wide range of prices. If you plan to reuse the leaves for mulching, select a blower with that feature.
1. Hand-held blowers
These are versatile and portable blowers that are simple to use while cleaning.
They are small and light, making them ideal for cleaning leaves and small debris from porches and gazebos. They are also resistant to light dust and snow.
2. Backpack blowers
Hold the blower tube in one hand while carrying the motor in a shoulder harness.
They are more powerful and easier to use than hand-held blowers.
They are ideal if you need to use a blower for an extended period over a large area. Leaves, twigs, and metal shavings are easily blown away. Check also brush cutters.
3. Walk-behind blowers
These are more popular among professionals. They easily blow away leaves, cardboard, garbage, and papers.
They have the most power among the three and are the most comfortable to use but require high maintenance and are not easy to store. These blowers are ideal for large fields.
Power Source
You can determine your ideal leaf blower by further categorization depending on the power source into cordless, electric, and gas blowers.
- Gas-powered blowers are the most powerful, the loudest, and require the most maintenance.
- Electric leaf blowers require less maintenance than gas-powered but often have a limited cord length making them unsuitable for large fields. They are very lightweight and ideal for tasks such as cleaning gutters.
- Cordless blowers require batteries to run. The lifetime of a battery depends on the manufacturer. Their lack of cords makes them ideal for large yards, but they may need battery replacement.
Conclusion
Different blowers have different characteristics. Consider features that make it easier to use, such as speed control and reach of the shutoff.
Pay attention to nozzle shape; wide nozzles are better at moving leaves, whereas round nozzles are better at moving heavier debris.
If you are sensitive to noise, consider buying quieter models or wearing ear protection.
