If you're looking for a reason to ditch that rake for a leaf blower, look no further! This will be a quick overlook and buyer’s guide on all things leaf blower. To get you on the right path, you must first think about your yard, usage, and how fast you want to get the job done. We only have a few things to consider so let's talk about whether you need a handheld, backpack, or a wheeled leaf blower.

Handheld Leaf Blower

Handheld leaf blowers are the most common blowers for homeowners. They are very lightweight and easy to operate. They're powered by one of three ways: gasoline, corded, or battery (also known as cordless). All three power sources have their pros and cons, and we'll talk about them along the way.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Gasoline leaf blowers are the best when it comes to power. You can push piles of leaves and loosen up dirt FAST. Take a look at the Husqvarna 952711925 28cc 2-cycle engine leaf blower. This is a revolutionary handheld blower that combines high power with state-of-the-art ergonomic design. Providing 170 MPH of air velocity in such a small package. As with all gasoline products, they are noisier and require more regular maintenance than electric leaf blowers.                                                                                                                                                   

Electric leaf blowers are a great alternative to gasoline! From what I see in my neighborhood, most homeowners use electric leaf blowers. They’re a lot quieter, there's almost no maintenance, and the power is comparable to gasoline units. Now let's talk about corded versus cordless powered leaf blowers.                          

One of my favorite corded leaf blowers is the WORX WG520 600-CFM Turbine blower. The turbine fan in this delivers a forceful and high-capacity air velocity, up to 110 MPH! However, you're restricted by the length of the power cord and the number of outlets surrounding you. This is why cordless leaf blowers are more desirable to most consumers. You just don't have to worry about a power cord dragging you down along the way.                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I enjoy using cordless leaf blowers. I tested out the Makita XBU02PT1 36-Volt blower and this thing is plenty powerful. The brushless motor delivers up to 120 MPH of air velocity. I actually filmed a video on this one…Check it out! The link is right below. This unit is powered by TWO batteries. It does add a little more weight but it's very well balanced and you don't even notice it. Just keep in mind, all cordless models are powered by batteries and must be charged consistently. If you forget to charge the batteries after using it, you're going to be very disappointed when you're trying to get this running again.                                                                        

Backpack Leaf Blower

If you know you're going to spend a minimum of an hour clearing your lawn from leaves and other debris, or running a landscaping business, get a gasoline-powered backpack leaf blower, don't even question it! You’ll have the power you're seeking and a great deal of runtime. Most backpack blowers are much heavier than handhelds. However, the weight will rest on your back and shoulders and not your arm. This will reduce stress and any fatigue tremendously. You'll be able to let your body do all the heavy lifting. Also, another thing to consider is the noise level. These machines are a bit noisier than others because they do feature powerful engines. The operator will really notice the decibel difference because the engine is positioned closer to the ears. Speaking of, be nice to your ears and please wear ear protection. The Husqavarna 965877701 X-TORQ backpack leaf blower is a great pickup. The harness and controls are ergonomically designed for high capacity and ease of use. THE powerful X-TORQ engine delivers lower fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emission levels. Are you still not convinced that a backpack leaf blower isn’t powerful enough for your job!?!? Let's take a look at wheeled leaf blowers.

Wheeled Leaf Blower

If you don't want to sacrifice any power, a wheeled leaf blower is the only way to go. Wheel units are usually targeted for Ground Keepers, Farmers, or anyone with acres of property. This is the ultimate machine that produces a lot of wind power and will move a whole lot of leaves and debris with authority! They are very heavy, maneuvering is not so easy like handhelds or backpacks, and properly operating one is a bit of a learning curve. You will need space to store this, like a shed or a spacious garage, as they are very bulky. Check out the Southland SWB163150E 163cc 4-cycle engine walk behind. The steel fan and fan housing helps with the longevity and durability. The gasoline engine can easily produce 1200 CFM and 150 MPH of air velocity! 4 times the power than most backpack blowers out in the market. In other words, HUGE power!!!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To sum this up, you really have to think about how you're going to use this leaf blower. If you're a weekend warrior and need to clean up your yard, a battery handheld blower is all you need. If you're running a business and have a few homes and commercial sites in your schedule, purchase a gasoline backpack leaf blower. In fact, buy a nice and comfortable backpack like the Makita EB7660WH. This instrument has a lot of comfort enhancements, in addition to top tier performance features, and will make your workday a little bit more enjoyable. And if you’re running a golf course or maintaining a large field, consider a wheeled leaf blower. If you’re still thinking about it and need to justify your purchase, you can always use a leaf blower to quickly clean the floor in your garage instead of sweeping it…pro tip!