Three things to consider when buying a leaf blower

Late winter is prime time to use a leaf blower. Fallen leaves and the lack of rain lead to an accumulation of debris and dust around the garden and house. Although they are often used for leaf removal, these multipurpose products actually have several uses that go well beyond debris cleanup. 

In addition to blowing leaves into tidy piles, a leaf blower can be used to dry damp surfaces like outdoor furniture or freshly washed cars, clean gutters before the rains come, remove grass clippings from driveways and paths after mowing, and even blast away dust from garages and workshops. Some versions are even used in controlled burning for firebreaks or fighting fires on farms.

To choose the best leaf blower for your needs, it’s important to consider a few things before making your purchase. There are many brands and models available, so doing some research and making an informed choice will help you find the best blower for your needs.

1. Handheld vs backpack leaf blower

The first consideration is the type of blower. Choosing between a handheld and a backpack machine will depend on how you intend to use it. Handheld leaf blowers are usually smaller and lighter, so they are very easy to move around flowerbeds, confined areas, and on rooftops. Their portability is their biggest advantage, but this also means that they don’t have as much power as backpack models. However, they still have enough blowing force for the majority of household chores. 

Backpack leaf blowers are designed for longer use times and more demanding jobs. By distributing the weight over the user’s back, the engine and fan assembly are mounted on a cosy harness that minimises arm fatigue. 

For sweeping big areas, moving obstinate wet leaves, or dealing with widespread debris, this design enables more powerful engines that produce increased air volume and speed. Backpack blowers are perfect for firefighting for these reasons. For larger properties, professional landscapers, or anyone who expects to use the blower for extended periods, backpack blowers are the recommended option.

2. Battery vs petrol power

The next important choice is the power source: petrol-powered or battery-powered leaf blowers have distinct uses and advantages. Petrol blowers offer the most power and are perfect for commercial use or on big properties where consistent high performance is needed. They can run continuously because they are not dependent on battery charge times and can be easily refuelled. 

Petrol blowers typically have higher air volumes and speeds. However, they usually require more frequent maintenance (spark plugs, air filters, etc.), are noisier, emit exhaust fumes, and require fuel mixing (for two-stroke engines). 

In recent years, battery-powered leaf blowers have advanced significantly, giving users a more eco-friendly and quieter machine without compromising too much on power. Their main advantages are low maintenance, low noise, and zero direct emissions. They are much easier to operate because they are lighter than the majority of petrol-powered blowers.

While their runtime is limited by battery capacity, interchangeable battery systems (like Husqvarna’s 36V system) allow users to exchange depleted batteries for freshly charged ones without wasting time or having to wait for batteries to charge. Battery blowers are ideal for customers who value convenience and the environment.

3. Blowers with vacuum functions?

Some leaf blowers can reverse the airflow and be used as vacuums. These models often have an integrated mulching capability. For many homeowners, this dual function can be extremely useful. A leaf blower with a vacuum feature enables you to suction the leaves into a collection bag. For people who would rather collect debris than merely move it, this saves time and effort by doing away with raking and scooping.

The collected leaves are broken up into tiny pieces by an impeller inside the vacuum mechanism, which compacts them in the bag and produces mulch for your plant beds. This mulch works wonders for preserving soil moisture, reducing weeds, and enriching nutrients in the soil.

Although specialised vacuums may have greater suction ability for larger debris, most residential users find that having a single machine for both blowing and vacuuming is quite convenient, as it optimises storage space and offers a comprehensive tool for dual uses.

Other things to think about when buying a leaf blower

In addition to these three major considerations, there are some other things to note, such as the size of your garden. A compact portable battery blower might work well for a smaller urban garden, but a large farm will require a powerful backpack petrol machine. Battery blowers are much quieter, so noise levels are important to think about in residential areas. 

Your budget will also be a factor; high-performance backpack petrol blowers require a bigger investment, while entry-level portable electric versions are the most economical. Define your maximum budget and find a machine that is affordable for you.

Cutting Edge supplies a range of leaf blowers from GARDENA and Husqvarna. The GARDENA PowerJet is an 18V battery-powered handheld blower that is lightweight (1.8kg) and powerful (up to 100 km/h air speed, 7.9 m³/min air volume). It is ideal for garden use and smaller areas up to 400 square meters. 

The Husqvarna 525iB is a professional-grade 36V battery handheld blower with a maximum air speed of up to 212 km/h, making it a more professional battery choice. It weighs 2.5kg, making it perfect for light commercial or domestic jobs. 

The largest blower in our range is the Husqvarna 578BTF backpack blower. It has a 76cc X-Torq® engine that accelerates air up to 360km/h, making it ideal for the heaviest-duty tasks and for firefighting. It weighs 10.5kg without fuel, but the comfortable harness and padded backplate help to reduce fatigue while using it for long periods.

We like to help customers find the best machines for their needs. Our experienced staff can help you make the right decision by guiding you through the selection process and making sure you get a leaf blower that suits your budget, in addition to your practical needs. To find out more about our range of leaf blowers, please contact us today.

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Cutting Edge is the leading supplier of Husqvarna, GARDENA and Bardahl products in Zimbabwe. We bring you the best tools in the business with world-class service and after sales care. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and product offerings from our brands.