Leaf Blower Buying Guide

From homeowners doing weekend yard work to professional landscapers and yard service companies, the right leaf blower can lighten your load and make your clean-up job a breeze. But that doesn’t mean knowing how to choose a leaf blower is easy. 

Our leaf blower buying guide will take you through all the factors to consider before you invest in your new tool. Learn about the types of blowers, how to choose the one best suited for your needs, and important safety tips. There’s a lot to think about when choosing a leaf blower – from the type of power source you want, to the noise level you can tolerate, to finding a comfortable ergonomic design. 

Echo’s leaf blower guide ensures you have all the information you need to make a smart investment. 

Types of Blowers

Like most power tools, there are multiple types of blowers to choose from. Each has different features and benefits, and knowing your options will help you decide which is best for your needs. Backpack blowers, handheld blowers, and hip-mounted or tube-mounted throttle blowers are all popular options today. 

Backpack Blower

Backpack leaf blowers are great for heavy-duty, large-property use, as they typically have a larger engine size that can provide a greater volume of air at a higher velocity. Homeowners and professionals love this blower style for its power, with the bonus of evenly distributed weight in a backpack-mounted harness. You can get a backpack blower in a tube- or hip-mounted throttle style.

Backpack blowers offer comfort even during extended periods of use, so they’re an excellent choice for clearing big areas quickly and effectively. If you need to regularly blow large amounts of leaves, grass clippings, or debris, a backpack blower might be the ideal style for your needs.

Perks of backpack-style blowers:

• Good for heavy-duty use
• Power and efficiency
• Weight distribution
• Comfort
• Ergonomic design

Hip-Mounted vs. Tube-Mounted Throttle

If you opt for a backpack blower, you’ll need to decide if you want a hip-mounted or tube-mounted throttle. These two throttle control mechanisms offer similar functionality, control, and comfort, so it really just comes down to personal preference. 

Hip-mounted throttle: The throttle is located on the operator’s left side, near the hip, so you can easily adjust speed and airflow with your left hand. This offers enhanced control and comfort, especially during prolonged use.

Tube-mounted throttle: The throttle is located on the blower’s tube so you can quickly and easily adjust settings with your hand during use. 

Handheld Blower

Compact and lightweight, handheld blowers are convenient for smaller yards and jobs. They’re also great if you need maneuverability. Handheld blowers are easy to store, so if you’re tight on space for your yard tools, this style might be a good option.  

Despite some people’s misbelief, handheld blowers deliver impressive power, proving to be effective for everyday tasks such as clearing sidewalks, driveways, paths, and flowerbeds with efficiency. 

Perks of handheld blowers: 

• Good for light jobs
• Lightweight
• Compact
• Easy to store 

How to Choose a Leaf Blower

Several factors help determine the best leaf blower for your job. Considering them all helps you feel confident that whichever one you choose will meet your needs and make your yard maintenance as easy and efficient as possible. 

Think about the following before you buy a leaf blower:

• Power source – Do you want gas-powered or battery-powered?
• Type – Do you want a backpack or handheld blower? 
• Throttle control – Do you find a hip-mounted or tube-mounted blower more comfortable?
• Budget – Blowers can widely range in price. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend in advance will help you narrow your choices immediately.
• Brand reputation – Reputation is crucial when investing in high-end yard tools. Consider reliability, warranty, and availability of replacement parts and accessories.
• Ergonomics – Design is integral to a blower’s ease of use. Weight, handle grip, and other features determine how long you can comfortably use a tool. 
• Blowing power – Airspeed and airflow volume are measured in miles per hour (MPH) (how fast air moves) and cubic feet per minute (CFM) (how much air comes through the nozzle).
• Noise level – If you live in a noise-sensitive area or want a quieter tool, consider how loud the blower is. 

Gas-Powered Blower

Gas-powered leaf blowers are the ideal choice for heavy-duty jobs or large areas. They’re known for unparalleled power and performance as you transform your outdoor spaces. Gas blowers offer higher airflow speed and output more cubic feet per minute (CFM) than battery-powered models while providing more mobility.  

Remember, if you choose a gas-powered blower, some light leaf blower maintenance will be necessary. You should be prepared to mix fuel, clean filters occasionally, and do routine engine tune-ups. 

Compared to battery-powered models, gas blowers may cost less to purchase, but the long-term investment can add up over time due to fuel and maintenance costs.  

Battery-Powered Blower

Battery-powered leaf blowers offer convenience and eco-friendliness and have reduced maintenance needs. You might want to consider this option if you’re looking for a quieter, lightweight, easy-to-use blower without sacrificing power.  

Battery-powered blowers reduce noise and produce zero emissions, resulting in minimal environmental impact. They’re a versatile, practical choice for quick cleanup jobs and have a hassle-free operation. 

Battery-powered blowers have improved with modern technology, offering longer battery life than before. However, they still have limited runtime compared to gas-powered alternatives. So, consider how long you’ll need to use your blower when making your decision.

Leaf Blower Safety

Knowing basic safety features and tips before using outdoor power equipment is paramount to preventing accidents and injuries. Following safety guidelines ensures an efficient, safe blowing experience. 

 Top leaf blower safety tips:

 Wear appropriate eye and ear protection. 

• Wear close-toed, sturdy shoes to protect against debris.
• Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry.
• Watch for obstacles like rocks and branches, and be aware of uneven terrain.
• Don’t point a leaf blower toward other people or animals, and don’t blow toward windows.
• Use caution on slippery surfaces or slopes.
• Allow a leaf blower to cool down completely after use before refueling or performing maintenance. 
• Store your leaf blower in a well-ventilated, dry area, clear from flammable materials. 

Find the Right Leaf Blower

Finding the right leaf blower may seem overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Using the tips in this leaf blower guide will give you all the information you need. Considering the size of the property or job, knowing the type of debris you’ll be blowing and clearing, and determining what power source you prefer are all good places to start. 

Think about your specific preferences and use the information you learned here to ensure you find the fastest, most efficient, most effective leaf blower for your yard maintenance needs. 

 Check out ECHO leaf blowers today!