Leaf Blowers: A Brief Outline
A hand-held blower is either gas-powered or electric.
It is specifically made to blow away leaves, grass cuttings and other debris from a lawn and into a pile for future removal; other uses may include clearing driveways, or cleaning basements, garages, and gutters.
Some models feature a vacuum function for sucking leaves and twigs into a bag; known as blower vacs, they may have grinding abilities as well, turning the leaves into reusable mulch.
Most handheld units have a fixed plastic nozzle and are easily maneuvered.
They are typically the lightest and cheapest models, but also the least powerful.
Gas-powered models are heavier than electric ones, averaging 7 to 12 pounds.
While their mobility is unlimited, they will require regular maintenance.
Equipped with a 2- or 4-stroke engine, they utilize an oil/gas mixture not unlike chainsaws.
A pull-cord starts the engine, which is loud enough to warrant ear protection, and an occasional tuneup is necessary.
An electric blower usually weighs less than 8 pounds.
Less noisy, with an easy start button and no emissions, its only limitation is the power cord.
In a large area with many obstacles, an electric blower may be impractical; it is best suited for smaller areas where a power source is within 100 feet.
Backpack blowers are worn on the back, gas-powered, and weigh between 15 and 25 pounds.
More expensive than handheld units, they have the advantage of greater engine power and a flexible nozzle for versatility.
By covering large areas more quickly, backpack models are often favored by commercial landscapers.
Another type of blower is pushed on wheels, much like a lawnmower.
With large 4-cycle engines, these gas-powered machines can quickly clear a large area, and the blowing angle can often be adjusted.
Wheeled models are expensive and bulky, however, and normally used in professional landscaping.
While leaf blowers have a reputation for being noisy, this is no longer the case.
Manufacturers have made adjustments to leaf blower noise levels over the past several years so that they are no longer a noise disturbance.
Many people still falsely believe, however, that they still create noise issues until they actually hear them running.
It is specifically made to blow away leaves, grass cuttings and other debris from a lawn and into a pile for future removal; other uses may include clearing driveways, or cleaning basements, garages, and gutters.
Some models feature a vacuum function for sucking leaves and twigs into a bag; known as blower vacs, they may have grinding abilities as well, turning the leaves into reusable mulch.
Most handheld units have a fixed plastic nozzle and are easily maneuvered.
They are typically the lightest and cheapest models, but also the least powerful.
Gas-powered models are heavier than electric ones, averaging 7 to 12 pounds.
While their mobility is unlimited, they will require regular maintenance.
Equipped with a 2- or 4-stroke engine, they utilize an oil/gas mixture not unlike chainsaws.
A pull-cord starts the engine, which is loud enough to warrant ear protection, and an occasional tuneup is necessary.
An electric blower usually weighs less than 8 pounds.
Less noisy, with an easy start button and no emissions, its only limitation is the power cord.
In a large area with many obstacles, an electric blower may be impractical; it is best suited for smaller areas where a power source is within 100 feet.
Backpack blowers are worn on the back, gas-powered, and weigh between 15 and 25 pounds.
More expensive than handheld units, they have the advantage of greater engine power and a flexible nozzle for versatility.
By covering large areas more quickly, backpack models are often favored by commercial landscapers.
Another type of blower is pushed on wheels, much like a lawnmower.
With large 4-cycle engines, these gas-powered machines can quickly clear a large area, and the blowing angle can often be adjusted.
Wheeled models are expensive and bulky, however, and normally used in professional landscaping.
While leaf blowers have a reputation for being noisy, this is no longer the case.
Manufacturers have made adjustments to leaf blower noise levels over the past several years so that they are no longer a noise disturbance.
Many people still falsely believe, however, that they still create noise issues until they actually hear them running.
