A great leaf blower isn’t just for fall leaves; it’s a year-round tool for tasks like clearing summer sand, light winter snow, and general debris. Here’s how to choose the best one for your needs.

Gas vs. Electric Leaf Blowers

• Gas Blowers:
• Pros: Unlimited run time, suitable for large areas, high power.
• Cons: Loud, requires fuel/oil, higher maintenance.

• Ideal for: Large yards and heavy-duty tasks.

• Electric Blowers (Corded and Cordless):

• Pros: Quieter, environmentally friendly, easier to maintain.
• Cons: Limited range (corded) or battery life (cordless).
• Ideal for: Smaller yards or eco-conscious users.

Types of Leaf Blowers

Corded Electric:
- Weight: ~8 lbs or less.
- Price: $50–$100.
- Pros: Lightweight, push-button start, no emissions, great power.
- Cons: Limited mobility due to cord length.

Cordless Electric (Battery-Powered) Handheld:
- Weight: <10 lbs.
- Price: $110–$660.
- Pros: No cords, comparable power to gas, low maintenance.
- Cons: Limited battery life (8–30 mins).

Gas-Powered Backpack:
- Weight: 17+ lbs (weight on shoulders/back).
- Price: $250–$550.
- Pros: Powerful, long runtime, portable.
- Cons: Noisy, maintenance-heavy, higher cost.

Cordless Electric Backpack:
- Weight: Heavier than handhelds.
- Price: $600–$850.
- Pros: Quiet, eco-friendly, long battery life.
- Cons: Expensive, limited battery power for large jobs.

Gas-Powered Wheeled:
- Weight: 100+ lbs.
- Price: $350–$975.
- Pros: Very powerful, suitable for large yards.
- Cons: Bulky, noisy, hard to maneuver, needs storage space.

Gas-Powered Handheld:
- Weight: ~10 lbs.
- Price: $120–$300.
- Pros: Portable, no charging needed.
- Cons: Noisy, requires fuel/oil mix for 2-stroke engines.

Features to Consider

• Nozzle Design:
• Rounded tips for loosening embedded leaves.

• Flattened tips for sweeping loose debris.

• Noise Levels:

• Some towns ban gas blowers due to noise.
• Look for decibel ratings on labels; quieter models earn "excellent" ratings in CR tests.
• Wear hearing protection when using loud models.

Leaf Blower Brands

• Black+Decker: Lightweight, affordable corded blowers.
• Ego: High-performance battery-powered blowers.
• Ryobi: Wide range of electric and gas models.
• Stihl and Husqvarna: Known for durable, high-powered gas models.
• Toro: Versatile, reliable electric blowers.

How Experts Test Leaf Blowers

• Performance: Time taken to clear leaves and ability to handle embedded debris.
• Noise: Measured both at ear level and at a 50-foot distance.
• Ease of Use: Includes weight, controls, and comfort.

Key Considerations

Yard Size:
- Small yards: Corded or cordless electric blowers.
- Large yards: Gas-powered handheld, backpack, or wheeled blowers.

Environmental Impact:
- Electric models are cleaner and more reliable.

Budget:
- Corded electric: $50–$100.
- Cordless electric: $110–$850.
- Gas models: $120–$975.

Noise Regulations:
- Check local ordinances to avoid fines or complaints.

Choose a leaf blower that matches your needs for power, mobility, and budget, and make yard work easier and more efficient all year long!

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