Is the prospect of cleaning up the yard bringing you down? Fallen leaves, twigs, and other yard debris can be a chore to clean up.
Homeowners have a few options when it comes to cleaning up the yard, but the leaf blower remains one of the most popular. Backpack leaf blowers are comfortable to use and effective. However, backpack leaf blowers are a little more expensive, so you’ll want to make sure you invest in the right one.
Here are five tips to make choosing the best backpack leaf blower a breeze.
1. Decide Between Gas or Battery
Gas-powered leaf blowers offer a lot of power and last for a long time on a single tank of fuel. This type of backpack leaf blower is best for clearing lots of yard debris or large properties, such as 1/2 acre or more.
The downside to gas-powered blowers is the cost of fuel and oil, plus the exhaust fumes.
Battery-powered leaf blowers offer a cleaner alternative to gas. This type is also lightweight and easy to carry. Battery power will vary depending on the model and power setting.
Battery-powered blowers can run out of charge, so they’re best for smaller properties. Battery-powered leaf blowers can last 1.5 hours when used for light jobs or as little as 15 minutes on maximum power.
2. Lightweight Models
If you’ve never used a leaf blower before, weight might play a big factor in your buying decision. Backpack leaf blowers are designed to be more comfortable and easy to carry, but some models are heftier than others. If weight is an issue, consider a lightweight model.
The tradeoff with lightweight backpack blowers is that they likely won’t last as long. Either they’ll be battery-powered or have a smaller fuel tank.
3. A 2-Cycle or 4-Cycle Engine
Gas-powered leaf blowers use either a 2-cycle or 4-cycle engine. 2-cycle engines need one crankshaft revolution, and 4-cycle models require two revolutions. Any 2-cycle blowers need a mix of oil and gas, while 4-cycle types have a separate tank.
2-cycle engines pack a lot of power, making them ideal for tough jobs you want to finish quickly. This type is also lighter.
The benefits of a 4-cycle blower are that this type runs cooler, uses less fuel, is quieter, and produces fewer emissions.
Take a look at this backpack leaf blower selection to find some powerful and effective options.
4. Throttle Control Location
The throttle controls allow you to regulate fuel consumption and power. The throttle can either be attached to the air flow tube or attached to an arm on the frame. The most common option is for the throttle to be attached to the air tube, as this allows for the best control.
5. Look at Extra Features
Aside from the location, you might also want to consider additional features such as throttle cruise control, which can help reduce operator fatigue or padded shoulder straps for more comfort. Adjustable straps also allow for a better fit.
While it’s not an extra feature, you might want to consider quieter models if noise will be an issue for you. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to invest in ear protection.
Choosing the Best Backpack Leaf Blower
We hope these five tips helped you decide on the best backpack leaf blower for your needs. Consider these factors when you start shopping to find the ideal leaf blower for your yard.
Now that you know how to choose a leaf blower, check out some of our other articles for more homeowner advice to help you keep your yard in top shape.
