Buying a Gas Leaf Blower
Gas leaf blowers are a good fit for DIY homeowners with large yards who value long-lasting power over lighter weight and noise reduction. Though electric leaf blowers have become more popular, gas blowers offer a proven track record and remain the tool of choice for landscaping professionals.
Note, California has banned the sale of gas-powered lawn equipment as soon as 2024, and several states and localities are expected to follow suit. California also offer a rebate program to help with the purchase of zero-emission equipment. Be sure to check your local laws and regulations regarding this type of equipment before purchasing.
Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a gas-powered leaf blower:
- Style: There are three basic styles of gas-powered leaf blowers: handheld, backpack and walk-behind. Handheld models are the most common choice for urban and small suburban lawns, while backpack models are better for lots of an acre or more. Walk-behinds are something of a specialist machine, best for large, flat yards with lots of leaves. Many walk-behind blowers are commercial models; we only have one walk-behind model on our list.
- Weight: Backpacks are a good choice for consumers with grip-strength issues. Although backpack blowers generally weigh around 23 pounds versus a typical handheld’s 10 pounds, that weight is better distributed across the body via the backpack’s shoulder harness. Walk-behind models require the least effort. Note that blower weights shown are with an empty fuel tank.
- Engine: Gas-powered leaf blowers come with two-stroke or four-stroke engines. Two-stroke motors require a gasoline/oil mixture, while four-stroke motors run only on gas. Two-stroke motors are lighter and DIY-friendly for repairs, while four-stroke motors run quieter and more efficiently with fewer emissions.
- Mulch capability: Any fan or blower must also have an intake. Some leaf blowers can work in reverse, sucking leaves through the hose and into the fan/shredder. Mulchers are described by a “reduction ratio” that shows how finely the leaves are shredded. A ratio of 10:1 means that 10 gallons of leaves are shredded into one gallon of mulch.
- CFM vs. mph: Leaf blowers are rated by the volume of air they move and the speed that air travels. Air volume is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and air speed in miles per hour (mph). The higher numbers in these categories, the better, but which matters more depends on the type of debris. A higher CFM will move large amounts of light, dry debris like grass clippings, while wet leaves or heavier trash require more force and thus a higher mph..
- Vibration reduction: Vibrations from the blower motor and fan may fatigue many users, especially those with arthritis. If you’re concerned with vibration, look for an engine with spring mounts and vibration-dampening in the handle or backpack.
- Right or left intake: The air intake can be on either side. Most users find it more comfortable for the intake to be outside of their body. (This isn’t a concern for backpack models; their intake is on the back.)
- Noise: All leaf blowers are noisy. Gas-powered models are noisier, with two-cycle engines the loudest. Operating noise is rated in decibels (dB). Some manufacturers use weighted decibels dBA, adjusted for the range of human hearing; for our purposes we’ll use dB and dBA interchangeably. It’s always a good idea to wear hearing protection when operating a leaf blower, no matter how “quiet” it claims to be.
- Maintenance: Gas-powered tools require regular maintenance. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing the air filter and spark plug. For a two-cycle engine, be sure to use the proper gas/oil blend of fuel mixture.
