TYPES OF LEAFBLOWERS

The gas powered blower

Gas powered blower motors usually vary from 18 cm3 to 48.6 cm3. The backpack models are heavier and more powerful, making them more suitable for big jobs. The portable gas models provide the same autonomy but are less powerful. Finally, the models on wheels, more powerful than the previous two, are primarily designed with commercial uses in mind.

As to performance, air velocity is proportional to motor size; an 18 cm3 (7.08 inches3) motor blows at about 185 km per hour (115 mph), a 24 cm3 (9.45 inches3) motor at 265 km per hour (165 mph) and a 48.6 cm3 (18.9 inches3) motor at 300+ km per hour (200 + mph).

The electric blower

An electrically powered model is better suited to smaller areas where an AC outlet is close at hand and you won’t need to drag long lengths of electric cord around your property to operate the machine.

Electric blowers are lighter; an 8.6-ampere model weighs about 3 kilos (6.6 pounds), while delivering an air velocity of about 200 km per hour (125 mph). However, most electric blowers are manufactured in 12-ampere versions and their weight varies from 3 to 4 kilos (7 to 9 pounds).

The real advantage of the electric version is in its ease of use. There’s no need to buy gas and oil. No mixing. No cranking the motor, no choke/throttle settings. Simply press the switch and point.

The cordless electric blower

For fairly small jobs, cordless (battery powered) models can fit the bill. They can be purchased in simple blower or blower/mulcher models. Maintenance is also minimal.

But it’s important to remember that batteries can significantly add to the blower’s weight, they have to be recharged and eventually replaced. If you are considering this type, be aware that it’ll only operate for the time it takes to empty the battery between charges. This can be as little as 30 minutes.

CHARACTERISTICS

Speed

The divide between speed controls is based on the power source; thus, electric models come with one or two set speeds, while gas models’ speed is throttle controlled, making it variable.

Weight

Weight is proportional to motor size; an 18 cm3 model weighs about 3.2 kilos (7 pounds), a 24 cm3 about 5.2 kilos (11.5 pounds) and a 48.6 cm3 about 8.7 kilos (20 pounds). Remember to take weight into consideration.

Mulching feature

The mulching feature is very useful when you must bag the leaves, as it can reduce the volume by a factor of approximately ten-to-one, although this factor varies from seven to sixteen-to-one according to the model. Those who do composting will particularly appreciate this feature.

Each category of blower possesses a range of characteristics ranging from power sources and performance, ease of use and accessories, weight and price. Buying the wrong machine can be frustrating… so don’t get blown away!