Garden Leaf Blowers

When purchasing a leaf blower, you have two types to choose from: those that run on electricity or those that run on gas. For many, electric leaf blowers have many added benefits to both person and environment. When it comes to their performance, gas and electric leaf blowers are equally effective. Those who usually opt for electric leaf blowers are homeowners and individuals using it domestically while gas leaf blowers are preferred by those utilizing the leaf blower for commercial purposes.

Many would argue that gas models are more efficient and powerful, but electric leaf blowers are lighter and easier to handle making it more user friendly. Other advantages of an electric blower would be:

• They are lightweight. The motors aren’t as heavy as those in gas leaf blowers, thus making for a more weightless feel. Most electric leaf blowers weigh between 5 to 10 pounds, while those of the gas variety can weigh as much as 25 pounds. This allows for easier handling and for longer periods of time.
• Unlike its noisy opponent, the electric blower is much quieter. This is because an electric motor is not as loud as a gas motor. Sometimes you’re even able to do without ear protection when using an electric blower, though the absence of ear protection while using a gas blower is not recommended. In addition, it is more welcomed by the general public because of its less pronounced presence when in use.
• Electric leaf blowers are better for the environment as they do not emit hazardous carbon monoxide. Inhaling carbon monoxide can be very uncomfortable as well as dangerous for an individual. This is why many people who use gas blowers often wear masks to protect themselves from the emissions. With the absence of carbon monoxide, electric leaf blowers allow you to get the job done without leaving a carbon footprint.
• They are also cheaper in comparison. You can find a good, quality electric leaf blower for under $100 and the more expensive brands for a little bit higher than that. The price of gas-powered blowers range well into the hundreds.
• There is no maintenance or up keep. You don’t have to constantly refill the gas tank or clean the parts on an electric blower, like you would on a gas blower. Mechanism usually runs smoother and is easily switchable from blow to vacuum.

There is one drawback to having an electric blower. It’s that you have to remain tied to an extension cord (usually no longer than 100 feet from the nearest socket) while using the blower. This ultimately restricts the range and distance you can go within the yard. Manufacturers are trying to come out with a solution to this by creating cordless electric leaf blowers. Although, some may argue that they lack the power to adequately do a job.

It all comes down to priorities really. If time and power are more important to you than you would most likely be a good candidate for a gas leaf blower. Otherwise, you can still be as effective with an electric blower while at the same time considering others and the environment around you.

Recommended Reading

• Garden Leaf Blowers
• WORX Air WG540.5 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 120 mph Blower/Sweeper
• Poulan Pro BVM200VS 25cc 2-Stroke Gas Powered Variable Speed 200 MPH Blower/Vacuum
• Best Leaf Blowers

There are many types of leaf blowers available out there. They’re usually broken up into two categories; those that run on gas, also known as petrol leaf blowers, and those that run on electricity, electric leaf blowers. Both have many beneficial elements to them, but for those who are mainly looking for a powerful blower that will get the job done fast, petrol leaf blowers are the better recommendation.

Petrol leaf blowers are usually the preferred blower of choice for lawn maintenance companies, professional landscapers and people with large yards. It gets big jobs done quicker, which is why most people get leaf blowers in the first place. It’s all about time management; getting the same amount of work done in less time.

What are some pros and cons of petrol leaf blowers?

One major advantage to having a blower that runs on gas is that it allows for more maneuverability. Unlike an electric blower, it doesn’t have to be plugged into a socket or extension cord. Therefore you’re allowed much more movement and have a much bigger range without being limited by a socket.

In addition to mobility, they are also the more powerful of the two. Petrol leaf blowers can blow leaves further, pick up leaves faster, and can also be used to pick up heavier elements like snow. They could also clean gutters more sufficiently since the air they emit is strong enough to lift and move wet, compacted leaves; thus adding to its versatility.

Petrol leaf blowers do tend to be heavier in weight due to the gas tank that you have to carry (which lightens with use) but mostly because of the gas motor. Their range is usually between 8 to 12 pounds for the smaller models and can go all the way to 25 pounds for the professional-grade models.

In addition to weight, you also have the unavoidable loud noise that petrol leaf blowers tend to make while running. Ear protection is definitely necessary. They also continuously emit harmful carbon monoxide which can be very hazardous to your health if inhaled. This is why a lot of individuals that use gas-powered models wear masks.

Lastly, petrol leaf blowers require more maintenance than electric ones. You regularly need to buy and refill the gas tank every time you plan on using it. Cleaning the motor, changing out the oil, and renewing the spark plug are also minor seasonal maintenances you would need to keep up.

Gas-powered models are more expensive than electric models with prices ranging from $70 all the way up to $400 for the most expensive models, but for good reason. They require more equipment to operate (i.e. gas, oil, spark plug) and they also provide more range, mobility, speed and power. So if those are the most important features for you when choosing a leaf blower, then petrol leaf blowers would be the clear choice.

Recommended Reading

• Garden Leaf Blowers
• The Might Of The Backpack Leaf Blowers
• Peace and Quiet With An Electric Leaf Blower
• Best Leaf Blowers

As winter approaches and leaves fall to the ground, we’re approached with the daunting task of cleaning up after our leafless trees. After all, who wants a lawn covered in snow and leaves? It’s not very attractive and would be pretty difficult to get the Christmas lawn ornaments to stay up. In addition, these fallen leaves can potentially damage lawns and can also be dangerous when wet and slippery.

Fortunately, there’s a simpler way to pile and gather leaves. The two step process of raking or blowing leaves into a pile, and then gathering them up has become one.  Garden leaf blowers that include the vacuum feature have made it possible to do so. You no longer have to shovel heaping piles of leaves and debris into sacks or bins, which many know can take forever and a day.

Garden leaf vacuums have many functional features that make cleaning up leaves and debris beneficial in more ways than one. First of all, the blowers already have an attached bag to it where the leaves would go once sucked up into the tube. In addition, some models have an automatic shredder within the unit that enables you to shred the leaves into tiny little pieces, which you can later use as mulch or compost mixture. It also compresses the size of the leaves letting you gather more leaves in the bag in a single round.

Most Garden leaf vacuums can easily be switched from blow mode to vacuum mode in just a touch of a button. You can either blow all the leaves into one area before you vacuum them up, or simply suck leaves up as you go.

Another added bonus to the leaf blower/vacuum is a detachable nozzle with wheels attached to it. This can be fitted to the end of the vac. It makes maneuvering and transporting easier for the carrier when it comes to moving large loads of collected leaves and debris. This is a great feature, especially for those who have back problems or aren’t able to carry heavy loads for long periods of time.

There are two types of garden leaf vacuums that are available; petrol and electric. While petrol vacs are usually more expensive, they are more powerful and your range of mobility is greater. They are also preferable for bigger jobs and larger yards.  On the other hand, electric vacs are much more affordable, easier to handle and quieter in comparison. The only thing is, you would have to be connected to an extension cord while using the leaf blower vac, which can limit your overall maneuverability.

Regardless of which type or model you choose, you’ll still tremendously benefit from the Garden leaf vacuum. It’s definitely a device every homeowner, gardener, or lawn care professional should have in their tool shed. Yard work and clean up will soon be a breeze, giving you more free time to do the things that really matter; like finishing up the rest of your “honey-do” list.

Recommended Reading

• Garden Leaf Blowers
• WORX Air WG540.5 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 120 mph Blower/Sweeper
• Weed Eater EBV215 12 amp 215 mph Electric Blower/Vac
• Best Leaf Blowers