If you’re facing a backyard filled with fallen leaves, do you reach for a rake or a leaf blower? Though they’re noisy, leaf blowers can perform the task in far less time and with far fewer sore spots on your hands! They can also sweep your driveway and clear light snow, while some models can easily mulch or vacuum leaves, and even clean gutters.
There are a few points to consider when shopping for a leaf blower. Should you buy a gasoline or electric power blower? Is a simple blower adequate or would a combination blower/vacuum clean up the garden more effectively? Does your backyard size as well as your physical condition warrant a handheld leaf blower, a backpack blower, or a walk-behind blower? Do city and county noise ordinances limit your leaf blower choices? And, finally, how much are you willing to spend on a leaf blower?
Gas powered leaf blowers
Gas powered leaf blowers tend to be more heavy duty and offer an air speed of 215 miles per hour or more. Nearly all gas-powered engines have a 25cc motor with two cycles or similar components. One critical consideration to the use of a gas-powered blower is that gasoline has to be mixed with synthetic air-cooled engine oil, preferably 2-cycle. You cannot make use of boat or automotive oil with a blower. The oil and gasoline mixes together at a ratio of 1:40, which you can accomplish by combining 95ml oil into 4 liters of gasoline. Shake the contents together carefully and follow the specific directions on the leaf blower operation manual to fill the blower with the mix.
An example of a gas powered blower is the Weed Eater FB25 25cc 2 Stroke Gas Powered 170 MPH Blower
Electric Leaf Blowers
An electric powered leaf blower often has a 25cc engine with 4-cycle full crank capabilities. While the electric blower has less power compared to a gasoline blower, typically around 150 mph, there is no mixing of fuel and oil and the unit will not dispense gas fumes during use. Using an electric blower requires the use of an outdoor-approved extension cord connected to a 120-volt electrical outlet. Quite a few users dislike being connected to an extension cord during use but other users realise that using an extension cord is a lot simpler than mixing fuel and oil.
An example of an electric blower is the Toro 51585 Power Sweep 7 amp 2-Speed Electric Blower
Cost
Although the cost of a leaf blower differs based on manufacturer, model and make, there are also a variety of available prices. The majority of leaf blowers cost between $35.00 and $140.00. The price varies according to engine type and speed, the method of power and other accessories. Prior to buying a leaf blower, read reviews and comparisons of various blowers to determine which ones are most favored and why. After all, if you are investing your money for a new leaf blower, well, you want one that will blow you away.
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