What Type Of Leaf Blower?
As we move into the autumn season, many of us find ourselves preparing for the inevitable fall of leaves and what type of leaf blower is required. Having the right equipment to manage this can make a significant difference, especially when it comes to maintaining a clean and tidy garden. With so many types of leaf blowers available, from electric to petrol powered, handheld to backpack, it can be overwhelming to know which one suits your needs best. In this post, I’ll take you through the various types of leaf blowers and garden vacuums, discussing the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Take A Look At My Video Below On What Type Of Leaf Blower?
Types of Leaf Blowers and Vacuums
There are many leaf blowers and sweepers on the market today, but not all of them are suited for every garden. Below are some of the most popular options:
1. Electric Leaf Blowers
Electric blowers are typically the most affordable option, making them a popular choice for smaller gardens. However, they do have some disadvantages, particularly the fact that they come with a trailing lead. This can be frustrating if it gets caught up on plants or garden furniture.
Despite this drawback, electric blowers are lightweight and budgetfriendly. You’ll find models like Bosch starting at around £83, with even cheaper models available. While these machines come with collection bags, they’re generally more suitable for smaller spaces and light leaf work, rather than for dealing with large quantities of leaves.
Pros:
Inexpensive
Lightweight
Great for smaller gardens
Cons:
Trailing power cord can get in the way
Limited range
2. Petrol Handheld Leaf Blowers
Petrol handheld blowers are among the most versatile tools for garden maintenance. Brands like Stihl have created reliable models, such as the BG56, which are widely used for their efficiency and power. These blowers are perfect for those who need to cover larger areas and want to avoid the hassle of a cord. Simply fill them up with twostroke petrol, and you’re ready to go.
Many handheld blowers come with optional collection bags, but like electric blowers, they’re often best used for blowing leaves into a pile rather than vacuuming them up.
Pros:
Powerful and portable
No trailing cables
Great for larger gardens
Cons:
Requires petrol, which adds to the running costs
Heavier than electric blowers
3. Backpack Leaf Blowers
For those with even larger gardens or professional landscapers, backpack blowers are an excellent option. While they may not be as nimble as handheld blowers, they offer superior power and are designed to handle heavyduty tasks. Brands like Stihl and Echo are popular choices in this category.
These blowers typically don’t come with collection bags, as they are designed solely for blowing large quantities of leaves into a pile. If you’re dealing with acres of land, a backpack blower can save you a significant amount of time.
Pros:
Excellent for large gardens
Powerful and efficient
Designed for heavyduty use
Cons:
Heavier and more cumbersome than handheld blowers
Can be expensive, especially for highend models
4. Wheeled Blowers
Wheeled blowers are an entirely different category, and they’re ideal for those with a large amount of land or commercial properties. These blowers are designed to move vast quantities of leaves quickly and efficiently. While they come with a higher price tag, they’re worth it if you’re dealing with significant volumes of leaves.
Prices start at around £2,100, but these machines are built to last and can clear large areas in a fraction of the time it would take with a smaller, handheld unit.
Pros:
Highly efficient for large areas
Powerful engines designed for longterm use
Cons:
Expensive
Bulky and not suitable for small gardens
5. Leaf Sweepers
Leaf sweepers are another option worth considering. These machines are typically used to sweep up leaves from driveways, lawns, and other flat surfaces. They come in both push and towbehind models, and they’re great for collecting leaves in larger spaces. Sweepers are not as versatile as blowers, as they can’t be used in borders or around plants, but they’re efficient for quickly clearing large areas.
Pros:
Easy to use
Great for driveways and lawns
Large leaf collection capacity
Cons:
Limited to flat surfaces
Not as versatile as blowers
6. BatteryPowered Leaf Blowers
Battery blowers are becoming increasingly popular as battery technology improves. However, they do come with limitations, primarily the fact that battery life may not be as long as you’d like. Highend models can be quite expensive, and cheaper models may not have the power you need for larger gardens.
If you’re considering going down the batterypowered route, I recommend investing in a battery system that can be shared across multiple tools (e.g., a blower, hedge trimmer, and lawnmower) to maximize your investment.
Pros:
Portable and convenient
No trailing cables or petrol needed
Environmentally friendly
Cons:
Limited battery life
Can be expensive for higherend models
7. Wheeled Garden Vacuums
For larger gardens, wheeled garden vacuums are another excellent option. These machines are essentially vacuums for your garden, capable of sucking up leaves, grass clippings, and other debris. Brands like Billy Goat have been producing highquality garden vacuums for years, making them a great longterm investment.
Most models come with a large collection bag and some even offer a suction hose for reaching tight spaces like borders.
Pros:
Large collection capacity
Efficient for bigger properties
Durable and longlasting
Cons:
Expensive upfront investment
Bulky and heavy
The Importance of Buying Quality
When choosing garden equipment, it’s always a good idea to invest in a quality product. While cheaper options may seem appealing, they often don’t last as long and may end up costing you more in the long run. For example, my Stihl blower is over eight years old and still performs like new because it’s built to last. In contrast, cheaper models may need replacing after just a couple of seasons.
I always recommend buying the best machine your budget allows, as it will likely save you time and money in the future.
Conclusion
Choosing the right leaf blower depends on your garden size, your personal preferences, and your budget. Whether you’re looking for a simple electric blower or a heavyduty backpack blower, there’s something out there for everyone. Be sure to check out the links on my website for more detailed reviews and information on the various models available. The above should help you decide on what type of leaf blowers suitable for your requirements.