By eliminating waste fast, a backpack leaf blower may simplify yard cleanup. But it can be difficult to make the perfect choice with so many possibilities accessible. We evaluated and collected the top backpack leaf blowers that stand out in many categories in order to be of assistance. Consider essential criteria such as yard size, emissions, air velocity, and noise level before reading our evaluations to choose the ideal one for your needs.
Top Picks
- BEST OVERALL: Husqvarna 360BT Backpack Blower
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Poulan Pro PR48BT, 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Leaf Blower
- BEST QUIET OPERATION: Makita EB5300TH 4-Stroke Engine Backpack Blower
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT BATTERY: Greenworks Pro 80V Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT GAS: Husqvarna 150BT Backpack Leaf Blower
Buying Guides
Yard Size
Gas-powered blowers with maximum runtime and airflow are ideal for larger properties with lots of grass, trees, and detailed cleaning. On the other hand, lightweight battery-powered blowers are suitable for smaller properties or simple tasks like blowing leaves off sidewalks or driveways.
Power Source and Run Time
The voltage (V) determines the battery power in battery-powered blowers, but their runtime is limited to about 1½ hours for light-duty work, which may decrease to 10 to 15 minutes for heavy-duty work. In contrast, the runtime of gas-powered blowers is limited only by the size of their fuel tanks, and most tanks hold enough fuel to operate at high power for 1½ to 3 hours. The engine size of gas blowers is measured in cubic centimeters (cc).
2-Cycle vs. 4-Cycle Engine
Gasoline-powered leaf blowers come with either a 2-cycle or 4-cycle engine. 2-cycle engines produce more power with a single crankshaft revolution, but require a fuel mixture of gas and oil. 4-cycle engines use only gasoline and have a separate oil reservoir for lubrication, and they produce lower emissions.
Air Volume and speed
The air volume, measured in cfm, and airspeed, measured in mph, of a leaf blower define its performance. The cfm is a more accurate measure of leaf-moving capacity. The equipment is operated by the operator via a trigger or lever, and the maximum cfm and mph values listed on product labels are dependent on that operation. Hard surfaces like roads and patios can be cleaned with a 400 cfm blower, while bigger properties with more lawn and leaf areas need a 500 to 700 cfm blower.
Weight
Battery-operated backpack blowers can be as light as 15 pounds, whereas gasoline-powered models are normally about 10 pounds heavier. The blower’s weight might affect how comfortable the user is, especially on bigger properties where blowing leaves may take a long time.
It’s crucial to remember that a blower’s weight is frequently inversely correlated with its power, so it might not be a good idea to choose the lightest type available. For the optimum performance, think about locating a blower that strikes a compromise between light weight and high power.
