Guide to Buying a Leaf Blower
What Type of Leaf Blower Do You Need?
The first thing you need to know before buying a leaf blower is what specific type will be best for the project(s) you have in mind. There are two basic types of machines that you can find at your local hardware store. The first is a regular blower that does nothing but push air out through the main tube; the second is a blower/vacuum combination.
If you will need to vacuum debris from your yard, driveway or commercial property, a leaf blower with a vacuum attachment might serve your purposes best. This eliminates the need to keep track of two machines, and leaf blower vacuums are often more powerful than those you would find by themselves.
After you’ve selected the type of leaf blower you need, you will have to select the style. First, you can purchase a handheld blower, which is the most popular style. It is relatively light-weight with a handle on the top, but it isn’t usually as powerful as the other two styles. If you have more complicated projects in mind, you might prefer the backpack-style leaf blower, which is generally gas-powered fits over your shoulder for ease of use.
The last type of leaf blower you should consider is the walk-behind style, which is usually intended for commercial use. This machine is pushed ahead of the user on wheels, and is also powered by gas. It is probably overkill for a simple residential lawn, but can make commercial projects far easier.
What Power Source Is Best?
After you’ve selected the type and style of leaf blower you want to buy, you’ll need to decide what power source works best for your outdoor projects. Leaf blowers can be powered by either electricity or gas, and there are benefits and drawbacks to each.
When buying a leaf blower, it’s important to consider the terrain over which you will be using it. For example, a corded electric leaf blower would be difficult to use in an area where there are no electrical outlets. A gas-powered machine requires constant checking for gasoline levels, however, which can be tedious. It all depends on your personal preferences.
Most people who buy leaf blowers for small residential properties prefer electric battery-powered machines. They can be re-charged overnight in the garage, and the run time is increasing steadily as manufacturers add larger batteries to their products. Battery-powered machines are generally less powerful than other types, but they are fine for small jobs that don’t take long to complete.
What Else Should You Consider?
Now that you’ve narrowed down your options, you can get into the picky aspects of buying a leaf blower. For example, blowers are measured in terms of power (mph), and usually range from around 100 mph to more than 200 mph. A small residential lot shouldn’t require anything stronger than 150 mph, so don’t get one with more force than you need.
It is also a good idea to consider buying a leaf blower with multiple speed settings, which allows you to manipulate the rate at which the machine blows its air. If you’re just pushing leaves from a concrete surface, such as a sidewalk, you don’t need your machine to blow at 175 mph. This will also have an impact on the noise generated by the leaf blower, which can be an issue in neighborhood where noise ordinances are in effect.
Now that you know a little bit about buying a leaf blower, you should be ready to venture out on your own. You can check your local hardware store, such as Lowe’s or Home Depot, or you can look for available machines online. In some cases, Internet Web sites have the best prices on gardening equipment, and some won’t charge you for shipping if your order costs more than $50.00.
