In the market for a new leaf blower. Any advice?

[rickr]

Time to buy a new leaf blower, again. We have had two gas powered models in the last ten years. They tend to be heavy, hard to start, and don't hold up that long. I was thinking of trying out a cordless electric model this time.(we have too much area to do, with a cord model) Anyone had any luck with the rechargeable electric models? We tend to use this garden tool more for clearing grass clippings from the walks after mowing, more than anything else. We never mulch leaves with the blower. Comments please?

 

[sudsmaster]

How about a broom?

(I hate leaf blowers!)

;-)

 

[mattl]

I'll be interested to see the info posted.  I have a 2 cycle that I'm not in love with, cords are not an option, but i suspect battery powered units may not have decent blowing power.  Not in the market yet, but come fall I may be. 

 

[supersuds]

That was my experience. The rechargeable units didn't get the job done. But I have a LOT of leaves.

 

[tolivac]

I just let the WIND blow the clippings and leaves away after mowing-and I have my mowers set for mulching.What clippings that do get on the concrete-the wind and rain get rid of them.I have two electric blowers-came with the house-use them for blowing what little SNOW I get in the winter.Blows the snow right off the driveway!

 

[westie2]

Ones to look at

I have had Blck and Decker and it does a good job on just grass clippings on side walks and driveway also good on blowing off patio and garage but only last about 15 to 20 minutes on a charge. Also look at the Makita or the Troy Built. One of my sons has the old Black nd Decker tube sdtivk that is about 14 years old and still working but the batteries are hard to find now. These were the two round battery type that you could have a set charging and using a set. Does a good job.

 

[neptunebob]

We bought a new lawn mower (Honda) and I was thinking of Husquvarna as a leaf blower but the dealer recommended one called the Echo becuase it had a longer warranty and it is what all the professional landscapers use.  It runs about $159.  Now my BIL who lifts all the weights pays about $99 for Weed Eater blowers at Kmart that last about a year before you cannot get them to start.  Of course, he is stubborn and will not get another brand.  I also recommend getting the unit from a servicing dealer who will repair the blower and I also think they get a higher line of equipment.

 

For a straight electric blower I recommend the Toro that is a simple model with no bag, just a blower, for about $29.

 

I wonder how the Worx blower/vacuum you see on infomercials is like.

 

Rich, I do have to agree with you about the noise.  I do believe the more expensive models might not be as raucous.  A more powerful blower will not have to be run as long so you get your yard work done faster.  Then, you can come inside and stir up a nice tall glass of orange flavor metamucil!

 

[iheartmaytag]

I have a cheap electric Weedeater blower/vac that I bought from Wally-world for $39.  It does an ok job for what I need.  I also have a Snapper Hi-Vac lawnmower that I use for my clean up and only use the blower around the house and deck area.

 

WeedEater Pro:

Inexpensive

200 MPH 2 speed

Converts to vac with bag

can be used to clean gutters with optional extension.

 

Cons:

Noisy (Wear ear protection about 85 to 100 db at operator level)

You are tied to the electrical cord

Impeller is a soft plastic so if you pick up anything in the vac mode besides a pile of dried leaves the impeller chipps or breaks and it cost more to replace than the entire unit.

 

 

[rickr]

Thank you for the input everyone! I will check out some models this weekend. I am "on the fence" as far as a rechargeable electric model. I think we have too much area to do for that type to work out for us I'm afraid. A "corded" electric model is out of the question, because of the area to do. It will either be cordless electic, or another gas powered unit I guess.

 

[a440]

<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: medium;">Rick,</span>

 

<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: medium;">Check out Roybi gas blower brand if you have then in your area.  Home Depot carries them here in Atlanta.</span>

<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: medium;">I have one that we have not been kind to that has run like a top for about 12 years!  My newer</span>

<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: medium;">one is about 3 years old and it is powerful and reliable.  These are both gas back pack type. Very light weight and very powerful!
</span>

<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: medium;">They are a little bit more expensive but you really get your monies worth!</span>

 

<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: medium;">Brent</span>