Backpack Leaf Blower

Is A Backpack Leaf Blower Right For You?

There are several sizes and styles of leaf blowers available, and which one is best for you will depend on how large an area you have to cover and how much you want to spend. A backpack leaf blower is one of the easiest to use, since a large part of the weight is on your back, but they are also one of the more expensive. Let’s look at a few things to consider when choosing a leaf blower.

As I said, one of the factors that will come into your decision about whether or not to choose a backpack leaf blower is the amount of area that you have to cover. These leaf blowers are generally heavier-duty, with a stronger engine, so they are better suited to large areas. They’ll still work fine if you’re only clearing leaves from a smaller space, but they may be overkill in those cases.

Most of the major brands, such as Stihl, Ryobi, Sears Craftsman and Toro make backpack blowers. The prices are generally higher than other styles, so this is another factor to keep in mind. For example, a basic leaf blower will be under $100 - such as the Toro Power Sweep 51585 ($40) or the Black & Decker NS118 ($70) - in comparison to a backpack leaf blower like the Echo PB-265L which runs about $270.

Before choosing a brand or model, it’s a good idea to do a bit of research and read some reviews and ratings to ensure you get a good, reliable unit. There is no single best leaf blower, but if a particular model gets a lot of bad reviews, it’s probably a good sign that you should keep looking.

The availability of parts and service is another thing to consider. If you have a local repair shop, make sure they can service the brand you’re considering. If you can’t get it fixed if something goes wrong, it’s another good reason to look at another brand.

And if you don’t have a local repair shop, see if you can get hold of the manual for the model you’re considering buying. They often have a list of service centers, by state, in the back so you can see where the closest one is to you. Many of the manufacturers make the manuals available on their websites, so you might be able to find the information there.