Leaf Blowers

Leaf blowers are a great alternative to a rake, as they can preserve your back and time. They can move a large amount of leaves in a very short amount of time. Do you how what to look for in a leaf blower, though?

Leaf blowers are designed in which a high speed fan pushed air out of a long tube. There are two main types of leaf blowers - just a blower and a blower/vacuum combo. A blower only has one function of pushing the leaves. A blower and vacuum combo can push the leaves away or can pull them into a bag that is attached. Some will also come with a shredder. This will take in the leaves and small twigs and shred them. These are not recommended as they can get clogged with wet leaves. They also operate at high speeds and if one breaks, the safety concern of broken twigs can be a hazard.

Another large aspect of determining which type of leaf blower you want is the style. There are different ways you can hold the leaf blower, which may fit a comfort level for you. First, there are handheld blowers. These are the most popular. They are gas or electric versions, portable, and powerful. They can wear out your arms while you hold it, though. The vibration levels may be high, too, in larger models. They are ideal for one handed use. They are limited in mobility. The prices of these ranges from $30 to $100 for an electric and $75 to $250 for gas.

Next, there is the backpack blower. These are all gas powered. They are worn on the user's back and the hose is held in front. They are recommended for large areas. The average weight for these are twenty pounds. These can typically go a long time without the need for refueling. Highly noisy, these should be used with hearing protection. These are higher in price, ranging from $300 to $400.

Finally, there are walk behind blowers. These cover the most acres. They are mounted on wheels and gas powered. They are gas only and do not require oil. Hearing protection should be worn with these. They are the most expensive, ranging from $400 to over $2000 per blower.

The third and final aspect to consider is where the power source comes from. Leaf blowers can come in electric or gasoline powered. Electric blowers will be lightered and vibrate less. They are better used for smaller yards. They come in two types - corded or battery operated. Corded blowers give you constant power. This limits mobility, so a highly wooded yard is not a good idea for this blower. Battery operated electric blowers are better alternatives. They are limited in their work time, but they can work on solids like driveways or soft areas like grass.

There are also gas sources, in which a two cycle engine is used. This requires a mixture of oil and gasoline for functioning. They are louder and heavier than electric blowers.

Some measurements that can be on the blower should be taken into consideration for your needs. The CFM of a blower is the vacuuming power. The average rating is between 350 and 600. The MPH measures blowing speed and standard speeds are from 125 to 210 mph. If you wish to have a quiet blower, observe the decibel measurement. This will rate the noise level and the higher the number, the more noise it will make.

Check the speed settings of the blower. You don't want a blower that is too strong for your taste, or one that doesn't blow fast enough. Check for attachments, too, like extension tubes for hard to reach places.

Check in your local area to see if they are even legal. Some areas in Arizona, New Jersey, and California have banned them for safety reasons. They also are high in pollutants, so check with your local laws to see if you can use one.

Depending on which type you decide on, you should look for different items. No matter what, you want an on and off switch that is easily accessible. You want it to be easy to use and in a position that you can reach. Check the variable speed and throttle to deal with wet leaves.

The nozzle type should be considered based on what you will use it for. When cleaning out gutters, you want a round nozzle. If you are blowing leaves off the ground, square nozzles are recommended. If you don't want to buy one separate, some blowers can come with an extension that is a different shape.

If you are buying a gas powered model, be sure the fuel spout is wide enough for easy refueling. Be sure the cap can easily be secured and is in a position that can make it refueled. Another positive for gas blowers is a clear tank. This way, you can see when the tank is getting empty and you will know exactly when you should refill the blower. Also check if there is a choke or not on the gas models.

The brand should be taken into consideration when you buy a blower. This makes the blower a worthwhile investment. Check the warranty and be sure you can get it repaired for a reasonable price if it does break down.

Some brands are highly recommended depending on the electric or gas blower. Some high quality brands electric brands are Black & Decker, Craftsman, Homelite, Ryobi, and Weed Eater. If you are looking into a gas blower, look for Echo, Husgvarna, John Deere, and Stihl. These brands have been proven to withstand over time and give you a reliable blower.

Take into consider the use, features you want, and price you are willing to pay. From these, you can determine what type of blower is best for you and your yard. Pick the best one that suits your needs and you will be happy with the blower you receive.