Leaf Blower Buying Guide | Consumer Reports

From gasoline, electric and battery-powered handhelds to larger backpack and wheeled models, Consumer Reports Leaf Blower Buying Guide will help you choose the best for your yard. For additional reviews, tips, and recommendations check us out at www.ConsumerReports.org and Subscribe to our KZbin Channel: bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez
Follow Us on Social:
Facebook: on. 1IQ2w5q
Twitter: bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2
Pinterest: bit.ly/1P37mM9
Instagram: bit.ly/1I49Bzo
Vine: bit.ly/1Nlbkz7
Periscope: bit.ly/1OrsKrs
Google+: bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

[@brianbassett4379]

Greenworks 80V 730 CFM Cordless Battery Leaf Blower w/2.5Ah Battery & Rapid Charger $219.00. I bought the set and an additional 6Ah battery over a year ago. I use it daily for many different purposes, including cleaning the driveway and sidewalks, the roof, drying the car after a wash, emptying birdbaths, watering pools, and the list goes on. It's the most helpful tool I have bought.

[@liahfox5840]

As someone who isn't very strong I went with an electric Toro ultra. I'm loving it so far. No gasoline engine to maintain, no heavy batteries to carry around. I only need it for the front of my yard because the back of my yard I just use the triple leaf bagger attached to my ride mower. Getting rid of leaves is easy-mode now.

[@itsmillertimeagain]

I love my 32cc Craftsman Pro 4-cycle backpack blower. Reliable, 8 years old, no problems, no mixing any oil and no carburetor problems! Enough power for professional landscapers and little to no downtime! I believe Toro and Troy Built use YTD, or MTD as the common manufacturer (Yardman?). In any case, they are the best among the rest.

[@robertetzenhouser]

I have a corded Black and Decker leaf blower and it works really well for me

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

In my 25 year experience, the best hand held blower is the Makita BHX2501 4stroke. Had mine for 8 years and it starts first time and has plenty of power, cheap too!

[@1vw4me]

Invested in Husqvarna 40volt Blower and Weed Trimmer. Most solid yard equipment I've ever had. Totally built like an old Swedish Volvo (tanks). There's no comparison. I'll never go back to the off-the-shelf junk they have at the big box stores (that breaks after 2 seasons) ever again!

[@mariobajac]

I have owned Electric and Gas and the one thing I've learned if you buy cheap they will break very quickly I use my leaf blowers quite a bit I use them for work as well even down to drying my truck at the carwash I just bought myself the echo PB - 250 and it's the best one I've tried so I bought it and it's amazing I was going to get the steal but it vibrates too much and I really like the echo when the fan is winding up almost sounds like a turbo

[@AF4AT3]

Convinced me to just keep using my rake.

[@brucec43]

I owned a lawn maintenance company for over 20 years. Please do not listen to these effette lightweights about power tools. If you have any serious leaf blowing to get done, be smart and buy a compact gas backpack blower from a big brand like Echo, Husqvarna, Stihl, etc. They make commercial units and the technology on their low end models is close to commercial grade. They will last a lifetime with minimal care. These are mostly all throw-away units they're reviewing. The power difference in a hand-held and a backpack is significant, and you will not wear your arm out swinging a blower around. $300 will buy a 510 cfm 215 mph commercial grade backpack blower that is fairly light. It will serve through about 1,000 uses before it needs anything beyond fuel.

[@gphantom25]

@hino823... a blower wont pick up a rock....you mean the Vac

[@remysteel1]

amen brother! u r sooooo right. I'm a 30 great landscaper and I agree fully.

[@remysteel1]

don't forget redmax, or shindowa

[@tialthang1825]

remy steel w

[@andybub45]

I agree. I love my BR200 and I plan to buy a BR600

[@edogthebigdog]

My Echo ES 250 is AMAZING! It has a lot of power in it, and unlike most gas blowers (which it is) it vacuums very well!

[@katieherring8638]

We used to have an electric leaf blower. Ours was a Toro. We now have two gasoline powered leaf blowers.

[@truhunk1]

I have the electric Toro and I like it.

[@TheLawnCarenut-2]

Same

[@andybub45]

I love my STIHL BR200! Nice quality. Plan to get a 600 or 500 in due time!

[@drewthornton4684]

Crisp Cuts Landscaping I just bought myself the br 200 and I love it

[@unclepoopoof25]

step 1- ask the seller what the loudest and most obnoxious one is step 2- use it every sunday morning at 7:30am

[@Nicolee7764]

Thanks

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

We love our many Ego yard tools.

[@alexandregoncalves6207]

consumer reports has a lot of integrity my father told me

[@mynmhsnvwls1124]

In the fall, I mite need one of those

[@microsoftwindowslover8346]

I'm not to sure if anyone uses wheeled blowers any more mostly back pack blowers and hand held but

[@erikthoren4152]

the problem for the electric one is when you have your hole garden filled with leaves up to your kneas or say 60 cm what blower should i have then? i mean all of the options look like somting i whould buy on toys and rus. i mean if you use 2 gallons of gas evry 3 days on ryobi rbl42bp thats a problem is it anyting bigger then a lawn tractor and a leafblover the lawn tractor is filled with 200 liters of leafs after 5 meters

[@arielatom03]

Everybody knows that the roadkill guys are the true experts in leaf blowers.

[@ENNERGOAT726]

I have a EHCO PB-770T and a Husqvarna 360BT backpack they both work like a charm and both are comfortable without it being comfortable it would be a problem because I got a big ass yard

[@TheLawnCarenut-2]

Honk Watch your language

[@haydenfrase2079]

If people have problems use a rake Edit:with noise

[@semco72057]

That is some nice tips, and I will consider them when shopping for my next leaf blower. I already have one which I don't have one piece for. I could not use it because it, and never received a replacement from the factory.

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

MY OLD TORO ELECTRIC ROCKS. YES THE LONG EXTENSION CORD IS A PAIN IN THE ASS BUT IT NEVER FAILS TO START. IT NEVER NEEDS REFUELING. IT'S GOT PLENTY OF POWER AND YOU CAN RUN THE HELL OUT OF IT. BEST OF ALL IT LASTS FOREVER.

[@TheLawnCarenut-2]

Honk Watch your language

[@justinfoxbody]

There's only 2 brands that make the best backpack blower stihl and red max but the best hand held blower hitachi/Tanaka and husqvarna

[@knifeaddict1014]

Think ima set this battery power one back and keep the rake

[@isaacogunmuko3947]

3:30 Hey doesn't matter how large someone's yard is, because they just gotta use a much longer extensions for a larger yard.

[@InTheZ0n3]

Still can be impractical tho

[@TheLawnCarenut-2]

My Toro ultra is Amazing!

[@lawnchaser]

actually no. the rounded ones are actually better for sweeping up leaves because the produce more cubic feet er minute. the flat ones are better for loosening up drt and bebris because the go at a higher wind velocity but don't do as well with leaves because the cfms are a lot lower. when purchasing a leaf blower, u don't go with the one with the highest wind velocity. U wanna go with the with the most cfm (cubic feet per minute)And I'm saying this as a professional landscaper that's been doing this type of work for years now

[@kottennyring5183]

lawnchaser Åää

[@mappyo]

True

[@progaming5569]

I have a Husqvarna blower there is two different ones that cost different prices i got the one that is 299

[@JaydenBien]

I'm trying to get a backpack gas blower which one do you think is better a echo 215 mph 510 cfm 580t or a echo 233mph 651cfm

[@andybub45]

Buy a Stihl or at least an Echo or Husqvarna. But I only have experience with Stihl and I can tell you, they will serve you well.

[@danburch9989]

Another thing to consider is the CFM and air speed. Low CFM vs high air speed at the nozzle won't move as much material as a high CFM and lower air speed. Ideally, you what both to be has high as possible. You wouldn't use an air compressor, but for comparison of ratings, a large air compressor can probably put out 200 mph air through a 1/4" hose, but 10 or 20 CFM won't move much material.

[@karenmaldonado1885]

Dan Burch y

[@legostar55]

Dan Burch Which is why I have a Redmax blower that has a huge 908cfm and 206mph

[@Futurebeefcake]

I have the husqavana hand held blower and if you hold it with your right hand it won't suck up your close, depends where the intake is but the hand works great for me but I recently bought a backpack, and the blowers aren't even loud, depends how sensitive your ears are, electric is for people who live in tight proximity or you are just plain lazy or don't have to time to maintain a motor, but if laziness is the case than why do you even have a blower, just hire someone.

[@JayMoney-tw7tg]

Backpack blowers is the best Stihl in my opinion

[@Mmmyess]

I'm surprised CR doesn't test the blowers using golf balls.

[@s.s.4170]

As a woman, I would like a lighter leaf blower, ruling out gas. My 3rd electric Black and Decker just died so that is the last one I will ever buy! Can someone recommend one that is light weight and not guaranteed to break in a year of personal use ?

[@johnwalt3504]

Stihl BGE 61

[@jacobvaughan8453]

S.S. C. get an echo pb 250. they are about 140 and weight about 6 lbs

[@andybub45]

Go with a Worx or Stihl battery unit.

[@mynmhsnvwls1124]

Leaves usually cover my backyard

[@berkeleygang1834]

Another ad for their magazine, instead of useful information.

[@billbright1755]

Leaf Blow 💨🍂🍁🍃🍁🍂🌾🌿

[@billbright1755]

What ever blows your hair back.

[@samuelhumphreys7712]

Damn, I was just cleaning the carb on my Sabre blv 25 leaf blower when one of them daddy long legs with wings Crawled out from underneath it and I shat myself. I had no idea what to do but then realised that I was holding a can of carb cleaner and sprayed the thing to shit. Anyone that has got carb cleaner on them knows how much it burns so I can only say that that daddy loners got sizzled. Lol

[@anthonyjansen]

awe they are living creatures as well as you

[@psquared5574]

You guys have been replaced by Project Farm for stuff like this. He is the one to trust.

[@Mrbfgray]

I have gone all batt. powered, even mower. I can grab my batt blower and get my small front walkway and driveway done in less than a minute, I wouldn't even bother with either ICE issues nor a cord, it simply wouldn't get done frequently and needs it daily half the yr. Also I want to be able to walk around house quickly to blow off a few problem spots in seconds, NO WAY I'm going to drag cords all over! (not semi-daily) *Only ONE Problem in several yr.s of light to moderate use* , 1 of 4 batteries died prematurely, inc. with tool purchase, inexpensive all interchangeable so 3 good ones is more than enough as they charge fast and I'm only using one tool at a time. How long the EGO (brand I committed to) mower, blower, chainsaw, hedge trimmer (likely string trimmer next) and the batts last is the only question now. They are all just a lot better for MY use as of today. It's only a matter of time, all these common yard tools WILL BE battery powered as batts get better cheaper smaller lighter IMO. Just like Tesla did to autos the new batt yard tools need to be very good in every way, prove themselves. The chainsaw has an excellent no wrench chain tensioner that never slips! Mower has the easiest to adjust wheel height mechanism I have ever used, the bag empties easier, etc., etc. I climb trees some with chainsaw, wouldn't go anyway but batt for that...instant on, quiet (relatively), no cord hassles, only a bit heavy and bulky which is a fair trade off.

[@Fourbfdi950]

I want the oranges

[@Howrider65]

I have had gas and battery's...Forget both..Gas engines are a pain in the you know what...I never had one that started in 5 pulls and after 6 months not at all...Then the battery models are garbage...If you need a new battery they cost more then the blower...Get a long cord like me and have no worries.

[@dedede5586]

Howard B I got a new ECHO blower just today and it starts in one pull every time

[@Mrbfgray]

Howard B I have gone all batt. powered, even mower. I can grab my batt blower and get my front walkway and driveway done in less than a minute, I wouldn't even bother with either ICE issues nor a cord, it simply wouldn't get done frequently and needs it daily half the yr. Also I want to be able to walk around house quickly to blow off a few problem spots in seconds, NO WAY I'm going to drag cords all over! (not semi-daily) *Only ONE Problem in several yr.s of light to moderate use* , 1 of 4 batteries died prematurely, inc. with tool purchase, inexpensive all interchangeable so 3 good ones is more than enough as they charge fast and I'm only using one tool at a time. How long the EGO (brand I committed to) mower, blower, chainsaw, hedge trimmer (likely string trimmer next) and the batts last is the only question now. They are all just a lot better for MY use as of today. It's only a matter of time, all these common yard tools WILL BE battery powered as batts get better cheaper smaller lighter IMO. Just like Tesla did to autos the new batt yard tools need to be very good in every way, prove themselves. The chainsaw has an excellent no wrench chain tensioner that never slips! Mower has the easiest to adjust wheel height mechanism I have ever used, the bag empties easier, etc., etc. I climb trees some with chainsaw, wouldn't go anyway but batt for that...instant on, quiet (relatively), no cord hassles, only a bit heavy and bulky which is a fair trade off.

[@rogermurph101]

Really? I have a Homelite that’s 15 years old. Starts in a few pulls every time. I also have a battery powered model that’s about to become a gift to my son in law. The battery models work fine for blowing grass off the driveway or sidewalk, but not enough power to do the yard full of leaves. Before the gas powered Homelite I had a few corded models. Dragging around a cord sucks. Period. And winding up a 100’ extension cord every time I use the damn blower? No. Can’t beat gas.

[@rogermurph101]

Bo McGillacutty what are you huffing? Only a matter of time? And you pull out Tesla as an example? I have a few battery powered garden tools. They work ok, but are underpowered. Luckily I have two batteries, so finishing isn’t a problem. But after a few years, I’ve noticed a drop off in power. So starting last season, I’m transitioning back to gas. Picked up a trimmer last year. This year I’ll get a new blower and edger. And don’t even bother with a battery powered edger. It stops spinning every few feet due to lack of power trying to push through the soil. And if I can bog down a gas powered mower in thick grass, a battery mower has zero chance. Battery equipment is convenient and fast, but lacks power and longevity. They will never be the equal of gas power.

[@hicksandhawtdawgs69]

I would use any gas powered anything over electric period

[@jackjoyce1744]

It’s nice to have both because where I live (United Kingdom) there are restrictions on gas powered equipment during times of the day because of the pollution.

[@erichschmidt6717]

What a lot of hot air

[@meiyahnimcneal4829]

Give me one to day

[@599Dan]

Get a RedMax 8550 backpack . Size Matters there's no way around it

[@jaarryifleshblood315]

Wheeled blowers are not that hard to turn

[@jaarryifleshblood315]

Get a stihl or echo

[@aperson4933]

Or Husqvarna.

[@cigsgsirnx5595]

@@aperson4933 No, stihl or echo

[@Anonymous-qf9hm]

Ego is the best blower

[@wt9653]

6 years later, Anyone still using gas leaf blower?

[@hollyfox336]

We are

[@blahsx.heytheredelilahplai7942]

Young

[@dria666]

Lo

[@dria666]

Qet

[@tennisshoetoad]

By the way, when the narrator dude says “side in-takes can pull at your clothes” that only happens to right-handed people... DUUUUHH

[@AngelGarcia_420]

tennisshoetoad that would depend on intake location buddy. But yes on the one they show it blocks intake.

[@xxnemesis123xx3]

I will just use my hair dryer.It doesnt make a lot of noise and its light

[@Tricus]

That's a lot of leafs.

[@johnroddy8756]

All well and good but we want to know best reviews reliability ,No real info to be got here

[@carlthornton3076]

Very Good, 2nd Watch!... #129 ✝ {7-5-2022}

[@ung427]

OMG these things are so fucking annoying. Every fucking day guys at each apartment complex blowing dirt everywhere, all over the cars, all over the apartment, into the windows. You just see a gigantic cloud of dirt and these guys strolling around the buildings swinging it back and fourth, and you can't hardly see them there is so much dirt and dust flying everywhere. I HATE these fucking things. Then they take them up the fucking stairwells and blow dirt under your fucking door to top it off. I call these things "dirt makers" and I truly hate them. It would be like if someone got hold of a broom, went onto your driveway and just started violently sweeping back and forth trying to kick up as much dust as possible, but it's worse than that and has absolutely no logical benefit what so ever, plus the noise pollution, especially in the stair wells. I mean, at least you could reverse the flow of air and put a fucking bag on it to catch all of the dirt.... it's the stupidest thing I've ever fucking seen in my life.

[@TheLawnCarenut-2]

Honk Watch your language

[@hugomcginnschofield1009]

I am a expert with leaf blowers

[@alexanderraykhert1019]

Sureee....

[@search5819]

DAM DID I GET SUCKERED IN TO THIS CRAP!!!!!

[@TheLawnCarenut-2]

Honk Watch your language

[@grizmt7779]

Once again, you do not include any Harbor Freight Offerings in your cordless tests. This is the forth time I have run into this with consumer reports, and being invested in that battery platform, it is the reason I am thoroughly unsatisfied with my membership and will be letting it run out. It is not only this, but I have bought tools with your recommendations that turned out to be sub quality and certainly a bad purchase. I wonder if these large companies supply some type of kick-back. I know you claim to be independent, but I an in no way sure that is true.

[@Edwards4ID]

Fuck yes. How I love YT's paid advertisements. I was watching a video on WW2 video game tanks. WHAT THE FUCKERY DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH LEAF BLOWING?!

[@tarkang657]

ok john

[@snarlessnarles5570]

I hate leaf blowers they are so terribly Noisy please stop all the Noise Just use a rake

[@dedede5586]

Snarles Snarles yeah use a rake and get back pain and be on the job for the whole day

[@egomaniac8510]

Time to redo this video. Battery performance and runtime have arrived!

[@MichaelSuarez]

Thanks for this review, it was great to see the differences. I also reviewed a leaf blower. very inexpensive too! Check it out on my channel! Take care :)

[@michaelgalarza9954]

Old fashioned way = silent ☺

[@michaelkuzmadutton7879]

Michael Galarza old fashioned way= take forever.

[@andybub45]

But SLOOOOOOOOOOW

[@morrisl7]

not silent a metal rake on concrete is like 60 db. which is a typical convo volume

[@dianepaterson1452]

&

[@MitchMb14]

They all make a horrible noise and stir up too much dust.

[@southerncross4956]

Nothing but a light over view, well maybe the wife would learn something. On the other hand don’t let her her see this because then there would be a big argument and YOU 😮 won’t get what you want because she thinks something cheaper and under powered is good enough. (It never is)

[@HoldLeadersAccountable]

annoying little things

[@DLR-ft8vl]

Fuck the neighbours! Everybody makes noise in the suburbs!😒

[@vincenzotascone2227]

Tutte cose interessanti ma peccato che non parlano in italiano.

[@haydenfrase2079]

Gas is the best way

[@lnstall_Wizard]

one section to the other, thats a real world test. this shit is pointless get a rake and remove the leaves.

[@boomullarky]

Get a rake and a broom

[@andybub45]

Have fun!

[@michaelkuzmadutton7879]

Scott - Boo - Mullarky And you'll be on the job for 5 hours.

[@CoolThisIsMyUsername]

But your neighborhood won't hate you and you'll have gotten some exercise.

[@narithtith79]

Chase F gives a fuck what neighbor thinks

[@francom6230]

Scott - Boo - Mullarky -- I tend to comm. Bldgs. My blower quit so I've been sweeping for a year now... They complained cuz they never hear me blow the stairs off!! Florida is wacky & sucks... But that's why I'm buying a new loud & obnoxious blower. Geez.

[@howaboutno2614]

what the heck heck is my recommendded

[@KJSvitko]

Battery electric tools are safe and clean. Less noise, no emissions, less fuel costs, less maintenance costs. Battery tools like lawn mowers, battery snow blowers, battery weed wackers are the best.

[@alexciocca4451]

Dam things should be banned hate them

[@frankwoodbery2473]

Useless drivel.

[@neilstleon9608]

Leafblowers are a wankers toy designed for lazy people who can't even sweep up leaves the old fashioned way like my nan does. The most useless noisy pieces of crap ever invented!

[@brettyg76]

Neil St Leon not everyone uses it for leafs... some of us use them for blowing debris off driveways before we mow and after we mow.

[@alexciocca4451]

These thins should be banned for life

[@50hellkat2]

nobody wants gas.

[@carlthornton3076]

Very Good!... #128 ✝ {6-16-2022}

[@michaeljacobs3929]

Yum Kopp. L l A