Best Overall Gas
Husqvarna 360BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blower
Best Overall Battery
Ego LBPX8004-2 Commercial 800 CFM Backpack Blower
Runner-Up
Echo PB-9010T Backpack Leaf Blower
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With a backpack leaf blower , yard cleaning is a snap . Leaf blowers make quick study of removing fallen leaves , grass newspaper clipping , dirt , and other debris from a place . Leaf blowers with adapter pipes can even make clean rain toilet . A foliage blower can serve hotfoot up many projects to save time on yard study . With so many models on the market , deciding on which one to buy can be a challenge . To aid , we tested the best backpack leaf blowers in several unlike categories .
Whether your grounds is large or low , or whether you prioritize lower expelling , high gentle wind velocity , or the least amount of interference , there ’s probably a leaf blower that fits the broadsheet for those demand . Brad Saunders , president ofHeroes Lawn Care , a lawn precaution service company that services areas throughout the U.S. , tell first and first off , shopper will need to think about the amount of king and airflow they ’ll need : “ If you ’re deal out with a lot of leaves or heavier junk , you ’ll require something with a high-pitched cubic foot per moment ( CFM ) to move those large hatful expeditiously and a right mile per hour ( mph ) to really blow things away . ” Then take magnate source , exercising weight , ergonomics , and sound floor into story . And finally , think about the bells and whistle . “ Some blowers come with attachments for vacuuming or mulching , ” he pronounce . “ Variable - speeding setting are also a nice touch , allowing you to adjust the power depend on whether you ’re clearing a lawn or just tidying up a patio . ”
Our favorite in testing was theHusqvarna 360BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blowerfor its salient performance and value . Plus , its engine design reduces exhaust discharge by up to 60 per centum and also increases fuel efficiency by up to 20 percent . The list below represents extensive enquiry into more of the best backpack leaf blowers on the market and our revaluation based on our hands - on tests .
Before You Buy a Backpack Leaf Blower
Before buying a backpack leaf cetacean , it ’s smart to check out regulation that might be in place with the local or country politics or in a homeowner tie-up . Noise is a divisor that is a growing limit to the use of leaf blowers . In many areas , regulation do not reserve the exercise of loud equipment in neighborhoods during sure times of the daylight or week . Be sure that it ’s OK to operate a leafage blower , which typically produce sound between 65 and 100 decibels ( dB ) , at the prison term of day and day of the week when you typically do yard workplace . If not , you will postulate to decide between raking and working at a different time .
The other big concern is the increasingly influence enjoyment of 2 - oscillation engines . Even the unobjectionable gas lawn equipment engines that comply with California Air Resources Board ( CARB ) regulation pollute significantly more than the combined power plant emissions produced when turn on battery . Some states and cities have declared a moratorium on gasoline - powered lawn equipment . If the windowpane on manipulation of fossil fuels in your area is closing soon , it might make the most financial horse sense to go electric now rather than buying gaseous state equipment only to replace it in a year or two .
Finally , be sure to consider the potential health side effect of using a packsack folio blower . In a commercial-grade setting , anyone engage a leaf electric fan is expected to jade earreach and eye protection . In some condition , a debris masque may also be required . individual users are strongly advised to do the same . Also , because hearing is impaired by blower noise , it is smart to wear high - visibility clothing and walk with oncoming traffic in front of you whenever operating a folio cetacean in the street .
Our Top Picks
We essay the industry ’s best rucksack blowers in our own backyard trial run course . Whether you maintain a large or small place , and whether you need more baron or less dissonance , you might retrieve just the proper fit on this list of some of the estimable backpack leafage blowers on the market .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Comfort4.5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Noise3.5/5 ; Value5/5
The Husqvarna 360BT gas - powered back pack leaf cetacean is a good all - around pick for large or modest landscapes at a midrange price . The 65cc 2 - rhythm ten - Torq locomotive engine push up to 890 CFM of aviation at 232 mph for world-wide landscape killing . This simple machine press 23.2 pounds and comes equipped with a 74.4 - ounce ( 0.58 - Imperial gallon ) fuel tank car . Its engine noise level was about ordinary compared to the others we tested , and it was easy to start and comfortable to carry . This blower really excelled in air motility , outperforming all the others we test on a cost - to - performance comparison .
Although this is a gas manikin , Husqvarna ’s X - Torq locomotive design reduces exhaust emissions by up to 60 percent and increases fuel efficiency by up to 20 percent . dampener between the engine and build reduce vibrations . The padded harness and hip bang are influence to match the contours of the wheeler dealer for more comfortable operation . The offset handle makes the blow force easier to control , preventing arm line and fatigue . The variable - speed throttle with sail control can be set for easier handling .
Get the Husqvarna backpack leaf electric fan atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Ego Power+ LBPX8004-2 Commercial Backpack Blower
Our military rating : Ease of Use4.3/5;Comfort5/5 ; Performance4.3/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Value4.5/5
Lots of ethnic music need to cut back their reliance on gas equipment , but cordless leaf blowers are often curt on big businessman and runtime . The Ego Power+ commercial backpack blower has move up to the challenge . Powered by two 56V 6 Ah rechargeable batteries , the 1,900 - watt brushless motor yield magnate tantamount to a 60cc gas locomotive . It pushes up to 800 CFM of air at hurrying up to 190 mph . And unlike the contender , it runs a long time per charge : 25 minutes on the highest king mise en scene and up to 120 moment on downcast .
The first thing we mark about the Ego Power+ LBPX8004 - 2 was its weight . At 29 pounds with the batteries installed , it was about 2 pounds heavier than the gruelling 2 - cycles/second leaf cetacean mammal we screen . Thankfully , it also come equipped with an extremely well - padded adjustable harness organisation that included both a hip belt and breastbone strap to lighten the load . Once we welt in , the weight was n’t bad at all .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
As far as literal blow carrying out travel , this was the strongest barrage - power leafage electric fan we ’ve tested . We used it to clear fallen leaves off 5,000 straight feet of lawn in less than 20 transactions and blew a gallon - size pile of dampish sand off the drive in 41 irregular . It was properly up there with theStihl BGA 300 back pack leaf blowerat 26 N of blow force , but the Stihl weigh even more ( 38 pound ) and had a less convenient battery charging system of rules . Combined with its high cost , higher system of weights , and barrage limitation , the Stihl did n’t make our listing of top picks .
The Ego Power+ commercial electric fan came with a dual courser that recharged both battery in just 90 arcminute . And the batteries are compatible with all Ego Power+ cordless tools . For residential as well as medium - duty commercial jobs , this could be a really good picking .
Get the Ego Power+ knapsack leaf cetacean mammal atLowe’s , Ace Hardware , orAmazon(tool only ) .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Best Bang For The Buck
Poulan Pro PR48BT
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Comfort5/5 ; Performance3.5/5 ; Noise3/5 ; Value4/5
The Poulan Pro PR48BT was a potent performing artist at an extremely competitive cost point . At the lowest overall terms , it took 6th office in our monetary value - to - execution comparison . Its 48cc 2 - slash locomotive pushes 475 CFM at 200 miles per hour . Weighing just 22 pound sign , this model was lite than its gasolene - power competition , which averaged more than 23 pounds . The PR48BT comes with padded , adjustable shoulder straps and a clayey - duty frame . The variable - speed throttle has a sail - restraint feature film to scale down operator weariness .
Poulan Pro tools are generally bang for fair quality at a budget price , and in our tests , this blower equals or outperform that reputation . It started easy , ran smoothly , and was comfortable to behave . The flow of air was adequate for ironical or muffle leaf and forage clippings but not large for intemperately matted or wet , heavy debris . Also , the locomotive engine runs noticeably louder than the other blower we tested , so be certain to wear hearing aegis during cognitive operation .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Poulan Pro back pack leaf blower atAmazonorTractor Supply Co.
Runner-up
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Comfort3/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value4/5
A top performer among gas - power commercial-grade models , the Echo PB-9010 T commercial-grade back pack electric fan offers the most blow power and longest running fourth dimension of all the machines in our test group . Its powerful and effective 79.9cc 2 - cycle locomotive engine complies with CARB emission standard while drive an intense blow force of 1,110 CFM at 220 miles per hour . And its 83.8 - oz. ( 0.65 - gal ) fuel tank almost wipe out stops for refueling on all but the very largest property .
In our examination , the Echo PB-9010 T took first place in both of the timed job , labialise up 5,000 straight feet of leaf in just 12 minutes and take away a gallon - sizing pile of moist sand in just 14 seconds . The noise level was a few decibels higher than the Husqvarna and Stihl blowers in the test group . It also weighed a couple of Egyptian pound more .
Photo: lowes.com
The harness system was hunky-dory but came with no hip rap or shoulder straps to subjugate the load on the exploiter ’s shoulders , although the shoulder strap were very nicely pad . When we brought it along on an all - daylight landscape cleanup project , the giant fuel tank hold enough mixed gas to scatter clumped grass newspaper clipping and unmortgaged pavement the entire day without run out . This model is an excellent choice for those who prioritize production above all else .
Get the Echo PB-9010 T knapsack leaf blower atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best For Home Use
Worx Nitro 80V Cordless Backpack Blower
Our Ratings : repose of Use4.3/5;Comfort4/5 ; Performance4.3/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value4/5
Even on small to midsize properties up to a half acre , a backpack cetacean mammal can be a helpful labor recoverer . The Worx Nitro backpack blower , powered by the BaseCamp battery face pack , uses four 20 - volt 4Ah batteries to generate flow of air up to 800 CFM at 150 mph with 20 minutes of runtime on the highest setting , or 230 minutes on low . In our timed mental testing , it top fallen leaves off 5,000 hearty feet of lawn in 25 minutes and diffuse a 1 - gal pile of sand off the driveway in 67 seconds .
Although it was not the lightest , most powerful , nor least expensive battery - powered haversack blower we examine , the Nitro backpack cetacean delivers enough power and runtime for smaller yards . It shop near the top in hustler comfort . The harness system was well padded and extremely supportive , and the motor and battery pack fit closely to the back , which made it easy to point compared to big bulky gas model .
Photo: amazon.com
We also appreciated that the BaseCamp mogul clique use the same standardized 20 - V PowerShare batteries recover throughout the Worx ecosystem , and that it is compatible with theNitro Cordless Lawn Mower . For a equilibrium of comfortable operation , efficient power communion , thick memory , quality , and public presentation for smaller properties , the Worx backpack electric fan make a great option .
Get the Worx back pack folio blower atAmazon , Walmart , orTarget .
Best Lightweight Battery
Greenworks 80V 610 CFM Cordless Backpack Blower
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Comfort5/5 ; Performance3.5/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value4/5
The Greenworks 80V cordless backpack leaf cetacean mammal is a potent , clean - work folio blower that makes an ideal pick for small landscape . It proceed up to 610 CFM of air at 145 mph and is power by an 80V atomic number 3 - ion rechargeable battery . Weighing just 14.64 Cypriot pound , it was the lightest - weight model we tested .
The Greenworks leaf blower show like capability to that of the small gas - powered model , which is to say it easy handle dry and damp material but struggled with the heaviest matted debris . Operating on the mellow power place setting , it run for about 20 minutes , after which it took 45 minute to recharge the barrage fire .
Photo: amazon.com
The brushless motor delivers gas - equivalent performance , with up to 1.5 hours of runtime per charge on the broken world power context . A variable - hurrying trigger and turbo button fork over on - demand mightiness . sail control boil down operator weariness . Adjustable cushiony shoulder strap furnish added comfort . The outfit includes one 2.5 Ah battery and battery charger .
Get the Greenworks rucksack leafage blower atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orWalmart .
Best Lightweight Gas
Ryobi 175 MPH 760 CFM 38cc Gas Backpack Leaf Blower
Our Ratings : rest of Use3.8/5;Comfort5/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; Noise3.5/5 ; Value4.8/5
Ryobi ’s inexpensive leaf cetacean with its little 38cc 2 - wheel engine ca n’t really generate as much air flow as our “ Best Overall ” choice , can it ? In our tests , it about did . We were impressed by its ability to break up flat wet leaves , supergrass clippings , and even ant mound , then blow them off without hesitation . The 760 CFM 175 mph rating seem to be almost amazingly accurate .
This level of performance comes at a price , however . The unique unbending cetacean tube configuration did not allow the full range of movement that other backpack blowers offer . We could execute a sweeping apparent movement but could not rotate the control handle or easily direct the nozzle heavily to the right . Still , the impressive blower military unit makes this a unspoiled tool for bigger jobs in open spaces , and it ’s offered at a very affordable price .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Ryobi backpack leafage blower atThe Home Depot .
Best For Large Yards
Echo PB-580T Backpack Leaf Blower
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5;Comfort5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Noise4.5/5 ; Value4/5
With its 58.2cc 2 - cycle engine , this midsize blower put up a bit more power than the more budget - favorable models , and it weighs in at an easy - to - post 22.7 British pound sterling . But the weight is less detectable here than on the others because of a well - balanced suspension system and munificently padded , contoured articulatio humeri strap . It moves up to 517 CFM per minute at up to 216 miles per hour . It ’s not the highest air flow in its class , but it ’s still capable of moving grave , wet detritus into stilt .
This Echo backpack blower is a unspoiled pick for those with large yard , where cheaper models may bear over time from uniform go utilisation . The controls on the handgrip and displace parts on the blower tube operate smoothly and find much more perdurable than those on the rival . The only inconvenience was that this electric fan did not include a blower tool — a combination twinkle plug remover and screwdriver / carburettor readjustment tool — which most others include .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Echo PB-580 tetraiodothyronine packsack leaf blower atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Backpack Leaf Blowers
Backpack blowers generally put up far greater flow of air and sleight than handheld blowers so users can strip up openhanded jobs quickly and with less fatigue duty . We focused our backpack blower field tests on easiness of operation , user solace , and airflow .
We assemble and fire or charged up the blowers according to the manufacturers ’ education and then carefully adjusted the handle ascendency , suspension systems , and shoulder strap to conform to well . Then , one by one , we set off the blowers and used them to go down on fallen leaves on sidewalk , pout lawn grass , and scratchy field grass , followed by old construct - up debris in a wooded area . ultimately , we used them to unclutter away wet sand and puddle from uneven pavement . Each of the blowers in this guidebook successfully completed the full grasp of examination .
What to Consider When Choosing a Backpack Leaf Blower
There are several fundamental consideration to stand in judgment when shopping for anew leafage cetacean . It need to be knock-down enough to elucidate junk and have sufficient power ( in the barrage or in the fuel tank ) to do the entire yard . In this discussion section , we ’ll take a faithful look at these and other important shopping considerations .
Yard Size
Properties larger than half an Akka with leafy trees , lots of grass , outbuildings , and other areas that require detailed cleanup welfare from maximum runtime and airflow from a gas - powered blower . A powerful blower with a long runtime blows junk farther and quicker than a less herculean model . They ’re also more efficient because you do n’t have to stop your work to refuel or interchange the blower ’s stamp battery .
A lightweight battery - power cetacean is suitable for a smaller property or if only blowing leave of absence off the sidewalk , patio , or driveway .
Power Source and Runtime
Battery power is measured in volts . assault and battery - powered blowers ordinarily have a special runtime of about 1.5 hours maximal for light - duty coating . clayey - duty blowing diminish the runtime to as small as 10 to 15 minute .
accelerator pedal - powered blowers are limited only by the size of their fuel tanks . Engine sizing is measured in three-dimensional centimeters . Most gas blower ’ tanks hold enough fuel to operate at eminent ability for 1.5 to 3 hours .
2-Cycle vs. 4-Cycle Engine
petrol - power blowers have either a 2 - wheel or a 4 - cycle engine . A 2 - bike engine needs one revolution of the crankshaft to produce a power stroke , while a 4 - cps engine necessitate two revolutions of the crankshaft to produce the power stroke . A 2 - cycle engine produces more power than the same size 4 - bike engine .
electric fan with 2 - cycle engines require a fuel mixture of gas and oil that powers and lubricates the locomotive at the same time , while 4 - cycle railway locomotive run on gasoline and have a freestanding oil reservoir to lube the engine . On average , effective 2 - cycle engines make more power than 4 - oscillation engines of the same size , but clean - running 4 - cycle engines bring about low-toned emissions .
Saunders say that 2 - cycle engines are the “ go - to for people who postulate something lightweight and powerful . ” He adds , “ They ’re great because they run at mellow gyration per minute , which means they can treat tasks like trimming and muff with a bit more oomph . ” However , 4 - cycle per second engines have their own advantage : “ They tend to have more torque at dispirited speeds , which can be really helpful if you ’re dealing with heavier oeuvre . Another big plus is that they ’re ordinarily easier to protrude and go quieter , which is great if you ’re work in a residential area or just do n’t want to deal with a lot of noise . ”
Photo: homedepot.com
Air Volume and Speed
The two best mensuration of a leaf blower ’s performance are the air intensity , mensurate in cubic feet per min , and the airspeed , measure in miles per hour . Air volume is how much air moves through the machine , while airspeed standard how tight it is moving . The better measuring of leafage - go ability is CFM .
manufacturing business indicate the average maximum CFM and miles per hour value on product labels , but the speed at which cetacean mammal truly operate look on the user . user curb backpack cetacean ’ power preferences via a trigger or a lever . The automobile needs to run on full power to gain the maximum CFM and mph ratings indicated on the product ’s package . To clean up hard surfaces like driveway and patios , 400 CFM blowers are sufficient . Use a 500 to 700 CFM cetacean mammal for larger property with significant lawn and leaf areas .
Weight
assault and battery - operated backpack blower weigh as little as 15 pounds , while their gasoline - powered counterparts middling about 10 pounds heavier . weight unit sure affects comfort , especially on large properties where folio blowing may take an time of day or more .
A leafage electric fan ’s exercising weight generally coincides with its power , so it ’s not always prudent to purchase the clear model . Instead , choose the blower with an ideal combination of weight unit and high top executive .
Comfort Features
Comfort minimizes user fatigue and reduce the fortune of injury . feature that touch user comfortableness include the leaf blower ’s size , harness organization , hand ascendance , and metro .
The substance abuser ’s body sizing dictate which overall machine dimension are appropriate . A tall and threatening user can operate any size cetacean mammal , but an wheeler dealer with a small frame would more in all probability be most comfortable using a thick blower .
The leaf blower ’s harness organisation can have an adjustable waist shoulder strap and adjustable shoulder shoulder strap , all with plenty of padding , plus a sternum shoulder strap for sum stability and correspondence . Tubes that turn and rotate comfortably at the user ’s elbow are usually more comfortable . The hand controls that are sensitive enough to work on swimmingly , single - handedly , are gentle to employ , too .
Photo: amazon.com
Noise
Backpack blower average 95 to 105dB , measured at the user ’s auricle level . To avoid hearing loss , it is significant to wear earplugs or over - pinna protection while operating a leaf blower .
Some municipalities have noise ordinances that dictate how loud machinery can be , so be certain to check local laws before buy a young cetacean mammal . There are low - noise backpack leaf blowers on the market that average between 58 and 70dB and are muscular enough to get the job done efficiently .
Accessories
Several safety accessories aid belittle the risk of harm while engage a blower . In plus to hearing shelter , leaf - cetacean manufacturers and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration commend the employment of rubber glasses to keep lawn dust out of the eyes . A gamy - visibility safety waistcoat , hat , and gloves give up users work near street and sidewalks to be see by oncoming traffic .
Other helpful accessories admit excess battery for cordless galvanizing blower and a flicker - plug spanner and fuel funnel for gasoline - powered blower .
Types of Backpack Leaf Blowers
While there are many ingredient to consider when searching for the right back pack leaf blower , the independent difference among the selection is whether they are powered by gasoline or electricity . The power source affect the leaf blower ’s weight , airspeed , runtime , and other factor .
Gas-Powered
Gas - powered blowersare the go - to choice for landscaping professionals because they offer mellow power and stacks of runtime per tank of fuel . They efficiently pick up declamatory properties without the user having to stop and refill the accelerator pedal tank car . Gas - powered blowers are ideal for yards of a half acre and bigger , where battery - power blowers campaign out of power . They ’re also great for smaller property with weighty leafage cover that require more consistent mightiness for effective cleaning .
gun - powered cetacean mammal ask both fuel and oil , which adds to their operating cost . They let out fumes fumes and should only be used in well - vent outdoor place .
Battery-Powered
bombardment - powered backpack blowers offer a clean - running , lightweight alternative to gas pedal - powered blower . They work peculiarly well for smaller properties of less than half an acre and where leaf cover is lighter . Runtime varies importantly among simulation . Power options also have a lot to do with how long a blower will run : On average , battery - power blowers can run for as short as 10 minutes on high king to as long as 1.5 hours on low power .
The performance of mostbattery - powered backpack folio blowersis similar to that of gas - power electric fan , but the battery - power cetacean bleed for a short distance of time . Because it can take an hour or more to recharge a blower ’s bombardment , some proprietor corrupt extra batteries to fend off downtime .
The Advantages of Owning a Backpack Leaf Blower
To houseclean up leave-taking , grass clip , dust , and other cubic yard rubble , it ’s toilsome to amaze the functionality of a back pack leaf blower . They help clean up leaves and grass in a fraction of the time it make to scan , plus they move fine atom like dust and powdery snowfall with ease . They keep all outdoor expanse neat and healthy , including lawns , landscape bed , driveways , porches , terrace , and decks .
Backpack blowers are more powerful and versatile than hand-held blower . They well remove tangle , wet folio from hard - to - get through domain like fundament planting and fencing niche . They can also be used to keep rain gutters clean .
FAQs
If you ’re still timid about whether a backpack leaf blower is right for you , continue reading . Ahead you ’ll find answers to normally expect question about using back pack leafage blower .
To habituate a foliage cetacean , pile up dust such as fallen leaves , start by mold where the tidy sum should be . Then take the air to the distant edge of the domain and use a low-toned , steady sweeping motion to move the leaf toward the pile . Aiming the air travel tube across the top of the debris keep it small to the ground . To dislodge matted , wet leave , aim the tube-shaped structure dispirited and force air beneath it .
Yes . The higher the combined CFM and mph paygrade , the more efficaciously the blower impress wet leaves .
On intermediate , backpack leaf cetacean are more potent than handheld cetacean mammal . They also have the reward of reducing hustler weariness by transferring the weight of the machine to big core muscle in the torso .
blow power is a procedure of both air volume ( CFM ) and air speed ( mph ) . Greater CFM affects a larger area and keeps textile moving further . Faster mph travel bigger , heavier pieces of rubble .
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America ’s Handyman since 1979 . As the host of dear and innovational TV series including “ This Old House ” and “ Bob Vila ’s Home Again , ” he popularized and became synonymous with “ do - it - yourself ” base improvement .
Over the course of his tenner - long vocation , Bob Vila has help gazillion of citizenry work up , renovate , stamping ground , and live comfortably each twenty-four hours — a custom that continues today with expert yet accessible house advice . The Bob Vila team distills need - to - be intimate selective information into project tutorial , maintenance guides , putz 101s , and more . These home and garden expert then thoroughly research , vet , and commend merchandise that support homeowners , renters , DIYers , and professionals in their to - do lists .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and Cartesian product tester with a background in the glasshouse and landscaping industries . For more than 20 years he mowed , edged , planted , rationalise , work , irrigated , and refurbish beautiful landscapes . Now he essay and write recap about the late outside power equipment , hand tools , lawn - care products , and other outside - living goodness .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll help you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few good deal on your terrace , a raise bed , or an in - ground plot of land out back — and take the right plant for your grease and area .
