As summer winds down, autumn takes its place. This is a time of cool evenings, hoodies, and leaves falling from the trees. Often, you want to keep your yard looking its best. To do that, you require the best backpack leaf blower.
Blowing the leaves into a pile is the easiest way to clean up the lawn. However, raking can damage the ground and requires a lot of work. Using a leaf blower is faster, and it’s important to choose the right one.
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Backpack Leaf Blower Vs. Handheld – Pros & Cons
Handheld Leaf Blower
The handheld leaf blower goes wherever your body and hands go. You hold the entire machine in your hands, and it’s often powerful and heavier. Typically, they are more versatile and allow you to get to hard-to-reach spots.
They often feature an excellent design because they’re compact. However, you can find larger models, such as those for commercial use. Handheld blowers are suitable if you have a smaller yard with a ton of leaves each year.
Plus, they can be used to clear away grass trimmings and other odd jobs. Of course, since they’re small, they are usually easier to store.
Pros
Easy to use
Lightweight
Gets into tight areas
Easy to store
Can be used for other jobs
Cons
Less power
Gets heavy and difficult to carry for long jobs
Covers too small an area for big spaces
Backpack Leaf Blower
With the backpack leaf blower, there is a different design. You don’t just carry it around in the hands. Instead, you wear the engine on your back with the weight evenly distributed across the back and shoulders.
This typically makes it easier to move it and carry it. Plus, it’s convenient and doesn’t wear out the arms so much. Those with a large space to clean might find the backpack leaf blower to be more suitable.
You can find gas-powered and electric blowers. Cordless blowers are also available and require a battery. Compared to handheld devices, these models aren’t as powerful and could weigh much more.
Pros
Less time required
Can handle large jobs
Powerful enough to move big piles of leaves
Easy and convenient to use for long periods
Cons
Heavier construction
Larger, so more difficult to store
Requires you to remove it from the back to restart each time
The 10 Best Backpack Leaf Blowers For Clearing Your Yard
With countless options available, it’s easier to take a look at all the backpack leaf blowers we’ve reviewed here. Then, you can decide which one(s) to read more about.
With the Husqvarna 350BT Gas Backpack Blower, you have access to the X-torque engine. This design helps to reduce the harmful exhaust emission produced by about 60 percent. You also get a better fuel efficiency of up to 20 percent from other models.
It features a full blowing force, which can help reduce arm strain. We like the offset handle because it allows you to control the blowing power. In a sense, your arm doesn’t get pulled downward because of the blower’s motor and reduces fatigue issues.
There are some dampeners between the chassis and engine to reduce the vibrations you feel in your arms and back. Therefore, it’s possible to wear it for longer without feeling the reverberations of the machine. Its idle speed is 2200 RPM.
Ergonomics are always important, and this product has an ergonomic harness system. The hip-belt and straps are padded for extra comfort. Plus, they’re shaped slightly to help fit the contours of the operator’s body.
Pros
Cruise control
Air purge
Intuitive controls
180 MPH wind speeds
Fairly quiet
Cons
Could have more power
Uses a lot of fuel
Requires muscle to assemble hoses
2. Poulan Pro PR48BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blower
When you decide to go with a gas backpack leaf blower, the Poulan Pro brand might be the best. It looks excellent and professional, but it’s lightweight enough to wear on the back for long periods.
The 48CC 2-stroke engine means that there are fewer parts. You don’t need to know how it works to enjoy using it. With fewer components, there is less maintenance required.
We like that the Poulan Pro runs at 200 MPH and 475 CFM. Though we talk about these things later, you should know that a high CFM is what you require most to get the air out of the tube faster. This model offers that ability, which is what we want to see.
Cruise control is included here, which is confusing to some. It just means that you can set the speed for the blower, and it keeps it going at that rate. Therefore, you’re not constantly using the controls for adjustments.
Pros
Easy to assemble
Quite comfortable to wear for long periods
Suitable performance
Cruise control
Variable speed throttle
Cons
Hard-to-reach fuel tank
No clasp to hold straps together
Requires premixed fuel
3. Greenworks Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
If you don’t like to use gasoline, the cordless backpack leaf blower from Greenworks is ideal. While some people worry about power, this still produces 145 MPH and 580 CFM. It’s going to blow through the wet or dry leaves easily and quickly.
The brushless motor is best, and they’re hard to find in cordless models. However, this makes it perform just as good as the gas-equivalent blowers.
We like that this model has a variable speed trigger within easy reach. Change the blowing rate without having to turn off the machine. When you require a little extra power, the turbo button is there to help you rev things up.
Since it is battery-operated, it’s no wonder that you get the 2.5Ah battery and a charger. It looks like a brick and weighs about the same. Still, it’s compatible with other Greenworks products.
There are padded straps for the shoulders. You also get straps that can hook across the chest. That way, it isn’t going to slip down while you’re wearing it.
Pros
Excellent run time
No gasoline or mixtures
Very powerful
No maintenance
Turbo button and cruise control included
Cons
Heavy battery
Right-sided only
Lower-angle tube
4. ECHO PB-770T Gas Backpack Blower
Homeowners want to make yard cleanup as easy as possible, and the ECHO brand can help. This gas backpack blower features a tube-mounted throttle, so it’s easy to control. There’s also a cruise-control button and variable speeds.
Adjust everything to fit your particular needs at the time. Of course, we also like the padded shoulder straps. You’re not going to get pains in the back or shoulders when wearing it for a while.
The ventilated back pad is something you don’t often see, but it’s more comfortable. Your back isn’t going to get hot and sweaty from wearing the backpack blower. While it might be cooler outside, you may have a jacket or sweat heavily from the work you’re doing.
This product produces 234 MPH and 756 CFM. That means it can shoot out some air at fast rates. We also like that the fuel tank is clear, so you can easily see how much is left.
Pros
Easy to assemble
Starts easily
Very powerful
Large gas tank
Lasts about 45 minutes to an hour on one tank
Cons
Very heavy
Uses a lot of fuel
Must use premixed fuels
5. Makita EB5300TH Backpack Blower
The Makita brand offers a 4-stroke engine backpack blower for better performance. With a high air volume of 516 CFM and airspeeds of 184 MPH, you’re going to get commercial-quality work.
We also like that the engine is decompressed, so it’s easy to start and works the first time. You can adjust the handle to reposition it whenever you want. There aren’t any tool requirements here.
With the large air filter, you can easily find it and replace it. Still, you may not have to do so very often because it’s big enough to capture all the unwanted debris.
In all likelihood, the best part of this leaf blower is that it uses regular gasoline, even those with ethanol additives. This means you don’t have to mix gas and oil or buy expensive premixes. It also holds 60 ounces of fuel to last through the longest of leaf-blowing jobs.
Pros
Easy and fast to start
Various adjustment options for shoulder straps
Adjust handle position
Uses gasoline
Quieter performance than others (70 decibels)
Cons
Takes time to warm up
Buttons put too close together
Could have more power for what it is
6. Schroder Industrial Backpack Leaf Blower
The Schroder brand isn’t as well-known as some of the others, and it’s a German manufacturer. Don’t let that fool you, as this is an excellent machine. If you live somewhere that gets many leaves, you want the equipment to clear it away effortlessly – and this one does.
In fact, this brand is one of the most powerful options around. It features excellent air volume and airspeed output. The 2-stroke gasoline engine offers tube throttle control and a 230 MPH airspeed.
With the padded shoulder straps and back support system, you have premium comfort. However, it might have been better to have a waist strap or chest strap to help it stay in place. The blower itself is only 20 pounds, so it’s quite light.
While it is a bit louder than others, most people know that leaf blowers are noisy. Consider wearing earplugs while using it.
Pros
Not excessively heavy
Produces high speeds and high volumes
No starting issues
Various accessories included
Excellent written instructions
Cons
More steps to start
Louder than other models
Extremely powerful; be careful around the house
7. EGO Power+ LB6000 Backpack Blower
The EGO Power+ brand wants you to have as much power as gasoline engines without the fumes, mess, and noise. Plus, the battery you receive works with any EGO tools. This means you can swap out the batteries and continue working.
You also get variable speed control to help you change the power from 320 to 600 CFM. Tackle any job you have outside. There’s also a turbo boost, which raises the capacity for a short time.
With the turbine fan, you get speeds of up to 145 MPH. Power through the toughest jobs with ease. Of course, this backpack blower is lightweight and easy to carry for long periods.
In fact, you can get up to 180 minutes of running time on the lowest speed in a single charge. This does drastically lower when you’re using a turbo boost, though. However, it is still a longer run time than other products can offer.
Pros
Variable speeds
Battery-powered
Runs a long time
Compatible with other EGO brands
Weather-resistant construction
Cons
Must hold down turbo button for extended use
Unsuitable button placement
Could have more power
8. Echo PB-580 Gas Backpack Blower
Echo is a robust brand, and its gas backpack blower is a great choice. The design is second-to-none, and it offers a tube-mounted throttle. This means as you hold it, you can change the airspeed and pressure.
Cruise control is also available, which means you can set the speed you like. You don’t have to continuously press a button or hold down the throttle to keep it going at the rate you want. This is more convenient for the operator.
The blower has a wide-angle rotating feature, too. This means you can easily move the nozzle around to get under bushes and shift the leaves where you want them to be.
With the padded shoulder straps and backrest, you are comfortable for long periods. This is helpful when you’re clearing debris from a large yard. Plus, the backrest reduces the pain you feel while wearing it.
Pros
Simple assembly
Fires up in a couple of pulls
Requires 2-cycle oil and gas mixture
Suitable power
Cons
Very heavy tubing
Plastic chest straps – durability concerns
Not as powerful as some battery-powered models
9. Husqvarna 967144301 360BT Backpack Blower
The Husqvarna brand also has a 360BT backpack blower with an X-torq engine. This design can help reduce exhaust emissions by quite a bit and increases your fuel efficiency. That means you can run the machine for as long as you need without having to stop for gas fill-ups all the time.
With the handle being offset and not right in the middle of the unit, you can easily control it. Your arms aren’t going to get tired or strained, even when you have it at its full blowing force.
This is, in part, because of the ergonomic design. Your body isn’t going to get tired because it sits on the back. The shoulder straps are padded for comfort, as well.
That’s not all because it also features an anti-vibration dampener. This ensures that the engine doesn’t reverberate so much that it causes arm pain or numbness. With the centrifugal air cleaning system built-in, you don’t have to change the filter as often, either.
Pros
Intuitive controls
Extremely powerful
Waist belt included for comfort
Clears debris away fast
Cons
Quite loud – requires earplugs
Eats through fuel fast
Quite heavy
10. POWERWORKS BPB60L510PW High-Efficiency Blower
People who require something that looks great and is powerful should consider the POWERWORKS brand. This high-efficiency brushless motor features an electric start for more torque and power. Plus, you don’t require any gasoline or gas-oil mixtures.
It comes with a turbo boost to provide 540 CFMs and moves air up to 140 MPH to clear away stubborn debris and leaves. There’s also a variable speed trigger to help you choose the speed you desire. With cruise control, it maintains that rate without hand or arm fatigue.
You’re going to like that this backpack blower is lightweight. At only 14 pounds with the battery, you can carry it for a long time. Since it’s cordless, it’s possible to continue working and clearing debris far from the house.
The 60V lithium-ion battery offers about 27 minutes of run-time, even on the highest speed setting. You can get through an entire small yard without having to stop and recharge the battery. Plus, the battery is compatible with every POWERWORKS tool, so you can swap them out as needed.
Pros
Turbo button
Variable-speed trigger
Low/no maintenance required
Constant reliability
Full power and performance
Cons
Heavy battery
Unsuitable nozzle design
Lacks for ergonomics
What to Look For When Buying a Backpack Leaf Blower?
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a backpack leaf blower. These are some of the important aspects:
CFM or MPH for Leaf Blower
CFM is cubic-feet-per-minute while MPH is miles per hour. Typically, you want to focus on the CFM number and make sure it’s higher because it focuses on how much air gets out of the tube in a minute. This translates to having enough speed (miles per hour) and covering enough ground with the CFM number.
Gas or Electric
The option to choose gas or electric is yours alone. Many people find that battery power just doesn’t last long enough (usually 30 minutes). This might, however, work for small yards with little debris to clean up.
Gas-powered models are often better at what they do, but they’re loud, smelly, and require more maintenance. There’s always a tradeoff, so consider the pros and cons and choose wisely.
Adjustable Speed Control
Being able to adjust the blower’s speed is essential. You can go from a low rate to a high one with the controls found on the tube you hold. This means you don’t have to stop what you’re doing.
Cruise control is also beneficial here. It allows the machine to keep the same rate of speed without you having to hold a button or keep the throttle in the same place.
Noise Level
Most backpack leaf blowers range from 70 to 90 decibels. Battery-powered ones can be a little quieter, but not by much. Make sure you’re wearing the right ear protection and working when others are likely to be awake to avoid issues.
Maintenance
Cordless leaf blowers don’t require much maintenance. However, their gas-powered counterparts do need more work to keep them running smoothly. If you’re handy, caring for the machine might not be a problem for you.
How to Start a Backpack Leaf Blower?
It’s easy to start an electric machine. Of course, it’s important to read the manual, but you often plug it in and turn it on. Those who have a battery-powered leaf blower should insert the battery correctly and turn it on.
For two- and four-stroke gas-powered machines, it takes a little more effort to start it. Most two-stroke leaf blowers require an oil and gas mixture. Ensure you’ve read the directions carefully to determine how much of each to add.
You may be able to buy premixed solutions, saving you time, and reducing the risk of making a mess. Once you have the right mixture, add it to the gas tank of your machine, pouring slowly.
The starter switch must be set to the on position first. There might be a primer bulb, and you should press it up to six times before pulling the starter cord. It might take a couple of pulls to get it started, especially if it has sat unused for a bit.
Let your motor run-up to a minute before doing much else. That way, it revs up to the right power when you use it to blow away the leaves.
Typically, a four-stroke leaf blower works the same, but it uses regular gasoline. Just add it to the fuel tank and use the same directions listed above.
5 Expert Tips for Using a Backpack Leaf Blower
It’s important to use your backpack leaf blower correctly. These five tips can ensure success:
1. Wear the right protection each time. You should have goggles and earplugs on when you’re operating the machine. Some people also prefer gloves and a face mask for optimal comfort for lengthy jobs.
2. Ricochet is a big concern for leaf blowers, especially those with a lot of power. Make sure that people aren’t nearby when you’re using the machine. Also, it could be strong enough to move gravel, so don’t use it at full throttle until you know what it can do.
3. Backpack leaf blowers that use gasoline pollute the air – sometimes as much as 500 times more than a car. Choose eco-friendly ones that guarantee a lower exhaust emission output. Electric models are also available and suitable for the planet.
4. Most people hold their blowers 50 feet away from their bodies, so they hear a noise of roughly 75 decibels. Over 85 decibels can cause hearing loss or other problems. Make sure that you’re wearing suitable ear protection.
5. Though your machine might produce high air velocity and airflow rates, try to keep them as low as possible. That way, the equipment runs better and lasts longer. You don’t always have to use it at full capacity to get the leaves to move.
We like that the Makita brand allows you to use straight gasoline. You don’t have to mix anything or buy premixed versions. With the EGO Power+ brand, you have a powerful battery-powered machine that makes it easy to clear away debris within your yard.
Both products work well for what they do and don’t weigh as much as you might think. This allows you to choose which option is best for your home and lifestyle.
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