Watching the leaves change color to golden-brown in the fall can be exciting; what’s not exciting is clearing up the pile of fallen leaves in your yard. Clearing leaves is very stressful and frustrating, especially if you don’t have the right tool.
A leaf blower is the best tool for the job; as its name implies, it’s used to blow leaves. It has a nozzle that expels air forcefully enough to move leaves and even debris. It may look like an unnecessary home tool, but it is way better than a rake.
There are various types of leaf blowers on the market, making it difficult and a bit overwhelming to shop for the best one for you. To make your search smooth and stress-free, we have put together this review containing everything you need to know about leaf blowers and a few of the best backpack leaf blowers on the market.
The 6 Best Backpack Leaf Blowers Are Reviewed Below
Below is a review on the six best backpack leaf blowers on the market, along with their specification and key features.
1
Husqvarna 350BT 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower
The Husqvarna 350BT Backpack blower is a gas-powered leaf blower with a 2-cycle engine. It is designed with an x-torque engine that reduces the exhaust from the tool by 60% and increases its ability to conserve fuel to about 20%. These benefits, as well as the high-power engine, are why this Husqvarna 350BT is one of the best out there.
It has a very comfortable offset handle that makes it very easy to control the blowing force; it does this by ensuring the arm is not pulled downwards.
It is equipped with anti-vibration dampeners placed between the chassis; this help to reduce the vibrations coming from the tool and the strain on your arms and hands. Its harness is ergonomically designed to make it much easier to carry; it is well-padded and features a hip belt that fits perfectly in the contours of the user.
It features a speed throttle that can be used to control the speed of the leaf blower for better handling. It has a maximum idling speed of about 2200 RPM and a CFM of 692.17.
The backpack is designed to operate very quietly, making it ideal for residential areas. It not only blows leaves and debris but also has a vacuum that collects the debris and stores it in a removable collecting bag. It operates with an air injection centrifugal cleaning system that extends the time of operation of the tool and ensures the tool’s durability.
Key Features:
- X-torque engine
- Anti-vibration dampeners
- 2200 RPM idling speed
- 692.17 CFM
- Cruise control throttle
- Centrifugal air cleaning system
Specification:
- Brand: Husqvarna
- Model: Husqvarna 350BT 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower
- Dimension: 79 x 19 x 19 inches
- Weight: 22.5 pounds
- Power Source: Gas-powered
- Air Flow Capacity: 692.17 Cubic Feet Per Minute
- Color: Orange
Pros
- It is ergonomically designed with a padded harness
- It operates with a high speed
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Has anti-vibration dampers that reduce vibration against the user’s body
- Variable speed cruise control throttle
Cons
- It uses a lot of fuel, making it less cost-efficient
2
Makita EB7660WH 75.6 cc MM4 4 Backpack Leaf Blower
The Makita EB7660WH Backpack Leaf Blower is a gas-powered leaf blower that operates with a very powerful 75.6cc (3.8 HP) engine similar to that in heavy-duty leaf blowers. The machine’s engine has been decompressed to ensure it starts easily, and quickly and requires very minimal strength. It features a hip throttle with a cruise control function and a conveniently positioned on/off switch.
Its shoulder straps are designed with multiple adjustments and locks to ensure the backpack stays fit and secure against the user’s back. It also has well-padded shoulder straps that maintain its shape and exerts the right amount of pressure on the user’s shoulders. It is equipped with a high-capacity muffler of about 76 dBA that ensures the machine operates very quietly.
This 4-stroke leaf blower is also equipped with heavy-duty mounts between the frame and engine that cancel out most of the vibrations produced by the engine to improve the comfort of the user. The handle can be adjusted to any length for quick positioning, and its tube can be adjusted to get the best length for a smooth and successful operation.
The tool operates just fine irrespective of the weather, and it is ergonomically designed to suit the operator. Its four-stroke engine doesn’t require a fuel-oil mix, and it delivers an incredible airspeed of 206 MPH; it also works with a maximum air volume of 706 CFM.
Key Features:
- 75.6 cc commercial-duty engine
- 76 dBA large capacity muffler
- Maximum airspeed 206 MPH
- 706 CFM
- Anti-vibration mounts
- Padded shoulder straps
- Tool-less handle adjustment
Specification:
- Brand: Makita U.S.A. Inc.
- Model: Makita EB7660WH 75.6 cc MM4 4 Backpack Leaf Blower
- Dimension: 15 x 22.2 x 25.5 inches
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Power Source: Gas-powered
- Color: Teal
Pros
- Equipped with large capacity muffler for quiet operation
- Has well-padded shoulder straps for added comfort
- Operates quietly
- Has an adjustable tube that extends significantly
- Has large air filers
Cons
- Needs frequent oiling
- Expensive
3
DEWALT DCBL590X1 Backpack Blower
The DEWALT DCBL590X1 Backpack Leaf Blower is a battery-powered leaf blower equipped with a brushless motor and a 40v max lithium-ion battery that produces enough power to blow debris and grass in small to medium-sized yards. The backpack is designed to be lightweight regardless of the weight of the batteries. It has padded shoulder straps that make it more comfortable for the user to work for a long time.
It is equipped with a variable speed trigger that allows you to change the speed of the blower depending on how much work you have to do; the speed trigger comes with a speed lock for improved performance. The 40v lithium-ion battery can last up to an hour on a single charge; it is also equipped with a back-up battery to ensure you don’t stop clearing up the leaves when one runs out of juice. These batteries work at a maximum voltage of 40 volts.
This leaf blower is best with noise-restricted areas as it operates very quietly and has a 63 dBA sound muffler. The 7.5A battery produces enough power to move debris at 450 CFM and produces an air volume of 142 mph. The control handle has a convenient battery switch function that helps you easily switch batteries or lock the tool.
Key Features:
- 7.5 Ah battery
- Variable speed trigger and lock
- 63dBA noise muffler
- Maximum voltage: 40 volts
Specification:
- Brand: DEWALT
- Model: DEWALT DCBL590X1 Backpack Blower
- Dimension: 22.6 x 19.5 x 22.1 inches
- Weight: 31.7 pounds
- Power Source: Lithium-ion battery
- Color: Yellow, Black
Pros
- Convenient battery switch function on the control handle
- Operates quietly
- Comes with a back-up battery
- Has a push-button variable speed control
Cons
- Not best for larger areas
4
Greenworks 80V 145MPH - 580CFM Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
The Greenworks 80V 145MPH – 580CFM Backpack Leaf Blower works with a high-performance brushless motor that delivers the best volume of air and force to push debris and leaves out of the way. The high-powered machine delivers up to 580 CFM of air and a speed of about 145 MPH, making it the best to clear up a large heap of sand, including debris and wet leaves.
The extension tubes can extend far to ensure that it gets to all the areas that need to be cleared. The machine has an adjustable speed trigger that allows the user to conveniently change the speed and force of air coming out of the nozzle; it also comes with a turbo button that delivers high power in a short time.
The backpack leaf blower is equipped with cruise control to make it much easier to control the machine. It is also designed with padded straps with adjustable buckles that can be adjusted to fit the body of the user.
The weight of the leaf blower is distributed evenly across the body of the operator to eliminate pain or strain. It also comes with a comfortable harness that reduces fatigue when using the tool. It doesn’t produce any noise or pullet the environment in any way, making it an eco-friendly product. It also produces little to no vibrations.
Key Features:
- 580 CFM / 145 MPH
- Variable speed trigger
- Turbo button
- Cruise control
- Compatible with 80V Battery Model
- Battery and charger not included
Specification:
- Brand: GreenWorks
- Model: Greenworks 80V 145MPH – 580CFM Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
- Dimension: 22.4 x 9.4 x 18.1 inches
- Weight: 8.12 pounds
- Power Source: Battery-powered
- Airflow capacity: 580 Cubic Feet Per Minute
Pros
- Ergonomically designed
- Produces no noise or pollutions
- Easy to use start push button
- Has a variable speed trigger with cruise control
Cons
- It does not come with batteries or a charger
5
Troy-Bilt TB4BP EC 32cc 4-Cycle Backpack Blower
The Troy-Bilt TB4BP EC Leaf Blower is a gas-powered blower operating on a very powerful 32cc four-cycle engine that produces enough torque to blow as much debris and leaves as possible, including wet leaves. It is very easy to use and rests comfortably on the operator’s back.
It has an airspeed of about 150 mph and a 500 CFM, which is pretty impressive, making it one of the best leaf blowers for any job, even commercial jobs. The force and volume of air it produces are high enough to blow large-sized debris and big piles of leaves.
It works with a full-tensioned multi-material suspension system that evenly distributes the weight of the machine between the user’s shoulders and hips, making it very comfortable. It also features multiple straps that ensure it remains fixed against the user’s body.
It is built with padded hip belts and padded straps that make it much easier to use the machine for a long time, eliminating stress and fatigue.
This backpack leaf blower is designed to fit the hip shape of the user reducing the pressure points. It also has a long flex tube that makes it easier to blow debris around corners and under objects. Its speed throttle is positioned comfortably to make it easier to adjust the speed.
Key Features:
- 32cc 4-cycle engine
- 150 mph airspeed and 500 CFM
- Multi-material suspension system
- Padded hip belt
- Long flex tube
Specification:
- Brand: Troy-Bilt
- Model: Troy-Bilt TB4BP EC 32cc 4-Cycle Backpack Blower
- Dimension: 21.31 x 19.44 x 16.06 inches
- Weight: 21.8 pounds
- Power Source: Gas-powered
Pros
- Has a long flex tube
- Features a padded design that reduces fatigue and pressure points
- Easy to operate
- Has comfortable speed controls
Cons
- Noisy
6
Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower
Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower is a lightweight gas-powered leaf blower with comfortable and tight-fitting straps that ensures it remains stable on the operator’s back. It runs on a 48cc two-stroke engine that produces a very high torque strong enough to blow large debris.
The high-powered engine produces an airspeed of 200 mph and a maximum air volume of 475 CFM. It is equipped with a throttle with cruise control that lets you regulate the airspeed. The leaf blower can be used for both small and heavy-duty works. It is lightweight and barely adds extra weight to your back and shoulders. It is equipped with multiple weight-reducing harnesses that ensure you feel very comfortable working with the machine.
It has an optimal fit and padded straps, ensuring minimal strain and reducing fatigue. The shoulder straps can also be adjusted to ensure it fits the user’s body, and it has variable speed throttle that can be used easily and conveniently. It needs a mixture of gas and oil to work properly. The company recommends Poulan pro premixed fuel, which is a mixture of fuel stabilizer, synthetic oil, and gasoline.
Key Features:
- 48 cc two-stroke engine
- 200 mph, 475 CFM
- Load-reducing harness
- Cruise control
- Variable speed throttle
Specification:
- Brand: Poulan
- Model: Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower
- Dimension: 13 x 17 x 17 inches
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Color: Black
Pros
- Best for commercial use
- Has a variable speed control
- Features weight-reducing harness for added comfort
- High power speed
Cons
- Operates noisily
How to Use a Backpack Leaf Blower?
Leaf blowers are very simple and straightforward to use; you don’t have to be a genius to figure out how to sweep dry leaves with a leaf blower. Below are a few tips to help you effectively use a leaf blower
Step # 1: Decide where you want to pile the leaves
Before you start using the leaf blower, you should secure a side of your yard where you want the leaves to go. This helps you blow the leaves in a particular direction instead of throwing the leaves all over your yard. If you plan to collect the leaves, you can lay a tarp on your lawn and blow the leaves in that direction.
Step # 2: Clear Leaves under Hedges and Buildings
If there are leaves around buildings or under hedges, deal with that before moving on to the rest of your yard. Blow all the leaves along with the building to the open space to make it much easier to blow all the leaves to your target spot.
Step # 3: Blow Sideways:
It is important to blow in a lateral direction (sideways) for effectiveness. If you decide to blow at the middle, you may end up clearing up a path and bowing leaves in two different directions, leading to a very unsuccessful clearing process. The right way to blow felled leaves is to work your way sideways; you walk up and down in a line and blow it towards one side. This makes it easy to blow the leaves in a single direction.
Step # 4: Angle the Nozzle a Little Lower
The angulation of the backpack nozzle is very important; it helps to effectively push the leaves in the desired direction. Holding the nozzle at a shallow angle increases the number of leaves that are moved with every sweep. Ensure your sweeps are slow and smooth rather than fast movements that may scatter the leaves around.
Step # 5: Blow Around the Leaves to Pile
To create a pile of leaves, you should blow around the leaves to ensure they all pile up at the center. Ensure to use slow and gentle sweeps to make sure you don’t scatter the leaves.
Lastly, don’t try to blow away every last bit of leave on the ground. You end up wasting a lot of time and energy trying to blast up every leaf on the ground.
Check out our guides for more insights on gardening.
How to Maintain Backpack Leaf Blowers?
Here are a few tips on how to maintain a backpack leaf blower
- If you purchase a gas-powered model, ensure you get the right fuel before using the machine. For a leaf blower with a 2-stroke engine, ensure that you mix oil with gasoline to ensure it functions properly.
- To ensure that your leaf blower lasts for a longer time, you should blow leaves at the lowest power setting. Setting it on full blast every time may wear or damage parts of the leaf blower easily. Using the lowest setting helps improve the durability of the tool
- Leaf blowers are designed with filters to prevent debris from getting into the tool. The filter should be checked and inspected regularly to ensure there is no debris around it. If it’s very dirty, clean it with warm water and soap; if it’s worn out or old, purchase a replacement filter.
- Most leaf blowers are built with plastic parts that can be broken easily; this makes it necessary to watch out for obstacles that may break these parts easily. Avoid hitting the parts of the leaf blower against obstacles.
- Store the tool in a dry and well-ventilated area. Keep it away from chemicals or substances that may damage the tool.
Parts of a Leaf Blower
Leaf blowers are made up of different functional parts that improve their efficiency; some of these parts are
- Powerhead: This is where the motor is housed. This part also has a few controls that turn the leaf blower on or off and adjust the force of air pushed out. The power head also houses the fan or impeller that acts as a shredder when it’s in vacuum mode.
- Shoulder Straps: These keep the leaf blower in place and secure on your back. They are adjustable and have tight buckles that tightly secure the leaf blower.
- Flexible tube or hose: Backpack leaf blowers have a flexible hose connected to the blowpipe.
- Cooling System: Most backpack leaf blowers are equipped with a cooling system that cools the motor when it overheats and helps maintain a constant temperature that’s favorable for using the tool.
Buyer’s Guide – Best Backpack Leaf Blowers
Looking for the most appropriate leaf blower for you can be very draining and confusing because of the wide variety on the market. This buying guide has details on everything you need to know about leaf blowers, the different types, styles, features, and essential things to look out for.
Styles of Leaf Blowers
There are about three styles of leaf blowers; they could come as a handheld, backpack, or wheeled walk-behind model. The handheld model is much smaller than the other two and is the most popular. It is used in homes with small yards or small areas to maintain.
The backpack model is bigger than the handheld. It comes in the form of a backpack with straps and a nozzle connected to it. Homeowners much prefer it because its weight is distributed on the back and shoulders of the user, making it easy to use. The wheeled walk-behind model is used for very large areas; it looks a lot like a push mower with small wheels and a handle.
The backpack leaf blower, however, has become the most preferred option because of its simplicity. Its weight distribution makes it very easy to use; it doesn’t tire your arms or back like the handheld model and is easy to use on different types of terrain, unlike the walk-behind models.
Types of Leaf Blowers
There are three main types of leaf blowers categorized based on their power source. These are Corded-electric, Battery-powered, and Gas-powered leaf blowers.
Corded-electric Leaf Blowers
These are designed to be very lightweight and easy to use. It limits your movements because of the attached cord making it best for use in areas close to a power outlet like your patio, deck, driveway, or lawn. It produces very little noise when operating and little to no harmful emissions making it best for the environment.
The newly designed corded versions can be used up to 100 feet away from the power source because their cords are designed to be very long. The downside to this is the cord may tangle around trees or obstacles, which may be a serious problem.
Battery-powered Leaf Blowers
The battery-powered leaf blowers can also be called cordless or rechargeable leaf blowers. They are equipped with high-voltage lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that can last about an hour on a full charge. They may be a bit heavy weighted because of the batteries but are pretty easy to use. There’s no limitation on distance or your mobility as there’s no cord involved. The only downside is that the battery life may or may not last up to an hour, depending on your purchase model.
Gas-powered Leaf Blowers
Gas-powered leaf blowers run on gasoline and work with more force and power than the other two types; it’s great for large properties with lots of trees. Gas-powered blowers use four-stroke or two-stroke engines. A gas and oil mixture is needed to power the two-stroke engine, while regular gas is used for the four-stroke types. They are portable and easy to maneuver.
The downsides to this type are the noise and smoke it produces; it may also require more maintenance than the other two. It also operates with a pull start which may be difficult for most people, unlike the corded or battery-powered that have a push-button to start. This type tends to last much longer than the other types, even with frequent use.
What to Look for in a Backpack Leaf Blower
Throttle Controls:
The throttle on backpack leaf blowers is used to control the power output of the engine. The position of the throttle controls is quite essential. The throttle control can either be on the airflow tube or the arm extending from the backpack. It should be accessible and very comfortable to use without straining your hand after using it for a long time.
Type of Engine:
If you want a gas-powered backpack leaf blower, the type of engine you want matters. There are two types of gas-powered backpack engines; the 2-stroke/cycle or 4-stroke/cycle engine. The 2-cycle engines are very lightweight because they have fewer moving parts and are also very high-powered.
They are best if you want to get the job done fast, and their weight makes them less stressful to use. The 4-cycle engine, however, operates much cooler than the 2-cycle blowers. They are designed to help save fuel and operate much quieter than the 2-cycle gas-powered blowers.
CFM rating:
CFM stands for Cubic feet per minute, and it represents the volume of air pushed out of the leaf blower in a minute. This means that the higher the CFM, the more air it pushes out of the nozzle, and the more debris it can blow.
Ergonomic Design:
The backpack has to be designed to provide maximum support to the user’s body. The weight of the blower should be distributed around the body to reduce strain on a particular region. You should also look out for padded straps and handle grip. You could also opt for models with an adaptable hip belt and anti-vibration mounts that make the backpack leaf blower much more comfortable to use.
Shopping for a backpack leaf blower can be very stressful because of the different types and models available on the market. We have done our research and put together this review on the six best backpack leaf blowers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best backpack leaf blower?
The best backpack leaf blower is the Husqvarna 350BT Backpack Blower, a gas-powered leaf blower with a 2-cycle engine. It is designed with an x torque engine that reduces the exhaust from the tool by 60% and increases its ability to conserve fuel to about 20%.
What is the best backpack gas leaf blower for the money?
All of the gas leaf blowers in this review are worth every penny. If you are looking for the best, you should opt for the Husqvarna 350BT Backpack blower
Are backpack leaf blowers worth it?
Backpack leaf blowers are worth it. They are very comfortable to use and reduce the stress and fatigue associated with handling the blower for a long time.
Which backpack blower has the highest cfm?
The backpack blower with the highest CFM is the Makita EB7660WH 75.6 cc MM4 4 Backpack Leaf Blower with an air volume of 706 CFM.
What are the top-rated leaf blowers?
In the world of outdoor or indoor appliances, the Husqvarna, Makita, or DEWALT brand takes the top spot. This is why the Husqvarna 350BT Backpack blower, Makita EB7660WH 75.6 cc MM4 4 Backpack Leaf Blower, and DEWALT DCBL590X1 Backpack Blower take the top spots in this review.
What is better in leaf blower cfm or mph?
CFM refers to the force and volume of air that moves out from the tube, while MPH means Miles in one Hour which deals with the speed of the air. If you want an efficient leaf blower, you should focus on getting higher CFM rather than MPH.
What is the most powerful leaf blower on the market?
The most powerful leaf blower on the market is the Husqvarna 350BT Backpack blower. It has a maximum idling speed of about 2200 RPM and a CFM of 692.17. It is equipped with anti-vibration dampeners placed between the chassis. It has a maximum idling speed of about 2200 RPM and a CFM of 692.17.
What should I look for when buying a leaf blower?
- Throttle control
- CFM rating
- Type of engine
- Design
Which is better Stihl or Husqvarna leaf blower?
A lot of homeowners and workers prefer the Husqvarna leaf blower. You can purchase the Husqvarna 350BT Backpack blower.
Are backpack blowers better than handheld?
Backpack leaf blowers are much more comfortable than handheld in that they reduce the weight and strain on your hands and shoulders by distributing the leaf blower’s weight throughout the back and shoulders, unlike the handheld which may cause hand fatigue after prolonged use.
What does bt mean for leaf blowers?
BT signifies the right-hand throttle of the leaf blower located on the tube.
Conclusion
Leaf blowers are very necessary if you own a large yard with trees. It is the easiest way to clear up debris and leaves from your yard and driveway rather than using manual methods, which tend to be very stressful. However, looking for the perfect backpack leaf blower can be a bit stressful because of the many different types and models on the market; this is why we have written this review to help you make the best choice.
We hope that now you will be able to make a better choice. Do tell us about the Backpack Leaf Blower you are going to buy in the comments section below. Check out our website for more content like this.
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