Garden Leaf Blowers
More Power To Your
Elbow
Garden leaf blowers are powered generally either by gas or
electric. Our article below will guide you to make the best choice of
leaf blower for your portability needs, and garden size.
Gas Leaf Blowers
These are more powerful (and noisier) than electric ones, and with a
reach beyond the limits of an extension cord. Two-cycle engines require
a mix of gas and oil. Gas powered leaf blowers are excellent where
mobility and greater work output is
required, but are unfortunately heavier than the electric models.Hand
held leaf blowers - Useful only for small to medium yards where you need
the power of a gas engine.. They can get heavy however after using for a
while. Convenience and portability have their own price if you have
backache!
The bigger models can also vibrate a bit at top speed, so
check the weight and balance. Look for air speeds higher than 150 mph
and
noise levels less than 70 decibels. (Make sure to check your local
ordinances: as some areas limit noise to less than 65 decibels.)
Backpack leaf blowers - these are best for driveways and bigger yards.
Be sure to look out for an anti-vibration system and noise-squelching
muffler to make carrying the engine bearable for long periods of time.
The blower fits in a harness worn on the operator's back.
Walk behind
leaf blowers - these
are better for large yards or big areas. I would look for a four cycle
engine to give you more power and less emissions, and also a three
wheeler if possible to make for easier steering.
Walk behind leaf
blowers cover the most acreage in the least time. These gas powered
machines are normally the tool of choice for commercial users, but for
regular homeowners, they can make short work of a home lawn. They will
however be more expensive too! Vacuum units also use a hose for picking
up debris and leaves.
Electric Leaf Blowers
These are less powerful than gas, but have the advantage of being
lighter, with less vibration and quieter, (you still need some protection
for your hearing), and there are no exhaust fumes, as electricity
drives the fan.
The attached cord however, limits your mobility so this
may not be the best choice for a lawn with lots of trees!. Look too, for
a cord retention system to prevent the cord from being accidentally
unplugged when being
used.
Also when selecting an extension cord to use with your electric
leaf blower, remember that if the gauge used is too small or inadequate,
the motor will not perform particularly well. Match the power rating of
the tool to a compatible cord, and always buy a cord that is rated for
outdoor use. Be Safe!
Handheld leaf blowers - these are best for smaller gardens, patios and
walkways. Be on the lookout for one with a flexible blower tube to allow
you to reach into corners!
Combo leaf blower/vacuum - a great idea for
small to medium gardens where you've not much room to pile your leaves.
I would look out for one with a variable speed and mulcher built-in to
the blower to help cut the leaf volume.
Rechargeable/battery - operated
leaf
blowers, are a good alternative for small areas. Work well on solid
surfaces like driveways and garages, but are limited because of their
short run time and because they move less air than the larger corded
models.
About the author:
Leonard Mutch is a keen gardener and author. You can read more of his
tips and articles at
http://www.gardenleafblower.com
and subscribe to his gardening tips newsletter at
http://www.gardenandplantcenter.com
