When you own a large property it isn’t practical to use a rake. You need a blower and you need one that can get the job done. When using a backpack leaf blower, you can clear more leaves and debris from your yard within a short time without physically straining.
For this article we reviewed popular models to find the best backpack leaf blower for the money.
The models of backpack leaf blowers we are going to review at in this article are:
Overall Best Value: Makita EB5300TH 52.5 cc MM4 4-Stroke Engine Tube Throttle Backpack Blower
Runner-Up: Husqvarna 350BT 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower
Best Premium Option: Makita EB7660TH 75.6 cc MM4 4-Stroke Engine Tube Throttle Backpack Blower
Best Electric Backpack Blower: Greenworks 80V 145MPH – 580CFM Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower
Best Budget Backpack Blower: Poulan Pro PR48BT, 48cc 2-Cycle Gas 475 CFM 200 MPH Backpack Leaf Blower
Best Backpack Leaf Blower Reviews
The Makita EB5300TH is a powerful backpack leaf blower designed for commercial-level performance. It has the power, reliability, and comfort to make it an ideal choice for most demands.
Powered by a 52.5 cc commercial-duty 4-stroke engine, this blower has some clear benefits over 2-cycle engines. The engine is cleaner burning and more fuel-efficient than 2-stroke motors and doesn’t require the hassle of mixing gas.
The 52.5cc 4-stroke motor also allows this blower to run more quietly than 2-stroke blowers without sacrificing performance. With air speeds of up to 184MPH and an airflow 516 CFM, this machine can handle most yard and garden cleaning tasks with ease. It also starts quick and easy every time, and it only takes about 2-minutes for the motor to warm up after starting.
Incredibly compact at under 20 lbs., the EB5300TH is very comfortable to operate with a padded back harness and easily adjusted wide shoulder straps. It also features significant vibration reduction and a large capacity muffler that reduces noise from the engine. Thanks to these features, the blower runs smooth and quiet, making it a joy to operate.
- 4-Stroke engine runs quieter, produces fewer emissions, and needs less maintenance.
- Very gas efficient.
- It doesn’t require mixing fuel.
- The large-capacity air filter is replaceable and easily accessible
- Runs smooth and Quiet
- Fast and easy to assemble/setup
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Always starts fast and easy
- Sold without oil
The 350BT Backpack blower by Husqvarna is equipped with a powerful 2-stroke X-Torq engine. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners or professionals with the power to accomplish most tasks and the ergonomic design to do so comfortably.
With its 2.1-horsepower engine, this blower can generate an air velocity up to 180 MPH with an airflow of 495 CFM. Enough power for it to handle even the toughest yard debris with ease. With a large fuel tank, it’s also able to run for hours without slowing you down by needing to stop and refuel.
Comfortably designed for hours of use, the ventilated harness features wide shoulder straps and a hip belt that helps reduce the load. The weight distribution from the hip belt helps to further reduce strain and fatigue that come with a long day’s work. Also, a cruise-control function lets you maintain a constant airflow so you can work without the need to regulate the blower’s speed.
Thanks to a unique air purge function, this blower is always fast and easy to start.
- A comfortable harness with a hip belt
- Air purge feature ensures a fast and easy start
- Powerful enough to handle piles of wet leaves and stubborn debris
- A large fuel tank
- Covered by a 2-year warranty
- Quieter than most 2-stroke blowers but still very loud
- Kill switch is integrated with the cruise control, so it’s easy to accidentally turn the blower off when throttling down.
A powerful and reliable machine, this backpack blower by Makita is ideal for professional landscapers. With air speeds of up to 206 MPH and an airflow of 706 CFM, this blower has enough power to clear any lawn and garden debris quickly. It’s no wonder that this is one of the highest-rated backpack leaf blowers available.
With a 4-stroke engine and heavy-duty anti-vibration mounts, this blower vibrates much less than 2-stroke blowers. It’s also quieter to the ear than 2-stroke blowers and further silenced by a heavy-duty large capacity muffler. Coupled with a well-padded back harness, this makes for a very comfortable machine to operate despite its weight. The multi-strap adjustment for the shoulder straps makes it even easier to get the perfect fit.
The 75.6 cc MM4 engine burns gas more efficiently and produces fewer emissions than 2-stroke motors. Plus, with a 4-cycle engine, you don’t need to deal with the hassle of mixing fuel and oil.
- 4-Stroke engine runs quieter, produces fewer emissions, and needs less maintenance.
- Multi-adjustment shoulder straps
- It starts fast and easy every time.
- Incredibly Powerful and fuel-efficient 75.6 CC 4-stroke engine.
- Runs on gas, so it doesn’t require mixing fuel
- Runs smooth and silent with little vibration
- Heavy
- Expensive, this machine is marketed towards professional landscapers.
A few years ago, the idea that a cordless leaf blower could compete with gas engine blowers was unthinkable. This blower by Greenworks is a solid step in that direction.
While it still doesn’t pack the kind of power that higher-end commercial gas-powered blowers have, this blower is surprisingly powerful. With an airflow of up to 580 CFM at 145 MPH, this tool is more than able to handle blowing dry leaves and most debris. When it comes to wet leaves, it doesn’t have enough power to move large piles at once, and instead needs to do so by layers.
This backpack blower is incredibly light, less than half the weight of any other on this list. The backpack is ergonomically designed and comfortably for extended use. It has a cruise control trigger and variable speed trigger that makes it easy to set and maintain the exact speed you want. Probably the biggest perk of this blower is how quiet it is. When running, it doesn’t sound any louder than a shop vac.
- Super lightweight
- Quieter than a gas blower
- Less maintenance
- Doesn’t require spending money on gas and fuel
- Less powerful than similarly priced gas-engine blowers
- Limited by battery life (about 1 hour)
A lightweight blower with loads of useful features, the PR48BT is a capable entry-level machine that won’t break the budget.
The PR48BT has some great ergonomic features and sports a comfortable padded harness with large adjustable length shoulder straps. This added comfort helps to reduce strain and minimize fatigue for users of any age or size. The grip of the handle is also comfortable to use and features a responsive variable speed trigger. This trigger allows you to adjust the airflow while using cruise control.
This 2-Cycle blower has enough power and blowing force to handle leaves and most yard debris. It sports an airflow of 475 CFM and airspeeds of up to 200MPH, giving it enough strength to perform difficult tasks like blowing wet, heavy leaves. Thanks to the added control of its adjustable speed, it’s also just as capable of providing more precision.
- Excellent Ergonomics, including a comfortable harness and straps.
- A highly responsive variable-speed trigger
- Large gas tank for extended use
- Durable construction with a heavy-duty frame and hose.
- Loud
- Poor directions complicate a simple assembly.
- It can take a few tries to start.
Choosing a backpack leaf blower
When in the market for a backpack leaf blower, there are factors that you will need to consider to ensure that you get the right one. Competing companies have developed many different designs. Each make and model has various perks and downsides when used in different conditions.
In this article, we have listed the factors that make some models better in certain circumstances as compared to others. This should help you make an informed choice when you are buying your next leaf blower.
Electric or Gas?
Backpack leaf blowers are either powered using an electric power source or gasoline. The electric-powered models are quiet and smaller as compared to the gas-powered blowers because they eradicate the need for a gas tank. However, the engines of gas blowers offer more power.
Electric Blowers
Electric leaf blowers are most often cordless models powered by a battery pack, which requires charging or replacement when the juice runs out. Other models use a cord and plug to get power from an electric outlet. These features also limit the usage of electric blowers. This is because a battery-powered leaf blower, for instance, cannot be used when it is not sufficiently charged. Similarly, the corded leaf blower can only be used up to the length of the power cord.
Electric leaf blowers are more convenient when in use because they emit less noise. They also do not have exhaust fumes. Being lighter to carry, you can use the blower for longer without being weighed down by fatigue. The electrically powered engine also has fewer vibrations. They are generally cheaper, and maintaining them is easy.
Gas-powered Leafblowers
The gas engines on gas-powered leaf blowers have more power than the motors of electric leaf blowers. This makes them better suited for demanding tasks like moving piles of wet leaves or stubborn yard debris.
There are no limitations when you want to move around since you have the gas that powers the leaf blower with you. However, the added weight of a fuel tank makes these machines heavier, and prolonged use will cause fatigue faster. The gas-powered engines also produce more intense vibrations, which further can contribute to fatigue.
These engines are also loud, and when using them, you should wear some ear protection to avoid damaging your hearing. Gas-powered leaf blowers will also release exhaust fumes in the form of smoke. Unlike an electric leaf blower, a gas-powered engine will also cost more in terms of maintenance.
Gas-powered leaf blowers can be powered by either a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine, both of which have their own distinct advantages.
2-Stroke vs. 4-Stroke Engines
2-Stroke Engines
These are the more common engines, and 2-stroke engine blowers are usually more affordable.
2-stroke engines are more powerful than 4-stroke engines, which allows them to be smaller and lighter weight. On the higher end, they are more powerful and are also easier to maintain.
These engines are much less efficient and use more fuel while generating more fumes. They also cause more vibrations, which can contribute to fatigue. They are also more prone to overheating.
The most annoying drawback of using a 2-stroke engine is that they require you to manually mix fuel and oil.
4-Stroke Engines
A 4-stroke engine solves many of the problems of 2-stroke engines.
With a 4-stroke engine, you get a more efficient machine that runs cooler and more evenly. These engines are more fuel-efficient, produces fewer fumes, and vibrate less intensely. They are also quieter, and the noise they produce is at a lower, less irritating pitch. Best of all, they run on gas and do not require mixing fuel.
These engines are more reliable and need maintenance less often, but are more complicated, making that maintenance more challenging to perform. These engines are also larger and considerably heavier than 2-stroke engines.
They, more often than not, are the more expensive of the two options.
Air-flow and Airspeed (CFM and MPH) Ratings
Leaf blowers have different abilities to blow air from the outlet nozzle, depending on the size and model of the leaf blower.
Airflow When getting your leaf blower, consider the airflow rating indicated in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and airspeed indicated in miles per hour (MPH). A higher rating means the leaf blower is capable of blowing more wind power and at higher speeds than an appliance with a lower rating. The latest designs have a variable rating, meaning that they allow you to adjust the conditions to suit your leaf blowing needs.
Noise emission
Generally, Leaf blowers are noisy machines. Different makes and models have different levels of noise that they emit when in use. Noise output from devices is measured in decibels (dB). When in the market for a leaf blower, noise emission level is a critical factor that you need to consider. The best backpack leaf blower is the one that does the work while emitting as little noise as possible.
Ergonomics
When using a backpack leaf blower, you will have to carry it on your back the whole time. You want something that you can carry around comfortably to reduce strain and fatigue.
Weight
You need to consider how heavy or light a leaf blower is when you are in the market for one. The weight of a backpack leaf blower varies from about 10 to 30 pounds.
Harness
You want to find a backpack that is comfortable and reduces strain. Adjustable, wide padded straps are a good starting point. Other features to look for are additional waist straps to distribute weight and provide more stabilization and ventilated back padding.
Controls
When looking for a leaf blower, you should look for one that has convenient controls. You should be able to easily reach and tell buttons and switches apart while operating the blower, and they should all be responsive.
Cruise control and a variable speed trigger are two features that you should look for when choosing a backpack leaf blower.
Quick Starting
Some backpack blowers have electric starts or other features that make them easier to start. The best backpack leafblowers always start fast and easy on the first try.
What does bare tool only mean?
When shopping for a backpack leaf blower, especially in the online stores, you are likely to come across some models listed as a bare tool only. This term means that the leaf blower is sold as it is without the battery pack.
The reason for doing this is because most manufacturers have standardized batteries that can fit different tools. Having interchangeable battery packs saves users the need to buy a battery for each machine. This is because one battery can be used with multiple devices at home. Be careful when doing this at home with your leaf blower to avoid accidents. Be sure to check that the input and output power rating is similar for the battery pack you swap.
Benefits of using a backpack Leaf blower
Cleaning your yard is easier when you use a backpack leaf blower.
While they may look more cumbersome than a handheld blower, backpack leaf blowers are actually much easier to use for extended periods. With handheld blowers, you hold the engine and fuel, which can quickly lead to fatigue. By strapping that weight to your back, you distribute the weight and reduce the strain on your body. For extended use, this makes them both more comfortable and far less tiring.
Because the weight is more evenly distributed, backpack blowers are also able to use more powerful engines. This gives them the power to take on heavier duty jobs that handheld leaf blowers might struggle with.
When using a backpack leaf blower, you can clear more leaves and debris from your yard within a short time. Using this method helps you clean your yard fast without physically straining.
Safety measures
You must observe safety measures when operating your leaf blower at home. Depending on the leaf blower that you are using, you might need to use different safety measures.
Protect your hearing with earplugs or other ear protection when using a leaf blower to prevent hearing loss from the noise that the leaf blower makes.
Wear protective clothing to prevent dirt particles such as small stones from injuring you. For your eyes, use safety goggles to avoid debris from entering your eyes.
In case you are using a gas-powered leaf blower, use a dust mask and avoid breathing in the exhaust fumes because they are harmful to your health.
Moreover, it is advisable to operate your leaf blower during the day or evening to minimize disturbances to your neighbors.
Conclusion
Best Overall Value
With its 4-stroke engine and high-powered performance the Makita EB5300TH MM4 Backpack Blower is top pick for best overall value.
This power backpack leaf blower has the power, reliability, and comfort to make it an ideal choice for most demands. With a cleaner burning and fuel-efficient 4-stroke engine, this blower has some clear benefits over the 2-cycle engines in the same price range.
Best Premium Choice
Designed with professional operator in mind the Makita EB7660TH 75.6 cc MM4 Backpack Blower is our top pick for a premium backpack leaf blower.
Like the EB5300TH a 4-stroke engine gives the EB7660TH some serious advantages over competitors that mostly use 2-cycle engines. The EB7660TH is built with a larger and more powerful engine than the EB5300TH. It packs some serious power, enough to make short work of even the most difficult properties.
This blower has the level of power and reliability that professionals need in a comfortable and stylish package.
Best on a Budget
The Poulan Pro PR48BT, 48cc 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Leaf Blower is a reliable backpack blower at a great entry-level price point.
This blower is ergonomically designed for comfort to reduce strain and minimize fatigue for users of any age or size. It has enough power you to handle dry leaves and most yard debris without physically straining yourself. We just wish it were quieter and would start more easily.
6 thoughts on “The 5 Best Backpack Leaf Blowers”
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