1. Echo PB-2620
If you need a gas handheld blower to clear leaves and debris from a large yard, you should consider the Echo PB-2620, available from Home Depot.
This durable, professional-grade model has a 25.4 cubic centimeter two-stroke engine that produces 172 miles per hour maximum air speed, with an airflow of 456 cubic feet per minute. It’s noisy to the tune of 70 decibels.
With variable speed, and a “cruise control” that allows you to lock it at your desired speed, it’s able to move heavy wet leaves and a variety of other yard debris.
The air inlet at the side of the unit features a double grid design to prevent it from clogging or getting caught up in your clothes as you work. The two-stage air filter allows you to work in dusty conditions without damage to the engine.
Two nozzles are supplied: a round and a flared-end tube so it’s versatile and can be used for a variety of cleanup operations.
This unit weighs just over nine pounds without gas. The translucent gas tank has a capacity of 20 fluid ounces, which gives you plenty of “gas in the tank” to get your yard chores done.
In addition to the comfortable top handle, it has a secondary handle at the bottom of the unit for easy maneuverability and two-handed use.
This model requires a 50:1 ratio of gas to oil or you can consider buying a premixed product for ease of use.
The manufacturer recommends the use of fresh 89 octane gas (or higher) and a professional grade oil, such as Echo Power Blend, available at Amazon.
The Echo PB2620 comes with a five-year consumer warranty (or a two-year commercial warranty) for your peace of mind.
See customer reviews and check prices now on Home Depot.
2. Echo PB-580T
If you need the additional power and comfort of a backpack model, you will not go wrong with the Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower, available via Amazon.
The Echo PB-580T features a 58.2 cubic centimeter two stroke engine that blows air at 215 miles per hour with a whopping 510 cubic feet per minute.
The padded, vented backrest and shoulder straps spread the additional weight of this powerful, 22-pound (without gas) model.
The unique design of the backrest allows air to circulate, keeping you cool while you work, and it features a four-point vibration reduction system for added comfort.
With a gas tank capacity of 62 fluid ounces, you’ll be able to clear up large areas for many hours before the unit needs refueling.
The noise rating is 70 decibels, which is reasonable for the amount of power output this model provides.
This unit has a tube-mounted throttle with variable speed cruise control. The air filter is pleated – like the one in your car – for superior performance and durability.
With a backpack model, you don’t have to worry about your clothes being tangled in the air intake vents. The Echo PB-580T has a leaf guard to prevent leaves, dust, or debris blocking the intake and overheating the engine.
If you have a large lot, with numerous trees, this backpack unit will take the load off your arms and allow you to stay out longer for bigger cleanup efforts.
A long, flexible tube allows you to maneuver around and under objects and the end of the nozzle has a metal ring around it to prevent breakage.
The manufacturer recommends a 50:1 ratio of 89 octane (or higher) gas to oil.
Alternatively, you can purchase a premixed product from TrueFuel via Amazon that’s ready to use. The 50:1 ratio ships in a 32-ounce steel container and stays fresh for up to two years after opening.
The Echo PB580T ships with a five-year consumer (two-year commercial) warranty.
3. EGO Power+ LB5804
The EGO Power+ LB5804, available via Amazon, is one of the most powerful battery powered leaf blowers available.
Delivering 580 cubic feet per meter and 168 miles per hour, the Ego Power+ tackles wet and dry leaves, and a variety of garden debris.
The included five-amp, 56-volt lithium ion battery lasts for approximately 35 minutes and takes 90 minutes to recharge.
This unit weighs just under 10 pounds with the battery attached. The air intake – located at the back of the unit – is shielded by the battery which prevents your clothes getting caught.
A “turbo” setting allows you to crank up the power for short bursts and a cruise control lets you choose your ideal air speed.
The softgrip handle is comfortable and features a speed dial for quick and easy adjustment with your thumb. If I had one quibble with this unit, it’s that the balance of the handle makes the nozzle tend to point downwards a little too much, which won’t be a problem for taller folks.
For added comfort, you can purchase a shoulder strap also available on Amazon.
This model delivers 68 decibels of neighborly noise.
EGO provides a five-year warranty on the tool and a three-year warranty on the battery charger.
Check prices and read customer reviews on Amazon now.
4. Greenworks 24252
If your cleanup needs aren’t too expansive, and you like the idea of a battery-powered unit, consider the Greenworks 24252, available via Amazon.
This lightweight machine weighs just seven pounds with the battery installed, and a two-piece extension tube increases your reach.
A 40-volt lithium ion battery enables the motor to deliver a maximum air speed of 150 miles per hour and airflow of 135 cubic feet per minute. This model has a noise rating of 62 decibels.
The relatively low CFM rating on this model makes it suitable for cleaning pathways and decks, and dry leaves from your lawn, but it will not handle large amounts of debris or wet leaves.
With a battery life of 15 to 25 minutes, this unit is ideal for small-scale yard cleanup but it doesn’t pack the serious punch of some of the more powerful models.
It features a flat-ended nozzle to focus the airflow and offers six speeds that can be selected from a dial on the comfortable handle.
Greenworks offers a four-year warranty for your peace of mind.
This unit is not the most powerful on our list by quite a long way, but it’s perfect for light cleanup of your deck, driveway, and yard. If you don’t require heavy-duty power, this model will get the job done.
Read customer reviews and check prices now at Amazon.
5. Makita XBU02PT1
If your tool shed already includes some Makita power tools, then you’ll want to give this leaf blower, available on Amazon, serious consideration.
The lithium ion battery is interchangeable with all other Makita cordless tools and provides a respectable 473 cubic feet per minute and 120 miles per hour.
With a noise rating of 61 decibels, it won’t drive the neighbors completely crazy.
The main downside to this model is the relatively short battery life. The two five-amp batteries last an average of 20 to 25 minutes on medium power, and even less on full power.
This unit weighs just under ten pounds with two batteries installed. It ships with four batteries and they take about an hour to recharge.
The handle features a dial that’s easy to reach and six power settings. The air intake on the back of the unit can snag loose clothing unless you keep it to one side.
An extension attachment for the blower tube and a flat-end nozzle for those hard to reach places are available separately, also on Amazon.
The manufacturer offers a one year warranty.
This model is ideal for a small backyard, it’s powerful enough to make short work of your fall cleanup duties, and is especially useful for those users who already have a selection of Makita tools.
6. Ryobi RY42102
The Ryobi RY42102 is a budget-friendly handheld corded electric blower available at Home Depot.
This basic model delivers a respectable 135 miles per hour and 440 cubic feet per minute. The eight-amp jet fan technology has two speeds so is not as highly adjustable as the Worx or the Toro models described below.
When it’s set on “low,” the blower pushes out 350 cubic feet per minute at 100 miles per hour. On the high setting, it delivers 440 cubic feet at 135 miles per hour. At just 65 decibels of racket, this is one of the quieter models.
It will tackle wet and dry leaves, as well as lightweight garden debris. The comfortable softgrip handle allows for easy maneuverability of the seven-pound unit.
You’ll need to supply your own outdoor-rated extension cord. The air intake is at the back of the unit, so be sure to keep clothing out of the way.
Ryobi offers a three year warranty for your peace of mind.
If you need a durable, lightweight, affordable model for general yard cleanup, the Ryobi is an ideal choice.
7. Toro PowerJet F700
The Toro PowerJet is a handheld corded electric model, available from Walmart.
It delivers 725 cubic feet per minute and a speed of 140 miles per hour, which makes it only slightly less powerful than the Worx model, described below.
Suitable for wet and dry leaves, and general yard debris, the Toro PowerJet F700 is an economical choice.
The air intake is situated at the back of the unit, so you’ll need to hold it to one side to prevent your clothes from getting caught up. The long softgrip handle features a cord lock and an additional front handle for easy maneuverability and two-handed use.
This 12-amp model features an adjustable speed dial that’s easy to reach with your thumb and a cruise control lock function.
Weighing in at just under seven pounds, this is a lightweight unit that packs a lot of power. For the average suburban backyard, you’ll have your fall cleanup done in no time.
It delivers 70 decibels of racket, which is about average for this type of unit.
The wide nozzle is a little on the short side, which may require the user to bend down to tackle thick, wet leaf debris – but it’s perfect if you’re of a slightly shorter stature (as I am!).
This model does not ship with an extension cord, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. It’s important to use an outdoor-rated cord, such as this one, available at Home Depot.
With a two-year warranty, the Toro PowerJet F700 is a lightweight but durable, powerful unit that won’t break the bank.
8. Worx WG520
The Worx WG520, available at Amazon, is a handheld, corded electric model pumping out 600 cubic feet per minute with a maximum speed of 115 miles per hour.
Weighing in at just over six pounds, this handheld blower features a variable speed control from 320 to 600 CFM, and a hyper-stream air nozzle attachment for focused airflow to help you move stubborn debris or compacted, wet leaves.
The turbine fan technology and powerful 12-amp motor will make short work of your fall yard cleanup. And with a 50 decibel noise rating, it won’t drive your neighbors too crazy.
It ships with or without a 100-feet-long electrical cord, and the handy cord retainer prevents you from tripping over it while you work. You can increase your reach with an outdoor-rated 12 or 14 gauge extension cord, if desired.
The air inlet is on the back of the unit, so you’ll need to hold it to the side and keep loose clothing out of the way. The softgrip handle feels comfortable in the hand.
You can remove the nozzle to make the unit more compact for storage.
This model ships with a three year warranty.
For a lightweight, handheld, corded electric model with impressive power that won’t break the bank, consider the Worx WG520 600.
Check price and learn more at Amazon.
9. Yardmax YF1565
When it’s time to bring out the big guns, you might want to look at the Yardmax YF1565 wheeled leaf blower, available via Walmart.
This walk-behind model is ideal for when you need a lot of power to clear away leaves, garbage, and other yard debris. It will tackle large areas and heavy cleanup jobs with ease. And best of all, you don’t have to carry it!
This wheeled machine features a 209 cubic centimeter overhead valve engine that produces an air volume of a whopping 1200 cubic feet per minute at up to 150 miles per hour.
Its 12-inch rear wheels and eight-inch swivel front wheel make it easy to maneuver over rough or uneven terrain. It produces 76 decibels of racket – enough to wake up your neighbors on a Sunday morning.
Weighing in at 88 pounds, this is a professional-grade unit most suitable for large expanses of yard – not those that have a lot of beds and borders with fragile plantings.
The adjustable side handle allows you to control the direction of airflow for added versatility.
With a four-stroke, fuel-efficient engine, you simply fill up the two-and-a-half-quart fuel tank with regular 89 octane (or higher) gas. There’s no finicky oil and gas ratios to worry about.
With such a lot of power, you’ll need to ensure that people and pets are out of the way when you operate this machine, as flying debris can cause injury.
The Yardmax YF1565 comes with a two-year limited warranty.
Check prices and see reviews at Walmart.
How to Choose a Leaf Blower
First, how do you decide whether you want a gas, corded, or cordless model?
Each has its pros and cons, and while there are some specific advantages and disadvantages of each type, it comes down to your own preferences and needs.
