Leaf blower buying guide
If you know the pain of cleaning up endless amounts of leaves regularly, a great blower can make that task a little bit easier.
Petrol vs battery
The important thing to remember when buying a blower is how it will be used. If you are using it for shorter periods of time, have a small area or have a small amount of leaves, handheld cordless battery-powered blowers are easier to operate, lighter, quieter and nearly vibration-free, and charging only takes between 30 and 50 minutes. If you’re working for longer periods, have a large area or lots of leaves to blow, a petrol-powered blower will give you more oomph.
Handheld or backpack?
Handheld blowers are usually lighter and easier to use. They’re perfect for the average Aussie garden or light-duty jobs such as tidying up flowerbeds and removing grass clippings from sidewalks, driveways and small lawns.
Suck it up
Some blowers come with a vacuum option, which can be used to suck up grass, clippings and leaves. It’s especially useful in places where you don’t want to blow debris around, for example a pool, pond or around your car.
Noise
Many a neighbourhood has been rudely woken by the deafening roar of an obnoxiously loud blower. If you want to keep your neighbours happy and if keeping noise to a minimum is a top priority, look for a blower with noise dampening technology. Some blowers are especially designed to emit low noise, like cordless battery-powered blowers, which are not only quiet but easy to use.
Other things to consider when buying a blower.
- Make sure the blower is easy to start. Give it a test run instore if possible.
- Look for a blower that’s not too heavy, and has left- and right-hand use, to give each side of your body a break.
- If you’ll be blowing around flowers or other delicate areas, look for a blower with adjustable air speed.
- Consider a blower with anti-vibration dampeners. These absorb vibration, which reduces the stress on your arms and hands, making the job easier and more enjoyable.
- Choose a blower that can handle wet and dry leaves.
- As with most things, you get what you pay for when it comes to leaf blowers, so it's worth spending that little bit extra upfront. It'll save you in the long run.