Types Of Backpack Blowers

Gas

Using a gasoline-powered leaf blower can offer you many advantages over electric powered blowers. The main advantage is that they have far more power, although some electric blowers are starting to catch up.

They’re very often the first choice for professionals or people that need to clear long distances. They gives you a greater range of movement allowing you to move with freedom, whereas electric units don’t. Unfortunately, there are disadvantages involved. Gas-powered blowers are often very bulky and difficult to carry. Not only that, but they require a lot of maintenance.

Electric

A corded leaf blower receives power via an electric cable, which is connected to an AC current. This limits the distance an electric backpack leaf blower can cover due to the length of the cable. 

One of these is perfect for families that have a small yard or lawn. Anything bigger and you’d have to have a series of extension cords to cover the area. Not an ideal situation! 

Due to electric models not requiring an engine to power them, they tend to be quieter. Not only that, but they’re a lot easier to start and to carry.  They’re perfect for people of all ages and levels of physical strength.

Battery (Non-Backpack & Backpack)

Often referred to as a cordless leaf blower, these work very similarly to the corded style. The major difference is that they run on a direct current battery which is fully rechargeable. This gives you more freedom of movement than the corded style. The main problem is that they don’t hold their charge very well, giving you about an hour’s worth of use.

As stated in the subheading, there are two different styles that you could go for. The first is the non-backpack. This means that the battery is connected to the handle which can make it heavy to hold. The other style is the backpack leaf blower. This enables you to carry the battery on your back. If you need to use your blower for an extended period of time, I would suggest getting this style.

Different Uses For Backpack Leaf Blowers

Home Use

It’s very unlikely that you will be using your leaf backpack blower regularly if you live in a home with a standard size yard. Unless you live in a forest of course!

With that being said, what should you be looking for when picking the right leaf blower for the home? 

Due to the fact you won’t be using it very often, I would look for good value for money without compromising on performance. This would usually mean looking for a corded or battery powered leaf blower. Again this will depend on the size of your yard, and how often you plan to use it. Weigh up your options and see what works for you. These options generate enough power for smaller areas or irregular use.

Commercial

It can be tricky to decide what’s going to work for you, especially with so many options on the market. Due to you using it every day for business, it makes sense to spend a little bit more.

What should you look out for though?

I would first look at the weight, remembering you’re going to be carrying it a lot. Getting one that’s lighter will save your back. Another thing to check would be the straps. Something well padded would be a good idea.

The last thing I would take a look at is the size of the fuel tank, and the engine efficiency. The more ground you can cover the better. All the gas-powered options on our list are high-performing products and suitable for regular use.

Metrics of Good Leaf Blowers

Power output

This is determined by the power the engine can produce. Finding a blower with a high horsepower (HP) will give you better results. For example, one horsepower can move 550 foot-pounds per second or the equivalent to 746 watts.

But why is that important? Well, the more horsepower you have the better the leaf blower will perform.

Cylinder displacement

The number of cubic centimeters (cc) the engine can displace can give you a good idea of the performance. Most leaf blowers have one engine so the volume of the cylinder is judged from the piston as it’s driven from top to bottom.

A general rule of thumb is that the higher the cc the more powerful the engine of the leaf blower will be.

Maximum power speed

This is the maximum rotation per minute (RPM). This could be in terms of the piston or the speed of the fan.

What does this mean in terms of leaf blowers?

Well, the higher RPM, the more air that can be pushed from the engine. This makes the blowing force more powerful, allowing for less work and movement.

Fuel tank volume

Usually measured in fluid ounces, this determines how much fuel your blower can hold.

Why is this important?

Well, leaf blowers usually have two-stroke engines, so they have better RPM. Unfortunately, this means that they use more fuel than a four stroke would.

Knowing the capacity of the fuel tank will ensure you don't have to refill too many times. This is important if you need to clear a large area in a certain time frame.

Sound power level (LWA)

Weight

Finding a backpack leaf blower that isn't too heavy can be very important, especially if it’s a handheld electric unit. Holding it one arm for a long period of time can be very challenging for anyone.

If you opt for a gas leaf backpack blower you need to keep in mind that you’re carrying a small engine on your back.

What Else To Look For In A Good Backpack Leaf Blower

Harness or Straps

All backpack leaf blowers will come with various straps that allow you to carry them without much effort. Padded shoulder straps will reduce the chance of rubbing and irritation while adjustable hip and chest belts can help evenly distribute the weight of the machine. The top models all come with these features.

If you're going for a handheld blower, you might want to check if it comes with a harness. This will allow you to control the blower easily. Taking the weight of your arm will be a lifesaver after 15 minutes!

Cruise Control

This allows you to set the speed that your leaf blower runs at, eliminating the need to hold a button.

Why is this feature good to have?

Over long periods of time or large areas, you will find it very difficult to continue to hold on to the throttle. Not only that, but it gives a more constant flow depending on your needs.

Active Cooling

If you have large areas to cover and live in a hot climate, it’s worth looking out for this feature. Active cooling is where little ports located on the back blow cool air onto your back. This, in turn, will ensure you stay cool throughout the day making the user feel far more comfortable.

Value for Money

Looking into the features the leaf blower has will help give you an idea on the value for money. This is very important as a lot of models will have different features which can make the prices fluctuate.

We recommend a cheaper option if you only use it once a week or month. Many of the budget options are still excellent performers. Have a think about what you need your leaf backpack blower to do. This will help you find the best value for your money for you.

Warranty

Checking what the manufactures warranty period is can be very useful. Having a long cover period will give you peace of mind should anything go wrong.

Another thing you should check out is what the warranty actually covers. Some manufacturers will leave little loopholes to stop them having to pay out. Husqvarna offers a 2-year warranty on all machines and have a solid reputation in customer service.

1. Husqvarna 350BT 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Leaf Blower

The Husqvarna leaf blower uses a 50.2cc engine to make this a very effective and efficient blower. It can produce air flow up to 180mph and although this may be lower than other models the volume of air it can move is much higher. We love this aspect of Husqvarna blowers because it means they produce a constant cycle of powerful air.

It features cruise control which allows you to set variable speeds on the throttle. This makes your life a little easier when covering long distances and tackling thick patches of leaves.

Having a specially designed X-TORQ engine cuts harmful exhaust gases up to 60%, great if you're looking for an eco-friendly blower. This also increases fuel efficiency by 20%, meaning you can go further for less money. 

It has a well-padded harness and hip belt system that follows the contours of your body, so it makes for a very comfortable leaf blower. In fact, it's one of the most comfortable on our list and we believe it to be the best backpack leaf blower for medium use home owners.

2. Husqvarna 150BT 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Leaf Blower

This Husqvarna backpack leaf blower is powered by a 50cc engine. It can generate speeds up to 250 mph. Although the speed is faster than the 350 BT, it cannot match the volume of air it produces.

This is another of the best gas backpack blowers because it performs well, is comfortable to use and makes life easy for the user. The well-padded straps and harness make it a pleasure to carry for long periods of time.

The large fuel tank combined with the economic engine allows it to run for a very long time without any issues.  

If you’re looking for a machine that you can use regularly then this could be the one for you. In my opinion, it's the best value backpack leaf blower for home use and because of its increased power, it’s suited to blowing dense leaves from drains, roofs, and clogged areas.

3. HUSQVARNA OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT 580BTS

This is a real machine! The powerful 75.6 cc engine gives an unreal blowing force and produces air traveling up to 250+ MPH. With 908 CFM, it easily fits into the most powerful backpack leaf blower category.

Powered again by the X-TORQ engine and is considered to be the most beneficial and reliable on the market today. If you work in the landscaping business this would be ideal for you as it clears areas very quickly.

With air injection and a centrifugal air cleaning system ensuring no dust and debris ever reach the air filter, this helps increase the life of the engine and the life of the air filter. This leaf backpack blower goes above and beyond not only it’s one of the most comfortable to operate, but the way it operates is second to none.

Is it only for commercial use? Not really. Home owners also rave about this model, but we do recommend it for regular use as the hefty price tag will set you back.

4. Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower

With a genuine OEM echo part two stroke engine it produces 58.2 cc, delivering a maximum speed of 215 MPH and 510 CFM. This makes it a powerful little machine that can easily shift wet leaves and small twigs.

At only 70 dB(A) it runs fairly quietly compared to other models, great if you live or work in residential areas. The easy pull start and the gas tank being smartly positioned allows you to use the frame to help with the pull start.

The left control wand with a throttle mounted to it allows for easy use. It’s this smart design that makes it easy for anyone to start/use. 

Comfort wise, you can’t get much better. The straps are extremely well padded, so you can carry this all day without discomfort. Another neat design is the vented backrest that keeps you from getting a sweaty back at the end of a long day.

This Echo model is another product in the extremely powerful category. We love it because it’s substantially quieter than the Husqvarna model above and yet still suited to backyard blowing.

5. Echo PB-755ST 63.3cc Backpack Blower

Powered by a two-stroke 63.3cc engine, it has no trouble clearing leaves or sticks making this a machine that's not only great for home use but can be used commercially.

The leaf blower can produce 233 mph airflow and can shift 651 CFM which makes this a really powerful mid-sized blower. Not only this, but the larger full tank allows you to run the leaf blower for longer periods without having to stop.

If you tend to work in residential areas this blower is great for you as it only creates 74 Db(a) making it one of the quietest on the market today. This is definitely one of the best commercial backpack leaf blowers and comes with a great carrying system, padded at the shoulders and hips.

This performs far better than I could have expected. The great build design and the powerful engine work together allowing for an excellent experience. It’s a great choice for commercial use because of its large fuel tank and quiet output.

6. Echo PB-770T ECHO Gas Backpack Blower

The 63.3 ECHO backpack blower kicks out a massive 234 MPH airspeed which can produce 756 CFM air flow. It features an anti-vibration design helping to reduce the noise levels. Overall, it runs at 73 dB(A). Considering the power this leaf backpack blower produces, it’s really very quiet.

The tube mounted throttle makes it easy to control, and with the cruise control, you can easily maintain a steady airflow. Another nice feature is the leaf guard which helps to protect you from flying debris.

Like almost the models on our list, padded shoulder straps help to provide you with comfort whilst wearing the blower for extended periods. The ventilated backrest ensures you get cool air circulating around you back, great for hot weather.

Overall, I was very pleased with how well this performs. It’s a solid choice from a proven brand and the 5-year warranty is a bonus for residential consumers.

7. Tomahawk Power 2-Stroke Engine Backpack

The Tomahawk 2–stroke engine runs at 63cc, and has a power output of three horsepower, meaning it can take on some big tasks.

But this isn't just a leaf blower. It has multifunctional uses. This can be used to spray pesticides or fog out mosquitos. With up to 200 MPH airspeed and a 40ft reach, it makes some of the toughest jobs that little bit easier.

Having a multifunctional control handle ensures comfort while operating, the low vibration reduces fatigue. The adjustable backpack straps give you comfort throughout the day. As does the vented back plate which helps to keep you cool through the summer days.  

Now I wouldn't fully recommend this if your sole purposes are to use it as a leaf blower, it just won't perform like the other products reviewed. If you're in need of spraying and clearing leaves then this is a great multipurpose machine and will save you money.

8. Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower

Powered by a 48 cc gas-powered engine, it can blow at speeds up to 200mph moving 475 CFM of air. Considering the small size of the engine this really does perform very well, and can easily move leaves and twigs.

This backpack leaf blower comes with added cruise control, allowing you to control the speed very easily. As you don’t need to constantly use the highest speeds to move lighter leaves, the variable speed throttle is a nice touch.

The blower was built for home use and the heavy-duty frame covering it allows it to withstand regular, harsh and rough treatment.

Unfortunately, this cannot be used for commercial use. Even with the powerful little engine, it just won't work. But if you’re looking to clean the leaves in your own personal garden and want a product on the ‘value’ end of the scale, then this is just the one for you.

9. Maruyama BL85-T Backpack Blower

This has to be the most powerful backpack leaf blower on the market today, which is no surprise when you realize it's made by Kawasaki. The blower uses a 64.7cc gas-powered engine and is seriously reliable.

It can generate air speed of up to 200 mph which doesn't seem a lot, but when you add this to the 900 CFM it pushes it's far more impressive. With that amount of power at the touch of your fingers, it's great for the working man.

Many leaf blowers suffer from engine vibration, well the wizards at Kawasaki have solved the issue. Using four independent springs around the engine, and backpack system it significantly reduces the wobble.

Overall this is a really strong machine with the perfect combination of airspeed and volume, it’s a great all-rounder. This is the best professional backpack leaf blower and is the choice for professionals over the world.

10. Husqvarna 589746401 Toy Leaf Blower

We all remember a time when we used to follow our parents around mimicking them working. Well, now your child can do the same out in the yard with this kid’s leaf blower.

It requires three AA batteries to run. This enables the engine to turn on and blow a gentle breeze mimicking a real-leaf blower. The light weight makes it easy for a child of 3+ years to carry around and the little streamers at the end keep them interested.

Now, this product won't actually blow leaves, but with your child stood next to you while you're blowing will certainly give the illusion. This is a great little toy if you want to instill the value of working into your child at a young age and have fun doing it.

I can guarantee your kid will remember the sunny days running pretending to blow leaves with their parents.

Advantages of Backpack Blowers

Easy to Carry

Straps and harnesses make using a backpack leaf blower a lot easier than handheld models.

Not only does it distribute the weight evenly on your back, but it stops your arms from straining when holding a complete unit. Other issues such as neck pain and shoulder pain are also reduced.

Faster

Having electrical cables around the yard or hooking up extension leads to reach far-away places can be time consuming and dangerous. Having a backpack style blower can make it safer and quicker.

Not only this, but generally you move a lot more easily and are in more control of the leaf blower making you work faster and more efficiently.

Cover-More Area

With it being attached your back it makes it easier to cover ground efficiently. You’re not restricted to the length of your extension cable.

With a fuel tank at the ready, you can go further than other styles of leaf blowers with just a quick refill you can be off again.

Cleaner Option

One reason is due to not having cables everywhere it keeps the workspace clean and clutter free. With the new advancements in engine technology, you can now get leaf backpack blowers that emit very little emissions. This can be less than the emissions created from using fossil fuel generated electricity. Making it a cleaner option in the long run!

Why We Recommend The Husqvarna Brand

If you're wondering who makes the best backpack leaf blowers, look not further than the Husqvarna brand. 

There are a few reasons I would recommend this brand over the rest. For one, the price when comparised to similar models offers better value for money.

Another reason is the efficiency of the engines and the power they can push out. Compare this to the price and you really can’t find anything that comes close.

They also extended warranty with purchase of the correct motor oil. This is always a bonus and gives you peace of mind. Not only this, but they offer a warranty to professionals whereas ECHO does not.

Handheld Electric Vs. Backpack Blowers

As we touched on earlier, you should think which kind of leaf blower you need or prefer before purchasing. Backpack leaf blowers are great, but what if you need something different?

You have the option of going for a corded handheld leaf blower, but this makes you limited to how far you can use it. These are a good choice if you lightly use a blower and have access to power points close to leaves.

This option is definitely better for home use, and they’re cheaper than a backpack leaf blower. For small areas, they work great. A good choice is the Worx Turbine 12 Amp Corded Leaf Blower. The airspeed with the CFM is a good match, and great for home use.

If you have a larger area to clear a corded leaf blower might not be the option, in that case, you should look for a battery operated blower. The Greenworks is a good option, the price is good as is the power output.

For home use where you not going to be using the product very often, say once every 1-2 months, I would go for these products over a backpack style.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How do you use a backpack leaf blower?

First of all, you must start the leaf blower and place over you back. Once all straps are tight you can now start to use the throttle and enable cruise control. Aim the nozzle in the direction you want to blow the leaves and use a sweeping motion.

How do you start a leaf blower?

Most brands start in a similar fashion: push the primer in and release it slowly six times, then put the choke on. Once this is done pull the start cord sharply until the engine starts. Let it run for 10 seconds before releasing the choke.

Do I need to hang one of these blowers?

They all come with a suitable stand at the base of the machine to place it on the floor.

How much power do I need for home use?

The ideal range is one that can push at 550 CFM would be perfect. The MPH is less relevant as anyway close to 200 is sufficient speed.

How much power do I need for professional use?

Anything over 700 CFM would be advised.

What is the price range of these machines?

Depending on your needs $200-$600 will get you a good quality leaf blower.

Where is a good place to buy cheap blowers?

Amazon has a great selection at very affordable prices.

Conclusion

So there we go. Throughout this article I’ve explained everything you need to know on how to make an educated decision, it’s up to find the right blower for your exact needs.

I spent the time finding and testing the right products so you don’t have too! I guarantee that if you pick any of these products you won’t be disappointed.