Don’t let the name “leaf blower” fool you. This is a versatile piece of outdoor equipment that can help you with a variety of tasks. Besides the obvious of helping to save your back in the fall with leaf cleanup, a leaf blower can also double as a driveway/sidewalk sweeper, debris corraler and a snow remover (if the snow is light enough). There is a wide variety of leaf blowers to choose from, so when selecting the one for you, it is important to consider your yard size and the workload you’re expecting to get out of the equipment. That is where people often fall short in their leaf blower purchase and end up getting something that doesn’t quite get the job done.
Don’t let this be you. Here is a breakdown of things to consider when buying a leaf blower:
CFM
A leaf blowers power is measured by cubic feet per minute (CFM). The higher the CFM, the more air volume coming out; meaning more power.
MPH
Leaf blowers power is also measured by mile per hour (MPH). This is the speed at which the air comes out of the blower. Again, the higher MPH the faster the air will be exciting the blower; hence greater power and performance.
Power Source
Gas
Gas leaf blowers offer the user maximum power and portability. They are usually offered in handheld, backpack or walk-behind models. While this will definitely get the job done, it is the loudest. So if you’re neighborhood has a noise ordinance, this is something to be aware of before purchasing a gas powered leaf blower.
Electric
Electric leaf blowers are lighter and less noisier than a gas powered leaf blower. Another major bonus is electric requires less maintenance and you won’t experience the fumes like you would in a gas powered blower. The power is sourced from an electrical cord, so your distance will be limited to the length of the cord. Additionally, electric does not offer the same kind of power and portability that gas powered has.
Battery
Similar to electric, battery powered leaf blowers are lighter, quieter and require less maintenance. What battery powered offers that electric does not is portability; however, this too will not give you that same power performance that a gas powered will. Additionally, you will be limited to your battery life, so you will have to be diligent at making sure you are fully charged before use.
Before you make your leaf blower purchase, be sure to consider your yard and the job performance you are expecting out of your leaf blower. The last thing you want is to invest in a piece of equipment that under delivers.
Snappy’s offers a wide variety of leaf blowers that you are welcome try s head on out to our store at 2120 N. Dixie Highway in Lima! We have all the lawn and yard equipment you need to get make your job easier.
