Styles and Types of Leaf Blowers

Leaf blowers can make cleaning the debris out of the garden and the grass clippings off the sidewalk a breeze, literally. Blowing away fallen leaves and twigs is generally much easier than picking them up by hand. If you are in the market for leaf blowers, it is a good idea to know what is out there before you simply go and purchase the first one you see. Leaf blowers come in different designs and with different power sources, as well as having differing sizes and weights. Once you know what you need to take care of your yard and garden, you will be able to make an excellent choice between leaf blowers and find the one that is just right for you.

There are three main designs or styles of leaf blowers on the market today. The most commonly seen style is the handheld model. Handheld leaf blowers can be seen in neighborhoods across the country where homeowners use them frequently during spring, summer, and winter to quickly clear away old leaves and twigs as well as grass clippings. These leaf blowers are generally convenient and are usually lightweight. They come in both gas-powered and electric models.

Backpack leaf blowers include a harness that an operator can slip over his arms to carry the unit on the back. Most often, these leaf blowers are gas powered for greater ease of operation. They are generally a little heavier than the handheld leaf blowers and are more powerful. A handheld hose is attached so that the operator can direct the air where he wants it. Many of these models also include a vacuum feature.

Walk-behind or wheeled leaf blowers are the largest of the three styles and are more powerful than the other styles. They are most often used in conjunction with professional lawn and garden care. Gas is the most likely power source, and these leaf blowers are designed for large jobs.

The three styles of leaf blowers come in both gas-powered and electric models. The electric models use an electrical cord plugged into an electrical outlet for their power, although some smaller battery operated models are also available. The gas models usually use a mixture of gasoline and oil and come with either a two-stroke or four-stroke engine. Your choice of electric or gas-powered blowers will most likely depend on the size of the job and your need for convenience.

Leaf blowers can come in a variety of sizes and weights. It is a good idea to determine who will be operating the unit so that you will know how heavy is too heavy. The handheld types are less heavy than the backpack models, although the weight is usually well-distributed in these leaf blowers.
Another thing to take into consideration when looking at size and weight of leaf blowers is whether or not you want the vacuum feature. This can come in very handy if you want to suck up the twigs, grass clippings and leaves. However, this feature can add weight because of the bag that is attached. Knowing your needs and what each of these models and styles can do will help you make a good choice as you look at the different leaf blowers that are available.

Leaf Blower