Best backpack leaf blower Backpack leaf blowers "provide the power and go-anywhere ability of gas without the arm strain of a handheld blower," says Sal Vaglica at This Old House. Experts say that desirable features include a carrying handle on the top, an easy-to-reach fuel spout, a see-through gas tank and a footrest for pull-starting the engine. The Husqvarna 350BT (Est. $320) gets strong reviews from experts and users alike, and continues to lead the backpack leaf blower pack to Best Reviewed status. It has a low-emission engine that creates airspeeds of up to 180 mph and air flow up to nearly 495 cfm. In addition, it offers a range of comfort features, such as an ergonomic, padded harness with a thick hip belt and wide shoulder straps, and an adjustable, soft-grip handle. Its fan speed can be locked, so you don't have to keep pulling the trigger, and it comes with a two-year warranty. The Husqvarna 350BT has been around for a few years now, and seems to have well withstood the test of time.

It earns good feedback in a 2010 Popular Mechanic's comparative evaluation of backpack blowers, with Roy Berendsohn noting that its airflow is powerful and very productive. He also calls this model the most comfortable machine in his magazine's test. says the 350BT is highly powerful and yet "remarkably quiet for a gas leaf blower" -- though that's certainly grading on a curve as experts widely recommend hearing protection when using this backpack model. The 350BT also earns Recommended status in a comprehensive leaf-blower test conducted by an independent reviewer. That test based its recommendations based on performance, handling and noise. But user reviews are what continue to tip the balance in favor of the Husqvarna 350BT. give the 350BT an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Like the experts, owners find it very powerful on wet and dry leaves, as well as dust, cobwebs and snow. They also call it comfortable and like how easily it starts. We found very few complaints about this model.

, where it earns a near perfect score and recommendations from 96 percent of owners. , it gets reviews from more than 300 owners, who rate it at a rare 5.0 stars overall, with 97 percent saying that they would recommend it to a friend.akadema backpack With that type of feedback, the 350T is an easy call, but there are other options. backpack 95l names the Stihl BR350 (Est. $350) the best choice among backpack blowers. hydration backpack costco"You can certainly find more powerful blowers, but after an initial test against four competitors in 2014 and a full year of long-term field testing by pro landscapers, the experts agreed that the midrange BR350 has all of the power that anyone would really need," says that site's Doug Mahoney. huffer backpack

It's also Recommended in a large test of leaf blowers conducted by another independent reviewer.However, it was design features that set it apart even more. "The gas fill is oriented upward, as opposed to at an angle, making for an easy, spill-free pour; the gas cap has a hard plastic ridge around it, protecting it from bumps; and the top of the tool is the perfect shape for placing a hand while you're pulling the starter," he says. On the downside, it's a lot of leaf blower to carry around if all you need to deal with is a small to mid-sized property, and it's loud -- the second loudest blower in their test, Mahoney says. Like all Stihl blowers, the BR350 is sold by independent authorized retailers, not online, so the best place to find user feedback is at the Stihl site. There aren't a ton of reviews, but most of the nearly 75 owners that weigh in seem pleased and the Stihl BR350 earns a 4.7 star rating. , "The pinnacle of performance and power for leaf removal is a walk-behind leaf blower," adding that "These big hoss blowers will eradicate every last leaf on your lawn in no time."

Look for models that let you alter the direction of the air flow, and for large rear wheels (for navigating irregular terrain) and a swiveling front wheel (for easier maneuverability, for example, next to buildings). Pricing covers a wide range, starting at less than $300 for an entry level wheeled leaf blower, to around $5,000 for the most powerful commercial models with features such as a self-propelled motor. For homeowners, the Troy-Bilt TB672 (Est. $430) looks like a good alternative. , this entry-level walk-behind blower draws good expert and user feedback. It's one of six wheeled leaf blowers rated in a large, independent roundup of leaf blowers of every type and size, and earns Recommended status. , for example, based on more than 30 reviews. This is one powerful blower. While its airflow velocity isn't exceptional at 150 mph, its airflow volume at up to 1,000 cfm outpaces virtually all handheld and backpack gas and electric leaf blowers. With a sound-level rating of 100 dB you will very much want to be wearing hearing protection when using this walk-behind blower, although tests show that sound levels at 50 feet and beyond are surprising low -- lower than most other wheeled blowers and low enough to not overly bother any neighbors.

The 12-inch rear wheels are large enough to make moving the blower over uneven ground not too challenging, but the front wheel is fixed, so maneuverability is limited. There are three discharge chute positions, as well as louvers to direct the air up or down. There's no vacuum feature. The Troy-Bilt TB672 is covered by a two-year warranty. Gas vs. Electric: Picking The Right Leaf Blower Speed, convenience, budget—all are important considerations. In the handheld category, gas blowers are still the fastest way to clear a yard full of leaves. But the best corded-electric blowers are powerful enough for many big jobs, as long as they are within 100 feet of a power outlet. Gas handheld models go anywhere, but they add weight, cost, and noise, along with fueling and maintenance responsibilities. Cordless-electric versions offer less power than gas models and limited runtime per battery charge but are typically lightweight. Backpack gas blowers typically cost more than handheld blowers, but less than cordless models, and they offer more power while transferring weight from your arms to your back and shoulders.

Most handheld units weigh less than 10 pounds, but backpacks can tip the scales at 22 pounds. Got lots of leaves and a level property? Wheeled blowers pack the most power by far. They also take up the most storage space, can be tough to push and control, and cost the most overall—though a few cost little more than most backpack models. Some handheld blowers also inhale yard debris via a vacuum. But their relatively small tubes limit how much you can suck up at one time. A few have a metal impeller, which should hold up better over time than nylon versions when ingesting leaves and twigs. A Word About Noise Leaf blowers can be really loud—as anyone with an early rising, green-thumb neighbor can affirm. Labels list decibels (dBa) so you can compare them. Some communities prohibit leaf blower use during certain hours; others restrict gas blowers because of their noise. In California and elsewhere, some communities ban all leaf blowers, no matter how quiet their operation.

Check with your town’s regulations or go to the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse for a nationwide list of guidelines. Then check our 50-foot noise scores in the leaf blower Ratings. Models judged Excellent should meet the toughest limits, while those that scored Very Good or Good should meet most. Even blowers that are relatively quiet at a distance can prove deafening up close. Protect Yourself and Be Kind to Others • Wear hearing protection, especially with models scoring Good or lower in our noise tests at ear level. • Wear goggles and a dust mask. • Keep people and pets far away from the area you're clearing. • Avoid running even the quietest blowers very early or late in the day. Leaf Blowers By Type Selecting the right leaf blower comes down to your terrain, budget, and how powerful you need the leaf blower to be. The best electric handheld blowers sweep and loosen leaves nearly as well as the best gas-engine models for less money. Both types take much of the work (and blisters) out of raking up fallen leaves and other yard and driveway debris.

Corded models typically weigh 8 pounds or less and are designed for one-handed use. No-hassle push-button starting and zero exhaust emissions are pluses, as is power that approaches what you'll get from handheld gas blowers. But the power cord limits your mobility and can prove a hassle around trees and other obstacles. Consider an electric blower where a power outlet is within 100 feet of the work area. Lightweight and maneuverable, these units are gaining popularity for people who shun the maintenance issues of a gas-powered model and don't want to be tethered to a power cord. By going free range, you will sacrifice some power. Rechargeable batteries run for about an hour tops, so if you require more staying power than that, know you’ll have to hit the hammock and relax while your blower juices up. Power without the power cord. The most capable models pack more sweeping and loosening power than the best electrics. While loud enough to warrant hearing protection, more models are meeting noise limits where they apply.

You do need to yank a pull-cord to start the engine and gas engines require periodic tune-ups. Most models have two-stroke engines, weigh about 10 pounds, and require mixing fuel and oil. Those with four-stroke engines, while cleaner, do weigh more. These blowers typically add power over handheld blowers. Most weigh 17 pounds or more—roughly twice as much as gas-powered handheld blowers. But your back and shoulders, rather than your arms, support the weight. Like handheld gas models, they're a bit noisier than electrics, though a few meet most noise limits where they apply. They can't vacuum or shred. And they cost more than handheld blowers. Lots of oomph to quickly clear a sizable area. Large four-stroke engines require no mixing of fuel and oil. But wheeled blowers can't vacuum or shred. They're bulky and can weigh 100 pounds or more. They are harder to maneuver and push, especially uphill and require about eight square feet of storage space. Usually noisy and expensive—though a few models are surprisingly quiet and should meet even the toughest noise limits where they apply.