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But keep in mind, blowers that are relatively quiet at a distance can prove to be deafening up close. Models that earn Excellent scores should meet the toughest limits, and those that receive Very Good or Good ratings are likely to meet most restrictions. Then check the 50-foot noise scores in our leaf blower ratings. In California, some communities ban all leaf blowers, no matter how quiet their operation.Ĭheck your town’s regulations or go to the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse for a nationwide list of guidelines. Some communities prohibit leaf blower use during certain hours others restrict gas blowers altogether because they tend to be louder than electric models. Product labels list decibels, so you can compare noise levels as you shop. They’re tough to push on hills, and if you live in an area with close neighbors, it’s easy to accidentally blow leaves into an adjacent yard.Īs anyone with an early rising, yard-obsessed neighbor can confirm, a running leaf blower can get really loud. They’re really best for large, flat yards that abut the woods. They also take up the most storage space, can be tough to push and control, and bear the biggest price tags of all these categories. Got lots of leaves and a level property? Wheeled blowers pack the most power by far. Battery types are relative newcomers to the field, and in our tests, the best of these can hold their own against gas when it comes to sweeping power. These are best for large lawns, and you can go with a traditional gas-powered backpack blower or a battery-powered model. Backpacks tip the scales at 22 pounds, but this type can still feel lighter than a 10-pound handheld blower because the weight is better distributed. But their relatively small tubes limit how much you can vacuum at once, making them best for really small yards, where you can bag up the mulched leaves.īackpack blowers typically cost more than handheld blowers, but they offer more power and transfer weight from your arms to your back and shoulders. Some handheld blowers also collect yard debris via a vacuum, a feature that comes in handy for sucking up leaves as they fall or for taking care of stragglers. Cordless electric, also called battery-powered leaf blowers, now offer power on a par with gas models, but they have limited run time per battery charge-expect 8 to 30 minutes on a charge. They also require fueling and maintenance. Gas handheld leaf blowers go anywhere, but they weigh and cost more than corded electrics-and they’re noisier. (Most outdoor extension cords top out at that length.) The best corded-electric blowers are powerful enough for many big jobs, though you’ll have to stay within 100 feet of a power outlet.
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Gas leaf blower full#
In the handheld category, gas and battery blowers can each make quick work of leaves and are still the fastest way to clear a yard full of leaves. Speed, convenience, budget-all are important considerations when weighing gas vs.
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