Whenever autumn’s vibrant hues begin to paint the landscape, there’s a much less desirable task that comes with it – cleaning up all those fallen leaves. While these natural wonders may look beautiful scattered across the ground, they can cause a lot of problems for homeowners. From suffocating lawns to clogging gutters, dead greenery is an inevitable nuisance that requires regular maintenance.
Way back when, rakes were the only option for tidying up these seasonal messes. While they were effective, they also required hours of labour and often caused more strain and soreness than necessary. As technology advanced, the introduction of easily maneuverable and convenient leaf blowers changed the game for garden maintenance.
Types of Leaf Blowers
This device is undoubtedly a handy tool to have around the house and garden. It helps you clean up quickly and efficiently. There are many types of leaf blowers on the market, and choosing one isn’t an easy task, however, here are some of the types to help you decide.
Cordless Battery-Powered
Cordless battery-powered models have rechargeable batteries that require a chagrin station which is plugged into an outlet. However, they aren’t limited to a certain area and you can move freely around your backyard without having to worry about a cord holding you back. You might want to get two batteries in case you run out of power while working so that you can finish the job without having to wait until it charges
Corded Electric
Electric corded varieties run on electricity. They need an extension cord and must be plugged into an outlet. They are usually made for a small to medium-sized yard and their use is limited by the length of the cord. Usually, they are the least expensive ones and pretty lightweight, they don’t need fuel which makes them eco-friendly and no need to recharge batteries.
Gas-Powered
These blowers are commonly the best choice for large yards, orchards and fields, places where a long run time is needed. They are also powerful enough for blowing or vacuuming large amounts of leaves and debris. They are usually more expensive and they need fuel or oil and are much heavier than the other two types.
Handheld
These leaf blowers are lightweight and easy to use, making them suitable for smaller jobs and tight areas such as cleaning up after hedge work. They are more widely used for the maintenance of backyards, and that’s because they are small, compact and affordable. You carry the blower by the handle where the engine is located and they’re light enough so that you don’t have to support the tube and the nozzle with the other hand. That said, you shouldn’t use the blower for a longer period, so your hands don’t get tired.
Backpack
A backpack type of blower is the one you carry on your back. The main body of the machine is on your back while the tube and nozzle extend past your back, so you can hold it in your hand and aim it at the ground. The machine features a harness with adjustable straps that distribute the weight evenly. They are used for a bigger space to maintain because compared to the handheld ones, they have a larger engine and produce a much stronger blow.
Features
When selecting a leaf blower, you need to consider the features that align with your specific needs. If your yard has a lot of leaves consider getting one that can vacuum and mulch leaves. Look for a blower that has a variable speed level so that you can regulate the amount of air the blower is pushing to ease the job. Consider the size of your yard and driveway and how much debris and leaves there are so that you can get the right size blower for you, as well as the fact that corded models cannot reach very far unless you have an extension cord.
Maintenance
After you’ve chosen your leaf blower, it’s time to learn how to keep it clean and make sure it lasts for a long period. Depending on the type you’ve chosen you’re gonna have to maintain it differently. For example, if you have an electric or battery-powered one, you’re gonna have to unplug or remove the battery before maintenance. Remove the dirt and debris that might block the airflow and wipe down the blower after each use with a clean cloth. To protect the batteries periodically change them to ensure a longer lifespan.
When it comes to gas-powered ones, the general rules still stand, such as cleaning it with a cloth and checking the airflow, but you also need to replace the fuel filter at least once a year and examine the fuel line to ensure proper work.
Safety
This tool, like any power tool, requires responsible use to guarantee safety. You should always wear protective gear such as safety glasses to prevent debris from injuring your eyes. Be mindful of the blower’s exhaust direction and avoid blowing debris towards other people as well as pointing it at other people. When not to use a leaf blower? It’s best if you avoid using the device when it’s windy or very wet underfoot as it can make the job much more difficult and frustrating.
Other Things to Consider
Before choosing a leaf blower, there are a few more things you need to take into consideration. For example, the volume. If you live in an area where there’s noise restriction, you need to check the regulations. Corded electric and cordless battery-powered blowers make less noise than gas-powered ones.
Always wear earplugs to protect your ears from the noise. Storage space is another important thing you need to consider. If you don’t have much space then opt for the handheld blower, so that you can store it safely. And lastly, think of the weight and your capability. If you have a bad back, buying a backpack isn’t recommended since you can injure yourself.
