Reviews | Best Backpack Leaf Blower | Most Powerful Blowers

In this article we help you choose the Best Backpack Leaf Blower for your particular needs. We review and discuss and wide range of leaf blowers that we feel won’t let you down and are capable of clearing leaves and much more. Let’s be honest, backpack blowers are far more convenient to work with than traditional leaf blowers. They’re much easier on your back and they allow you to feel comfortable while you work. Sure, they cost a little more money but they are more powerful and far more ergonomic.

Intro | Best Backpack Leaf Blower

How do you determine which backpack leaf blower is the most powerful blower without testing them? Some folks will tell you to compare CFM figures, others will compare MPH figures or both. Well, I did some research and found that the best way is to compare the blowers’ force in Newton. This specification is currently not freely available, so it’s still difficult to find the best backpack leaf blowers using these figures.

To determine the real force delivered by a leaf blower, the American National Standard Institute introduced a new measurement method: ANSI B175.2. It measures the force generated by the actual airstream produced by the blower. Meaning it is not a calculated value, it’s measured. It’s also less confusing, and it’s sure to improve testing accuracy and consistency. A Newton is a unit of force. It combines the effect of the airspeed of the blower and the air volume into one easy-to-understand unit of measure.

A Great Affordable Backpack Blower | Poulan Pro PR48BT 

Newton figures are not available for some of the backpack leaf blowers under review, so I had to compromise. Most leaf blower manufacturers still use the old CFM and MPH figures. What I did was to convert these figures and calculate the force for those blowers. I had to use the figures given by each manufacturer, even knowing it’s based on their calculated values which could be misleading. I say it could be misleading because the figures differ depending on where and how it is determined. That detail is not available to us, but I believe that we are at least closer to comparing apples to apples. Newton figures are available for the Husqvarna blowers, and therefore I used them.

Please keep in mind, the figures I used for my calculations are not tested to ANSI B175.2 methods but calculated from what’s available. We cannot compare it to manufacturer numbers who already use the approved methods. In doing so, I found that these figures could be a bit optimistic. It also proves that calculating the value is not 100% accurate, it is only a guideline figure.

So, which backpack leaf blower is the most powerful, or, which one is the best backpack leaf blower? To find that out you will have to read the review, knowing at least that it is based on a more accurate assessment.

We review seven of the best backpack leaf blowers:

• Echo PB-580T: Two-stroke gas engine with a tube-mounted throttle.
• Poulan Pro PRBP675i : Powerful 58-Volt battery backpack blower
• (3x) Husqvarna Backpack leaf blowers
  • Husqvarna 150BT : 50cc, 434 cfm (in pipe), 251 mph, 22.5 lbs.
  • Husqvarna 350BT : 50.2 cc, 494.41 cfm, 180 mph, 22.5 lbs.
  • Husqvarna 360BT : 65.6 cc, 631 cfm, 232 mph (104 mph/round nozzle), 23.2 lbs.
• (2x) Makita blowers  (both are 4-stroke gas) :
  • Makita EB5300TH MM4 :  52.5 cc, , 516 CFM, 184 MPH, 19.7 lbs., 70 dB
  • Makita EB7650TH MM4 : 75.6 cc, 670 CFM, 200 MPH, 24.1 lbs., 76 dB 

I found that the backpack leaf blower with the highest CFM measure is not the most powerful. Nor is the one with the highest airspeed the winner. Some interesting comparisons follow in the reviews of these powerful backpack leaf blowers. We do end up with a clear winner in this group, and I think it will surprise some readers.

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Echo PB-580T | Best Backpack Blower

Two-stroke gas engine with a tube-mounted throttle.

Features:

• 58.2cc professional-grade, 2-stroke engine — delivers superior power and durability
• Leaf guard — for keeping debris out of fan intake
• Metal wear ring — protects blower pipe from damage
• Padded backrest and shoulder straps — for comfortable operation
• Pleated, automotive style air filter — provides superior air filtration for long engine life
• Posi-loc pipe connectors — for a secure connection
• Tube mounted throttle
• Vented back pad —  allows air to circulate around the user for greater operator comfort in hot weather
• Engine Displacement : 58.2 cc
• Maximum Air Speed : 215 mph
• Noise Level : 70 dB
• Dry Weight : 22.6 lbs.
• Fuel Capacity: 62 (fl. oz.)
• Consumer Warranty : 5 years
• See-Through Fuel Tank
• Commercial Warranty : 2 years

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Echo PB-580T.

Overview

Echo is machined in Japan and assembled in factories around the world. They only manufacture commercial grade machines, and this blower is one of them. Their first backpack blower was manufactured in 1950, and the company built a solid reputation as a quality producer. The Echo PB-580T has a two-stroke gas engine of 58.2cc and delivers 2.79 hp. Its calculated blowing force is 23.6 (510 CFM, 215 MPH), and as such, it is ranked as the third strongest blower in our list. The seven backpack leaf blowers in our review generate a blowing force ranging from 20.0 to 30.0 Newton. Five of them deliver a force between 20 and 23.6.

This Echo PB-580T is quieter than most leaf blowers. Only two gas-powered blowers in our review have a rating of 70 dB, the other one is the Makita EB5300TH. According to my reference, it is as loud as busy traffic or a household vacuum cleaner at 3 feet. It’s quieter than the wife’s hair blower and below the hearing loss level, but I still recommend using ear protection.

The weight of the gas-powered blowers in our list range from 19.7 to 23.8 pounds. This one weighs 22.6 pounds.

The blower system has a leaf guard to keep debris out of the fan intake, and it also aids in making the blower quieter. This one differs from the rest with its metal wear ring at the end of the blower pipe. It protects the blower pipe from damage and extends its lifetime. I prefer it to rubber tips which wear down over time. Like all the models reviewed, it has Posi-loc™ pipe connectors that easily connect and disconnect. The throttle is conveniently mounted on the tube and it includes all the engine controls.

The backrest and shoulder straps are comfortably padded, and it has a vented back pad which allows air to circulate around the user. This all adds up to greater operator comfort, especially in warm weather. It is in those dry, warm months that the blower will churn up dust which can be sucked into the engine. It is therefore good to know that it has a palm-sized pleated automotive style air filter that is easy to remove. The Commercial Warranty is good for 2 years. When used for homeowner application it’s covered by a limited warranty of five years.

You can use an Echo rain gutter kit with your ECHO blower to clear out dirt and debris from the rain gutters. It’s easy to use and install, extending the blower pipe with fittings that make it easy to clear the gutters. To my mind, it’s the ideal option for homeowners with one story homes who want to clean gutters. The Echo rain gutter kit extends you reach by 7′, so you can easily reach 15′ first story levels without using a ladder.

VIDEO | See the Fantastic Echo PB-580T in Action

Customer feedback is very positive, and many users commented that the blower is easy to start. Although it does seem to need a few pulls during really cold winter temperatures. Another feature that is really appreciated, is the low noise levels which are comfortably blocked by ear muffs. Vibration levels are acceptably low, and the backpack fits most users very well. Everyone is impressed by its blowing power and would recommend this blower to friends.

Is it the best backpack leaf blower? If selected on blowing force alone, this blower came in as no. 3 on our list and it’s certainly worth considering. Remember, the absolute best leaf blower really depends on your needs and budget.

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Poulan Pro 58-Volt — PRBP675i

A powerful Battery powered Backpack Leaf blower with a modern design and ergonomic feel.

Features:

• High-velocity air speeds up to 130 MPH
• Airflow up to 675 CFM
• Handle-mounted, easy-to-view battery power level indicator to alert when it’s time to recharge.
• Digital cruise control provides consistent, precise blowing power.
• Ambidextrous use – allows user to configure blower to use left or right hand.
• Brushless motor has many advantages, such as : Increased power, performance, and efficiency; longer battery run-time; improved engine durability and longer life. Higher power-to-weight ratio
• Trigger-operated variable speed control provides precise blowing power adjustments for optimal performance with various lawn conditions and/or task
• Push button-operated boost power mode for controlled burst of air output whenever you need extra power.
• Includes : 58-volt, 5.2Ah, lithium-ion battery for extended run-time, 2 amp charger for fast battery charges’ both are compatible with all Poulan Pro 58V lithium-ion batteries
• 5-year limited warranty

Quickly and easily clear grass, leaves, dust from your garage or workshop and general yard debris.

Overview

This is the odd one out, being the only battery-powered backpack leaf blower on the list. A brushless motor drives the blower, and a 58V battery pack provides the power needed. Traditional gas-powered equipment are powerful blowers delivering from 2 to 4 HP. So how does this one compare to the rest of them? Not an easy question to answer. Typically, in “cruise mode” it delivers 1,200W or 1.6hp. At maximum power, it delivers 2 hp. So if we were to compare horsepower figures, it seems under-powered. Yet when we look at the calculated blowing force of 21.4 (675 CFM, 150 MPH), its performance is comparable with the gas powered blowers.

Except for the two most powerful machines, the average blowing force is 21.2, so it is right up there with the rest. You will also notice that the volume of air it delivers is the highest of all our backpack blowers. The brushless motor is the key to this hidden power. They tend to be more reliable, and be more efficient. They also last longer, brushless motors have a life expectancy of over 10,000 hours.

I like this technology, it has two bearings that can wear and it’s easy to replace them yourself. It is well designed, it should last a lifetime and there is no maintenance procedures to carry out.

Poulan is a brand name of the Swedish manufacturer Husqvarna AB. It’s surprisingly difficult to find any specifications for their products. For blowers, they give you the airspeed and the air flow at the pipe, and there is little more in the manuals. I’m not entirely convinced by the numbers, and I cannot determine how long the battery will power the motor. One site gives it as 2hr 20 minutes, if this figure is correct, the Poulan Pro has double the runtime of the other fuel-powered blowers. Sound levels are also not provided.

A set of LEDs on the handle and a set of indicators on the battery display the battery charge level. This does not guarantee that you will not run out of battery power, but it should guide you on how quickly it is discharging. If you find that it does not last long enough to complete the job, there is always the option a second battery as a backup.

The handle control has a power button that you hold down till it powers up. The blower starts with a simple press of the push-button speed control. The speed control also includes digital cruise control and integrated power boost that boosts the power to 1,500 Watts. The digital cruise control works at any speed determined by the speed control. You simply press the button, and the control will maintain the set speed.

This blower is ambidextrous. Its design enables the user to change the layout from the normal right-handed design to a left-handed operation in minutes. I’m sure our left-handed friends will be pleased with this feature.

This backpack blower will easily handle tasks like clearing wet, heavy leaves, grass, and other stubborn debris. It will do the same job as its noisy gas-powered cousins. It has all the good features expected of a modern backpack leaf blower like its heavy-duty frame and contoured, adjustable shoulder straps. The padded, load-reducing harness is designed for an optimal fit, and guarantees superior comfort and reduced fatigue. It is also the lightest leaf blower at 17.1 pounds, the average weight for the other blowers is 22.38 pounds.

The Poulan is the lowest priced, and its performance is on par with five of our seven backpack blowers. Its brushless motor design is modern and fresh. It does not pollute the environment, and even with the noise levels unconfirmed, it should be quiet. I would be really tempted to buy this one. The five year warranty for the tool and 3 years on the battery and charger strengthen this urge.

It’s quiet, lightweight, ambidextrous, and as powerful as the middle range of these blowers. It does not pollute the environment and there is no need to pull a cord to start it. I consider it to be the best backpack leaf blower of the lot.

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Husqvarna backpack leaf blowers

We review 3 models : 150BT, 350BT and 360BT

• Husqvarna 150BT : 50cc, 434 cfm, 251 mph, 22.5 lbs.
• Husqvarna 350BT : 50.2 cc, 494.41 cfm, 180 mph, 22.5 lbs.
• Husqvarna 360BT : 65.6 cc, 631 cfm, 232 mph (104 mph/round nozzle), 23.2 lbs.

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Husqvarna 150BT —

50cc, 434 cfm, 251 mph, 22.5 lbs. Blow Force : 20 Newtons

We’ve selected three Husqvarna backpack leaf blower models; the 150BT, 350BT, and 360BT. They are all very similar, with the same features and use the same fittings. I will, therefore, discuss these units in general and point out the differences. I always find Husqvarna model numbers confusing and with their backpack blowers it’s the same.

The Husqvarna 360BT is the most powerful blower of the three, delivering a rated blowing force of 30 Newton. In fact, it is the most powerful of all the blowers in the review. The 350BT beats the 150BT with a given blowing force of 21.0 Newton (494CFM, 180 MPH) compared to 20.0 Newton (434CFM, 251 MPH) for the 150BT. All the blowers in this review are powerful backpack leaf blowers that work up a storm. They will do an exceptional job of cleaning any driveway and will effortlessly remove leaves. They will even blow away mulch and fallen branches. You will have to be very careful near flower beds.

Husqvarna 350BT —

50.2 cc, 494.41 cfm, 180 mph, 22.5 lbs. : Blow Force : 21 Newtons

Specs (350BT):

• Power output: 2.1 HP
• Cylinder displacement: 50.2 cc
• Maximum power speed: 7500 RPM
• Fuel tank volume: 42.27 fluid ounces
• Sound power level (LWA): 104 dB(A)
• Weight: 22.5 pounds

All the Husqvarna models use their X-Torq two-stroke engines. Interestingly, the engines of the 350BT and 150BT are the same size, 50.2cc. The Husqvarna 360BT has a bigger engine (65.6cc), and it’s second to the Makita EB7650TH with a 75.6cc four-stroke engine. These engines are well-known and reliable. It’s good to know that the Husqvarna backpack blowers have large pleated, automotive style air filters to protect their engines.

The only drawback of the two-stroke engines is the need for specially mixed fuels. These engines are also not compatible with fuels containing ethanol. Husqvarna engines start easily and are known to be dependable.

I could not determine the fuel consumption of all the backpack blowers in our review because not all the information is available. Normally, the fuel consumption of the Husqvarna engines will compare very well to blowers of the same size and compare very well to the Makita four-stroke engines. The 150BT and 350Bt blowers use 0.21 gallons per hour and will run for an hour and a half on a tank of fuel. The Makita machines are the lightest on fuel although its runtime is lower than the other blowers, because it has a smaller fuel tank.

Husqvarna 360BT —

65.6 cc, 631 cfm, 232 mph (104 mph/round nozzle), 23.2 lbs.

The Husqvarna backpack leaf blowers are the noisiest of all the blowers on review. Sound levels of 95 and 94dB seem very loud to me when the other manufacturers manage 76 and 70dB. The given noise levels are louder than the level at which sustained exposure will result in hearing loss (85 dB). Good quality hearing protection with at least 30 dB attenuation is a must with this group of Husqvarna blowers.

Vibration levels from these engines are well dampened and will not affect the user. Feedback from users is very positive and most report no fatigue after prolonged use.

The 360BT is the heaviest Husqvarna and weighs 23.2 pounds. The 350BT and 150BT both weigh 22.5 pounds. This is average for backpack leave blowers, and the comfortable, wide shoulder straps make them easy to use. A waistband or hip belt is not included, and some customers did complain about it so it may be a worthy addition.

The Husqvarna 360Bt is the most powerful backpack leaf blower of all blowers on review here. Believe me, it is powerful. One user commented that it can drive small plants out of the ground and many mentioned it can blow graveled pathways away.

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Makita EB5300TH MM4 — 4-Stroke

52.5 cc, 516 CFM, 184 MPH, 19.7 lbs., 70 dB. One of the best 4-stroke backpack leaf blowers for the money.

Features (Makita EB5300TH MM4) :

• Mechanical automatic engine decompression for quick and easy starts
• Shoulder straps engineered with multiple adjustments for improved fit
• Tool-less handle adjustment for quick positioning of handle
• Powerful fuel efficient 52.5 cc (2.5 HP) MM4® commercial duty engine
• Large capacity air filter is replaceable and easily accessible
• Padded back panel is ventilated for improved operator comfort
• Heavy duty anti-vibration mounts between frame and engine for improved operator comfort
• Adjustable tube easily adjusts to desired length
• Large grip positioned at optimum center of gravity for easier transport
• Large capacity muffler ensures quieter operation (70 dBA)
• Padded shoulder straps retain their shape for easier re-shouldering

Overview

The Makita “MM4” refers to the four-stroke engine used by both the models in our review. These four-stroke engines are cleaner-burning and more fuel-efficient than two-stroke engines. On top of that, there is no need to mix oil and fuel. I checked the figures, and it is 5% more fuel efficient than the two-stroke engine of the Husqvarna 360BT that delivers the same power. It burns less oil and surprisingly, the Makita is almost the same weight as the Husqvarna. I would call it a mean little engine.

I calculated the blowing force of the EB5300TH MM4 as 20 (516 CFM, 184 MPH), the same as the Husqvarna 150BT. To my surprise I found that the Makita with its four-stroke engine is lighter than the 150BT, not much, only about 3 pounds. The big difference between these blowers is the noise it makes, Husqvarna produces 94 dB and the Makita 70 dB. Your neighbors will really appreciate this blower’s low noise levels.

With these two blowers being equal in so many respects, I would go for the Makita. It is quieter and it eliminates the need to have special fuel mixes available. And if you still like to compare cubic feet per minute, the Makita wins, 516 against 434 CFM. So even though I took care to get my calculations close, I believe that the Makita could be a bit more powerful than the 150BT.

Run-time figures for this Makita are not available and I could not calculate it from the information given. The engine has the same compression lowering device as its bigger brother and therefore it starts easily. Both Makita models use a diaphragm carburetor that is easy to prime and control.

The tube length can be altered by replacing the standard pipe with an optional shorter pipe, it is not adjustable.

The comfortable padded back panel is ventilated to allow fresh air to circulate around your back. It’s good to know that your back will be comfortable on a warm fall day of leaf blowing.

The control handle is located on the blower pipe for better pipe control. The handle position can be adjusted forward and backward up to 100mm (4”) to suit the user. The throttle control lever has a lock-on button that locks the throttle in position. It’s a useful addition that saves your finger during long continuous operation. It also allows the engine to run at a constant speed which reduces strain on the motor and saves fuel.

The blower is not supplied with a hip belt, it’s an optional accessory which may be considered for carrying the blower more stable.

The rest of the features are the same as the Makita EB7650TH backpack blower. I like the simplicity of two-stroke engines even though the four-stroke engines run cleaner and quieter. Today, we can no longer ignore pollution and I might, therefore, be tempted to choose a brushless, battery powered blower. Though this does mean less power, so not everyone will agree with this.

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Makita EB7650TH MM4 — 4-stroke

— 75.6 cc, 670 CFM, 200 MPH, 24.1 lbs., 76 dB. — Best Four-stroke Backpack leaf blower if you need a powerful blower to clear a wide range of yard debris around your home or business.

Features:

• Mechanical automatic engine decompression for quick and easy starts
• Shoulder straps engineered with multiple adjustments for improved fit
• Tool-less handle adjustment for quick positioning of handle
• Powerful fuel efficient 75.6 cc (3.8 HP) MM4 commercial duty engine
• Large capacity air filter is replaceable and easily accessible
• Padded back panel is ventilated for improved operator comfort
• Heavy duty anti-vibration mounts between frame and engine for improved operator comfort
• Adjustable tube easily adjusts to desired length
• Large grip positioned at optimum center of gravity for easier transport
• Large capacity muffler ensures quieter operation (76 dBA)
• Padded shoulder straps retain their shape for easier re-shouldering

Overview

The Makita backpack leaf blowers are fitted with what they refer to as “mechanical automatic engine decompression” for quick and easy starts. It appears that a special exhaust cam lobe lowers the engine compression during manual starting. When the engine fires up, centrifugal forces disable the feature, and the engine runs at full power. It’s a great, yet simple feature that makes it a lot easier to start the engine. It is a mechanical decompressor so there is no operator involvement and it works every time you yank the cord. That’s a real muscle saver.

VIDEO | Learn more about the Makita EB7650TH MM4

The Makita EB7650TH MM4 blower and the Husqvarna 360BT have the most powerful engines in our review. Interestingly, the Husqvarna two-stroke engine achieves this with 10cc (13%) less than the Makita engine. The Makita engine is a 75.6 cc (3.8 HP) MM4® commercial duty engine. It has heavy duty anti-vibration mounts between the frame and engine, reducing vibrations thereby improving operator comfort. Vibrations are further absorbed by the wide, padded shoulder straps.

Sometimes a leaf blower can blow up a lot of dust, even unintentionally. It is, therefore, comforting to see that the air filter has a large capacity, and it’s easy to replace.

The one feature on this blower that I really like is the large capacity muffler that ensures quieter operation. At 76 dB, it is one of the quietest blowers on our list, and it’s the second-most powerful blower by a small margin. That is a real achievement and good news for backpack blower users and their neighbors. In fact, it is quieter than most of the gas-powered tools we use. This noise level is much like a busy street or a vacuum cleaner. The given noise levels are below the level at which sustained exposure will result in hearing loss (85 dB).

It has the same comfortable, ventilated back panel as the EB5300TH, allowing fresh air to circulate around your back. So you get the same benefits.

The control handle is also located on the blower pipe and the position can be adjusted forward and backward up to 100mm (4”). The throttle control lever has the same controls as the EB5300TH. It allows the engine to be locked at a constant speed which reduces strain on the motor and reduces strain on your finger.

The tube length can be altered by replacing the standard pipe with an optional shorter pipe, there is no adjustment. So the advertised claim that this tube is adjustable, can be a bit misleading.

For picking up and carrying the blower it has a large grip positioned at the optimum center of gravity to make transporting it easier. With this being the heaviest blower in the lineup, this handle is an important aid.

The Makita EB7650TH blower is not supplied with a hip belt, it’s an optional accessory. This is the heaviest backpack leaf blower on review and I think it is a pity that it is not supplied with a hip belt. I know from my backpacking days that it makes a huge difference.

Tech Specs:

• Engine Displacement (cc) : 75.6 cc
• Engine (HP) : 3.8 HP
• Max. Air Volume : 670 CFM
• Max. Air Velocity : 200 MPH
• Fuel Type : Unleaded gas
• Fuel Tank Capacity : 64 oz.
• Crank Case Capacity : 7.4 oz.
• Sound Pressure : 76 dB
• Dry Weight : 24.1 lbs.
• Blower Type : Backpack
• Power Type : 4-stroke gas
• User Type : Professional
• Shipping Weight : 33.9 lbs.

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Summary | Best Backpack Leaf Blower

After reading this, I am prepared to bet that you think my choice of the best backpack leaf blower is the Husqvarna 360BT. It has the most powerful engine by a very small margin, and its confirmed air force is the highest. True, but it is the noisiest, uses more fuel, and you have to use special fuel mixtures, so my choice would be the Makita EB7650TH. The 95dB of the Husqvarna being the deal breaker.

The Makita delivers a mean blow, and it is second only by a small margin. Its 28.3 Newton is only 1.7 Newton less than the Husqvarna. Both manufacturers deliver outstanding quality, and both blowers perform exceptionally well. Maybe it’s down to my personal preference, but that is how I rate them.

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What can I use a leaf blower for?

A few ideas & some advice.

I’m sure you will find many uses, but be careful not to let water vapor or snow enter the blower vents. A use for the powerful thrust delivered by the blowers that I never thought of is to clean out the gutters. I do not recommend getting onto steps or onto the roof to blow leaves from the gutters, it’s too dangerous. But, if your blower of choice can be adapted with extension pipes and bent nozzles, it is a powerful way of clearing out the gutters.

Use a Leaf Blower to Clean Your Car

If you do not own a shop blower, the backpack blower can be used to blow out the internals of the car. It will even blow bottles out. It’s a bit of an overkill and not as easy to handle as a shop blower. It can be effectively used to remove light powdery snow from the car. Many YouTube videos are proof that extensive build-ups can be removed.

Just because you can, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should use a leaf blower to clean your car. Although, you could also use it to try your car after washing. Personally, I believe in buying the right tools for the job, so if you want a great car vacuum, get the

Don’t clean your air conditioner or heat pump

I’m sure you can find many reasons to fire up your leaf blower. Please do not use it to clean out the internals of the heat pump or air conditioner. The fins on the condenser or evaporator are not up to the forces generated by backpack leaf blowers. They will bend, closing the air passages. It is even possible to dislodge wire connections. The same applies to the car air conditioner.

The same care must be given to the engines in leaf blowers as for mowers, chainsaws, and other gas-powered tools. Please read the manual and follow the manufacturer’s advice. You should start and use it at least once in three months to circulate oil through the engine. It’s also important to run the carburetor dry before you put it away for extended periods. Use the left-over fuel, do not store it. Rather amuse yourself by blowing over bottles or logs.