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Thankfully, we live in a time when battery technology is approaching the power of gas. We’re not quite there yet but as you’ll see, you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing the best cordless leaf blower for your specific needs and budget. In this article we cover some of the best electric, battery and gas leaf blowers.
If you have a yard or any outdoor space to clean then I’m sure you realize the value of owning a cordless leaf blower — which incidentally, is a misleading term because these battery powered blowers can clean almost any type of debris and dust from a variety of surfaces. They’re also great for cleaning dust from your garage.
Best Cordless Leaf Blower
I remember as a kid, one of my tasks was to rake up the leaves and lawn cuttings from the garden. It seemed like fun at first, but that didn’t last long. I don’t think anyone still does it the old-fashioned way anymore. Leaf blowers are pretty cheap and really make cleaning up the yard, a breeze – quite literally. Apart from the obvious advantage of making light work of gardening maintenance, a leaf blower is also ideal for working around delicate plants, that can easily become damaged if you use a garden rake to scrape away leaves and debris.
Then, of course, there are a whole lot of other uses that you can find for a high-powered blower – like cleaning out air filters from the car or your vacuum cleaner in seconds. They’re great for keeping your gutters and down-pipes free of debris. Some models come with handy attachments so that you can do this standing on the ground, there’s no need to risk life and limb on top of a ladder. A blower is also great to dry off your car after washing or the patio after a rain shower or mopping.
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As you use it, there will be a whole lot of other uses that you can find for the machine. More powerful models will blow light snow from the driveway or walkways. The list will go on and on.
While the basic design of a leaf blower remains the same, basically it’s turbine or fan driven by a motor that can be powered by gas or electricity – supplied either with an electric cord or battery. There are differences between them like power, size, attachments and accessories, noise levels and the way that they operate from a user’s standpoint. Then, of course, there’s a matter of price. As far as garden power tools go, a leaf blower is not rated among the really expensive items and start off really cheap (from around $50), but there are models that can cost substantially more.
So, choosing the best leaf blower for your needs will take some consideration. This article will take a look at this and give you the guidance that you want. We’ll compare and review the best cordless leaf blowers and help you differentiate between them, all in an effort to help you choose the perfect model for your requirements.
Not everyone needs the biggest or most powerful machine and you could end up wasting money on something that really exceeds what need it do. On the other side of the coin, trying to save money on a blower that really doesn’t do the job that you want, is a complete waste. By looking at the different factors that will affect your decision you can decide with clarity which will work for you.
Through the course of the article, we’ll take a look at a wide variety of electric and gas powered leaf blowers, each with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. The only thing that they have in common, is that they all come highly recommended and you can be sure that you’re spending your money on a product that is of this great quality standard and is backed by a reputable manufacturer.
All that’s left for you to do, is to look at which features work best for you and find the one that matches your budget and gardening needs. So let’s take a look at your options, after which, you can decide which is the best cordless leaf blower.
What to look out for in a leaf blower
Here’s a list of what features and specifications to look out for when comparing leaf blowers:
Volume : This is measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). The number of CFM gives you an indication of much air the blower moves and this determines how much weight or volume of debris the machine will move per minute. A higher CFM will obviously move more leaves and be capable of moving a greater mass like wet leaves or branches.
Air Speed : This is how fast the blower moves the air, usually expressed in mph. The faster the airspeed, the faster you’ll work and the further you’ll be able to move the leaves.
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Weight : This is quite obvious, a heavier machine will take more strength to hold. So if you’re not too strong, choose a lighter model. Many people like to get their children involved in yard work and because a leaf blower is very safe to use, it’s an ideal machine for children to get started with and this might also cause you to choose a lighter model. Take note, however, gas powered blowers should not be operated by children. The engine gets hot and if they touch the hot engine this could cause serious burns. They can also drop it which may cause a fuel spillage and there’s a possibility that this can cause a fire.
Noise levels : Gas powered blowers will be noisier and even among electric models, some are quieter than others. All leaf blowers generate a fair deal of noise with some going well above 85 dB.
Vibration and ease of use : You’re going to get a certain degree of vibration from a leaf blower which can cause discomfort when using it for a lengthy period. Some models have been designed for low vibration and most have soft grip handles to minimize the vibration effects. Another factor when considering ease of use is the type of controls that the machine uses.
Trigger controls require you to hold in a trigger switch while operating the machine and this controls the power setting. A toggle or fixed switch means that you can set the speed and operate it without holding a trigger. This is easier on the hands but you can’t control the speed as easily because you have to stop and change the switch position each time you want to change the speed setting. All these factors are very much a matter of user preference and you should take into account what working style is best for you.
Leaf Blower — Gas vs Battery vs Electric
Before you look at the features that any particular brand of leaf blower offers, it’s best to narrow your search by deciding whether you want to use a gas, battery or electric cord machine. There are hundreds of models available and you have to start somewhere, or your search will never end. So let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the different power options.
Gas Leaf Blowers
These are powered by a gas (usually 2-stroke) engine. Many people won’t be too fond of this option because they are the noisiest of the lot. They also require a bit of tugging on a pull starter and aren’t always that easy to get started in cold weather. You also have to mix gas and oil at the correct ratio and of course, you have the fumes and pollution of a gas motor to deal with. Then there’s the maintenance, a gas engine always requires a fair deal of maintenance – spark plug and air filters being the most frequent.
Having gone through all of this, you might wonder why to bother with a gas powered leaf blower. Well, for some people it is an ideal option because they can work anywhere for long periods of time. If you have a large garden that requires a lot of cleaning, a gas powered leaf blower is the best option. Purely because you are not limited by cord length or battery life that are the drawbacks of the two different electric options. Gas powered leaf blowers are usually more powerful, though heavier.
If you’re not interested in getting a gas leaf blower, you might as well skip the next section and move on to the electric options. For those who feel that gas is the way to go, let’s take a look at some of the best gas powered leaf blowers.
Husqvarna 125B | 28cc Powerful Leaf Blower
470 CFM Air Volume / 170 MPH Air Velocity
Blower tube is in-line with the handle, minimizing rotational force on the wrist.
Features:
- Auto return stop switch : Stop switch automatically resets to the ON position for easier starting.
- Cruise control : Fan speed can be set for easier handling.
- Adjustable tube length : The blowing tube length is adjustable for best performance
- Intuitive controls : The controls are well gathered and easy to access.
- Blower tube is engineered to be in line with the handle, minimizing rotational force on the wrist.
- Weight : 9.4 lbs.
- Sound pressure level at operators ear : 94 dB
- Ideal for yards up to 1 acre.
- Stop switch automatically resets to the ON position for easier starting
- Variable speed throttle with cruise control makes it easy to use
- Adjustable blowing tube length
- Intuitive controls are well gathered and easy to access
- Air purge allows you to remove air from carburetor and fuel system for quick starts
Overview | Husqvarna 125B
This is one of the best brands when it comes to reliable garden power tools, so many may settle for it right off the bat, purely on its reputation for quality.
It is powered by a 28cc 1.1 hp engine that gives ample power – 425 CFM at the pipe, at a speed of 170 mph using the flat nozzle and 130 mph with the round nozzle. It weighs 4.26 kg (9.39 lbs) which is pretty good for a powerful gas powered machine and it comes with an OEM harness for easy and safe operation.
Husqvarna quality never lets you down. Nice compact gas blower.
The controls are very user-friendly and you can see that years of experience in the design of power garden tools has paid off here. The power control trigger has a locking mechanism which they call cruise control. This means that you have the convenience of instant power control when needed or you can lock the trigger when you want to give your index finger a break. I like this because one’s fingers can easily cramp up when holding that trigger for a long period.
The choke and pull starter are nicely clustered together and well marked. The start-stop switch automatically returns to the start position when you switch the machine off. This eliminates that frustration when you pull the starter cord for ages before you realize that you never reset the switch. It also has a well-positioned soft-grip handle which helps negate the extra vibration that you get from a gas engine.
The last great feature that deserves a mention is the adjustable pipe. As you work on different levels of the garden, you can adjust the pipe length, which really helps prevent one from working at strange and uncomfortable angles.
Excellent blower for the money. Will last you for many years.
One thing that may not be too great about the Husqvarna is that it’s quite a screamer. Noise pressure at the operator’s ear is 94 dB(A), you will almost definitely want to don a set of ear protection mufflers when using this machine.
Would I say that the Husqvarna is a worthy contender for the best cordless leaf blower? The answer is a resounding yes. It’s a machine from a manufacturer that is renowned for producing high-quality tools for a long time. It provides good power, convenient operation, and excellent build quality.
Tech Specs (Husqvarna 125B):
- Cylinder displacement : 28cc
- Power output : 1.1
- Maximum power speed : 8000 RPM
- Fuel tank volume : 16.91
- Spark plug : Champion RCJ6Y
- Air flow in housing : 470 CFM
- Air flow in pipe : 425 CFM
- Air speed (flat nozzle) : 170 mph
- Air speed (round nozzle) : 130 mph
Makita BHX2500CA | 4-Stroke — 24.5cc Gas
Best cordless leaf blower
Powerful and professional build quality — 4-stroke gas blower.
Features:
- Mechanical Automatic Engine Decompression for quicker, easier starts
- Soft grip for less vibration, and convenient cruise control lever for reduced operator fatigue
- Dual stage air filter is replaceable and easily accessible
- Compact design with less weight (only 9.8 lbs.)
- Large capacity muffler ensures quieter operation at 67dB(A)
- Powerful and fuel efficient 24.5 cc 4-stroke commercial duty engine
- Meets or exceeds EPA and CARB exhaust and evaporative emissions regulations
- 4-stroke engine requires no fuel mix
- Efficient 4-stroke engine has lower emissions
- High air volume (356 CFM) and air speed (145 MPH) for commercial-duty performance
✓ View or download the MANUAL or the PARTS list for the Makita BHX2500CA.
I’m not too familiar with Makita as a manufacturer of gas-powered garden tools but I have owned quite a few Makita power drills and other tools. I rate them very highly for quality and great design, so I’m sure this carries through into their gas-powered products too. The Makita BHX2500CA compares favorably to the Husqvarna and it has some features that are better and some that don’t compare as well.
It has a 4-stroke gas engine, whereas the Husqvarna is a 2-stroke. This gives one the advantage of not having to mix oil and gas and it runs considerably quieter at 67dB(A). The downside of the 4-stroke engine is the lower RPM. It is matched almost perfectly in terms of engine power (24.5cc and 1.1 hp), however, this only translates into 356 CFM at 145 mph. The engine is more fuel efficient and has lower emissions. So when it comes to engine, I guess it will come down to what you rate as more important. It still provides great performance.
4-stroke commercial duty engine delivers 145 MPH of maximum air speed.
While Makita claims it to be ultra light, it actually weighs a few ounces more than the Husqvarna at 9.8 lbs, though this should hardly be noticeable when using it. It also has a soft grip handle but the controls don’t seem to be as user-friendly as the Husqvarna.
So what makes the Makita a good choice is its lower noise levels, good fuel consumption, and environmental standards. When it comes to quality, I can’t fault it and it also comes from a recognized and respected brand.
Tech Specs:
- Engine Displacement (cc) : 24.5 cc
- Engine (HP) : 1.1 HP
- Max. Air Volume : 356 CFM
- Max. Air Velocity : 145 MPH
- Fuel Type : Unleaded gas
- Fuel Tank Capacity : 17.6 oz.
- Crank Case Capacity : 2.7 oz.
- Sound Pressure : 67 dB(A)
- Dry Weight : 9.8 lbs.
- Blower Type : Handheld
- Power Type : 4-stroke gas
- User Type : Farm/Ranch
- Shipping Weight : 10 lbs.
Hitachi RB24EAP | Best Cordless Blower
23.9cc 2-Cycle, Gas Powered 170 mph
Comes with an impressive 7-year warranty.
Features:
- Innovative PureFire engine
- Model RB24EAP meets U.S.(EPA PHASE3) and European (STAGE2) emission standards
- Displacement 23.9 cc
- Max Air Volume : 12.5m3/min
- Class leading air volume at 441 CFM for excellent debris movement
- Produces an impressive air velocity of 170 MPH (with taper nozzle)
- 23.9 cc Commercial grade 2-stroke engine for outstanding power & longer life
- Lightweight (only 8.6 lbs) & well-balanced for comfortable use and less fatigue
- Industry leading warranty: 7-year consumer use, 2-year commercial use, and 1-year rental use
✓ View or download the MANUAL or the PARTS list for the Hitachi RB24EAP.
Hitachi is a brand that I see very much the same as Toyota. It’s a Japanese brand that first appeared in the late sixties as a cheap alternative and worked its way up to becoming a recognized brand delivering quality at a very affordable price. This can definitely be seen when you look at their warranty – a whopping 7 years! I don’t think any manufacturer can match this, and it clearly shows that they are confident about the machine’s quality.
Excellent value for your money. Reliable, well-made and affordable.
It’s also one of the lightest at 8.6 pounds. The 2-stroke engine delivers pretty impressive performance (441 CFM at 170 mph). Of course, this comes with high noise levels (96.6 dB) which are even higher than the Husqvarna. The controls seem pretty rudimentary and the handle doesn’t look as comfortable to use as the previous two.
The Hitachi offers great value for money, impressive power figures and a truly astounding warranty. You really can’t go wrong if you don’t mind the fact that it’s pretty basic in its design.
Tanaka TRB24EAP | Same Blower under a different brand
The Tanaka model can be purchased with a vacuum option.
Tech Specs:
- Displacement : 23.9mL(cc)
- Max Power : 0.89kW
- Fuel Tank Capacity : 520mL
- Air Volume : 12.5m3/min
- Air Velocity : 76m/sec
- Dimensions (L x W x H) : 354 x 205 x 335mm
- Dry Weight : 3.9kg
Poulan Pro PR48BT | 48cc Gas Blower
Model : 967087101 / 2-stroke engine
Affordable gas leaf blower engineered for optimal efficiency.
Designed to tackle tough cleaning tasks like clearing wet, heavy leaves, grass, and other annoying debris.
Features:
- Air speed : 200 mph
- Air flow in pipe : 475 cfm
- 48cc 2-stroke engine
- Cruise control
- Heavy duty frame
- Variable speed throttle control
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Poulan Pro PR48BT (967087101)
This one’s a big boy with a 48cc 2-stroke engine that delivers 475 CFM at an incredible 200 mph. This is a large powerful machine that’s great for larger gardens and even commercial use. I couldn’t get the weight specification for this model, but that shouldn’t be of much concern as it has a backpack design with comfortable adjustable straps. So you won’t be carrying it around by hand, whilst working.
It has a very convenient trigger control that won’t have any vibration problems because it’s mounted on the pipe which is connected to the blower by a flexible hose. You also have the advantage of a locking mechanism to set the power without keeping your finger constantly on the trigger.
Video | Poulan Pro PR48BT
It has a safety grid around the engine so you won’t be accidentally burning your fingers and has a very sturdy build. I also couldn’t find noise levels anywhere for the Poulan, but I’m sure it’s a pretty noisy beast, so you’ll probably to wear ear protection.
It’s a great machine for heavy duty work and comes with a 2-year warranty. If you’re looking for something that will make easy work of a large area, this seems like a great choice.
Troy-Bilt TB4BP EC | 32cc 4-Cycle Backpack Blower
Designed for comfort — backpack design and padded hip belt.
Features:
- SpringAssist Starting Technology
- JumpStart Capable
- Take the effort out of starting with JumpStart power start technology. Attach JumpStart to any JumpStart-capable Troy-Bilt unit and start with the push of a button.
- Fully-tensioned multi-material suspension system distributes weight evenly and comfortably between shoulders and hips
- Backpack design and padded hip belt for reduced operator fatigue; fits the shape of your hips and reduces pressure points
- Ergonomic tube-mounted throttle lever for easy operation
- 72 dBA noise level
- Oil included in carton
- Powerful 32cc*, 4-cycle engine eliminates the need to mix oil and gas
- 2-year limited warranty
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Troy-Bilt TB4BP EC.
Another large backpack blower with a 32cc 4-stroke gas engine. As we saw earlier, you’ll get better noise levels with the 4-stroke engine, in this case, 72 dB(A). Though you don’t have the velocity of a 2-stroke, the Troy-Bilt moves the air at 150 mph, which isn’t too bad and the air volume is 500 CFM, which is impressive by anyone’s standards.
It’s definitely a very comfortable machine to use, the backpack design is excellently padded and offers good support on the shoulders and around the waist. So lugging the 21.8 lb machine around on your back should be effortless, even if you’re going to be working for long hours. The control handle is exactly the same as the Poulan, which near perfect.
Coolflex material that allows cool air to circulate to the operator’s back.
This is also a fantastic blower for larger gardens and comes with a 2-year warranty.
That wraps it up for the gas powered leaf blowers and here’s a quick summary to help you make a final decision. There are three models to choose from for lighter hand-held operation. The first two are more sophisticated and will set you back a little more. But all offer great value for their price. Your choice may very well depend on whether you choose a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. The 2-stroke delivers less volume at a higher speed and is not as quiet as the 4-stroke. The 4-stroke will give you better fuel efficiency, without the hassle of mixing oil and gas, and they have lower emission levels.
When it comes to the two backpack models they are very similar and you’ll probably make your decision based on whether you prefer a 2 or 4-stroke engine.
Long flex tube allows operator to maneuver around and under objects.
Tech Specs:
- Engine/Motor 32cc*, 4-cycle full-crank
- Starting System SpringAssist with JumpStart capability
- Choke System : Slicer choke
- Speed Settings : Variable
- Airflow Velocity : 150 mph
- Airflow Volume : 500 cfm
- Weight (Approx.) : 21.8 lbs
- Warranty 2-year limited
Electric Corded Leaf Blowers
The name sort of says it all, these use electric power supplied from a cord that is plugged into an electrical socket. They have an advantage over gas leaf blowers in that aren’t as noisy and are quite a bit cheaper. They’re also much lighter, though not as powerful. Electric leaf blowers have the advantage of no fumes or pollution and you won’t have to worry about gas mixtures, they’re easy-to-use plug and play machines.
Of course, you have to deal with an electric cord which isn’t always a good idea with larger gardens as you may not always be able to reach the whole garden, even with a long extension cord. The cord also has a tendency to get tangled in bushes and shrubs which can become very frustrating. When compared to battery leaf blowers they have the advantage of being cheaper and you’re not limited by battery life, so can work for longer periods at a time.
Strictly speaking, we’re only supposed to be reviewing the best cordless leaf blower here, but one electric cord model does deserve a mention, simply because it’s so popular. This is mostly due to its excellent pricing, you won’t find a cheaper leaf blower with the same quality standard.
GreenWorks 24012 | 7 Amp, 160 mph
Cheap but very reliable and great for small cleaning tasks. 4 year warranty.
Features:
- 7 Amp electric motor
- Cheap and effective at small yard cleaning tasks
- Up to 160 mph
- Weight : 4.5 lbs.
- Air Volume : 150 CFM
- Safety Cord Lock feature prevents cord from disconnecting (extension cord not included)
- Impressive 4 year warranty
- Electric Start
The biggest factor that makes the Greenworks 24012 such an attractive option, apart from the price, is that it’s incredibly lightweight (less than 5lbs). Though don’t expect the same power as the bigger gas powered machines. It blows at 150 mph and I couldn’t find a CFM figure, probably because it’s not worth mentioning. The controls are very basic, it has an easy grip handle with an on-off switch and that’s about it.
This is not meant for heavy duty work in large gardens, it’s a compact lightweight leaf blower for doing small jobs over a small area. This will suit many people with smaller gardens, who only need do the occasional cleanup.
Make no mistake, just because the GreenWorks cord blower comes cheap, doesn’t make it a piece of junk. This is a well-respected brand and they offer a 4-year warranty. So there’s no need to worry about going out and buying it if all you want is a basic leaf blower at an incredible price.
Battery Leaf Blowers
The advantage of using a battery over the cord electric leaf blower is the fact that you don’t have the limitations and inconvenience of a cord. You will be paying more for a battery leaf blower compared to a corded model with the same specs. The main problem with battery powered tools is that you’re limited by battery life, but there are ways to get around that. Because battery powered tools are so popular it would be a good idea to help you understand them better and offer some tips on how to get the most out of your batteries.
Understanding Batteries
Virtually all battery powered power tools (and many other appliances) use lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. They are far superior to other rechargeable batteries in that offer a high power to mass ratio. You get a good battery life from a relatively lightweight battery. They are also not affected too much by standing at low charge and can work until the battery is completely flat without sustaining any damage.
Battery Life
Lithium-ion batteries typically last for about 2 years before they need to be replaced and there’s not much that can be done about that, treating your battery well will offer you better performance over its lifetime and increase the usage that you will get from the battery.
We’ve all seen that manufacturers give a battery life of “up to” a certain amount of hours. It’s virtually impossible to get the claimed performance under normal working conditions and we usually find that battery times are around half to a third of the time that we see in the advertising write-ups. Naturally, manufacturers want to portray their product in the best light so they calculate the battery discharge at the lowest setting and at ideal working conditions.
Video | Ego Power+ Leaf Blower — LB4800
https://youtu.be/1_VQgaGqh1k
There’s usually some fine print somewhere to tell you this. We’re going to use the machine at the best power setting that works for the job we’re doing, which will seldom be at the lowest power setting. So we’re never going to get to the ideal figure when it comes to battery life. But what about the other half of that statement – what are ideal conditions?
All rechargeable batteries are affected by temperature to varying degree. Ideal conditions for a battery is basically what temperature they operate at. I once asked an electrical engineer what are the ideal conditions for a battery and he told me that this would be to keep them in a deep freeze. Great advice, but we don’t use power tools in a deep freeze, but we can try to keep them cool – especially while charging and discharging.
A battery charge and discharge graph is an inverted “U” shape. At very low temperatures they have a lower voltage but the battery discharge time is significantly longer. This means slightly less power (about 1-2%) and considerably longer working time. As the temperature increases, we get more power but our working time decreases. The graph reaches an ideal point around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, at this point, the ratio between voltage and discharge time gives you the best performance. As the temperature increases from here, your discharge time starts to drop quite dramatically and your voltage remains the same – dropping at very high temperatures. So as you go up from 80 degrees, your performance becomes less.
This is why it’s best to keep your batteries as cool as possible, whether you’re busy using them, charging them or storing them. Remember that a battery generates heat from its internal resistance while charging and discharging. The machine that it powers also generates heat. So even if the temperature outside is around 75 degrees, the battery is going to quite a bit hotter. I’m sure you’ve noticed that a battery is always warmer when it’s been charging or when you’ve been using it.
Ideally, you’d want to work in freezing weather because the heat generated from the battery and the machine it powers will bring the temperature up to ideal conditions. We can’t always choose when and in what temperature we work in, not to mention that no one wants to work in the freezing cold if they don’t have to. Despite this, it’s good to remember that batteries prefer cooler conditions. So try, wherever possible to keep the battery as cool as you can. It’s a good idea to place your battery charger close to an AC vent to keep it cool whilst charging. It’s also recommended to remove the battery from the charger once it is fully charged because the charger produces heat that reduces battery life.
One of the most important things about a rechargeable battery is keeping them properly charged. Fortunately, lithium-ion batteries don’t have the same “battery memory” as traditional rechargeable batteries. Battery memory is a term that the describes the tendency of a battery to naturally return to its most common state. With a deep cycle battery, like those used in a golf cart, if it is left for long periods in a state of low charge, it will move much quicker to this state – this is not a good thing.
Impressive Battery Power | GreenWorks Pro GBL80300
So with other batteries, you want to keep them at full charge as much as possible. However, a lithium-ion battery can be used or stored at any rate of charge. Though, there is one thing that people have to understand about lithium-ion batteries. They have a permanent memory that is defined by their initial charge and discharge cycle. Read this sentence again and make sure that you understand it.
When a lithium-ion battery leaves the factory it is charged to full and then discharged slightly to test it. The battery will then be transported and stored several times, often under less than ideal conditions, before it reaches you. A lithium-ion battery does not lose much charge whilst standing but does lose some. By the time you first use the battery, it may have stood for a year or longer. This means that when you receive the battery it could have a charge of about 90%. This is where the initial charge cycle memory becomes important.
All manufacturers stress the importance of charging the battery to full before you use it and this is why. If you start using a battery at a charge of 90%, this is where its memory will be set for the rest of its lifetime. So this means that your battery will never charge above 90%. Remember that your battery will lose its ability to store power in very small increments every time you use it. If you start off at 90% charge it will deteriorate faster and won’t last as long. If you follow this procedure and keep your battery at an ideal temperature, you will get at least 2 years and even much longer if you don’t use it very often and store it a low temperature.
With all these tips, there is one thing that we can’t avoid – a battery only has so much storage capacity. When using high-powered tools at full capacity we can get as little as 15 minutes real working time. I’m a big fan of battery tools and get very involved in my DIY projects, so I can’t stand running out of battery power while busy working. The way that I’ve found to overcome the battery problem is quite simple.
Many tool manufacturers use the same the battery for all their tools. So if you buy all your battery tools from the same brand they will share the same battery. Doing this means that it’s worth your while to buy three batteries and this works perfectly for me. With three batteries you have one in use, one on standby and one on charge all the time while you’re working. Professionals who work with many tools at the same time for long periods may require more batteries. For one guy doing projects around the home, I’ve found three batteries to be the perfect solution.
Best Battery Leaf Blowers
If you look after your batteries and keep enough of them to provide the working time that you require, battery tools are the best to work with. With that covered, let’s take a look at the best battery powered leaf blowers.
Worx WG591 — 56V Turbine
Best Cordless Blower
Perfect for small cleaning jobs around the yard.
Features:
- TURBINE fan technology delivers forceful, high-capacity air volume, Hyper-Stream air nozzle handles extra tough conditions
- Weighing only 8.1 lbs., the ergonomic design ensures optimal weight distribution to save on fatigue for those larger tasks
- Variable speed control with TURBO boost is located in the perfect position for one-handed operation
- Key-hole shaped cutout on tool lets you hang it on your existing hooks, bolts, or nails
- Powerful 56V MaxLithium battery provides cordless convenience to quickly clean up your outdoor spaces such as decks or patios
This is a battery powered leaf blower that has the power of a gas powered machine. At maximum power, you’ll get 465 CFM at a speed of 125 MPH, thanks to the innovative turbine design. This has a downside, though, using the blower at the maximum speed will probably only give you working time of around 15 minutes. You’ll obviously get much better battery life at lower power settings, but if you intend on doing some heavy-duty blasting, it will be a good idea to get at least one additional battery. The 56V 2AH battery takes 90 minutes to charge.
The machine is very easy and comfortable to use and has a handy wheel-type power setting knob on the handle, so you can adjust the power easily while working by simply rolling the control with your thumb. It weighs 8.1 lbs, which is truly amazing for a machine that delivers such great power.
Lightweight at only 8.1 lbs. Easy to work with.
There’s a fantastic selection of accessories that you can get for this blower, including extension pipes and a “U” shaped extension which means that you can clean out your gutters from the ground, this will appeal to many users.
It’s a great machine and built to be robust for hard working conditions. A testament to its quality comes in the form of a 3-year warranty, but like most battery-powered products the battery comes with a separate warranty of 12 months.
For the price, this is one of the best cordless leaf blowers.
GreenWorks Pro 80V Blower — GBL80300
Worth every penny if convenience is what you value the most.
Features:
- Up to 70 minutes runtime on low speed with fully charged 2Ah battery
- Equivalent to 32cc gas engine blower
- Digital controlled brushless motor for more torque, longer run-time, quiet operation, and longer life
- Up to 500 CFM of air flow makes blowing through dry/wet leaves and debris a breeze
- 3-speed selection with a variable speed trigger delivers on-demand power for up to 125 MPH of wind speed
This is another one that delivers exceptional power for a battery powered leaf blower – 500CFM at 125 MPH. Because the GreenWorks uses an 80V motor with a 2AH battery you can expect about 20-30% more battery life than the 56V Worx model. Though, I think it’s near impossible to reach that elusive up to 70 minutes claimed by the manufacturer. You’ll probably find that you’re going to get about 20-30 minutes using it higher power settings.
It has a comfortable soft-grip handle with a trigger switch to control the power and weighs 8.9 lbs. This is slightly heavier than the Worx, but shouldn’t really affect your decision.
Engineered for power, performance and affordability. Excellent value.
It’s a well-designed machine with a 4-year limited warranty that has good terms, provided that you don’t intend to use it for commercial use (there’s no mention of the battery, which normally has a separate warranty). I think this one beats the previous one in terms of power and battery life (but only slightly). For the rest, they compare quite closely, though, the Worx does look a little easier and more comfortable to use, mostly due to the fantastic design of the power control switch. Either way, it can be a tough choice between the two and it will probably come down to your brand preference.
Tech Specs:
- MPH 125 / CFM 500
- Trigger Speed : 3 Speed
- Cruise Control : Yes
- Fan Design : Axial
- Turbo Button : Yes
- Tool Warranty: 4 Year
- Battery Warranty : 2 Year
Snapper XD SXDBL82K | 82V Cordless Blower
Metal tube end ring cushions blower tube from bumps and scrapes.
Features:
- 210 km/hr air speed; 15,6 m³/min air volume.
- Up to 40 minutes* of run time (Fully charged 2 Ah battery).
- Infinite speed control maintains desired airflow at any speed.
- Stable, anti-tip base design.
- Metal tube bump/scrape protecting end ring.
- Comfortable, ergonomic rubber handle and touch points.
This is probably one of the most powerful battery leaf blowers available at 550 CFM and 130 MPH. The 82V 2AH Briggs and Stratton battery is also a plus point and their claim of up to 40 minutes time seems more realistic, compared to most manufacturer’s claims. You can also get an optional 4AH battery that will double your user time. The Briggs and Straton battery is used in quite a number of battery powered products, so you have the advantage of sharing the battery with other tools that use the same battery.
The handle and controls are pretty good, with a trigger switch that provides what Snapper calls “infinite speed control”, which really means that there aren’t any numbered settings, the harder you squeeze the trigger, the faster it will blow. It’s pretty heavy compared to the other blowers we’ve looked at and weighs 15.2 lbs.
One thing that sets this one apart from the others is that it has a metal protection ring around the base of the plastic pipe. This protects it from scratching when it scrapes along the ground and may prove to be quite an advantage in the long run.
Video | Snapper 82V Blower XD— SXDBL82K
You’ll get an impressive 5-year warranty on the blower and 2 years on the battery, which is normal for battery operated machines. It’s a great machine that provides class-leading power, albeit a little heavy to lug about.
Tech Specs:
- Battery by Briggs & Stratton : 82V Max* Lithium-Ion 2Ah or 4Ah (sold separately)
- Charge Time (min) : 2Ah: 13 (50%), 30 (100%) 4Ah: 25 (50%), 60 (100%)
- Run Time (min): Up to 40 minutes (with full 2Ah battery charge)
- Motor : Brushless : 750-watts
- CFM : 550 air volume
- Air Flow Speed (mph) : 130
- Fan Style : Axial
- Product Warranty : 5-Year Limited
- Battery Warranty : 2-Year Limited
Ego Power+ Blower | Best Cordless Leaf Blower
Excellent compact cordless blower with 5-year warranty.
Features:
- 2.5 Ah Power+ ARC lithium battery is compatible with all EGO POWER+ products and chargers
- High efficiency brushless motor
- Turbo boost delivers 480 CFM
- Variable-speed control delivers 250 CFM to 480 CFM
- Weather-resistant construction
- Up to 60-minute run time with included battery on low speed
- 40-minute charge time with included battery and charger
- Ergonomic design for superb balance and user comfort
- 5-year limited warranty
- Weight : 10.3 lbs.
3-Speed Design
- Speed 1 – High Efficiency: 250 CFM
- Speed 2 – High Power: 385 CFM
- Speed 3 – Turbo Boost: 480 CFM
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Ego Power+ Blower — LB4800.
Not quite as powerful as the previous models but still offers pretty impressive performance – 480 CFM at 92 MPH. The 56V 2.5 AH battery is going to give you a fair deal more working time. Again there’s that up to 75 minutes claimed battery life, which is very unlikely to actually happen, though you should get around half an hour.
Intelligent design makes this a breeze to use and operate.
The Ego Power+ has a nicely designed handle with good controls, it uses a trigger control with a high or low selector switch on the front of the machine. It weighs more than the first two (but less than the Snapper), at 10.3 pounds. I wouldn’t call this particularly heavy but still, you have the option of buying a shoulder strap to help take the load off.
Ego offers a 3-year limited warranty on all their Power+ products with all the regular terms and conditions. This warranty also applies to the battery, which quite surprising because usually the battery is excluded or warrantied for a shorter period. I find this quite impressive and I couldn’t see a loophole for not honoring this under their terms and conditions.
Black & Decker LSWV36 | Sweeper/Vacuum/Mulcher
Compatible with both the 36V Lithium Ion and the 40V MAX* Lithium Ion battery.
Features:
- 120 MPH sweeper vac easily clears debris from hard surfaces like driveways, decks, and garages.
- Easily converts to vaccum mode for quick and easy vacuuming of debris from hard surfaces without the hassle of a cord.
- High Performance 40V MAX* Lithium Ion Battery provides long runtime and state of charge indicator to show battery charge level
- POWERCOMMAND controls speed for maximum run-time or maximum power
- Lightweight at just 5.4 pounds for quick and easy blowing of debris; 6.9 pounds in vacuum mode
- Mulching fan reduces up to 6 bags of leaves down to 1 bag while vacuuming.
- Low noise design allows for quiet operation
- Blow tube has built-in scraper allows users to loosen matted leaves and stuck-on debris.
- Soft grip handle provides added comfort during use.
- *Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 40V. Nominal voltage is 36V
There two exceptional features that will appeal to many people about this leaf blower. Firstly it’s very likely the lightest battery leaf blower that you’ll find, weighing 5.4lbs. The second great feature is that it has a vacuum attachment that sucks up leaves and mulches them at the same time, this is ideal for home composting (mulch ratio 6:1). The vacuum bag attachment does add 1.5 lbs to the weight, which won’t make much of a difference – even with the extra weight, it’s still lighter than the others.
This is a good choice for light-duty cleaning. Solid performer.
It isn’t particularly powerful with a speed of 120MPH and I couldn’t find a CFM figure anywhere, but I’m sure it won’t match the more powerful models. The standard 40V 1.5AH battery should give you around 15-20 minutes at higher speed settings. It has a switch that allows you to choose whether you want more power or longer battery life, the switch is essentially the same as having a high-low power setting, similar to some of the others.
The black and Decker is not a winner when it comes to power, but the vacuum and mulch option will certainly appeal to quite a number of people. The distinctive weight advantage also plays to its advantage. You’ll get the standard Black and Decker 2 year warranty on the leaf blower.
Tech Specs:
- Air Speed : Up to 120 mph
- Bag : .5 Bushels
- Decibel : <65 dBA
- Mulch Ratio : 6:1
- Power Source : 40V MAX* Lithium Ion Battery
- System : 40V MAX*
- Type : Hard Surface Sweeper Vacuum
- Weight : 5.4/6.9 lbs
DEWALT DCBL790M1 | 40V Blower
Best cordless leaf blower
Ultra-quiet & lightweight. Ergonomic design.
Features:
- Up to 400 CFM of air volume at 120 MPH to clear heavy debris
- High-efficiency brushless motor maximizing run time and motor life
- Variable trigger and speed lock for full power control
- Lightweight and ergonomic design maximizes control and minimizes stress on your arm
- Designed to withstand everyday heavy-duty usage
- Part of the 40V MAX* system of Outdoor Power Equipment
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the DEWALT DCBL790M1.
DeWalt is a brand that I’ve found to be particularly reliable and they make really durable products. The 790M1 is a great contender for best cordless leaf blower among the mid-powered models. It moves 400CFM at 120 MPH. The 40V 4AH battery should give you one of the longest working times. There are no times specified and I can’t get the wattage of the motor to calculate this myself, but, given the speed and volume figures, I would presume it doesn’t use as much power as the bigger machines – which make the 4AH battery go some way on a single charge.
It weighs 10.4 lbs, which is pretty heavy considering you can get a more powerful blower that weighs less. Though it’s not uncomfortably heavy and sometimes extra weight can mean that better materials are used in the machine’s construction. It has a nice design with a very comfortable handle and locking trigger switch. I particularly like the sturdy stand attached to the base, which keeps the machine in an upright position when you place it on the ground – perhaps that where the extra weight comes from.
Clears heavy debris with 120 miles per hour.
It comes with a 3-year warranty that you get with all DeWalt tools and the terms and conditions are very good. Though there’s one thing that I checked up on – the battery. DeWalt classifies batteries and chargers as accessories, which are not covered by the warranty. They do, however, offer a 90-day money back guarantee, so this gives you some time to check out the battery. When all’s said and done, it’s a great product from a renowned brand and is very well built and designed.
Tech Specs:
- Air Speed : 120 mph
- Air Volume (cubic feet per minute) :400 CFM
- Amp Hour :4.0 AH
- Batteries Included : 1
- Noise Rating : 67 dB(A)
- Power Source : Lithium Ion
- Weight : 10.4 lbs
Makita DUB182 | 18v Cordless Blower
Excellent for small cleaning jobs around the yard or home.
Features:
- Variable speed (0-18,000 RPM) for optimum speed control
- Up to 12 minutes of continuous operation at high speed with a 3.0Ah LXT battery
- Compact and ergonomic design at only 20-3/4″ long
- Weighs only 3.9 lbs. with battery for reduced operator fatigue
- Rubberized soft grip handle for increased operator comfort
- Makita-built variable 3-speed motor produces a maximum air velocity of 179 MPH
- A perfect addition to any gangbox or tool box
- Equipped with Star Protection Computer Controls™ to protect against overloading, over-discharging and over-heating
- Rapid Optimum Charger (sold separately) communicates with the battery’s built-in chip throughout the charging process to optimize battery life by actively controlling current, voltage and temperature
- Compatible with Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries with a Star symbol
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Makita DUB182.
The Makita DUB182 is a perfect blower if you’re looking for something small and compact. Because it’s small, don’t expect massive power – 91CFM at 179MPH. I must say Makita deserves a big thumbs up by giving a realistic expectation when it comes to battery life, they tell it like it is: 12 minutes continuous operation at maximum power, this comes directly from their website.
Rubberized soft grip handle.
It’s a handy little machine and weighs only 3.7 lbs. It’s great for getting into tight areas with a length of 20.75″. This is a fantastic little blower to keep around the workshop to clean up dust or sawdust while you’re working and is still good for light garden cleaning. It also has a fantastic charger with a cooling fan, it will fully charge the battery in 30 minutes. Rapid charging is one of Makita’s hallmarks, which makes them my favorite battery tools across their range (I have quite a few).
Makita has one of the best 3-year limited warranty agreements that you’ll find anywhere. In fact, I really can’t see why they call it limited. This includes the battery which is not common at all. I really like this tool, but if you’re looking for a more powerful machine for heavy garden work, I’m afraid it won’t make the grade. If you want a heavy duty machine, you should probably look at one of the first three battery leaf blowers that were reviewed here.
DEWALT DCBL720P1 | 20V Cordless Blower
Innovative axial fan design that maximizes on air output and run time.
Features:
- Up to 400 CFM of air volume at 90 MPH to clear debris
- High-efficiency brushless motor maximizing run time and motor life
- Innovative axial fan design that maximizes on air output and run time
- Lightweight and ergonomic design maximizes control and minimizes stress on your arm
- Low noise during operation – 61 dB(A). Ideal for noise sensitve regions and properties
- Variable trigger and speed lock for full power control
- Part of the 20V MAX* system of tools
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the DEWALT DCBL720P1.
This is a junior version of the DeWalt that we looked at earlier, moving 400CFM at 90 MPH. This is pretty close to the bigger model, in fact, it moves the same volume at a slightly lower speed. So why would you choose this one?
A nicely designed blower from Dewalt.
It’s much more compact and lighter than the 790M1 and only weighs 7.1 lbs. Like the Makita this a fantastic tool to keep around the workshop or home and use in the garden, particularly in hard to reach areas. Like the other DeWalt, it has a nice base stand and is covered by the same warranty. It has a 20V 5AH battery, so you should get a reasonable amount of time from the battery.
Features:
- Air Speed : 90 mph
- Air Volume (cubic feet per minute) : 400 CFM
- Amp Hour : 5.0 AH
- Batteries Included : 1
- Noise Rating : 61 dB(A)
- Power Source : Lithium Ion
- Product Type : Handheld Blower
- Weight : 7.1 lbs
WORX AIR WG545.1 | 20V Blower/Sweeper/Cleaner
Weighs only 3.5 lbs. The perfect light-duty cleaning tool.
Features:
- Worx AIR comes with 8 attachments: long tube, short tube, dust brush, extension hose, dust nozzle, detail brush, inflator nozzle, deflation cone cover and wide nozzle
- Ultra lightweight and compact to fit and go anywhere
- Clears hard-to-reach places, ideal for hard surfaces
- Sweeps debris from shops, garages, driveways and yards
- Includes 8 attachments for an array of clean-up or inflating tasks
- 120 MPH air speed with 80 CFM air flow and only 3.5 lbs.
- Cordless convenience with the powerful 20-volt MAX lithium battery
- Battery and charger included
This is the final of the smaller multi-purpose blowers that we’re going to look at. Because these smaller models are most likely going to be used for a number uses (not simply yard work) the Worx has one distinct advantage. It comes with a whole bunch of useful attachments including a flexible hose and a number of brushes and other gadgets. All this makes the little Worx model a very versatile machine.
Like the other small machines, it’s not designed to give impressive volume or speed figures – 80CFM at 120 MPH. It’s incredibly light at only 3.5 lbs and comes with the same 3-year warranty as the larger model.
This tool does it all –it’s a jack of all trades.
What we have given you is a review of 3 basic categories of battery leaf blowers: high powered blowers that will match gas-powered machines, used for heavy garden work, mid-sized battery blowers for average garden use and small multi-purpose blowers for light-duty garden, household or workshop use.
Once you’ve chosen what size machine is best for you, look at the features of the others that match that size and pick the one that works for you. Ideally one would get two blowers a large or medium power leaf blower for the bulk of your garden work and small multi-purpose blower for a range of uses around the garden, in the home or in your workshop or garage.
Safely Operating Your Leaf Blower
Once you’ve chosen the best cordless leaf blower for your needs, you’re going to want to use it safely and effectively. While it’s very simple to use and probably the safest power tool you can get, there are a few things to remember.
Higher powered machines can move relatively heavy items at high speed, so wear safety glasses. If you’re using the machine indoors to blow large amounts of dust it may be advisable to wear a dust mask.
When using a high powered blower close to walls, windows or any other solid object, work at lower speed to avoid small stones from blowing up und causing damage or ricocheting and causing injury. In general, get used to the different speed settings to see how far it blows and what size objects it is capable of moving. Be aware of this when using the machine close to other people or pets.
Electric blowers aren’t too loud (around 65dB), though you may want to use ear protection for your own comfort. Gas powered blowers are significantly louder and it’s recommended to use ear protection when using them. National health and safety rules say that people working in an environment with noise levels above 85 dB have to wear ear protection. Many gas powered blowers operate well above 100 dB, so it really is a good idea to protect your ears when using them.
Other factors to consider with gas leaf blowers is the that the engine gets hot and can cause serious burns if touched. You should also be aware of the dangers when handling gas – it is a flammable liquid.
Cord electric leaf blowers come with the same precautions as any other plug-in electrical device: avoid contact with damaged or exposed wires (unplug a damaged appliance and get it repaired) and don’t operate in wet or damp conditions.
What’s the Best Cordless Leaf Blower?
When it comes to blowers you have a lot of options to choose from. Ultimately the best cordless leaf blower depends on how much money you have to spend and the size of your yard or business you want to keep clean of leaves, dust and debris. Any of the leaf blowers on our list will be worth your hard-earned money.