As with most power tools on the market, leaf blowers have traditionally been powered by gas engines. They offered excellent power and performance, but when increased emphasis on sustainability and environmentally-friendly products started to pick up traction, they began to fall by the wayside.
Today, battery-powered leaf blowers are all the rage. They’re steadily gaining on gas models in terms of capability, with many smart features designed to make the user’s life much easier.
In between these two power sources… the corded electric leaf blower. The happy medium. And still very much part of the conversation, particularly for homeowners. It’s this last type of leaf blower that we’ll be taking a look at today.
Why Use a Corded Leaf Blower?
With gas models still very powerful and battery versions highly efficient, you might be wondering whether you should still bother with corded power tools. Their tethering is often an inconvenience, and they don’t often offer features or performance that battery-powered models can’t match.
But look a little closer, and you’ll find that corded leaf blowers still offer a lot to many homeowners, with the following benefits being particularly useful.
Constant Power
The most obvious benefit to corded models is that, providing you don’t overextend the cord and allow it to pop out of the socket, you’ll have a constant flow of power to your tool. While gas and battery models can operate for a long while before they need refuelling or recharging, they will run out at some point. This makes a corded model a good option for long clean up projects.
Consistent Power
One of the limitations of battery-powered leaf blowers is that, while they initially start off with excellent power and performance, this can quickly diminish as the battery drains. This inconsistency can be frustrating for users. A corded leaf blower guarantees consistent power for however long you require its use.
Lightweight
Corded blowers are typically lighter than battery and gas models as they don’t have to contend with heavy fuel tanks or battery packs. This makes them a great choice for homeowners who need something light and easy to handle.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Electric leaf blowers offer a more eco-friendly and convenient solution for homeowners who wish to avoid the drawbacks of conventional gas-powered models, such as noise pollution, and harmful exhaust emissions.
True, corded electric blowers rely on electricity, which may be generated from fossil fuels, but they have a lower overall carbon footprint compared to gas-powered models. And as we continue to shift towards more renewable energy sources, the environmental impact of using corded electric tools will continue to decrease.
Furthermore, unlike battery-powered leaf blowers, corded electric models do not require the use of disposable or rechargeable batteries, which can have a significant environmental impact due to the harmful chemicals and metals they contain. These substances can contaminate soil and water if not disposed of properly, making corded electric leaf blowers a more sustainable choice.
Affordable
Due to their simpler design corded leaf blowers are often more affordable than their gas-powered or battery-operated counterparts. Even at the higher end of the scale, you won’t need much more than $200.
However, it’s essential to factor in the cost of a high-quality extension cord when considering the total investment, as this additional expense can bring the overall price closer to that of a cordless model.
STIHL Corded Leaf Blowers – Your Choices
Although corded leaf blowers have become less common in the market today, STIHL has still two excellent electric models that we would like to take a closer look at.
BGE 61
The BGE 61 is a quiet and user-friendly electric handheld blower that excels at clearing leaves and other debris around the home. At the heart of this blower is a maintenance-free brushless DC motor operating on a 120-volt power supply.
With a motor output of 9.2 A, the blower provides ample power (285 CFM, 148 MPH, 9 N) for homeowner use while keeping noise levels (64 dB(A)) and vibrations to a minimum. The BGE 61’s flat nozzle allows you to target strong blowing power close to the ground, making it easier to remove wet material that has become stuck to the ground.
Weighing in at just 6.8 lbs, the BGE 61 is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for extended use without causing fatigue or discomfort. The multi-function handle is designed with user comfort and convenience in mind, allowing all of the blower’s controls to be adjusted with one hand. This makes operation simple and reliable for both right and left-handed users.
If you only require a leaf blower for occasional use and only have a small to medium-sized area to clear, then the BGE 61 covers all the bases and is an excellent choice.
BGE 71
The STIHL BGE 71 builds upon the features of the BGE 61. While sharing many of the same characteristics, the BGE 71 offers a notable upgrade in the form of a 2-speed switch. This additional feature allows users to adjust the blower’s performance to better suit the task at hand, providing greater control and efficiency.
With the 2-speed switch, the BGE 71 can operate at the same maximum ratings as the BGE 61. However, the lower speed setting (232 CFM, 119 MPH, 6 N) offers a more gentle and quieter (58 dB(A)) option for lighter tasks or when working in more delicate areas of the yard. This versatility makes the BGE 71 an excellent choice for homeowners with varying landscaping needs.
One of the standout features of the BGE 71 is its versatility. With the proper vacuum kit, the BGE 71 becomes a powerful outdoor vacuum, capable of efficiently collecting leaves, grass clippings, and other yard debris.
Furthermore, when equipped with the gutter cleaning kit, the BGE 71 proves to be an indispensable tool for maintaining clean and debris-free gutters, further expanding its versatility and eliminating the need for a separate specialized tool. This makes the BGE 71 a true multi-purpose tool.
STIHL Corded Leaf Blower Alternatives
Despite the drop-off in recent years, the corded leaf blower market is still packed with several leading makes and brands, with many able to rival or even surpass STIHL in certain areas. If you’re looking to consider an alternative to STIHL, or if you feel that STIHL is slightly on the pricey side, then consider the following alternatives.
WORX WG520
WORX is a major player within the corded power tool field, with several of their models able to top the metrics of leading battery models, and usually for a much cheaper price.
The WORX WG520 – also known as the Turbine 600 – is a major rival and beats STIHL in a number of areas. Not only is it a fraction lighter than both STIHL models, the 12 A motor also boasts a far superior total air volume of up to 600 CFM, which is seriously impressive for a corded model.
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The WG520, with its maximum noise level of 82 dB(A), is noisier than both STIHL models, and it can’t match the STIHL tool in terms of maximum air velocity. It also doesn’t have the versatility of converting the blower into a vac, which goes some way to justifying the higher price of the BGE 71. However, if you’re looking for vacuum capabilities, WORX offers the WG509 which is a corded 3-in-1 leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher system.
BLACK+DECKER BEBL750
BLACK+DECKER is another instantly recognizable name in the power tool space. While they are perhaps better known for their other tools, they’ve also built some excellent corded leaf blowers. The BLACK+DECKER BEBL750 is a pretty basic but powerful electric leaf blower designed to tackle a wide range of outdoor cleaning tasks with ease.
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The BEBL750 shares similar specifications as the STIHL corded models. With motor outputs hovering around 9 Amp and maximum air speeds falling in the 140 – 150 MPH range, each model offers ample power.
And weighing in at approximately 7 lbs each, they are easy to maneuver and handle during extended use. Like the BGE 71, the BLACK+DECKER model also offers a handy 2-speed control, which allows users to adjust the air flow for gentler cleaning or to ramp up the power for blasting through stubborn debris.
One key aspect where the BEBL750 outshines the STIHL models is in its airflow capacity. Boasting 450 CFM, the BEBL750 delivers a significantly higher air volume compared to STIHL’s 285 CFM.
Another notable feature that sets the BEBL750 apart is its built-in scraper. This handy addition is not found on the STIHL models, giving the BEBL750 an edge in tackling stubborn, wet leaves that may otherwise be difficult to remove with air power alone.
When considering noise levels, the BEBL750 produces a sound output of 75 dB(A), which is higher than the STIHL models. While the BEBL750 lacks the vacuum functionality offered by the BGE 71, it can still be transformed into an effective gutter cleaning tool when equipped with BLACK+DECKER’s gutter cleaning kit.
CRAFTSMAN CMEBL710
CRAFTSMAN, another well-known and respected brand in the world of power tools and outdoor equipment, offers the CMEBL710, another 9 Amp corded leaf blower designed to make quick work of cleanup tasks.
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The CRAFTSMAN CMEBL710 generates air speeds of up to 140 MPH, which is on par with the maximum air speed of 148 MPH delivered by both STIHL blowers. And like the other two alternatives we looked at, the CMEBL710 surpasses the STIHL models in terms of air volume, with the CRAFTSMAN blower delivering 450 CFM.
The blower also comes equipped with a 2-speed switch, allowing users to adjust the power output to suit different tasks. And like the BLACK+DECKER model, the CMEBL710 also features a built-in scraper.
Like the WORX and BLACK+DECKER alternatives, the CMEBL710 also produces a higher noise level than the STIHL models and the blower can not be turned into a vac. However, the blower can be used as a gutter cleaner with CRAFTSMAN’s gutter cleaning kit, expanding its versatility and making it a valuable tool for keeping gutters clear of leaves and other debris.
Final Thoughts
For homeowners with basic outdoor cleaning needs, the STIHL BGE 61 remains an excellent choice. On the other hand, those seeking a multi-purpose tool that can handle various outdoor cleaning tasks may find the added features and versatility of the BGE 71 more appealing.
However, if you’re a homeowner working with a tight budget or don’t need a blower with vacuum capabilities, the WORX WG520, BLACK+DECKER BEBL750, and CRAFTSMAN CMEBL710 are worthy alternatives to consider.
While sharing many similar specs with the STIHL models, these alternatives all surpass the BGE 61 and BGE 71 in air volume, allowing them to move larger quantities of leaves and debris more efficiently. The trade-off? Higher noise outputs! making the STIHL models more neighbor-friendly options for those living in close quarters or noise-restricted areas.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific requirements and priorities. If you value higher airflow and want to maximize efficiency, the WORX, BLACK+DECKER, or CRAFTSMAN model may be the better choice. If maintaining a quieter operation is a top priority for you, the STIHL models despite their lower air volume may be the better choice.
