How to Buy a Leaf Blower

Save your aching back! When it's time to tend to those autumn leaves, let technology work for you. Here's what you need to know before you buy a leaf blower.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blowers

1. Consider your property. Is your yard large? Are there trees and wooded areas? You'll want to keep this in mind as you compare features of various models.

2. Check out the air volume each model puts out. Most blowers will have a rating of 350 to 600 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM).

3. Note the weight of each model. Blowers can weigh 5 to 25 pounds. Think about how much you can realistically work with before buying a 25 pound unit.

4. Consider a model with vacuum capability. Some models can operate in reverse, vacuuming leaves into a bag rather than blowing them away.

5. Choose between an electric or gas-powered unit. Gas blowers are more powerful, but electric ones are quieter. Do you live in a congested neighborhood where quiet operation would be appreciated? Or is the yard large with lots of trees, making a powerful unit the logical choice?

6. Choose a model within your price range with the best selection of features. Expect to pay anywhere between $100 and $500 for a blower, depending upon the specifications.

[happycook]

on 1/21/2007 How about a non-motorized alternative to neighbor-unfriendly loud, smelly leaf blowers? how about rolling leaf sweepers, or even rakes!

There is a site called the noise clearing house which can illuminate the permenent hearing loss due to tools like these. Not to mention the loss of a quality day in the neighborhood.