If you’re tired of gathering leaves and other debris from your yard using a rake, then it’s probably time you purchased a gas leaf blower. Considering how pleasantly effective they are at eliminating grass clippings and rubble, gas leaf blowers are delightfully affordable and easy to use. However, it’s crucial to understand how different gas leaf blowers operate. We’ll review the best gas leaf blower available to help you make an informed decision.
The major difference between these two is the power source.
Electric blowers derive power from electric sources. They are divided into two categories: cordless vs corded electric leaf blowers.
The corded varieties have to be plugged into an electrical power outlet whereas the cordless types have to be fitted with rechargeable batteries.
Gas leaf blowers are typically powered by a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. There are essentially two models of gas blowers: backpack and handheld.
To get the engine running, users need to mix oil and fuel together. But with more advanced models, this mixing isn’t necessary.
Another notable difference lies in the ease of use. Corded electric leaf blowers offer a limited range of use – the cord length determines how far you’ll reach. However, gas leaf blowers aren’t restricted at all. They also pack more power, allowing users to handle lawn cleaning projects much faster.
Gas blowers usually let off smoke and gaseous emissions, mainly because they’re powered by gasoline-dependent engines. Electric leaf blowers, on the other hand, use electricity as their sole power source. Fittingly, they don’t discharge any smoke. They sometimes tend to overheat and may stop working for some time.
For landscapers and lawn care professionals looking to get a fast, convenient and budget-friendly leaf blower, commercial gas blowers are evidently more ideal. Their engines generate a stronger wind velocity, allowing users to clear leaves off their yards quicker and more easily.
In addition, they aren’t restricted by any power cords as is the case with corded electric leaf blowers. This enhances user convenience.
Although commercial gas leaf blowers are noisier and relatively heavier than their electric counterparts, most come with load-reducing harnesses that are designed to reduce the stress imposed on the back and arms.
Their elevated power levels allow them to generate tremendous wind speeds. Some gas blowers have a vacuum suction feature that sucks stray leaves for later disposal. These properties make commercial gas leaf blowers a better choice for lawn professionals worldwide.
The Hitachi RB24EAP Handheld Leaf Blower generates an air volume of 441 CFM (cubic feet per minute) to facilitate optimum debris removal
Its maximum air velocity reaches 170 MPH. This allows users to effectively remove wet leaves and stubborn grass clippings from your yard. The taper nozzle that’s attached to this Hitachi gas leaf blower helps it to achieve the best results.
Key Features
Another impressive feature of the Hitachi RB24EAP Handheld Gas Leaf Blower is its environmentally friendly 2-stroke engine that features a unique PureFire low emission technology. This engine produces fewer fumes than conventional engines, creating less carbon footprint and making it safer to operate. Its eco-conscious design makes it CARB Tier III compliant and fit for use around California.
The leaf blower’s dimensions are 17.3 x 10.5 x 15 inches. It’s therefore quite compact and can easily be stored in small garage spaces. This particular blower is gas-powered, with all of it benefits described earlier.
It possesses an auto-return stop switch feature that enhances user convenience by automatically resetting to “ON” to guarantee simpler startups.
Consumer warranty for this product is 7 years. However, it’s also covered by a warranty of two years for non-rental commercial uses and one year for rental applications.
Feedback from Previous Buyers
A number of customers from Amazon are delighted with the huge volume of air his Hitachi RB24EAP Handheld Gas Leaf Blower produces. Some also describes this machine as having a much better performance than its replacement.
Another buyer is pleased with the 7-year warranty that covers his Hitachi leaf blower. He says that this gas leaf blower is powerful and starts quite easily. However, one buyer shared concerns that ethanol contained in the fuel was causing the machine’s plastic fuel tank to disintegrate over a long period of time.
The Husqvarna 125B gas leaf blower is ergonomically designed to offer maximum comfort. The machine’s blower tube is uniquely engineered to be in line with the handle, helping to reduce rotational force imposed on the user’s wrist.
Weighing 9.4 pounds, this leaf blower is typically lightweight compared to other handheld units in the market. Its compact design allows users to maneuver even in very tight spaces.
Key Features
It’s best suited for light to medium yard projects such as sprucing up the flowerbeds and blowing off grass clippings from driveways.
The Husqvarna 125B generates enough power and wind speed to clear gravel, sand, leaves and debris from your yard. The ergonomic harnesses provided help to spread out the machines weight, reducing the strain and fatigue experienced on your arms, hands and back.
This handheld gas leaf blower is remarkably easy to start, thanks to the stop switch that automatically resets itself to ON position.
Feedback from Previous Buyers
One Amazon customer was particularly pleased by how quickly her Husqvarna 125B Handheld Blower started (in worst case after 3 to 4 pulls). She was also delighted by the cruise control feature and strongly recommended this product.
Another user was happy with the machine’s remarkable quality and performance, saying that it “works as advertised”. However, a few buyers were displeased with the carburetor issues that normally crop up after some time, causing this Husqvarna leaf blower to stall. One buyer had to order a new carb, filter and fuel line for his machine.
The Echo PB-250LN Gas Leaf Blower delivers an air speed of 165 miles per hour. This velocity is sufficient enough to blow off grass clippings, decomposing leaves and other stubborn debris from the yard.
Key Features
It has a noise decibel level of 65 dBA, meaning it’s relatively quieter compared to other handheld leaf blowers. Buyers won’t have to endure hours of noise when operating this machine.
It weighs 8.8 pounds and has dimensions of 17.63 x 12.13 x 15.25 inches. Its design is both compact and lightweight, allowing easier maneuverability and enhancing user comfort.
The Echo PB-250LN Handheld Gas Blower is motorized by a 2 stroke gasoline-powered engine with Speed Control Variable functions.
Feedback from Previous Buyers
Majority of customers on Amazon are really pleased by this handheld gas leaf blower. 64% of reviewers awarded this product a 4-star rating or higher by the time of this writing.
One buyer loved how easy it was to start this machine, saying it gets the job done perfectly. Another customer says he bought his Echo leaf blower 8 years ago and it still runs efficiently.
Apparently, this model is less noisy than previous ones, backed up by its official decibel rating. Judging by one buyer’s review stating that he was replacing his previous model with this quieter version, this applies to real life conditions as well.
However, one particular customer sounds frustrated because his Echo PB-250LN won’t restart even after carefully mixing the fuel and oil. This is why it is so important to read the manual and follow manufacturers’ instructions.
Comparing customer reviews of the gas leaf blowers discussed above, the Hitachi RB24EAP Handheld Leaf Blower takes the crown. It gets 4.3 stars out of 5, edging out the Echo PB-250LN and the Husqvarna 125B handheld leaf blowers. The latter achieve 4.2 stars and 4.0 stars respectively at the time of writing.
Both the Hitachi and Husqvarna gas leaf blowers generate an air speed of 170 miles per hour. The echo produces 165 mph – still an impressive air velocity. However, the Husqvarna’s ergonomic design and Low Vib technology make it stand out distinctly. On the down side, it’s the heaviest and noisiest of the trio. The Hitachi is light (8.6 lbs), compact and offers a whopping 7-year warranty cover to consumers.
If you desire a durable, high-performance blower, the Hitachi RB24EAP Handheld Leaf Blower might be what you’re searching for. But if you’re all about comfort and eco-friendliness, the Husqvarna could be the best choice for you.