Planting a garden is an accomplishment that you will certainly be proud of. After planting your favorite plants and flowers, you will enjoy walking among them. The downside shows itself when Autumn comes, and most of the leaves start falling, creating a huge mess. Many people take care of this manually, raking them into a pile, then putting them into a sack to be thrown into the compost bin.
It is a time-consuming process that can be cut short by using a leaf blower. Not only is it convenient, but it is also a great investment as it serves to carry out a couple of tasks. For example, it can be used to blow snow, clean garages, and dust your car.
There are a lot of types and specifications, so you need to do thorough research to pick the one that best suits you.
The Noise Level
Noise induces stress and agitation. The closer you are to the noise, the more irritated you become, even after turning off the machine causing it. In the long run, it can lead to hearing impairment and generalized anxiety disorder, which affects cardiovascular health. So, you should consider how loud a leaf blower is before buying it.
If you plan on using it in a personal garden that is located in your residential area, the noise level should be less than 60 dB. Some states allow a maximum of 70 dB. However, you should pick the right time to use it to not cause any disturbance for your neighbors.
Fuel Used
While choosing a leaf blower, keep in mind the kind of fuel it uses to operate. Every type has its pros and cons. It all depends on your needs and the area you are going to work on.
- Petrol Leaf Blowers
They are practical in large areas as they are not restricted by any wire. However, they are heavy and quite loud, so wearing an ear defender will protect you against the sound hazards. You will need to lubricate the engine by mixing oils with the fuel. They are used by professionals because they have a complicated mechanism and can be tricky to operate in colder weather.
- Electric Leaf Blowers
They use clean energy and are light-weight. Their problem is that they have a cord, so the operating area must be small. They produce less noise but, unfortunately, they are not as powerful as other blowers. If you want an electricity-driven one, but with fewer disadvantages, you can go for the cordless blower. They have air-speed options for the removal of more stubborn debris.
Moreover, they have as much power as those driven by petrol, but with less noise, and they are more convenient to carry around. When you buy garden tools, you will want to save as much money as you can and still pick the best machine in the market. This is why it’s important that you check out reviews to get a better understanding of which blower would suit you best.
Features To Look For
Some features are important to consider while buying. For instance, it’s important to have an additional handgrip in the handheld blowers to make them easier to hold and prevent slippage. Some models have attachments made especially for people who are into recycling. They like to use fallen leaves and repurpose them to create something beautiful. Moreover, if you will use an electric blower, make sure it has an RCD in its circuit to protect yourself against electric shocks.
If you are buying one that uses oil, pick the wide-mouthed gas tank to avoid spillage of excess oil on the ground that can cause disasters. You also need a blower with a quick shut off button to easily control it, especially if you are a first-time user.
Types of Leaf Blowers
There are different kinds in the market, you can choose the one that is best suited for your garden’s size. Sometimes, they are even used for other areas, such as garages and basements.
- Handheld
If you have a little garden, a handheld blower is the one for you. It is light to carry around and has enough power to blow small debris and leaves. It is also used to clean small decks and porches.
- Backpack Blower
They are used in larger areas and they can blow away stones, pebbles, and large leaves. Also, they were modified to munch what they take in, so you can easily get rid of all the garbage and dirt.
Buying a leaf blower can be overwhelming due to the various types available. After reading this, you can categorize and understand which kind you need and, more importantly, get one that you can handle. Whether you decide on getting gas or an electric blower, just make sure that you can operate and easily maintain it.