Best Backpack Leaf Blowers 2018 – Buyer’s Guide

As a child, I loved watching my parents rake up the leaves as they fell from the trees each fall season. The piles of leaves that swirled with burnt orange and golden-brown shades were irresistible to me as I would run and cannonball into them sending leaves flying everywhere. As an adult, I still love to watch the leaves change color in the fall but cleaning them up has become a not so fun chore. As a result, I decided it was time to find the best backpack leaf blower available.

The landscaping and home improvement market is filled with so many different types of backpack leaf blowers that finding the most appropriate version for your needs can send you into a tizzy. To help demystify the selection process, we tested and reviewed ten of the top backpack leaf blowers on the market. We have also handcrafted a helpful guide to assist you in discovering everything you need to know about choosing the perfect leaf blower.

Selecting the Best Backpack Leaf Blowers in November, 2018

1. Husqvarna 965877502 350BT : Best Option for Those Interested in Conserving the Environment

The Husqvarna 965877502 350BT offers a mid-sized blower in a very light package.

This backpack leaf blower clocks in at a mere 22 pounds.

This updated version from Husqvarna features an upgraded engine that boasts more power but with increased fuel economy and reduced emissions to ensure you are doing your part of being environmentally conscious.

2. DeWalt DCBL590B : Terrific Battery-Powered Option for Smaller Properties

The DeWalt DCBL590B is a battery operated backpack-style leaf blower. The blower is run by a joystick style control panel which our testing team loved thanks to its ease of learning to use and operate.

A battery switch on the control panel allows you to switch to off which will increase the life of your battery.

The DCBL590B has a power output of 142 MPH which is plenty strong for pushing away leaves and debris in smaller areas.

3. Makita BBX7600N 75.6 cc MM4 : Quieter Than Your Average Gas-Powered Leaf Blower

The Makita BBX7600N features a 4-stroke engine that boasts cleaner burning, longer running times, as well as a quieter experience. It runs on straight fuel, with no messy mixing of gas and oil to deal with.

The tank lasts 80 minutes continuously allowing you plenty of time to finish your tasks.

The Makita BBX7600N is compact at just over 22 pounds.

4. Husqvarna 570BTS Gas Leaf Blower : Best Heavy-Duty Gas-Powered Option

The Husqvarna 570BTS Gas Leaf Blower is as easy to assemble as it is to use. The 24-pound blower features an ergonomic, padded harness that keeps your shoulders and back from becoming fatigued or sore.

The 2-cycle X-Torq engine reduces emissions by 60 percent while fuel efficiency is boosted by up to 20 percent, making it an environmentally sound option.

The Husqvarna 570BTS received outstanding marks during our testing process for its ease of control.

5. Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower : Best for Cleaning Up Leaves in Wetter Climates

The Echo PB-580T delivers a power output of 215 MPH giving you a professional level of performance. The engine is a 2-cycle so you will need to use mixed fuel. The fuel tank of the Echo Backpack Leaf Blower is translucent which is extremely helpful when gauging how long you have until you are running on empty.

This offering from Echo is a professional grade piece of machinery.

It weighs around 22 pounds before filling it with mixed fuel, so for the amount of power, it is actually quite light compared to similar professional models.

6. Husqvarna 965102208 130BT : Terrific Lighter Weight Gas-Powered Choice

The Husqvarna 965102208 130BT runs on a patented 2-cycle X-Torq engine. This updated engine allows for increased fuel efficiency up to 20 percent and reduction of emissions from exhaust by around 60 percent.

The blowing capacity of this backpack leaf blower is 145 MPH making it powerful enough for any of your landscaping tasks.

While the Husqvarna 130BT has less horsepower than its same branded counterparts, it does feature a lighter and streamlined design.

7. Troy-Bilt TB4BP EC 32cc 4-Cycle : Best for Those with Back Pain or Injuries

The Troy-Bilt TB4BP is extremely comfortable to wear and use. This backpack leaf blow offers a power output of up to 150 MPH and 500 CFM. You will have no issues blowing large, heavy piles of leaves and debris around on your property.

Our testing team was thrilled with the amount of power supplied by the Troy-Bilt TB4BP.

We also loved how comfortable the harness backpack is to wear in warmer weather.

8. Poulan Pro 967087101 48cc : Best Gas-Powered Budget Choice

The Poulan Pro features a thoughtfully designed backpack harness. At a weight of just 22 pounds, this option is perfect for protecting you back. In addition to protecting your comfort, this backpack leaf blower is also super powerful at 200 MPH.

The Poulan Pro is geared towards offering homeowners an affordable yet powerful leaf blowing option.

In addition to a budget price point, it is straightforward to use.

9. Ryobi RY08420 42cc Gas-Powered Backpack Leaf Blower : Easy to Start Gas-Powered Option

The Ryobi RY08420 42cc Gas-Powered Backpack Leaf Blower is a 2-cycle option that utilizes a 50 to 1 gas to oil ratio mix. This leaf blower features a uniquely placed engine. The placement allows for maximized air flow giving you more power.

This offering from Ryobi weighs about 17 pounds when filled with fuel.

The ergonomic design of the harness will keep you cool and comfy as your perfect your property on warmer days.

10. Greenworks PRO 80V 145 MPH : Best Electric Cordless Option

If you are concerned about protecting the environment, then the Greenworks Pro 80V Back Pack Leaf blower is an excellent option. This cordless electric blower comes as a bare tool package so you will need to purchase a battery and charger separately if you do not already have a compatible battery.

You can easily find an economical battery though so do not let that deter you from this exceptional option.

The Greenworks Blower operates at the equivalency of a 32cc blower so it can efficiently tackle tough jobs while keeping you, your family, and the great outdoors safer.

Best Backpack Leaf Blower – Buyer’s Guide

Finding the best backpack leaf blower can be a time-consuming task. Poring through advertisements is frustrating, confusing, and tiring. Many of the marketing tactics used to sell leaf blowers can be downright misleading.

Our testing team conducted countless hours of not only trying out the backpack leaf blowers we reviewed, but also researching the intricacies of how these machines work, necessary upkeep measures, and safety tips. Without further ado, I present our handy-dandy backpack leaf blower buying guide.

Who Needs a Backpack Leaf Blower?

If you have property with trees, you will most likely benefit from a leaf blower. Leaves can fall into tiny nooks and crannies throughout your lawn, which can have some pretty unfavorable consequences. The leaves pose a fire risk, offer a place for insects or other animals to live, and they can become rather unsightly as well.

Raking up leaves into piles is the old standby method of leaf removal. However, this task can be physically demanding and takes a very long time. A leaf blower can be a blessing by taking pressure off of you and your body while doing the hard work for you.

What Are the Different Styles of Leaf Blowers?

There are many different types and styles of leaf blowers. This landscaping tool comes in handheld, wheeled walk behind, and backpack style versions. Each model has both good and bad attributes.

Our favorite style in the backpack style leaf blower thanks to its ability to displace its weight across your back and shoulders. They are easier to learn to use, less cumbersome to carry and provide the best results. Conversely, handheld models can quickly cause your arms and back to tire out before completing your chores. Walk behind models on wheels can be extremely heavy to push and almost impossible to maneuver on properties with hills or uneven surfaces.

Leaf Blower Power Source Options

You will find both electric and gas-powered backpack leaf blower options. Once again, each has unique attributes that may be more important to you when making your final selection. Here is a closer peek at the differences in the two power methods.

Electric Backpack Leaf Blowers

First and foremost, an electrically powered leaf blower is much quieter than its gas-powered counterpart. They are also lower maintenance, easier to start, and lighter. This style of leaf blower is perfectly suited to smaller pieces of land such as those under one acre.

An electric backpack leaf blower is a wonderful choice for sweeping leaves and debris from your driveway, patio, porch, deck, and lawn. Cordless options are crafted with high-voltage batteries that will require periodic recharging. Corded versions tether you to an outlet, but you will not need to worry about the blower dying midway through a project.

Gas-Powered Backpack Leaf Blowers

A backpack leaf blower that runs on gasoline will provide more power and brute force than an electric version. This model is terrific for larger properties and tough jobs. They are also better suited to longer and more frequent use.

Gas backpack leaf blowers usually operate with a manual pull start. This may prove more difficult to operate for individuals with less upper body strength. You will also have a larger list of maintenance tasks to keep your new leaf blower running in tip-top shape, and you will need to purchase special fuel.

Monthly Maintenance of Gas Backpack Leaf Blowers

Your gas-powered backpack leaf blower will require a few monthly maintenance tasks including:

• Examination of the spark plug and replacing it with a fresh one as needed
• Cleaning your leaf blower’s fan blades and carburetor
• Flushing the old fuel out of the blower’s gas tank
• Thoroughly check out your blower’s fuel line, fuel filter, cables, and connections for any issues and the repairing them as needed

Bare Tool Only Backpack Leaf Blowers and Battery-Operated Tips and Tricks

If you see the words “Bare Tool Only” while shopping for your new backpack leaf blower, this means it does NOT come with a battery. You will need to purchase a battery and a charger for it separately. You may want to maximize your outdoor arsenal by selecting tools that utilize the same charger and battery.

When searching for a battery, keep these tips in mind. Most cordless backpack leaf blowers use either a nickel cadmium or a lithium ion battery. Lithium-ion batteries are lighter in weight and are also smaller. A nickel cadmium battery with the same voltage will be larger. Lithium-ion batteries also tend to hold charges longer, but they are often more costly than their nickel-cadmium counterparts.

Backpack Leaf Blower Features

Let’s take a closer look at the specs that are imperative to selecting the best backpack leaf blower for your needs and lifestyle.

1. Decibel Levels: Noise levels are always a crucial aspect when shopping for home improvement tools. You may need to double check city or county ordinances to ensure your new tool operates at an appropriate level of sound. In general, gas-powered blowers are much louder than electric models. Regardless of which version you pick, some earplugs will come in handy to save your hearing from being compromised.
2. Engine cycle classification: 2-cycle engines demonstrate a balance between weight and power. They run on an oil and gas blend which you can purchase premixed or mix yourself. 4-cycle engines run on gas only. They are also heavier and will require the addition of oil changes to your maintenance task list.
3. Power output: Power output is measured by amps, A, volts, V, or cubic centimeters, cc.
4. MPH rating: Miles per hour, MPH, measures the speed at which air is expelled from the blower. The MPH rating is also a good indicator of the power supplied by your new leaf blower.
5. CFM rating: Cubic feet per minute, CFM, is a way to measure the volume of air that your leaf blower can move. The higher the CFM rating, the more debris you can move.
6. Speed settings: The speed setting on your machine makes it easy to control the airflow and how debris is moved. If this is important to you, select a model with more than one speed. Other models may have fixed speed settings without the ability to customize air flow.
7. Vibration: Newer models offer vibration reduction settings. This feature allows you to operate the blower without shaking too much. This setting may be important if you have arthritis or other mobility or pain issues.

Off Label Leaf Blower Uses

Purchasing a backpack leaf blower is an economic investment. They can be quite pricey, after all. You may wonder if the price tag is truly worth it. The good news is that you can use your leaf blower for a plethora of other tasks that don’t involve Fall leaves at all.

You can blast the debris out of your gutters and onto the ground or clean up cobwebs and dust from high corners in your home. You can even use it to speed up drying time after washing your car by blasting away the water droplets. For some family fun, attach a standard paint roller and place the handle below the nozzle with the rod in the path of the blower’s airflow. Put a roll of toilet paper onto the rod, start the blower, and you have a toilet paper gun that will delight kids of all ages.

Backpack leaf blowers have revolutionized the way we sweep away leaves and other messy debris. A harness style option is easier to work with and provides exceptional, professional results. They are also much more comfortable and easier to use as opposed to heeled, walk behind, or handheld versions.

We hope that our testing team’s feedback on the top ten backpack leaf blowers and our helpful guide helped to dispel any apprehension over choosing the best model for your needs. We love hearing back from our readers. Please leave us a quick note below on your favorite backpack-style leaf blowers and some entertaining or helpful ways to use them for more than blowing debris.