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.
- Editor’s Choice:Husqvarna 965877502
- Editor’s Choice:Makita BBX7600N
- DEWALT DCBL590B
- Husqvarna 570BTS
- Echo PB-580T
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 feel overwhelming.
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 July, 2021
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1.Husqvarna 965877502 350BT: Best Blower for Fuel Economy
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.
- Gasoline powered
- 180 MPH
- Maximum power speed of 7500 RPM
- Weighs 22 pounds
- Integrated harness
- Our team noticed that it did seem to go through a bit more fuel than what we originally expected
- Sound level of 104 decibels is a somewhat loud
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.
- Runs on two batteries
- 30 pounds in weight
- Bare tool only package
- Joystick-style control
- 142 MPH
- Is not suited to larger areas and tasks
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.
- 22 pounds
- 7200 RPM
- Runs on unleaded gas
- 74 decibels
- Expensive compared to similar models
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.
- 2-cycle engine
- Extremely powerful at 236 MPH
- 24 pounds
- Ergonomic, padded backpack harness
- Easy to use and control
- The blower is somewhat loud at an average of 99 decibels
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.
- Extremely powerful with 215 MPH
- Wonderful for wetter climates
- Simple maintenance schedule compared to similar models
- Start easily without hesitation
- Somewhat loud compared to other versions
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.
- 2-cycle X-Torq engine
- 145 MPH
- Better choice for the environment thanks to fuel efficiency and reduced emissions
- Extremely comfortable at just 15 pounds
- Lacks a bit of the brute force of higher powered options
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.
- Powerful at 150 MPH
- Extremely comfy for back injury prone individuals
- Easy to use
- Great price
- Will require some maintenance tasks to be performed monthly
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.
- Easy to use customized controls with variable throttle and cruise control
- Works great for leaves and snow too
- Lightweight and comfortable
- 200 MPH
- Replacement piece can be somewhat hard to track down
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.
- Gas-powered with easier starting system
- Lightweight
- 185 MPH
- Great price point
- Runs on a 50:1 mix of fuel to oil which can be a bit annoying to mix up and deal with
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.
- Extremely lightweight at just over 8 pounds without the battery
- 145 MPH
- Environmentally conscious choice
- Works extremely well on wet, heavy debris
- Bare tool option so you will need to pick up a battery and charger as well
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Power output: Power output is measured by amps, A, volts, V, or cubic centimeters, cc.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Xavier says
I understand why Makita BBX7600N 75.6 cc MM4 is in the editor’s choice list. I’ve been using this backpack leaf blower for a couple of months but can already recommend buying it to everyone I know.
Mike says
I know why Makita BBX7600N 75.6 cc MM4 is marked as an editor’s choice. It’s a great leaf blower which does its work really well. I recommend it to everyone, all the pros are shown so I don’t know what to add.
Anthony says
No matter people say that The Makita BBX7600N is too expensive for its characteristics, but I don’t think so. I like how it works and hope that it’ll be durable.
Elizabeth says
The best thing about Husqvarna 965102208 130BT is the combination of high-power engine and lightweight. I didn’t have so many blowers, this one is the second one, but I already recommend it to everyone I know.
Rita says
Even people say Makita BBX7600N 75.6 cc MM4 is quite expensive, I find it really good. For me, the price is reasonable because of the period of work and design. I can easily hold it myself that’s why I recommend the blowers to anyone.
Alex says
I can’t lift heavy objects, that’s why I needed something efficient but light. My choice was DEWALT DCBL590B and I’m still not disappointed in this choice. I recommend it to everyone who has the same situation.
Kortny says
I’m glad I’ve found this comment here as I have to buy my mum something as a present, and she can’t lift heavy objects too. Thanks so much!
Fiona G. says
Yesterday I noticed that my neighbor has a lovely backpack leaf blower. I tried to find it here, but I didn’t. If I ask my neighbor which one he has and it’ll turn out it’s a good one, I’ll share the model with you.
Lilian says
However some people may say Makita BBX7600N 75.6 cc MM4 is too expensive, I consider this product as a great one and recommend to everyone who wants a high-quality leaf blower. It manages with all tasks, and I also like its design.
Patrick says
I spent more than a week searching for a good gas-powered backpack leaf blower. It seems like I’ll never find it at all. Where all other people find these durable and cheap options?
amelia says
I had a very unpleasant surprise after visiting this page. It turned out that I’ve bought a too expensive leaf blower. I didn’t know there are so many good options on the market which work even better than my own one. So it’s a lesson for me always to check the prices and read more before the purchasing.
Marie says
For me, the most important thing is environmental friendliness. That’s why I bought Husqvarna 965102208 130BT backpack leafblower. I have nothing to complain about just because I use it not very often.
Marine says
I like Husqvarna 570BTS Gas Leaf Blower for every detail. 2-cycle engine copes with the daily chores, the weight is convenient to use for a long. That’s why I sometimes help my neighbors as it’s a pleasure for me to work with this leaf blower.
Evelyn says
Backpack leaf blowers are real helpers. They make the process much easier, and I’m happy to own one blower for me. Recommend everyone to pay attention to them. I’ve found an ideal product on this page and came here to thank the owner of this website. Thanks so much!
Jan says
I’m surprised that Stihl is left off.
Austyn says
I don’t know why I bought Makita BBX7600N 75.6 cc MM4 as it’s one of the most expensive options on the market. I don’t have any problems with this leaf blower, but I can’t say I’m excited about the result. So, I don’t know really whether it worths buying it or not as I didn’t compare it with the cheaper options.
Jazmine says
I presented Troy-Bilt TB4BP EC 32cc 4-Cycle to my parents as they both have some problems with the back. So, it’s very comfortable for them. It’s the most important thing I looked at, but this leaf blower turned out to be very powerful too, which makes me even happier.
Baker says
The last backpack leaf blower consumed more fuel than I expected, so it wasn’t a pleasant experience for me. As I’ve read on different forums – it’s a popular problem. So, I hope after visiting this website I’ll find the one which won’t spend all my money.
Bill says
The Echo PB-580T is not as loud as the Husqvarna 965102208 130BT, for example, although the engine is much more powerful. For me, the choice in favor of the Echo is obvious.
Irvin says
You can request a complete set with batteries for The DCBL590V from the seller, this is not a problem, especially since they cost not very much.
Jaden says
Echo PB blew a two foot high by ten feet wide pile of leaves and small branches about 100 feet. Would recommend this product to any one.
Gavin says
About Echo… BE AWARE OF THE WEIGHT!! Water weighs about 8.25lbs/gallon. I found it workable with 2 gallons and the chems, because the tank is up top and makes it top heavy.
Lucas says
Started first time out the box and later when hot plenty of power did the whole garden on half throttle with Troy-Bilt. Good tool
Dereck says
DEWALT is brilliant peace of kit, easy to start, saves time on sweeping up after strimming
Clark says
Started first time out the box and later when hot plenty of power did whole garden on half throttle, haha)) Husqvarna is the best!
Oven says
Echo trick is to use full or semi-synthetic 2 cycle oil. What a difference using full synthetic 2 cycle oil! I was able to run the old Craftsman with a 40 to 1 ratio without it overheating as with dino oil.
Brayan says
This Husqvarna 570BTS rocks!!! What used to take me 10 hours to do was completed in less than 2 hours. No more arm and back pain. Best investment I ever made. Outstanding power, moves leaves, twigs, branches, acorns with ease. Easy assembly- 5 mins and started on the first pull.
oliver says
Owned the Husqvarna 570BTS blower for tree years now. Very powerful, reliable and still going strong. Big fan of this backpack blower
Matt says
Nice review but Wheres the Red Max? you totally missed the best available blower, there’s a reason most landscapers have bright red backpacks hanging from their trucks.
Tom Rice says
Hi Matt – we will try to look at that model in our next update.