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Leaf Blowers

Let's face it. Raking is hard work. Especially if you have a big yard, with lots of trees. Every year those trees grow more leaves, and every autumn those leaves are all over your lawn. You rake and rake, and it feels like the only thing you're accomplishing is working up a sweat.  Popular Mechanics suggests that you may be better off with an independent vacuum/shredder; many blower/vac combos are not especially good at being vacuums and clog easily, especially with wet leaves. Recommendations are from ConsumerSearch; consult Popular Mechanics as well, but their article is a few years old. !

Handheld Blowers

Backpack Blowers

Wheeled Gas Blower

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'''Electric Leaf Blowers'''

Electric leaf blowers are typically better performers than their gas counterparts. ! * Less noisy. * Less expensive. * Environmentally friendly. * No hassle continuous power provided without having to refill a tank or fuss with engine maintenance. * Most home consumers should stick to the electric versions to save their ears and avoid the stink from exhaust fumes.

What to Look For

* An easy on/off switch and starter. * Variable speed and throttle for dealing with wet or dry leaves. * Choke on gas-powered models. * Round nozzles are best for cleaning out gutters while square ones are best for blowing leaves on flat ground. * Auxiliary handles make maneuvering easier. * Wide fuel spouts make refilling easier on gas-powered models. * A clear tank makes it easier to see when you need to refill. * '''CFM''': this is the vacuum rating measured in cubic feet per minute. Most models fall in the 200-600 CFM range. * '''Reduction Ratio''': you'll see this on mulching blower/vacuums. It indicates how many units of leaves the mulcher can process. A 10:1 ratio means that 10 bags of leaves can be reduced to 1 bag of mulch. * '''Decibels''': noise rating.

Major Manufacturers

'''Electric''' * Black & Decker * Craftsman (Sears) * Homelite * Ryobi * Toro * Weed Eater '''Gas-powered''' * Echo * Husqvarna * John Deere * Stihl

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