A leaf blower is one of the most useful tools we can own. Whether we have a simple garden or a vast lawn, this machine can surely help us with cleaning it – especially during the summer or fall seasons.
Aside from helping us remove fallen leaves, snow, and other debris on our pathway, these leaf blowers can also help us dry surfaces, chase away rodents, and keep the gutters on our house clean. Some of these machines even double as a vacuum, so you know that buying one is a great investment.
But with the many options available, I understand if you find all your choices overwhelming. The challenge usually lies with being able to determine which leaf blower will best suit your needs.
In this article, we will give you a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision before you buy. We’ve also included reviews of our top picks for the best gas leaf blowers for 2020 to help you narrow down your choices.
7 Best Gas Leaf Blowers: Reviews
The best gas leaf blowers in the market are those that are powerful and highly efficient. This means that they are capable of clearing out leaves and other debris within a short period to help us save time and be more productive.
And considering the situation that usually requires the use of leaf blowers, you must also consider its weight. This allows us to use it with the least strain on our hand and arm.
These are some of the factors that we looked into to help us identify the best gas-powered leaf blowers for this year. Read on to know more about each of our top picks.
- Hitachi RB24EAP Gas Powered Leaf Blower
- Craftsman B215 Handheld Gas Powered Leaf Blower
- Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower
- Husqvarna 952711925 125B Handheld Blower
- Remington RM2BV Ambush 27cc 2-Cycle Gas Leaf Blower
- Makita BHX2500CA Engine Blower
- Tanaka TRB24EAP Handheld Leaf Blower
1. Hitachi RB24EAP Gas Powered Leaf Blower
When we talk of leaf blowers, we often think of speed and efficiency, and this is why the Hitachi RB24EAP Gas Powered Leaf Blower made it into our top picks for the best gas leaf blowers for 2020.
This gas-powered leaf blower has an impressive air volume of up to 441 cubic feet per minute that’s combined with an air speed of up to 170 miles per hour. When you consider these features together, you know that this machine can efficiently and effectively remove any debris from your pathway, patio, or garden.
Because it only weighs a little over 8 pounds, you don’t have to worry about muscle pain after using it. It also has an interesting design that helps evenly distribute the weight, so it feels balanced when you carry it.
The Hitachi RB24EAP Gas Powered Leaf Blower uses a 23.9-cc engine paired with a fuel tank that has a capacity of up to 17.6 fluid ounces. This means that this gas leaf blower is extremely powerful, yet is capable of being used for long hours.
We also love that this leaf blower has a large 2-finger throttle lever, which makes it easy to operate and control. And most importantly, it comes with PureFlow low emission engine technology, so you know you’re not emitting a lot of harmful fumes to the environment.
Pros:
- It has a powerful 2-stroke engine that’s coupled with low-emission technology.
- It produces an air volume of up to 441 CFM and an air speed of up to 170 MPH.
- It is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it very user-friendly.
- It is easy to operate.
Cons:
- It can be very noisy.
- It is not very durable.
2. Craftsman B215 Handheld Gas Powered Leaf Blower
The Craftsman B215 Handheld Gas Powered Leaf Blower is another impressive leaf blower that you should consider, especially if you’re after high air speeds.
This gas leaf blower is built with a powerful 25-cc engine, so you can only expect high performance from this machine. What’s more, is that it has an air volume of 430 cubic feet per minute and an impressive air speed of up to 200 miles per hour. This means that it can easily blow away leaves and debris to keep your lawn or garden clean.
We also love that the Craftsman B215 25cc 2-Cycle Engine Handheld Gas Powered Leaf Blower is incredibly user-friendly. It is made with an easy-start technology which makes this device easy to operate. Its user-friendly design also makes it highly maneuverable without causing fatigue.
Additionally, we love that this gas leaf blower comes with an extended nozzle with an integrated scraper that makes it possible to clean those stubborn hard-to-reach areas. And finally, it is built with a translucent tank, so you could easily tell when it’s time to refuel.
Overall, the Craftsman B215 25cc 2-Cycle Engine Handheld Gas Powered Leaf Blower is a powerful and highly efficient machine that can effectively help you clean out your lawn, patio, or any space you want to clear out – even if it has hard-to-reach areas.
Pros:
- It comes with a powerful 25-cc 2-cycle engine.
- It has an air speed of up to 200 MPH and an air volume of up to 430 CFM.
- It is very easy to operate and maneuver.
- It is affordable.
Cons:
- It weighs 11 pounds, which is not very lightweight.
- Some users note that it is very loud when you operate it.
3. Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower
If you have to clear out a large area, then it’s advisable to use a powerful leaf blower that’s designed to keep you from feeling fatigued. Fortunately, the Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower is designed with that in mind.
This powerful leaf blower is capable of producing air speed of up 200 miles per hour, and an air volume up to a whopping 475 cubic feet per minute. These features only go to show that this is a heavy-duty leaf blower that’s more than capable of clearing out large areas.
The Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower comes with a 48-cc 2-stroke engine, that can help you work on your lawn for hours. And to give you peace of mind, this engine is mounted on a heavy-duty frame, so you know it’s capable of securely holding it in place even as you keep moving around.
We also love that this gas-powered leaf blower comes with adjustable shoulder straps to make sure that the harness comfortably fits you. This greatly reduces any muscle pain or fatigue that you might feel, even after working on your lawn for hours.
And finally, the Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower is built with a variable speed throttle control, making it easy to operate and control. Thus, even with its powerful and seemingly intimidating capacity, you won’t have a problem with clearing out leaves and debris with this engine.
Pros:
- This leaf blower has a powerful 48-cc 2-stroke engine, allowing you to work for long hours.
- It has an impressive air volume of up to 475 CFM and an air speed of up to 200 MPH.
- It comes in backpack design, making it easier and more comfortable to use.
- Since both your hands are free as you use this leaf blower, it is very easy to maneuver.
Cons:
- Some users note that it is not easy to start.
- The brand does not have the best customer service.
4. Husqvarna 952711925 125B Handheld Blower
Another lightweight gas leaf blower that we have our eyes on is the feature-packed Husqvarna 952711925 125B Handheld Blower.
This handheld leaf blower can produce an impressive air volume of up to 425 cubic feet per minute and an air speed of up to 170 miles per hour. This makes it perfect for clearing out small spaces like your patio, pathway, or garden.
We also love that the Husqvarna 952711925 125B Handheld Blower boasts an ergonomic design. Thanks to its Low Vib technology, this machine is capable of reducing the vibrations you feel while using it. As a result, you don’t feel much stress on your arm and hand, thereby resulting in less fatigue in the long run.
Additionally, this comes with a powerful X-Torq engine technology that’s capable of reducing harmful exhaust emissions by 75 percent while also improving the engine’s fuel efficiency by up to 20 percent. This assures you that you’re saving up on gas usage while doing your part to save the environment.
The Husqvarna 952711925 125B Handheld Blower also comes with a cruise control feature that makes it easy to set different fan speeds. As a result, you can handle this machine better and with less complicated measures. And most importantly, all of its controls are located in one convenient place to make it easily accessible for its users.
To make it more convenient for you, this gas leaf blower comes with an adjustable tube length to help us reach hard-to-reach areas. It also has an air purge feature that helps release trapped air inside the carburetor and fuel system to help the engine start faster.
Pros:
- It only weighs a little over 9 pounds and comes with an ergonomic design that makes it easy to maneuver.
- Its X-torq engine technology helps with reducing harmful emissions while also making it more fuel-efficient.
- It has a decent air speed of 170 MPH and an air volume of 425 CFM.
- All its control settings are located in one place to make it more convenient for its users.
- It has an adjustable tube length.
Cons:
- Some users note that it is conveniently designed for right-handed users, but is not very comfortable for left-handed users.
- It is not very durable.
5. Remington RM2BV Ambush 27cc 2-Cycle Gas Leaf Blower
For those who are looking for a leaf blower that doubles as a vacuum, then you can’t go wrong with the Remington RM2BV Ambush 27cc 2-Cycle Gas Leaf Blower.
This leaf blower has a powerful 27-cc 2-cycle engine that can help you clear your area of leaves, and other similar debris. Because this engine is larger than that of the average handheld leaf blowers, you can expect it to perform longer and with better power.
Because of its incredible engine, this gas leaf blower can produce an air volume of up to 450 cubic feet per minute and an air speed of up to 205 miles per hour. This is one of the most powerful gas leaf blowers we’ve encountered, and the fact that it is easy to control is a bonus.
The Remington RM2BV Ambush 27cc 2-Cycle Gas Leaf Blower also has a variable throttle with cruise control, making it easy to use. This allows you to choose the force you need for the airflow while also making your throttle finger rest. But most importantly, the handle helps absorb the vibration as you use the leaf blower, making it more comfortable and less fatiguing for you.
One of the most notable features of this gas leaf blower is that it also functions as a vacuum. It has a 10-to-1 debris reduction ratio, which means that the vacuum helps reduce the size of leaves and other debris, so you don’t have to use a large vacuum bag. This also means that you don’t have to empty it as frequently, giving you more time to do your chores.
And finally, the Remington RM2BV Ambush 27cc 2-Cycle Gas Leaf Blower comes with a convenient quickstart technology. It uses a spring-assisted coil that helps jump-start its engine and get you working immediately.
Pros:
- It has a large and powerful engine.
- It is capable of producing air speed of up to 205 MPH and an air volume of up to 450 CFM.
- It has a 2-in-1 vacuum function.
- The vacuum is capable of reducing the debris to make it more convenient for users.
Cons:
- It is quite heavy.
- It is not very durable.
6. Makita BHX2500CA Engine Blower
One of the most notable items in our top picks is this Makita BHX2500CA Engine Blower.
This lightweight leaf blower only weighs a little over 9 pounds, making it one of the lightest gas-powered leaf blowers in the market today. But despite its weight, this leaf blower comes with a powerful 24.5-cc 4-stroke engine that’s bound to impress everyone who uses it.
Thanks to its commercial-duty engine, the Makita BHX2500CA Engine Blower is capable of producing air volume of 358 cubic feet per minute and an air speed of up to 145 meters per hour. This makes it perfect for clearing out the area surrounding your home or similar-sized places.
This leaf blower has interchangeable tips, so you can use it for different environments. This also means that you can safely clear out even the most unreachable areas of your garden or lawn.
But most importantly, we love that the Makita BHX2500CA Engine Blower meets the regulations imposed by the EPA and CARB when it comes to exhaust and evaporative emissions. It also comes with a replaceable dual-stage air filter, so you know you’re not adding up to the pollution in the environment.
Additionally, the 4-stroke engine allows you to save up to 60 percent of your fuel, making it highly efficient. In the long run, you’ll realize that this leaf blower is well worth the money.
For your convenience, the Makita BHX2500CA Engine Blower comes with a Mechanical Automatic Engine Decompression to make starting the engine hassle-free. And finally, it comes with a soft grip that helps absorb the vibration to keep the stress away from your hands. This makes it easy to use and maneuver.
Pros:
- This leaf blower has decent air volume and air speed that’s perfect for home use.
- It helps reduce fuel consumption by up to 60 percent.
- It is lightweight and easy to control.
- It comes with a built-in and replaceable dual air filter that helps reduce its harmful emissions.
- It meets the regulations imposed by the EPA and CARB.
- Its engine emits a sound of up to 67 decibels only, allowing it to fall within the safe sound range.
Cons:
- It is quite pricey.
- It is not meant for clearing out large spaces.
7. Tanaka TRB24EAP Handheld Leaf Blower
The Tanaka TRB24EAP Handheld Leaf Blower is another lightweight handheld leaf blower that impressed us with its features.
This leaf blower is built with a 23.9-cc engine that allows it to produce an air volume of up to 441 cubic feet per minute and an air speed of up to 170 miles per hour. These features guarantee that you can get the job done fast and with the utmost efficiency.
Because of its smaller engine, this leaf blower only weighs a little over 8 pounds, making it one of the lightest machines on our list. This makes it incredibly portable, so you can clear out the surroundings of your home with ease.
Additionally, the Tanaka TRB24EAP Handheld Leaf Blower is designed with a two-finger throttle to make it easy to operate. It also has an ergonomic design that helps you maneuver it with ease.
Overall, this is one lightweight leaf blower that exceeds our expectations. Even with its petite size, you can expect a great performance from this machine, especially for small outdoor areas surrounding your home.
Pros:
- It only weighs around 8.6 pounds, making it lightweight and highly portable.
- It is easy to control and operate.
- It produces decent air speed and air volume for small lawns, gardens, or similar spaces.
Cons:
- Some users report that they are having a hard time getting the engine started.
Best Gas Leaf Blowers: Buying Guide
Now that you know our top picks, and why they made it to our list, you may still find some of the jargon quite confusing. To make it easier for you to understand, we believe it’s necessary to discuss a detailed buying guide that will answer all of your questions.
This buying guide contains all of the factors that you have to consider before buying the best gas leaf blower for you. Make sure that you take all these factors to heart – this assures you that you’re truly getting the item that provides you with the best value for the money.
Engine
One of the first things that you have to consider is the engine that’s mounted onto your leaf blower. In general, a larger engine usually means greater power, allowing it to produce higher air speeds and air volume. As a result, this gets the job done easier and faster.
However, the downside of getting a leaf blower with a larger engine is that it is also a lot heavier. This can be quite inconvenient when you’re using a handheld machine.
Additionally, you should also consider the efficiency of the engine used. Some leaf blower manufacturers pair their engines with technologies that help improve its fuel consumption. As a result, these engines can save up to 60 percent of fuel, allowing you to save more money in the long run.
Keep these in mind when you’re out looking for the perfect leaf blower.
Tank and Tank Capacity
Another factor you have to look into is the tank used on the machine, as well as its tank capacity.
As for the tank capacity, you must simply remember that a higher capacity means that the engine can run for longer periods. Thus, if you’re planning to clear out large spaces, then you might need a leaf blower with a large tank to keep you from getting your machine refueled.
And while we’re on the subject of getting refueled, we advise getting a leaf blower that has a translucent tank so you can easily determine when it’s time to get it refueled.
On average, a tank that can hold about 17 fluid ounces is already decent, especially for the smaller handheld models.
Air Speed
The air speed of the leaf blower simply refers to the speed by which air is blowing out of the barrel. The higher the air speed, then the faster that the leaf blower can expel the air. This is usually measured in miles per hour or MPH.
On average, air speed for a handheld leaf blower can range from 170 MPH up to as high as 205 MPH. if you’re using a heavy-duty backpack leaf blower, then an air speed of 200 and above is already quite decent.
However, you must not confuse air speed with the leaf blower’s air volume.
Air Volume
Now that you know what the air speed is, we can now discuss the air volume. This simply refers to the amount of air that the leaf blower can release within a minute. It is usually measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM.
From this, we can already distinguish that the air speed refers to how fast the air is being expelled, while air volume refers to the amount of air expelled within a given time. Together, these two factors help us determine how well the leaf blower functions.
On average, a handheld leaf blower that’s meant to work on small areas will have a decent air volume if it can produce 200 to 400 CFM. Anything more than this range is already quite impressive, especially for such a handheld device.
Loudness
Another factor you have to look into is how noisy your leaf blower can be.
Since gas-powered leaf blowers use an engine that runs on fuel, there’s no denying that it’s a lot louder than its electric counterparts.
Bear in mind that a decibel level of 70 dBA is generally considered safe for our ears. Anything higher than that – especially those over 80 dBA can already be considered harmful and can cause hearing conditions.
While most of today’s gas-powered leaf blowers exceed the 70-dBA threshold, there are still some models that have built-in mufflers. These mufflers effectively reduce the noise being emitted by the machine, making it less bothersome for you and your neighbors.
Weight
The weight of your leaf blower is something that you should also consider.
Bear in mind that you would have to carry this leaf blower around your lawn or garden as you clear out fallen leaves or debris. With that in mind, we’re sure that you wouldn’t want to carry something really heavy – that would make the whole cleaning process quite bothersome.
While most of today’s leaf blowers weigh between 12 and 15 pounds, there are still some models that weigh below 10 pounds. This is an ideal pick, especially if you’re only cleaning small patios or gardens.
But if you’re someone who has a large lawn, you might want to consider a high-powered backpack leaf blower instead. This type of leaf blower is meant to clean larger spaces and is capable of clearing out areas faster than their handheld counterparts. Since the engine is securely fastened to your back, both your arms are free to help you clean the space thoroughly.
Vibration Reduction
One of the oft-overlooked factors when it comes to searching for the best gas leaf blowers is whether it is designed with a vibration reduction feature.
This feature helps reduce the vibration that your hands and arms feel, so that it won’t experience strain and fatigue while you’re using it. This helps you get the job done and still have enough energy to do the things you love.
With that said, always check with the manufacturer if the handle comes with a vibration absorption or reduction feature.
Air Filter
There’s no denying that gas-powered leaf blowers emit carbon dioxide as you use them. But while that’s inevitable, some manufacturers have taken the initiative to produce them with built-in air filters. These filters help reduce the harmful emissions of these leaf blowers, making sure that you’re breathing air that’s safe for your lungs.
As much as possible, also check whether the leaf blowers passed the standards set by the EPA and CARB when it comes to exhaust and other similar emissions. This will give you peace of mind that you’re using a machine that won’t make the environment suffer even more.
Advantages of Gas Leaf Blowers
Now that you know how to pick the perfect leaf blower for you, here are some of the advantages that you will enjoy once you finally make your purchase.
- Multi-functional. Leaf blowers aren’t just made for clearing out leaves and other debris from your backyard, lawn, or patio. They have several other uses that you might find handy, so you know that they’re worth the money you pay.
This includes clearing out your home’s gutter, chasing out rodents and other pests, clearing puddles and snow, and drying out the surfaces. Some leaf blower models also offer a vacuum option, which comes in handy when you have stubborn debris that can’t be easily blown away.
- Portable. Because gas leaf blowers are not powered by electricity, it doesn’t need wires to function. This means that you can virtually take it anywhere with you, especially if you own the smaller handheld ones that are very lightweight.
Additionally, there are no messy wires around you as you clean. This makes it a lot easier on the eyes compared to its electric counterparts.
- Power. Since this type of leaf blower is powered by fuel, it is capable of producing higher air speeds and air volumes. This makes it more efficient at its job, especially if you don’t want to waste your time with this chore.
Additionally, gas-powered leaf blowers also last longer than their electrical or battery-operated counterparts. Electrical leaf blowers can’t fully function when they’re not connected to a power source, while battery-operated ones may need recharging more often.
In contrast, gas-powered ones only require refueling once in a while, and this can easily be done without a lot of idle time that’s usually associated with charging batteries.
Other Pointers
While gas-powered leaf blowers are at an advantage when it comes to its power and portability, it may come at a disadvantage when it comes to its ease of use. Some beginners are easily intimidated by the thought of using this kind of leaf blower, mostly since it produces a lot of power, and out of fear that they cannot handle it.
This is a common misconception since these leaf blowers are relatively easy to use. But if there is ever a disadvantage, we believe it has something to do with the maintenance work that gas-powered engines require.
Take this into consideration before making a purchase, and ask yourself if you’re ready to take on that responsibility.
Conclusion
From everything we’ve discussed, we can now ascertain that the best gas leaf blowers are efficient, speedy, lightweight, and highly maneuverable. They’re designed to reduce the strain that you feel on your arms and hands to prevent fatigue and discomfort in the long run.
But despite these, you must also consider some factors that relate to your circumstances. For instance, you should determine how large your area is, and how comfortable you are with using leaf blowers. This will help you determine the engine you need and the design that will best work for you – and that’s the only time you can say that’s the only time that you can say that you have truly found the best.
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