The Best Walk-behind Leaf Blowers [2021 Edition]
Filed under: garden
Introduction
Gone are the days when we happily cleaned out the scattered leaves in our yard the old-fashioned way. Though the old tools and ways we’ve known for a long time are still helpful, there are new appliances that can make our lives more convenient when it comes to pesky dried leaves in the yard! As technology continuously evolves, one of the things that are thankfully out on the market is a leaf blower.
There are three types: handheld ones, self-propelled ones, and the popular walk-behind leaf blowers. These three types are all useful, but the walk-behind leaf blower can be considered as the middle ground category. It doesn’t strain your back like some handheld leaf blowers with a backpack and it’s not as bulky as a self-propelled leaf blower.
Of course, deciding on which walk-behind leaf blower to buy can be confusing. There are tons on the market to choose from and even the research can get tedious. That’s why we will try to discuss EVERYTHING that you need to know before buying the walk-behind leaf blower that will make your life more convenient!
Buyer's guide
1. Design and Material
Being aware of the materials used and the design of the leaf blower does not only give you a hint on how durable the product is but also helps you choose which product will be the most convenient for you. Most walk-behind leaf blowers are made of steel, and some are made of heavy-duty plastic. Some have smooth-moving wheels making them easier to maneuver especially on uneven surfaces.
2. Power Source
When it comes to the power source, the size of the area you would like to cover with the leaf bloweris a factor you must consider. If the area is really large, it might be best to go for a fuel-powered one. Otherwise, a manual leaf blower will work just fine.
3. Engine Size and Engine Cycle
If by any chance you opt to get a fuel-powered one, the engine and engine cycle is important to consider. Most leaf blowers have an engine size of 100 to 500 cc (cubic centimeters). The larger ones usually have a higher power output. Mid-tier products are usually equipperd with a 2-cycle engine. They are convenient and compact, but are also considered a little louder than those with a 4-cycle engine that run more quietly and use fuel more efficiently.
4. Power Rating
There are two usual power ratings given by manufacturers. Airflow is measured in cfm (that stands for cubic feet per minute) and refers to the air volume that leaves the nozzles each minute. Airspeed is measured in mph (that stands for miles per hour) and indicates how fast the air travels when it leaves the nozzles. As a general rule, you should focus on the cfm rating and not on the mph rating as the cfm tells you more reliably how powerful the leaf blower is.
5. Usage and Convenience
Most leaf blowers are straightforward to operate and user-friendly but it’s still important to consider who will use them most of the time. Remember that you’re choosing this for convenience.
6. Weight and Storage
Walk-behind leaf blowers are convenient to use as you can wheel them around unlike the backpack ones. However, the weight is still a significant factor depending on who will use it and how it is going to be used. For storage, consider how big and bulky the product of your liking would be as it could take more space than you expect it to be.
7. Noise Level
Generally speaking, powered leaf blowers are pretty loud and their noise would probably exceed 60 decibels. It is wise to wear pair of ear protectors as even the models that produce less noise can still be damaging to your ears. If you want something that will not make a loud noise, go for a manual model that is not engine-powered.
Product reviews
Landworks Leaf Blower
Features
- Max air speed of 200 mph
- Max air flow of 2,000 cfm
- Weight of 130 lbs
- Dimensions of 26.6” L x 22.5” W x 22.3” H
Pros
- Powerful engine
- Sturdy and rust-proof design
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Has a low fuel tank capacity
- Fill reservoir is difficult to use given how it is positioned
Review
This leaf blower can deliver robust performance with its 7 hp 212 cc 4-cycle engine. It also has a high airflow rating just like the SuperHandy with 2,000 cfm at 200 mph. Though it’s quite similar compared to other walk-behind leaf blowers, this one may be a little easier to maneuver with its 10” rear wheels, and an 8” front wheel that has a 360-degree swivel function.
Billy Goat F1302SPH Self-Propelled Force Blower
Features
- Max air speed of 200 mph
- Max air flow of 2,600 cfm
- Weight of 165 lbs
- Dimensions of 58” L x 28.5” W x 45” H
Pros
- Made with durable and rust-proof materials
- Incredibly powerful engine
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
Review
The Billy Goat F1302SPH comes with a 2,600 cfm, 393cc Honda gas-powered engine. Imagine how powerful this leaf blower is! Several customers have commented that the large pneumatic wheels make it easier to maneuver and overall give a great experience of tidying unwanted leaves. However, the Billy Goat F1302SPH is extremely expensive compared to other leaf blowers that can give almost the same results. Generally, this might still be the one you need especially if you will be frequently using it on a larger area.
Earthwise LSW70021 Leaf and Grass Sweeper
Features
- 21” sweeper brush
- Foldable
- Weight of 13 lbs
- Dimensions of 44” L x28” W x 29.5” H
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons
- Manually operated
- Not very attractive design
Review
The Earthwise LSW70021 is different from what we previously discussed in this article since it is manually operated therefore it does not require fuel to operate. If you have a small to medium-sized lawn, garage, or garden and you do not need something powerful but that will still get the job done when it comes to cleaning up leaves, then this is perfect for you.
SuperHandy Leaf & Debris Blower
Features
- Max air speed of 200 mph
- Max air flow of 2,000 cfm
- Weight of 129 lbs
- Dimensions of 26.6” L x 22.5” W x 22.3” H
Pros
- Strong and fuel-efficient engine
- Durable design
Cons
- Lower fuel tank capacity compared to others
- Noisy
- Heavy
- Wheels can sometimes be hard to control
Review
This product boasts an incredibly powerful 7 hp 212 cc 4-cycle engine that performs 2,000 cfm at a 200 mph air speed. Aside from that, it has durable body made of steel that can deliver well in a challenging environment. It is equipped with three 10” wheels. It’s one of the best walk-behind leaf blowers that will not break the bank!
Merry Mac Walk-Behind Leaf and Debris Blower
Features
- Max air speed of 200 mph
- Max air flow of 2000 cfm
- Weight of 115 lbs
- Dimensions of 52” L x 28” W x 41” H
Pros
- Light for its size
- Has a low noise level
- Ergonomically designed with its front and side discharge options
Cons
- Rather expensive
- Engine is not as powerful as others in the same price range
Review
More on the expensive side, the Merry Mac has a powerful 305 cc gas-powered engine with a general 2,000 cfm. One might say that it’s rather a typical leaf blower, but it is designed ergonomically with durable materials while managing to weigh only 115 lbs, fairly light compared to other leaf blowers of the same size. Like the Billy Goat, it may save you considerable time when using it in larger areas, but when it comes to price some might still want to opt for a more affordable leaf blower than this.
Troy-Bilt TB672
Features
- Max air speed of 150 mph
- Max air flow of 1000 cfm
- Weight of 78 lbs
- Dimensions of 30.5” L x 25.5” W x 27.5” H
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons
- Rather noisy
- The front-wheel does not swivel which makes it hard to maneuver
Review
The Troy-Bilt TB672 is not hugely different from other walk-behind leaf blowers. It has a powerful 208 cc engine with 150 mph of max air speed. The notable difference of this model from other leaf blowers is that it weighs less. If you are looking for something that is efficient but still lightweight, then this leaf blower is for you.
Mantis Little Wonder Optimax Leaf Blower
Features
- Max air speed of 153 mph
- Max air flow of 1397 cfm
- Weight of 153 lbs
- Dimensions of 58” L x 28.5” W x 45” H
Pros
- Trusted engine brand
- Great design
Cons
- Expensive
- Average engine performance
- Average airflow and air speed
Review
Little Wonder’s Mantis has a 163 cc, 4-cycle Honda engine with an airflow of 1397 cfm at 153 mph. Aside from that, the material and design are sleek and durable. Given all that, it is not surprising that the Mantis is on the expensive side when it comes to leaf blowers. If you have the budget and you’re looking for something that will last you for a long time, then this is the perfect choice for you.
Great Circle USA Woodchipper
Features
- 3-in-1 device
- Weight of 132 lbs
- Dimensions of 30” L x24.1” W x 41.6” H
Pros
- Versatile product
- Solid and sturdy design and material
- Fuel efficient engine
Cons
- Bulkier and bigger than other models
Review
Like many other walk-behind leaf blowers, this product has a powerful 7 hp, 212 cc, 4-cycle engine. This one though is perfect if you’re looking for multifunctional equipment that does not only work as a leaf blower. This can also function as a wood chipper and shredder making its price reasonable for the various ways it can be used.
Agri-Fab 45-0218 Push Lawn Sweeper
Features
- 26” sweeper width
- Collapsible and easy to use
- Weight of 25 lbs
- Dimensions of 52.5” L x 31” W x 33” H
Pros
- Easy to use
- Can clear large areas
- Affordable
- Large collection bag
- Adjustable brush height
Cons
- Manual operation
- Average durability and design
Review
Though manually operated, the Agri-Fab still offers convenience and affordability especially if you are not looking for something that is fuel-powered. This product has a huge hopper bag and is great to be used in large areas.
Conclusions
Given the different leaf blowers that are present in the market, your choice will still boil down to your personal preferences. It does pay to know the features, price ranges, and what you will get in a certain product.
It is hard to choose among these products since all of them are highly capable devices that will make your life easier. However, the LandWorks Leaf Blower is our overall winner. It offers great service and convenience, the price is reasonable, and a lot of people have vouched for this product.
If you have the budget, our premium pick is the Billy Goat F1302SPH Self-Propelled Force Blower. Sure, it is expensive. But it has a great and powerful engine and is durable and convenient to use.
If you think that what you need is a simple, affordable device, that can still get the job done, the most budget-friendly would be the Earthwise LSW70021 Leaf and Grass Sweeper.
Overall, whatever your choice would be, all these products scream convenience. And at the end of the day, it all boils down to knowing what is the typical task that you want your leaf-blower to do and matching your needs to the features offered by the devices.