Anyone own a leaf blower?

[MoonShine]

I have no experience with leaf blowers,don't know anything about them. I figured someone on here might have one they could recommend(or not recommend). I'm looking at the gas powered ones,because I thought they would be more powerful? And just how powerful are leaf blowers? Do they do well with blowing grass clipping away or do they just work on leaves?

Ah,so many questions

[logbuilder]

I have an echo gas blower. I can also set it up as a vac/shredder but I have never used it for that. For years I thought a blower was a yuppy kind of thing. My mom gave me one for a present once. I thought I'd probably never use it. Now, I really like them. You can blow off a deck or driveway with next to no effort and quickly too.

[spam4einstein]

Ive got an old Toro electric that blows as well as any hand held gas one Ive used and Ive used quite a few. I also have a Echo backpack gas blower that is about 100% better but the electric will do the job most of the time.

[hengal]

We have a gas leaf blower/vac as well. This time of year it is one of the best "toys" DH has. He sucks up the leaves and the vac actually shreds them into tiny pieces. He then just dumps out the bag for me in the compost pile or garden. Its a great thing. Sorry I can't tell you the model of it.

[hunter63]

I have an old Craftsman, gas, with the leaf sucker and bag.
Use it all the time, like it for sucking leaves out of the rose bushes, etc.
The sucker part also shreds the leaves.
Usually blow off the slab, then mow them with the lawn mower/w bag for the garden.
Useful tool.

[jross]

My pastor gave me his two Craftsman leaf blower/vacuumns. I set one to blow and one to vacuumn. After I fixed them, it took me 2 hours to do the area around the house. I didn't have the need to fire up our Mighty Mac chipper shredder, since the vacuumn chopped the leaves as well. The best part was vacuuming the leaves off the ground covers. The sound of the debris going throught the plastic impeller of the vacuumn gets one's attention, but inspection revealed no damage or severe wear. The best part, no gas.

[RedneckPete]

I have a stihl backpack style leaf blower. I couldn't imagine cleaning up leaves without it. I blow them into a windrow, quickly rake most of them onto an old tarp, drag the tarp to the compost heap, then blow again.

I have MANY large trees, if I don't clean up the leaves they kill my lawn by spring.

Pete

[Fire-Man]

Originally Posted by RedneckPete

I have a stihl backpack style leaf blower. I couldn't imagine cleaning up leaves without it. I blow them into a windrow, quickly rake most of them onto an old tarp, drag the tarp to the compost heap, then blow again.

I have MANY large trees, if I don't clean up the leaves they kill my lawn by spring.

Pete

Gota Love them Stihl's---I got a Stihl gas hand blower and a Stihl back-pack blower-I love them. I have so many TREE'S that in the fall I sometimes feel I got to get the backpack blower out----to find the house!! Randy

[MoonShine]

Okay,so we have recommendations for Echo,Toro,Craftsman,and Stihl. I'm gonna check those out! I hadn't even thought of the mulching features,that would be great.
Thanks for all the help so far

[Mountaineer]

I spend more time than most using leaf blowers for work. I suggest to stick with backpack-style blowers. The sucking up function is interesting but useless IMO, as it is more efficient to blow leaves away than to suck them up (get a rake if you want them bagged) Waste of $$ for that function for sure.

Handheld models (gas or electric) are pretty weak and useless, unless it's a tiny job. Almost faster to use a rake. IMO.

I used the echo backpack models from Home Depot for several years. I USED TO love them, till I found the Stihl, in particular Stihl Magnum. It's THE BEST blower I've ever used. Not cheap, but they can be found used. Worth their weight in gold! I will be buried with my Magnum.

[dixiedoodle]

My Son also has a gas blower. I use it on the days when I am in a hurry,and need to BLOW_DRY my hair. It really works! Have ya ever tryed that!

[danb98577]

Stihl makes great blowers for sure. But..if you are not doing huge areas, I stumbled across a blower made by Tanaka(quit laughing) while living in Deland, Florida. Had to deal with continous oak leaf fall on lanes, roofs, etc. Guy at the chain saw shop thought highly of the unit and offered money back(in writing) for 30 days. Took a shot-the thing was very powerful for the size, relatively quiet, started every time, and just worked....
Might check them out-pretty impressive handheld unit.

[tallpaul]

If you have open areas don't forget the wheeled units. I have used all types of leaf blowers for years. The handhelds are great for alot of things and decent at alot of them. The higher power back pack units are really nice- I too aquired the biggest stihl backpack this past spring and use it more than any I have. I also have the stihl handheld and its nice and it is used a fair amout- I think I gave 120 for it new after the rebate. My 20 year old parker 8 hp whelled unit is great for open areas and raw power. I have used Giant vac wheeled units and wore a few out over the years and they also gave great performance as well as the truck mounted leaf loader from them.
The newer units from several manufacturers are even more impressive.

I guess I wanted to point out there are other options available... but the stihl handhelds and backpacks ARE good machines. BTW I have used these COMMERCIALLY for years....