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You’ve come to the right place! We’ve tested seven of the most powerful backpack leaf blowers on the market. With air speeds exceeding 200 mph, these blowers pack a hurricane-force punch that’ll send leaves flying.
But raw power isn’t everything. We’ve weighed comfort, noise levels, and runtimes to find the models that strike the ideal balance for blasting yard debris without shattering your eardrums.
Read on to discover our top picks for the best backpack leaf blowers of 2023.
Control massive leaf piles and grass clippings with ease when you strap on one of these high-performance blowers. Take on big jobs without tiring your arms or running out of juice after 15 minutes. Find liberation in models that run over an hour per charge or tank. Harness the force of gale-force winds to tackle large properties fast.
Our testing reveals the blowers that give you serious power without excessive noise. Master yard cleanup with a comfortable, capable blower you can wear for the long haul.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- 7 Best Backpack Leaf Blowers
- 1. Gas Backpack Leaf Blower 510 CFM 215 MPH
- 2. Greenworks 80V Cordless Brushless Backpack Leaf Blower
- 3. Ego Power 145 MPH 600 CFM Variable Speed Backpack Blower
- 4. Husqvarna 350BT Gas Backpack Blower Orange
- 5. Ryobi 40 Volt Cordless Brushless Backpack Leaf Blower
- 6. Poulan Pro Backpack Leaf Blower
- 7. Makita Backpack Blower 52 Cc MM4 4-Stroke Engine
- What to Consider When Choosing the Best Backpack Leaf Blower
- Best Features to Look for in Backpack Leaf Blowers
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Reviewed 7 powerful backpack leaf blowers in the 2023 market.
- Backpack leaf blowers offer various power sources, each with its own advantages.
- Different models offer a range of air speeds and air volumes.
- Consider yard size, noise preferences, and comfort when choosing a blower.
7 Best Backpack Leaf Blowers
When it comes to powerful backpack leaf blowers for quickly clearing your yard and property of leaves, debris, grass clippings, and more, options like the gas-powered Echo 58.2cc blower with 510 CFM and 215 MPH top speed or battery-powered alternatives including Greenworks’ 80V brushless blower with up to 180 MPH speed and 610 CFM airflow allow you to tackle yard chores with much greater efficiency than handheld models.
Other recommendations include the high-powered Ego Power+ 145 MPH 600 CFM variable speed blower, Husqvarna’s lightweight 350BT blower with 180 MPH and 692 CFM performance, Ryobi’s quiet 40V cordless blower, Poulan Pro’s budget-friendly PR48BT generating 200 MPH winds and 475 CFM, and the Makita 52.
1. Gas Backpack Leaf Blower 510 CFM 215 MPH
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With its 58.2cc two-stroke engine generating 510 cfm air volume at 215 mph top speed, you can rely on this heavy-duty Echo backpack blower to make quick work of yard clean-up. The raw power of this bad boy really shines when you’re tasked with removing piles of wet leaves and debris from a large property.
You’ll blast through the job in record time, sending leaves flying with the force of a gale.
The padded straps and cruise control offer comfort during extended use.
- Powerful 510 cfm, 215 mph airflow
- Large cleaning capacity
- Padded straps and backrest for comfort
- Heavy at 22.7 lbs
- Loud at 70 dB
- Requires fuel and maintenance
2. Greenworks 80V Cordless Brushless Backpack Leaf Blower
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You’ll love clearing leaves and debris without the hassles of gas and cords using this powerful Greenworks cordless backpack leaf blower. The brushless motor delivers gas-like power and performance with instant, quiet operation – just push a button to start blowing.
The backpack design evenly distributes the lightweight blower’s 8 lbs for comfortable extended use. Adjust speeds easily with the variable trigger or boost power instantly to max with the Turbo button.
- Powerful 610 CFM airflow
- Lightweight at only 8 lbs
- Cordless convenience
- Battery not included
- Lacks a waterproof battery compartment
- Requires a second battery for prolonged max speed use
3. Ego Power 145 MPH 600 CFM Variable Speed Backpack Blower
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The Ego Power backpack leaf blower delivers gas-matching power without the noise, emissions, or maintenance of gas models. It is designed for both homeowners and landscapers, offering the convenience of battery operation with performance that rivals gas blowers.
The blower features a brushless motor and the Ego Power+ 56V Lithium-ion battery pack, which generate up to 600 CFM airflow at a speed of 145 MPH. This power is sufficient to handle leaves and debris in larger properties. The blower also stands out with its variable speed control, allowing users to optimize airflow for different tasks.
To ensure comfort during extended use, the blower comes with an adjustable harness and ergonomic design. It operates at just 59 dB, making it much quieter than comparable gas models. The included 5.0 Ah battery provides a runtime of 45 minutes on Turbo, but users can opt for larger 7.
Overall, the Ego Power+ 600 CFM backpack blower demonstrates that battery-powered yard tools can now match the power and performance of gas blowers.
- High airflow up to 600 CFM
- Maximum airspeed of 145 MPH
- Advanced 56V lithium battery
- Battery life limits continuous use
- Adding extra batteries increases cost
4. Husqvarna 350BT Gas Backpack Blower Orange
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Shrug off the leaves weighing down your yard with the Husqvarna 350BT gas backpack blower, a gusty orange workhorse that’ll clear your lawn like a hurricane. With its robust 50.2cc X-Torq engine, churning out 180mph winds at 692CFM, you’ll harness the power of a storm in the palm of your hands.
The blower’s ergonomic backpack design helps you wield this force with ease. Padded straps and hip belt comfortably distribute the 22.5lb weight across your frame, while anti-vibration mounts absorb shocks. Tube-mounted cruise control frees up a hand, letting you sustain whirlwinds with minimal effort.
When you’re ready to reclaim control of your yard, the 350BT has your back. This Swedish-built powerhouse brings landscaping dreams to life.
- Powerful performance
- Ergonomic harness for comfort
- Easy starting
- Heavy weight
- Difficult assembly
5. Ryobi 40 Volt Cordless Brushless Backpack Leaf Blower
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You might find this lightweight cordless Ryobi backpack leaf blower’s convenient yet bulky batteries fall short on runtime. The 59dB brushless motor delivers 145 mph and 625 CFM for quick debris clearing.
But the lithium-ion battery system has limitations. Expect only 25 minutes on a single charge and lengthy 1.
Carrying extra batteries adds weight, reducing the comfort benefit. While quiet and easy to wear, the blower struggles with wet leaves.
- Quiet at 59dB
- Lightweight at 1.52 lbs
- Adjustable harness
- Short battery life
- Long recharge times
- Weak on wet leaves
6. Poulan Pro Backpack Leaf Blower
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Smacking leaves and brush with ease, this power-packed blower will make you believe it’s got the might of ten hurricanes. Trust me—the throttle on this 48cc workhorse ain’t playin’ around. Rev that beast, and you’ll watch helplessly as it effortlessly sends pesky leaves high-tailing outta your yard.
With high air speeds and heart-pounding 475CFM power, it’ll leave you awed at how dang fast it dominates your driveway and lawn. Sure, all that oomph comes at a 22lb cost, but those padded, adjustable straps on the heavy-duty frame do a decent job at helping you haul this baby around.
The cruise control’s a sweet touch too. Just push, lock, and fly across the ground unencumbered.
Bottom line? This blower’s got more than enough muscle for everyday homeowners. So grab it if you crave some serious blowing power without the mega price tag.
- Powerful 48cc 2-stroke gas engine
- Generates 200mph winds and 475CFM airflow
- Has cruise control
- Heavier than some other models at 22 lbs
- Some report issues with starting
- Strap comfort could be improved
7. Makita Backpack Blower 52 Cc MM4 4-Stroke Engine
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With a 52 cc four-stroke engine generating 184 mph winds, the Makita backpack blower’s got the power to quickly clean up leaves without the noise and exhaust. This rugged machine was built for the pro landscaper but is a solid choice for the ambitious homeowner tackling large properties.
An easy start, quiet operation, and responsive customer service make the Makita a smart buy if you need serious blowing muscle without the racket.
- Powerful 52 cc 4-stroke engine
- Generates 184 mph winds
- Large 516 CFM air volume
- Quieter 70 dB operation
- Ergonomic backpack design
- Easy start system
- Responsive customer service
- Expensive for home use
- Heavy at nearly 20 lbs
- Gas engine requires maintenance
- Not designed for smaller yards
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Backpack Leaf Blower
When selecting the best backpack leaf blower for your needs, consider the power source, weight, comfort, and noise levels. Gas-powered models offer the most power, while battery-powered ones are quieter and more environmentally-friendly.
Comfort features like padded straps reduce fatigue from the blower’s weight during extended use, and noise-dampening designs or hearing protection help combat the high decibel levels.
Power source options
When debating gas vs. electric, consider your blowing needs and how often you’ll be using the tool. Gas blowers feature high power and unlimited runtime but require maintenance and emit fumes. The two-stroke engines provide robust airflow for heavy debris clearing. However, they’re noisy.
Battery-powered backpack blowers offer instant start, zero emissions, and quiet operation. Cordless convenience suits small tasks. But runtime depends on the battery, and cold weather saps performance.
Consider yard size, leaf volume, and noise sensitivity. Gas suits frequent big jobs, while battery suits occasional lighter tasks. Compare power specifications like CFM and MPH to match product performance with your needs.
Both types now offer impressive power. Try different options to determine your ideal backpack leaf blower power source.
Weight and comfort
Take supporting comfort for walking. Weight and comfort should not be overlooked when shopping for a backpack leaf blower. Ergonomic design is vital for extended wear with the weight of the motor and blowing mechanisms.
Adjustable straps and vented, cushioned padding allow for proper load distribution to reduce strain. Choosing a model with wearable comfort will increase performance and reduce fatigue from weight strain during your yard work.
An ergonomic configuration with padded straps helps make long blowing sessions feasible.
Noise levels and protection
You’ll feel your ears ring if not wearing protection while using the backpack leaf blower. The high-velocity air streaming out can easily reach 90-115+ decibels. At those noise levels, damage to your hearing begins after just minutes of exposure.
Make sure to use earplugs or protective earmuffs rated for at least 105 dB. Look for options with a high Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The quietest backpack blowers often have 4-stroke engines around 65-75 dB, but even they require protection for prolonged use.
Best Features to Look for in Backpack Leaf Blowers
When selecting a backpack leaf blower, pay close attention to the power source, comfort, and noise levels. You’ll need to balance power and runtime with the weight on your back, vibration, and loudness near your ears in order to choose the best blower to meet your yard cleanup needs.
Power source options
You must consider power source options like gas, battery-powered, or corded when selecting a backpack leaf blower for your needs. For example, a homeowner with a smaller yard may prefer the lightweight, low-noise design of an electric leaf blower over a gas model.
Compare the runtime, recharge time, and power of battery models to meet your yardwork demands. While gas blowers offer longer continuous use, electric versions avoid emissions and engine maintenance. Evaluate power source based on environmental impact, noise, and cleaning stamina for the area size you need to cover.
Comfort and ergonomics
Choose a model that fits easily so you’re not worn out carrying it. Look for adjustable straps and padding that distribute weight across your shoulders and hips. A padded back panel and contoured harness prevent fatigue. Low vibration designs also increase operator comfort when using a backpack blower for extended yard work.
Optimal harness design, padding, and weight distribution provide a customizable, comfortable fit.
Noise levels and protection
Switching from handheld to backpack style reduces noise at the operator’s ears, but hearing protection is still crucial with most gas models.
While gas-powered backpack blowers are convenient tools, don’t underestimate the noise impact.
- Check the decibel rating – look for models under 65 dB.
- Wear OSHA-approved earplugs or earmuffs when operating.
- Consider a quieter battery-powered option.
- Limit blowing time and take breaks to protect hearing.
- Look for noise-reduction features like mufflers.
Protect those ears – noise damage is permanent. Choose your blower and gear wisely.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top backpack leaf blowers on the market, one statistic really stands out – the Husqvarna 350BT generates a whopping 692 CFM of air volume! This shows the immense power available in today’s gas-powered backpack blowers.
When choosing the best backpack leaf blower for your needs, consider your desired power source, weight, noise levels, and key features like cruise control and padded harnesses.
The best backpack leaf blower for you depends on the size of your yard and your personal preferences. Any of the blowers reviewed above would serve you well in shortening your fall cleanup time. With the right leaf blower, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without this handy tool.
Let a quality backpack leaf blower make quick work of yard debris so you can enjoy your landscape.
- owntheyard.com
