If you’ve ever wondered about the critical contrasts between handheld and backpack leaf blowers, you’re in the right place! These two leaf blowers may seem similar initially, but each has distinct features and advantages.
From their portability to the amount of power they generate, understanding the differences will help you make the best choice for your outdoor cleanup needs.
So, let’s explore the world of leaf blowers and discover what sets these two popular options apart.
Size and Weight
Handheld leaf blowers
Handheld leaf blowers are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry and maneuver. Depending on the model and features, they usually weigh between 6 and 15 pounds. The size of handheld leaf blowers allows for easy storage in a garage or shed, and they take up less space when compared to their backpack counterparts. Their smaller size also makes them ideal for those with limited storage space or who don’t have a large area to clear leaves.
Backpack leaf blowers
On the other hand, backpack leaf blowers are larger and heavier than handheld blowers. They are designed to be worn on your back, with straps that distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders and back. These blowers typically weigh between 15 and 27 pounds. The backpack design allows for better weight distribution, reducing strain and fatigue during prolonged use. While the additional weight can disadvantage some, the backpack style is advantageous for those with larger areas to clear and need a more powerful blower.
Portability
Handheld leaf blowers
Handheld leaf blowers are known for their portability. They are easy to carry around, allowing you to move freely and quickly between areas. With no straps or attachments, handheld blowers can be grabbed and used instantly without any setup required. They are perfect for small to medium-sized yards and areas with obstacles, such as flowerbeds or trees, where maneuverability is essential.
Backpack leaf blowers
Although backpack leaf blowers are not as convenient to grab and go, they offer a different level of portability. Once strapped on your back, you have both hands free to operate the blower. This allows for a more efficient and comfortable experience, especially when clearing significant areas. The mobility offered by backpack blowers makes them a popular choice for professional landscapers or those with extensive yard work to tackle.
Blower Power
Handheld leaf blowers
When it comes to power, handheld leaf blowers are generally less potent than backpack blowers. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with electric blowers less potent than their gas-powered counterparts. Handheld blowers are suited for light to medium-duty tasks, such as clearing leaves on driveways, decks, or sidewalks. A handheld blower should be more than sufficient if you have a small yard or only need to clear a limited amount of leaves.
Backpack leaf blowers
Backpack leaf blowers are designed to provide more power for heavier-duty tasks. They are usually powered by gas engines, allowing more excellent airflow and higher speeds. This additional power makes them suitable for larger yards, commercial properties, or areas with a significant accumulation of leaves or debris. The increased blowing force of backpack blowers allows quicker and more effective leaf removal, making them the go-to choice for demanding jobs.
Air Volume and Speed
Handheld leaf blowers
Handheld blowers typically have a lower air volume and speed than backpack leaf blowers. This is due to their smaller size and less powerful motors. Handheld blowers generally have an air volume ranging from 160 to 400 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and airspeeds between 90 and 200 miles per hour (MPH). While these numbers may seem lower compared to backpack blowers, handheld blowers can still effectively move leaves and debris in small to medium-sized areas.
Backpack leaf blowers
Backpack leaf blowers boast higher air volumes and speed thanks to their more extensive and powerful motors. These blowers can generate air volumes ranging from 400 to 900 CFM and airspeeds between 150 and 250 MPH. The increased air force allows for faster and more efficient leaf clearing, making them ideal for large-scale jobs or areas with thick layers of leaves. With their superior air volume and speed, backpack blowers can easily handle heavy-duty tasks.
Ergonomics
Handheld leaf blowers
Handheld leaf blowers are designed with ergonomics in mind. They typically feature a handle that is comfortable to grip and easy to control. The compact and lightweight design of handheld blowers also contributes to their ergonomic nature, as they are easy to maneuver without placing excessive strain on your body. These blowers are great for those who prefer a more compact and manageable tool for clearing leaves in smaller areas.
Backpack leaf blowers
Backpack leaf blowers are also built with ergonomics in mind, but differently. The backpack-style design allows even weight distribution across your back and shoulders, preventing excessive strain on a particular body part. The backpack straps are adjustable, providing a customizable fit for different users. This ergonomic design minimizes fatigue and allows us more extended periods, making backpack blowers popular for extensive or professional use.
Handling and Control
Handheld leaf blowers
Handling and controlling handheld leaf blowers is relatively simple. These blowers’ compact size and lightweight nature make them easy to maneuver around various obstacles. With both hands on the blower, you have complete control over the direction and intensity of the airflow. Handheld blowers often come with additional features, such as variable speed settings, allowing you to adjust the power according to the task. These features contribute to handheld blowers’ ease of handling and control.
Backpack leaf blowers
Handling a backpack leaf blower requires a different approach. With the blower strapped to your back, airflow is controlled using a nozzle attached to a flexible tube. This allows you to direct the airflow precisely, targeting specific areas and avoiding delicate plants or objects. The hose and nozzle combination gives you greater reach and control, even in hard-to-reach corners or tight spaces. While the initial setup of the backpack blower may take longer, the extra control and maneuverability make it worth it for tasks that require more precision.
Battery Life or Fuel Capacity
Handheld leaf blowers
Handheld leaf blowers can be powered by either electricity or gas. Electric blowers are usually corded and require a nearby power source, limiting their portability. However, they provide consistent power as long as they are plugged in. Cordless electric blowers are also available, powered by rechargeable batteries.
The battery life of these blowers can range from around 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the model and battery capacity. Gas-powered handheld blowers have a fuel tank that needs to be filled with gasoline. The fuel capacity varies between models but generally allows longer, uninterrupted use than battery-powered blowers.
Backpack leaf blowers
Backpack leaf blowers are predominantly gas-powered, requiring a fuel tank filled with gasoline. The fuel capacity of backpack blowers is typically more significant than that of handheld blowers, allowing for extended use without frequent refueling. This makes gas-powered backpack blowers ideal for long periods of operation or significant areas that require sustained blowing power. As they do not rely on batteries, backpack blowers do not have a limited runtime, allowing you to work continuously until your gas supply needs to be replenished.
Noise Level
Handheld leaf blowers
Handheld leaf blowers are generally quieter than backpack blowers, though noise levels vary between models. Electric handheld blowers tend to be quieter than gas-powered ones.
Electric blowers produce noise levels ranging from 60 to 80 decibels (dB), while gas blowers can reach noise levels up to 100 dB or higher. Some modern handheld blowers feature noise reduction technology, aiming to minimize the impact of noise pollution. Electric handheld blowers may be the more suitable option if noise is a concern for you or if you have noise restrictions in your area.
Backpack leaf blowers
Due to their more powerful engines and increased blowing force, backpack leaf blowers produce higher noise levels than handheld blowers. The noise level of backpack blowers can range from 70 to 100 dB or above.
Some backpack blowers have noise-reducing features, such as mufflers or sound-dampening materials, to mitigate noise pollution. However, it is essential to consider noise regulations in your area and your tolerance for noise when choosing a backpack blower.
Price Range
Handheld leaf blowers
Handheld leaf blowers are generally more affordable than backpack blowers. The price range for handheld blowers can vary greatly depending on the brand, features, and power source.
Electric handheld blowers are usually the more affordable option, ranging from $30 to $150. Gas-powered handheld blowers have a more comprehensive price range, starting from $80 and going up to $400 or more for high-end models with advanced features. Handheld blowers offer a budget-friendly option for those with smaller yards or more straightforward leaf-clearing needs.
Backpack leaf blowers
Backpack leaf blowers are pricier than handheld blowers due to their increased power and larger size. Prices for backpack blowers can start from around $150 and go up to $1000 or more for professional-grade models.
Factors such as engine size, air volume, airspeed, and additional features influence the price range. While backpack blowers may be a more significant upfront investment, they are designed to handle more demanding tasks and provide long-term durability, making them worth considering for those with more significant properties or professional landscaping needs.
Suitability for Different Tasks
Handheld leaf blowers
Handheld leaf blowers are suitable for many tasks, primarily smaller and lighter-duty jobs. They are perfect for clearing leaves and debris on driveways, patios, decks, or sidewalks. Their compact size and maneuverability make them effective in tight spaces or areas with obstacles like flowerbeds or trees. Handheld blowers are also commonly used for small-scale yard work, such as removing grass clippings, small branches, or yard waste. They are a versatile and convenient tool for homeowners and garden enthusiasts.
Backpack leaf blowers
Backpack leaf blowers excel at heavy-duty tasks and have more significant properties. They are designed to handle extensive leaf removal, making them ideal for commercial properties, parks, or larger yards with dense leaf cover.
The increased power and blowing force of backpack blowers allow quick and efficient leaf clearance, reducing the time and effort required. Backpack blowers are also well-suited for professional landscapers or those frequently undertaking demanding outdoor projects. If you have a significant amount of leaves or debris to clear regularly, a backpack blower is the most suitable choice.
In conclusion, handheld and backpack leaf blowers have unique advantages and suit different needs. Handheld blowers are compact, lightweight, and portable, making them great for smaller areas or homeowners with limited storage space. They are generally more affordable and offer sufficient power for light to medium-duty tasks.
On the other hand, backpack blowers provide superior blowing power, are designed for heavy-duty tasks, and have more significant properties. While they may be heavier and pricier, they offer increased air volume, speed, and prolonged runtime. Ultimately, the choice between handheld and backpack blowers depends on the size of your property, the intensity of the task at hand, and your personal preferences.
