Leaf Blowers

About Leaf Blowers

Leaf blowers are essential outdoor power tools designed to shift fallen leaves, grass cuttings, and garden debris quickly and efficiently. Whether you're maintaining a small domestic garden or managing a large commercial landscape, these versatile machines make light work of autumn cleanup and year-round garden maintenance. Modern leaf blowers come in three main power configurations: corded electric models running on 240v mains power, cordless battery-powered units offering complete freedom of movement, and petrol-driven machines delivering maximum power for demanding professional applications.

Many models available from Tooled-Up.com feature combined blower and vacuum functionality, allowing users to either blow debris into manageable piles or vacuum it directly into a collection bag. Advanced machines incorporate mulching capabilities that shred collected material at ratios of up to 16:1, significantly reducing volume for easier disposal or composting. Cordless models typically operate on 18v or 36v lithium-ion battery platforms, with many offering cross-compatibility with other tools in the same range. These battery systems have revolutionised garden maintenance, delivering performance that rivals petrol engines without the noise, fumes, or maintenance requirements.

The leaf blower selection at Tooled-Up includes trusted brands such as Makita, Bosch, Einhell, and Black and Decker, catering to everyone from domestic gardeners tackling seasonal leaf fall to grounds maintenance professionals requiring reliable daily-use equipment. Whether you need a lightweight handheld blower for quick patio cleanup or a powerful backpack-style machine for extensive property maintenance, there's a solution to match your specific requirements and budget.

Jargon Buster

• Air Speed (km/h or mph): The velocity at which air exits the blower tube, typically ranging from 200-400 km/h. Higher speeds are more effective at shifting wet leaves and heavier debris.
• Air Volume (m³/min): The amount of air the blower moves per minute, measured in cubic metres. While air speed gets leaves moving, air volume determines how large an area you can clear effectively.
• Blow/Vac Mode: Dual-functionality machines that can switch between blowing debris away and vacuuming it into a collection bag, usually by changing tubes or flipping a switch.
• Mulching Ratio: The degree to which collected material is shredded before entering the collection bag, expressed as a ratio such as 10:1 or 16:1. A higher ratio means more efficient volume reduction.
• Variable Speed Control: A feature allowing users to adjust air speed to suit different applications, providing gentle airflow for delicate areas or maximum power for stubborn debris.
• Cruise Control: A trigger lock mechanism that maintains constant airflow without requiring continuous trigger pressure, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.

Who Uses Leaf Blowers?

• Domestic Gardeners: Homeowners maintaining lawns, patios, driveways, and garden beds, particularly during autumn leaf fall
• Grounds Maintenance Contractors: Professional landscapers responsible for parks, public spaces, commercial properties, and estate management
• Local Authority Workers: Council employees maintaining streets, pavements, car parks, and public gardens
• Garden Maintenance Companies: Businesses offering regular garden tidying and seasonal cleanup services to residential and commercial clients
• Estate Managers: Those responsible for maintaining large private properties, country estates, and stately homes
• Facilities Management Teams: Staff maintaining outdoor areas around offices, hospitals, schools, and industrial sites
• Caravan and Holiday Park Operators: Keeping pathways, pitches, and communal areas clear of leaves and debris
• Golf Course Greenkeepers: Maintaining fairways, greens, and pathways free from leaves and organic debris
• DIY Enthusiasts: Keen gardeners who prefer efficient power tools over manual raking and sweeping

How to Choose the Right Leaf Blowers

Power Source: Consider the size of your property and access to power. Corded 240v models offer unlimited runtime and consistent power for small to medium gardens within 30-40 metres of an electrical outlet. Cordless battery-powered blowers provide complete freedom of movement and are ideal for properties without convenient power access, though runtime is limited by battery capacity. Petrol models deliver the highest power output and extended runtime for large-scale commercial applications, but require fuel storage, regular maintenance, and produce more noise and emissions.

Blower vs Blow-Vac: Dedicated blowers are lighter, simpler, and better suited to clearing large open areas where leaves can be blown into piles for collection. Combined blow-vac models offer greater versatility, allowing you to vacuum up smaller patches of leaves or debris trapped amongst plants and borders. The mulching function in quality blow-vac machines reduces collected material significantly, meaning fewer trips to empty the collection bag.

Performance Specifications: Look for machines offering air speeds above 250 km/h for effective leaf clearing, with higher speeds essential for wet or compacted debris. Air volume is equally important – higher cubic metre per minute ratings cover larger areas more efficiently. For cordless models, consider battery voltage (18v for light domestic use, 36v for more demanding applications) and amp-hour capacity, which determines runtime.

Weight and Ergonomics: Handheld blowers typically weigh 2-5kg and are suitable for most domestic applications, but can cause fatigue during extended use. Look for models with ergonomic handles, soft-grip surfaces, and good weight distribution. For professional use or larger properties, backpack-style blowers distribute weight more comfortably across your shoulders, allowing extended operation without strain.

Noise Levels: Electric models are considerably quieter than petrol equivalents, an important consideration if working in residential areas or noise-sensitive environments. Check the stated decibel rating – anything below 90dB is relatively quiet, while petrol models often exceed 100dB and require hearing protection.

Brand Ecosystem: If you already own cordless power tools, choosing a leaf blower from the same manufacturer allows battery and charger sharing. The Tooled-Up range includes models from major battery platforms including Makita, Bosch, Einhell, and others, potentially saving significant cost if you can use existing batteries.

Popular Accessories

• Extension Tubes: Additional or replacement tubes for reaching under shrubs, into corners, or adjusting working height for improved ergonomics
• Collection Bags: Replacement or spare bags for vacuum models, available in various capacities to suit different applications
• Shoulder Straps: Ergonomic carrying systems that distribute weight more comfortably during extended use
• Gutter Cleaning Kits: Specialised attachments that allow leaf blowers to clear gutters and downpipes from ground level
• Spare Batteries and Chargers: Additional power packs for cordless models to extend working time without interruption
• RCD Adaptors: Essential safety devices for corded electric models, protecting against electric shock when working outdoors
• Hearing Protection: Ear defenders or plugs recommended when operating louder petrol models or working for extended periods
• Safety Glasses: Eye protection against flying debris, stones, and dust particles disturbed during blowing operations
• Extension Leads: Heavy-duty outdoor-rated cables for extending the reach of 240v corded models
• Fuel Containers: Approved petrol cans for safely storing and transporting fuel for petrol-powered models

Safety Information

Electrical Safety: When operating corded 240v leaf blowers outdoors, always use an RCD (Residual Current Device) adaptor to protect against electric shock. Inspect power cables before each use for damage, and keep cables away from the blower intake and any sharp edges. Never use electric blowers in wet conditions or on damp surfaces.

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses or goggles when operating leaf blowers, as they can throw up stones, grit, and other debris at high velocity. Hearing protection is recommended for petrol models and during extended use of any blower. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip, and avoid loose clothing that could be drawn into the machine.

Operating Precautions: Never point the blower at people, animals, or windows. Be aware of bystanders and ensure they maintain a safe distance during operation. Before starting work, check the area for stones, branches, or other objects that could become dangerous projectiles. When using vacuum mode, check the collection bag is properly fitted and empty it regularly to maintain performance and prevent overflow.

Petrol Model Safety: Store petrol in approved containers away from ignition sources, and never refuel a hot engine. Follow manufacturer guidance on fuel mixing ratios for two-stroke engines. Ensure adequate ventilation when operating petrol models, and never use them in enclosed spaces due to toxic exhaust fumes.

Maintenance Safety: Always disconnect the power source (unplug corded models, remove batteries from cordless units, or ensure petrol models are switched off) before cleaning, adjusting, or performing maintenance. Allow petrol engines to cool completely before handling or storing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can leaf blowers handle wet leaves?
Most leaf blowers struggle with wet leaves, which are significantly heavier and tend to stick to surfaces. Wet leaves require higher air speeds and volumes to move effectively. If you frequently need to clear wet debris, look for higher-powered models (typically petrol or high-voltage cordless units) with air speeds exceeding 300 km/h. Where possible, wait for leaves to dry before clearing for best results.

How long do cordless leaf blowers run on a single charge?
Runtime varies considerably based on battery capacity (measured in amp-hours), voltage, and the power setting used. Typical 18v batteries provide 15-25 minutes of continuous use on high power, or 30-40 minutes on lower settings. Higher capacity 36v systems can offer 40-60 minutes of runtime. Many professionals keep spare batteries charged to ensure uninterrupted working throughout the day.

Are leaf blowers suitable for clearing patios and driveways?
Yes, leaf blowers excel at clearing leaves, grass clippings, and light debris from hard surfaces like patios, driveways, decking, and pathways. They're far quicker than sweeping and can reach into corners and gaps between paving that brushes can't access. For heavier debris or compacted material, you may need to use a higher power setting or make several passes.

Do I need a blower-only model or a blow-vac combination?
This depends on your garden layout and typical cleanup tasks. Blower-only models are lighter, simpler, and better for large open areas where you can blow leaves into piles for manual collection. Blow-vac models offer more versatility for gardens with borders, planted areas, and obstacles where vacuuming is more practical. The mulching function in blow-vac models also makes disposal easier by significantly reducing collected material volume.

What maintenance do leaf blowers require?
Electric models (both corded and cordless) require minimal maintenance – simply keep air intakes clear of debris, wipe down after use, and store in a dry location. Check and clean or replace filters periodically according to manufacturer instructions. Petrol models require more regular maintenance including fuel system care, spark plug inspection, air filter cleaning or replacement, and periodic servicing according to the manufacturer's schedule.