What is the best backpack leaf blower? The backpack leaf blower is an ideal option for fulfillment of any large-scale project in a garden, park or other green area. Such units are commonly purchased by the public utility companies or commercials which grant outdoor cleaning services. The backpack units may be used for clearing dead leaves, grass, and other obstinate debris out. They are especially convenient in use due to a backpack design which helps to uniformly distribute the load.
Besides, the advanced backpack leaf blowers feature other advantages like quiet and powerful engine / motor (depending on a model), higher performance, anti-vibration system which excludes transfer of vibration impulses to user’s hands, and an ergonomic design. The Husqvarna 350BT complies with the above mentioned parameters, thus it definitely falls within the best backpack leaf blowers on the current market.
CONTENT
- 1 Why have I chosen this model?
- 2 Why do you need a backpack leaf blower?
- 3 Features to be considered when looking for a backpack leaf blower | Buyer's Guide
- 4 Trusted brands
- 5 Top-6 backpack leaf blowers
- 6 10 Best Backpack Leaf Blowers Comparison Table
- 7 FAQ
Why have I chosen this model?
If you want to get a powerful, efficient and eco-friendly gas leaf blower from the highly recognizable manufacturer worldwide, then the Husqvarna 350BT will hit the point. Its overall performance is attributed to the super powerful X-TORQ 2.1 HP engine. Its innovative 2-stage technology allows reducing fuel consumption by 20% and carbon emission by 60% in comparison with other advanced gas-powered models in its class. You will have no issues with the starting procedure thanks to an air purge system. This unit also features a variable speed control and a cruise control which contribute to easier handling. More than that, the 350BT comes with an anti-vibration system which creates more comfort during its operation for a user. The only issue, you should bear in mind, is the noise level which equals to 104 dB in the nozzle and 94 dB at the operator's ear (similarly to other gas-powered units). That is why, it will be always a good idea to wear ear protection when running such leaf blowers.
Why do you need a backpack leaf blower?
A leaf blower is one of the most useful inventions created for maintaining backyards and gardens, cleaning garages, workshops or other housekeeping areas. It is thought that the first leaf blowers were invented in Japan in the mid of XXth century. And, very soon they became highly demanded by the native customers who appreciated the simplicity and convenience of their use while cleaning the outside territories from the dead leaves, grass, sticks and other debris. Nowadays, the leaf blowers are highly appreciated also by commercial cleaning companies as these units considerably the maintenance of large public parks, gardens, and other leisure areas. The backpack blowers would become the great options for supporting such large-scale cleaning projects. These tools give more freedom for a user thanks to the shoulder straps for a long-lasting fatigueless operation and the higher power output in comparison with the conventional handheld models. The backpack models can be equipped with a gas engine or run by the electric batteries. The latter are less powerful in comparison with the gas-powered tools, but still feature a number of benefits which I’m going to mention below.
It's becoming clear for you that backpack models are mainly designed to handle large spaces or deal with heavy-duty tasks. Thus, the garden backpack vacuums are not manufactured; otherwise it would be impossible to fit a big-volume collecting bag to this design. Small bags would be quite useless for the purposes it is developed for.
So, if you set sights on getting one of these options, we suggest learning about the most important features in more details before its purchase.
Features to be considered when looking for a backpack leaf blower | Buyer's Guide
- Power output. You should obligatory consider the power which is commonly measured in kW for an electric motor and in HP for a gas engine. The power output determines the performance of a tool. For instance, 0.5 kW (0.6 HP) leaf blower is capable of generating up to 400 CFM, the professional grade equipment featuring more than kW (5.4 HP) will deliver more than 600 CFM. It is a very clear cause-effect relationship: higher power ratings will enhance the performance of a leaf blower to tackle larger volumes of job. Thus, 1kW (1.3 HP) unit will perfectly tackle light-duty jobs of a small area. Larger spaces will require a more powerful leaf blower.
- Number of stages (2- or 4-stroke engine). When selecting a gas-powered leaf blower, pay attention to its type. The running cycle of a 2-stage engine consists of two steps only: compression and expansion (strokes). The feeding of a fuel mixture and output of waste gases occur during compression and expansion. On the contrary, the same processes of a 4-stage engine comprise input, compression, expansion and output.
Also, 2-stage and 4-stage engines have different lubrication principles. The 2-stage models are lubricated with a mixture of oil and gasoline in a strict proportion. The 4-stage engines are simpler in this case, as they can be lubricated with a pure motor oil of an appropriate type which to be filled in a separate compartment.
The leaf blowers with a 2-stage engine have several advantages in comparison with 4-stage counterparts: they are more powerful featuring about 50% higher performance, stroke smoothness, lower size and weight. Besides, this type of engines is commonly cheaper.
The 4-stage models have higher resistance to heavy-duty loads. Also, thanks to 4-stage engines leaf blowers become quieter in operation and more efficient in terms of fuel consumption.
- Maximum air flow. The air volume which can be streamed by a backpack leaf blower is measured in CFM or cubic feet per minute. This value depends on the capacity of a tool and varies from 200 CFM to 1000 CFM, as these blowers are designed to withstand higher loads in comparison with the traditional hand-held models. Each blower is equipped with a fan blade which moves the air at a particular speed and in a certain volume. The correlation of these two performance indicators determines the capacity of a tool. Thus, the rated air volume shows how much debris and waste can be blown out with a particular leaf blower.
- Maximum air speed. This parameter is measured in MPH, or miles per hour and varies from 140 MPH up to 700 MPH. The stronger the streamed air is, the more complicated obstacles it can tackle (for instance, small stones and pebbles, wet leaves, etc.) High air speed allows moving debris at a greater distance. And you may clear out the bigger space in the short run, accordingly. Besides, higher speed contributes to transferring of heavier objects and debris, handling even the challenging compacted wastes.
- Fuel type. When running a gas-powered backpack leaf blower you should know exactly the type of a fuel it is designed for. For this reason, always consult the manufacturer’s manual to know exactly which type of fuel to be used. It is strictly prohibited to use unsuitable gasoline or its mixture with oil, as this may cause problems with start-up. Also, always make sure that the fuel to be used is of a good quality. Besides, as I've mentioned already above, owning a 4-stage leaf blower will be more advantageous compared with a 2-stage counterpart in terms of fuel consumption, and thus its efficiency.
- Fuel tank / battery capacity. No matter which power type is used by your backpack leaf blower, always check the capacity of a gas tank or battery in order to handle the desired jobs. If you’ve purchased a gas model, then try to pick up that one with a bigger fuel tank which will increase an uninterrupted running time of your tool and decrease the times the tank has to be refilled. The big-volume tank of about 50 fl.oz together with the convenient fatigue-free design make the gas-powered backpack leaf blowers some of the most demanded options.
As for the battery-powered backpack leaf blowers, prefer the models offering the li-ion technology which is the leading one among other modern battery solutions. The capacity of the li-ion battery will be enough to ensure an extended operation of your blower before its recharging.
- Noise level. The gas-powered models are very noisy, so their use in some public places can be limited during particular time of the day. In average, the noise level of the majority of these units reaches 100 dB and this value can negatively affect the hearing sensitivity, additionally to resentment of your neighbors or just anybody getting around. So, it’s better to choose a tool with the lowest decibels as possible, and never forget to use hearing protection while its operation. The battery-powered blowers are much more advantageous in this case, as they commonly emit 60-65 dB only.
- Weight. Although the weight of backpack leaf blowers seems to be tolerable for a hand-held use, you will change your mind already in about 30 minutes of running such tool. Bearing the weight of something between 20 lbs to 40 lbs arranged over the shoulders would be much easier and more convenient than holding it by hands. Thus, you should always pay to this issue a decent attention if a blower is planned for longer work or it is going to be used by an older person, or anybody of a weaker physique.
- Anti-vibration system. Since gas-powered tools tend to be noisy with an excessive vibration, some manufacturers have developed and introduce the systems of vibration absorbing. This feature would be highly useful when extended operations of a leaf blower are required.
Trusted brands
Housqvarna - is the global industrial group which was founded back in 1689 in Sweden as a maker of muskets. Nowadays, it is the highly recognizable brand of outdoor power equipment and tools including chainsaws, lawn mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, etc. Their products are commonly expensive, but this fact is justified by the highest quality and outstanding durability.
Poulan pro - is the exclusive brand of the Husqvarna Group along with of other reliable manufacturers of power products like Gardena, McCulloch, Weed Eater, Flymo, Zenoah and Diamant Boart. Poulan offers a wide range of outdoor power equipment aimed at the mid-level customers including gardening amateurs and experienced users. The company has deserved a solid reputation of a trusted manufacturer due to its wide range of high-quality and powerful equipment. Poulan Pro equips their products with powerful 2- and 4-stage engines from the leading global suppliers in order to ensure unrivaled reliability and service life. Their lineup of leaf blowers has plenty of features for the maximum comfort of the users at their yards, gardens or any other outdoor spaces.
Greenworks - this company is a relative newcomer in the industry which was established in 2009 in North Carolina. The company is focused on production of the environmental-friendly electric power tools, as its name implies. They become famous due to numerous developments and innovative solutions offered in the field of li-ion technology. Thus, their cordless tools, including leaf blowers are capable of generating enough power to be competitive with the gas counterparts to maintain any indoor or outdoor area free from undesired debris.
Echo - this Japanese manufacturer has started its history since 1978. The company is considered to be one of the leaders in manufacturing of outdoor gas-powered equipment. They were pioneers in many developments of the gardening tools like the plant spraying machine in a backpack design, or their innovative ECHO chainsaw introduced in 1963 which is still highly demanded worldwide. Thus, there are no reasons to doubt in reliability of the gas-powered leaf blowers from this company which has been successfully committed to the gas sector throughout their history.
Ryobi - is a trade mark of Techtronic Industries Group, Japan, one of the international leaders in manufacturing of domestic, professional and industrial tools for keeping households, gardens, repair activities and construction. The range of leaf blowers from Ryobi are considered as some of the best on the current market due to their build quality and undisputable reliability. The prices for their tools may vary from the most budget-friendly to comparatively high. It can be explained, that some of their models can be referred to the professional grade showing high performance and capable of tackling challenging jobs.
Top-6 backpack leaf blowers
Now you’ve got a great opportunity to move from theory to practice and to trace the most advantageous features of the backpack leaf blowers in the models we’ve, like an innovative X-Torq engine from Husqvarna, a super noise-mitigating system from Echo, and high-performance battery technologies from Ryobi and Greenworks.
1. HUSQVARNA 965877502 350BT
Husqvarna has been focused on the gardening equipment for more than one century, thus it has an awesome experience in manufacturing the real masterpieces in the industry. The 350BT is certainly one of them meeting the needs of the landscaping professionals and homeowners with the large outdoor areas.
This model is equipped with a powerful 2-stage X-Torq gas engine which reduces harmful emissions up to 60% and increases fuel efficiency up to 20% in comparison with a traditional 2-stage engine. With such capacity this blower can generate up to 494 CFM at 180 MPH which is enough to clear the most stubborn debris out from your yard.
This unit also comes with a large 42.3 fl.oz. fuel tank which will be helpful during extended operations of the leaf blower increasing its uninterrupted continuous running for hours. The cruise control is another distinctive feature of this blower which maintains the adjusted speed allowing you completing large-scale jobs faster with no need in additional speed adjustments.
The 350 BT is a compact unit in its class with an ergonomic adjustable handle enhancing the comfort of a user. Besides, this device comes with the air purge system which is designed to facilitate starting process whenever you need it.
Features
- Air speed Max (MPH): 180
- Air flow (CFM): 494.4
- Noise level (dB.): 104
- Weight (lbs): 22.5
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 79 x 19 x 19
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The 350BT is the robust leaf blower featuring an outstanding professional-grade capacity without compromising its efficiency and numerous user-friendly features.
Husqvarna 965877502: Check the current price
2. POULAN PRO PR48BT
The Poulan Pro as being the younger brother of the senior Husqvarna successfully resembles of manufacturing high quality outdoor products. The Poulan Pro PR48BT is a great model from the company’s range.
This powerful 48 cc 2-stage leaf blower is capable of delivering up to 475 CFM at 200 MPH. The latter are incredibly high rates which allow handling heavy-duty cleaning projects clearing out wet leaves and other stubborn debris easily. This unit comes with a variable speed control and the cruise control for keeping the desired settings in automatic mode.
The design of this leaf blower is ergonomic and robust, at the same time, with its heavy-duty frame, soft-grip handle and adjustable shoulder straps.
Features
- Air speed Max (MPH): 200
- Air flow (CFM): 475
- Noise level (dB.): 96.7
- Weight (lbs): 22
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 13 x 17 x 17
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The Poulan Pro PR48BT delivers high power to handle bigger cleanup projects granting convenience and easiness of its operation to any user.
Poulan Pro: Check the current price
3. ECHO PB-265LN
Being the Japanese brand with a solid reputation worldwide ECHO is always focus on developing new technologies, thus upgrading the current range of the reliable products. The review of the PB-265LN can be summarized as the high-performance and low-noise gas-powered leaf blower. The unit is equipped with the heavy-duty 25.4 cc 2-stage engine. The latter delivers up to 375 CFM at 158 MPH. Its cruise control system supports a user for getting the highest efficiency and avoids delays in operation. This leaf blower operates only with 64 dB at the nozzle tube, thus ensuring a comfortable relatively quiet operation for a user and the surroundings. Besides, this device features an exclusive i-30 starting system which facilitates the starting process.
The soft backrest and shoulder straps create additional comfort for a user. The compact size and lightweight turn the cleaning routine into a fascinating hobby!
Features
- Air speed Max (MPH): 158
- Air flow (CFM): 375
- Noise level (dB.): 64
- Weight (lbs): 17.8
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 12 x 16 x 16.5
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If you are looking for a quiet and lightweight leaf blower without compromising its power, the ECHO PB-265LN would become a perfect choice for you.
ECHO: Check the current price
4. HUSQVARNA 965102208 130BT
This leaf blower reminds the 350BT, which is our top pick here, in many aspects. It is also equipped with a state-of-the-art X-Torq engine which improves its efficiency and eco-friendliness. The maximum speed of 145 MPH can be adjusted depending on a type of debris and conditions of work. The cruise control contributes to easier handling. The air purge system ensuring its easy starting whenever needed.
The ergonomic handle and body harness serve to create comfortable working conditions for a user. The lightness of this unit makes it the unique option among other heavyweight counterparts in this class.
Features
- Air speed Max (MPH): 145
- Air flow (CFM): 360.2
- Noise level (dB.): 96.7
- Weight (lbs): 14.7
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 69.5 x 17 x 15
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This gas-powered leaf blower combines the unbelievable low weight and user-friendly features to run it for hours without the annoying muscle fatigue.
Husqvarna 965102208: Check the current price
5. RYOBI RY40440
Ryobi offers a large collection of leaf blowers to maintain any households, yards, gardens and even parks.
Forget about harmful emissions with the quiet RYOBI RY40440 40V li-ion leaf blower. The innovated Crossforce fan technology and a brushless motor of this extra powerful cordless model has enough capacity to generate 625 CFM at 145 MPH. The speed can be varied with further maintenance of a desired setting value with the help of the integrated cruise control. Nevertheless, in spite of the incredible force of this battery-powered blower, it is also deemed as one of the quietest in the industry emitting 59 dB only.
The adjustable shoulder strap and the contoured harness are designed to improve the comfort of a user regardless of the duration of the work.
Features
- Air speed Max (MPH): 145
- Air flow (CFM): 625
- Noise level (dB.): 59
- Weight (lbs): 21.1
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 69.5 x 17 x 15
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This model combines three obvious beneficial features like eco-friendliness, quietness and high-performance which would be very attractive for many customers.
RYOBI: Check the current price
6. GREENWORKS BPB80L00
This eco-friendly leaf blower comes from one of the leading companies introducing high-tech developments in the modern cordless technologies. It features the li-ion PRO 80V max system which is one of the most powerful and reliable battery platforms for outdoor power equipment. Besides, this unit is equipped with the brushless motor which makes this leaf blower as powerful and durable, capable of long-running projects, as the gas-powered models. Thus, it is capable of reaching up to 580 CFM at 145 MPH to easily deal with the toughest clearing tasks. The variable speed control enhances the efficiency and adopts this tool for a any cleaning job. The cruise control system serves for an ultimate confidence during operation if this model. The integrated turbo button provides you with plenty of power immediately on-demand.
Features
- Air speed Max (MPH): 145
- Air flow (CFM): 580
- Noise level (dB.): N / A
- Weight (lbs): 8.1
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 22.4 x 9.4 x 18.1
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You will be definitely committed to this leaf-blower if you stand for the eco-friendly zero-emission technologies. Besides, any cleaning work will be just a breeze requiring less physical fatigue, noise and zero maintenance.
Greenworks: Check the current price
10 Best Backpack Leaf Blowers Comparison Table
Husqvarna 965877502 350BT 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower, Orange 
Poulan Pro PR48BT, 48cc 2-Cycle Gas 475 CFM 200 MPH Backpack Leaf Blower 158 MPH 375 CFM 25.4 cc Gas 2-Stroke Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower with Hip Throttle 
Husqvarna 965102208 130BT Back pack Blower 145 MPH 625 CFM 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Backpack Blower 5 Ah Battery and Charger Included 
Greenworks 80V 145MPH - 580CFM Cordless Backpack Leaf Blower, Battery and Charger Not Included BPB80L00 
Makita EB5300TH 4-Stroke Engine Tube Throttle Backpack Blower 
LaGinza LGB52 52CC 2-Cycle Gas 530 CFM 248 MPH Backpack Leaf Blower 
LawnMaster NPTBL31AB No-Pull Backpack Blower 2 Cycle 31cc, Orange, Black 
Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower FAQ
Is there any way to make backpack leaf blower quieter?
If you focus on a backpack leaf blower but don’t want to be bothered by the neighboring surroundings due to its unbearable loud running, or just don’t want to mess with the hearing protection, than you’re recommended to choose a suitable option among battery-powered models. The electric cordless blowers are much quieter in comparison with the gas-powered options. However, if you are primarily aspiring to get the extreme power of the gas engine leaf blowers, than you’ll have to make a careful survey of the relevant products offered on the market. The advanced gas models may feature a high-performance engine, fan housing, and sound insulation, thus minimizing noise level as much as possible.
How to store a backpack leaf blower?
The storage arrangement of the backpack models may be traditional like placing it on a sturdy shelf or a rack, or hang it on a reliable heavy-duty hook using the shoulder straps attached, and thus saving enough space in your garage or other storing premises. In any way, keeping your leaf blower away from any dirt and debris is one of the most important requirements to your storage area.
Storing of gas-powered backpack leaf blowers is another story which comprises the following steps:
- In between usual operations and for a short-term storage, you should arrange the unit in a vertical position to avoid oil overflowing and excessive fuming while its next operation.
- In case of a long-term seasonal storage, you should always empty the fuel tank in advance. This fuel, in its turn, must be stored in a special container in a well-ventilated and dark place, avoiding its freezing.