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Everything you have ever needed to know about Leaf Blowers

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Backpack or Handheld <strong>Leaf</strong> <strong>Blowers</strong><br />

When leaf blowers first came on the market in the USA back in the 1950’s there was one<br />

simple design. In fact it wasn’t even recognised as a leaf blower. This invaluable piece of<br />

equipment first appeared as an agricultural chemical sprayer. It was only when cus<strong>to</strong>mers<br />

started using the blower more than the sprayer that it hit the American DIY shopping shelves<br />

with some force.<br />

Refined and updated in the 21st century<br />

Now in the 21st century it has been refined and updated, all the major manufacturing brands<br />

produce it and it has many different versions and specifications. One of the major add-ons<br />

which <strong>have</strong> appeared in later years is the <strong>Leaf</strong> Vacuum and mulcher. As well as being able <strong>to</strong><br />

tidy <strong>you</strong>r garden and garage areas appropriately <strong>you</strong> can now get rid of the mess immediately<br />

by sucking it in<strong>to</strong> the machine itself. The mulch function then compresses the leaves in<strong>to</strong><br />

small packages.<br />

For those who are not particularly aware of the current market or a little doubtful when<br />

presented with two many options when buying a mystifying electric gadget this article may<br />

help <strong>to</strong> make matters a little simpler as we look at the major needs and concerns when buying<br />

a leaf blower.<br />

Two main kinds of <strong>Leaf</strong> blower<br />

You are likely <strong>to</strong> be presented with various brands and versions. Some will be powered by<br />

petrol and some will be powered by electricity and some will even be battery operated. At the<br />

end of the day they all come under one heading. Either they are a backpack or a handheld.<br />

This will be the main decision and will determine all decisions which follow. So first of all let<br />

me explain what each comprises.<br />

Backpack<br />

A Backpack leaf blower consists of an engine and exhaust. The two stroke engine is carried<br />

on the users back in a canvas holdall like a rucksack. The large exhaust (or blower) is<br />

attached <strong>to</strong> the engine and is at the user’s right arm. Attached <strong>to</strong> the exhaust is the throttle.<br />

The backpack is powered by petrol.<br />

Handheld<br />

The handheld is smaller in size and is directed by either hand with a flick of the wrist. The<br />

on-off switch is on the handle and the exhaust or blower is smaller and less powerful than the<br />

backpack. It can be powered by petrol, electricity, or battery.<br />

The right equipment for the task<br />

Your decision of which leaf blower <strong>to</strong> go for inevitably depends on the type of work <strong>you</strong><br />

intend <strong>to</strong> do and the environment <strong>you</strong> live in. The backpack was created for use in the larger<br />

garden where <strong>you</strong> will be clearing debris and leaves over a large area. It is more likely <strong>to</strong> be<br />

found in a commercial environment than the small domestic home because it is more

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