Everything you have ever needed to know about Leaf Blowers

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1978 Echo launches probably the first petrol hand-held power blower. Domestic users and commercial landscapers now have access to a blower, and soon more manufacturers (including McCulloch, now part of Swedish multinational Husqvarna) enter the new market. In Los Angeles legislation is mooted to curb 2-stroke engine pollution: thus begins the movement to make producers switch to cleaner 2-strokes, 4-strokes, or electric power. 1985 US backpack sales 75,000. Weed Eater begin producing a hand-held petrol-powered blower. 1987 US total sales 464,000. 1989 US sales 800,000. Stihl of Germany, the chain saw innovators, launch backpack blowers. They become a leading force. 1997 Over 1 million US sales. 1998 Los Angeles bans the use of petrol blowers within 500 feet of a residence, and promotes a powerful (but quieter and less-polluting) electric blower design. 1999 US sales 1.9m: 1.6m hand-held blowers and 290k backpack blowers. 2003 Electrolux patents a variable-speed electric leaf blower. (This is today copied by Black & Decker, Ryobi and others). 2004 Briggs & Stratton buys out Giant-Vac and creates a Yard Power Products Group focusing mainly on commercial markets. 2007 First recorded game of leaf blower hockey is played in Toronto. Late 2000s First 4-stroke motors appear to meet tougher emissions laws in various US states and in other countries. Cordless battery models become viable due to more powerful Nicad and lithium-ion batteries, e.g. Ryobi models with 120mph/ 193 km/hr air speed. Prevailing winds Recent trends in leaf blowers: Machines have got quieter: many petrol-engined models now emit less than 65dB at 50 feet, whereas older machines were 70-75, which in decibel terms is hugely greater. Operators’ hearing could be impaired by these old devices. (It is still recommended that ear defenders be worn by any user). The move to electric (corded or cordless) has also reduced average machine noise. Brands that claim excellent emissions reductions in their petrol models include Echo; Hitachi, whose 2-stroke Pure Fire motor meets the US Phase 2 and Euro Stage 2 regulations; and Makita, who have gone over to 4-stroke engines, including the world’s lightest 4-stroke handheld machine at 4.4kg (the equivalent Hitachi 2-stroke is 3.9kg so that is a fine achievement for the traditionally heavier engine technology).
There is increasing popularity for the more versatile vacuum/blowers that can also suck up dust or gather leaves and mulch them before collecting them in a bag to avoid the collection chore, as well as aiding the composting process. Electric and petrol combination machines now abound, from lightweight Flymo and Black & Decker models to wheeled hand-push devices from GMC and Warrior and powered-wheel machines from Billy Goat. Suction machines also counter criticisms that simple blowers raise harmful dust and are damaging to nearby plants. Their extra versatility may well be appreciated more and more in years to come. Other innovations include electronic ‘Touch Start’12V battery starting on petrol machines (from Ryobi) to avoid the chore and uncertainty of pull-cord starts. Others have an easy-start carburettor to make the pull leas onerous. The early history of the leaf blower has been somewhat affected by controversy but it is undeniably popular and it has a permanent place in garden and commercial applications due to the much greater productivity that it affords when compared to a man with a rake and spade. Machines will continue to improve and get greener, and consumer choice will grow even further.
Page 1 and 2: Everything you have ever needed to
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Page 17 and 18: Leaf Blower Maintenance Why is main
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Page 21 and 22: How to Use a Leaf Blower to Get the

Everything you have ever needed to know about Leaf Blowers

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