Asking for recommendations; battery op leaf blower

[Jersey mike]

Ok so as the subject reads I need a good battery operated leaf blower. Anyone use one?

I have a 1/4 acre yard and a decent amount of leaves every year. I’ve had 2 Black and Decker string trimmers of the years but their batteries ( but I think they’re NiCad) don’t last, take HOURS to recharge, don’t retain a charge (new or old) and are not cheap. Over the summer I bought a new Craftsman (bat/op) string trimmer and small hedge trimmer and am happy with the battery usage as well as recharge time.

Been looking at some stuff online but real first hand reviews help too.

Thanks…

[0leman]

I would also like to hear about this.  I did some looking but seems like most only last for about a half hour.   Need at least an hour and a half.

[da prez]

 I use Stihl. Good product and warranty. Get a spare battery.

                                    da prez

[signart]

It's all about the battery AH.
A good power tool battery will retail @ about $200, just for the battery. 4 is good, but 6-8 AH is what one needs for a blower or chainsaw, unless you just want to piddle.

[Serk]

I haven't even watched the video TBH but:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqKYiMNvvUg

[hubcapsc]

My house is down in the woods. We like Ego tools. All their batteries
interchange. A couple of 5ah ones is a good start for blowing. I'd probably
quit until "the next time" if I had wait for a charge. We've had their zero
turn riding mower with four (could hold up to six) 10ah batteries for
a while now... it is a hoss!

-Mike

[baldo]

I have a 40V Ryobi,  4 Ah batteries that work well. I also have their chain saw, pole saw and string trimmer. Batteries came with a couple of them, three batteries total. The 4Ah has good life, and with the extra batteries you can have fun all day!

https://www.amazon.com/Whisper-Brushless-Cordless-Battery-Included/dp/B09VWKMX6N/ref=sr_1_4?crid=152RT4BUYH8KO&keywords=ryobi+leaf+blower+40v&qid=1669833318&sprefix=ryobi+leaf%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.ac2169a1-b668-44b9-8bd0-5ec63b24bcb5

[Jess from VA]

I use a Stihl Gas BR600.  It kicks ass.  MAX. AIR VELOCITY    238 mph    

If you hold the trigger down, it uses gas quickly, but if you only use the air power you need, a tank can last a long time.

With huge old oaks, I use this more than any other tool in the sheds.

Also, with wet snow forget it.  But with dry powder, this thing will move a ton of snow in no time, and easy to get in tight places (on your back).



All my yard and scape tools are gas.  Only battery is drills.  

[Patrick]

I switched to all battery power, got rid of corded and gas stuff.
I don't need them for very much anymore since the move to Florida.
So, I went cheap and bought 40v Ryobi, hedge trimmer, string trimmer, and blower. The two trimmers work fine. The blower works but I'm not that impressed with it, I prefer a blower that really blows when you need it.


I had a Homelite gas blower. It had 3 carburetor locks and would run just above idle. Those locks got snipped off immediately and a screwdriver was put to the carburetor. It blows now like a hurricane.

[scooperhsd]

I have a Husguvarna backpack gas blower - needed it at my NC house, it has sat idle for 4 years now.

[Pete]

About 2 years ago I bought an inexpensive electric 24 volt blower and weedeater with 1 charger and 2 4 AH batteries at Lowes (less than $200). I did not expect much, but it has surprised me. I later added 2 additional 4 AH batteries (about $100).

I blow, edge and weed eat 5 acres, 4 buildings and a long driveway, I can do it all with the 4 batteries in 2 to 3 hours. Usually the 4th battery still has about 1/2 power when I finish.

There is a learning curve when switching to electric, how to use the tools efficiently and effectively conserving  battery power and life span. Running any electric yard tool at 100 percent will rapidly deplete the battery and can overheat the battery, use only as much juice as need to accomplish the job.

I have replaced 1 battery ($50), 1 cell failed in it just 2 weeks after the 2 year battery warranty expired.

Do not charge a li-ion battery in a cold place (less that 40 degrees F). Smart chargers will stop charging when the temp drops below that.

[cookiedough]

If you have nearby a Costco,  they did have these ON SALE just a short while ago.

https://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?dept=All&keyword=leaf+blower

[NewValker]

My entire post won’t show up, and I can’t modify it, so here goes again…

I agree with Bob…
We’ll, only about the Ryobi 40V.
I have the blower and string trimmer. Blower runs 45 minutes, trimmer a bit longer.
Had them 4-5 years and still running strong.

Craig

[baldo]

My entire post won’t show up, and I can’t modify it, so here goes again…

I agree with Bob…
We’ll, only about the Ryobi 40V.
I have the blower and string trimmer. Blower runs 45 minutes, trimmer a bit longer.
Had them 4-5 years and still running strong.

Craig

 

[Mooskee]

I use STIHL BGA 57. It ahs up to 123mph velocity, and 365CFM. It work great for what I bought it for , which is to keep the leaves off my pool deck area. The battery WILL last 20-25 minutes. For the whole yard you might want another battery or a bigger blower. This one is $200, and worth every penny for what it is designed for.

[Jersey mike]

I haven't even watched the video TBH but:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqKYiMNvvUg

Ok, that was an in-depth video, got a big kick out of the 10 blowers rigged to the bicycle. 

[Jersey mike]

I use a Stihl Gas BR600.  It kicks ass.  MAX. AIR VELOCITY    238 mph    

If you hold the trigger down, it uses gas quickly, but if you only use the air power you need, a tank can last a long time.

With huge old oaks, I use this more than any other tool in the sheds.

Also, with wet snow forget it.  But with dry powder, this thing will move a ton of snow in no time, and easy to get in tight places (on your back).



All my yard and scape tools are gas.  Only battery is drills.  

Looks like an excellent machine, but it’s way overkill for for what I need.

[Jersey mike]

My entire post won’t show up, and I can’t modify it, so here goes again…

I agree with Bob…
We’ll, only about the Ryobi 40V.
I have the blower and string trimmer. Blower runs 45 minutes, trimmer a bit longer.
Had them 4-5 years and still running strong.

Craig

The Ryobi is on my list along with the Stihl battery blower and the Milwaukee double battery model from video. Preference as of now going to the Stihl for being a domestic product but price is a factor.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback.

[hubcapsc]

My entire post won’t show up, and I can’t modify it, so here goes again…

I agree with Bob…
We’ll, only about the Ryobi 40V.
I have the blower and string trimmer. Blower runs 45 minutes, trimmer a bit longer.
Had them 4-5 years and still running strong.

Craig

The Ryobi is on my list along with the Stihl battery blower and the Milwaukee double battery model from video. Preference as of now going to the Stihl for being a domestic product but price is a factor.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback.

Besides where parts are made (I guess everything except toothpicks has parts made
elsewhere) Ryobi is a big employer around here...

A majority of STIHL products sold in America are made in America of U.S. and global materials.


-Mike

[Jess from VA]

I use a Stihl Gas BR600.  It kicks ass.  MAX. AIR VELOCITY    238 mph    

If you hold the trigger down, it uses gas quickly, but if you only use the air power you need, a tank can last a long time.

With huge old oaks, I use this more than any other tool in the sheds.

Also, with wet snow forget it.  But with dry powder, this thing will move a ton of snow in no time, and easy to get in tight places (on your back).



All my yard and scape tools are gas.  Only battery is drills.  

Looks like an excellent machine, but it’s way overkill for for what I need.

I understand.  Everyone has different requirements. 

For years and years I used a handheld gas blower every fall for hours at a time.  Those machines aren't that heavy, but I'd still get a sore arm and shoulder (and neurological buzzing symptoms sometimes).

I saw local law/leaf service company guys using the backpacks (all Stihl) and they had so much more power and did the work so much quicker, I finally decided to get one.  The backpack is heavier than any handheld, but worn on your back with padded straps, it's a breeze to carry with no adverse soreness at all.  The only weight on your arm is the pistol-grip nozzle which is maybe a few pounds.  I should have got one years ago.  And except for wide open, which I don't use that much, it is quieter than all my handhelds (though I still wear earplugs with it on my back close to my ears).   

I wear it right up the ladder to blow off my roof (under the trees) (easy roof to clean with gentle slopes).

I have to go out now and clean out behind one of my 10 X 12 sheds that is getting a new roof today.

Brrrrr.   

[Jersey mike]

I see similar models with most of the landscapers around here. We have a dealer close by which is also a repair and rental place. Love seeing the shiny new Stihl products on their shelves.

[lakehunter]

Got the GreenWorks Pro 60v with 4ah batteries, chainsaw / 16" trimmer / blower. Lotsa power and the batteries hold up good. I run the chainsaw till one battery dies and pop it in the charger, it is ready when the second battery dies and I am ready for a break anyway. They have bundle deals on the factory website. I did swap out the original chain and bar for a better Oregon brand set for a 14" gas saw and the battery saw cuts better.

[Robert]

I own both the Stihl 600 and the Echo 9010t, which blows the Stihl away. Ive had the Stihl for many years and got the bug for a new blower so did some research and bought the Echo. It really is a major step up as performance. 

You get the same force with the Echo without the nozzle as you do with the Stihl with the nozzle and about double the air.

My son in law has the Ryobi with the best battery pack they have the one that is about the size of a small coffee maker and its ok but dont ever get either one of these two or you will never be happy.

I will say this the Ryobi is quieter but that is about the only advantage to me. But for him it works well and does what he wants.

He also has the chain saw and it like the leaf blower leaves you wanting for more. It did work to cut down a palm but it was a bit of a struggle and with the smaller batteries we went through 3 or 4.

My lawn guys had the Stihl and I showed him the Echo, next week he had 2 Echos. 

The good for the Echo

It starts faster
Has more power
pushes more air
has a opening to cool the wearer
The straps that hold it on to your back are more comfortable and easier to position than the Stihl.
 
Cons
Uses more gas
Heavier



ECHO PB-9010T Backpack Blower Review
https://www.protoolreviews.com/echo-pb-9010-backpack-blower-review/




His battery blower does move leaves and with the nozzle did push some Chattahoochee stones back in there area although slowly. Either of the gas blowers would make much quicker work of this and actually push the stones into the pile you want them. Heavy leaves pine needles will move with the Ryobi but it takes a bit of time and playing with. The gas units just do it and do it now.

[Jersey mike]

I own both the Stihl 600 and the Echo 9010t, which blows the Stihl away. Ive had the Stihl for many years and got the bug for a new blower so did some research and bought the Echo. It really is a major step up as performance.  

You get the same force with the Echo without the nozzle as you do with the Stihl with the nozzle and about double the air.

My son in law has the Ryobi with the best battery pack they have the one that is about the size of a small coffee maker and its ok but dont ever get either one of these two or you will never be happy.

I will say this the Ryobi is quieter but that is about the only advantage to me. But for him it works well and does what he wants.

He also has the chain saw and it like the leaf blower leaves you wanting for more. It did work to cut down a palm but it was a bit of a struggle and with the smaller batteries we went through 3 or 4.

My lawn guys had the Stihl and I showed him the Echo, next week he had 2 Echos.  

The good for the Echo

It starts faster
Has more power
pushes more air
has a opening to cool the wearer
The straps that hold it on to your back are more comfortable and easier to position than the Stihl.
 
Cons
Uses more gas
Heavier



ECHO PB-9010T Backpack Blower Review
https://www.protoolreviews.com/echo-pb-9010-backpack-blower-review/

Thanks, I almost wish I had the property and tree/leaf need to buy one. I’ve been using a cored blower/vac/shredder for probably a decade which works great, an old Black&Decker unit. Still works great but I’m getting tired of the 100’ cord, especially when cold, the extension cord stiffens up and is a pain to unroll and re-roll.

A medium duty batt/op with about 45 minutes of run time would be perfect. I guess that’ll mean 2 batteries which is ok for me providing they recharge pretty quick.

We use Milwaukee cordless tools and their batteries take a beating and recharge very well.

[Robert]

Thanks, I almost wish I had the property and tree/leaf need to buy one. I’ve been using a cored blower/vac/shredder for probably a decade which works great, an old Black&Decker unit. Still works great but I’m getting tired of the 100’ cord, especially when cold, the extension cord stiffens up and is a pain to unroll and re-roll.

A medium duty batt/op with about 45 minutes of run time would be perfect. I guess that’ll mean 2 batteries which is ok for me providing they recharge pretty quick.

We use Milwaukee cordless tools and their batteries take a beating and recharge very well.

The Ryobi will do what you want and I suggest look at the price of batteries for anything you buy. Sometimes that can be a game changer.

Hedge trimmers the worst for cord cutting. I have tried electric and seem to manage to always cut the cord.    

I cant tell you how many times I told myself watch for the cord. It makes you feel really stupid when you have about 6 patches in a 100' extension cord.

Nothing like the smell of gas, 2 cycle oil and hedges first thing in the morning. 

[Oldfishguy]

Stihl

I believe the original thread was about electric blowers.  I purchased the Stihl battery blower about 5-7 years ago for about $250 I think.  Still works great.  These new lithium batteries are the way to go.  It still has the same capacity it did as new as far as I can tell.

The gas powered backpack blowers are nice, if that is what you need.  But they are loud; your neighbors will appreciate the electric blower.   And for small jobs the big gas burners are cumbersome to throw on your back.  

Really, the gas vs electric are for two different jobs.