Because fanatics know something about everything - leaf blowers

Looking for a gas leaf blower. I have about 1/2 acre with a lot of trees. I'm between a hand held and a light duty back pack.

Husqvarna or Stihl are the front runners.

Budget - $200-$300.

Go.

I like my redmax...been problem free for about 15 years. 200 mph wind. It's serious.

Only thing I can say from seeing my neighbors with smaller blowers...mine blows them away!

I do with mine what some do with the monster pusher blowers. Just saying. I have no idea on current pricing, but I'd say get the fastest wind you can afford.

stop being lazy.

/\ I've been using a weak electric for many years, which results in using a rake for most of the yard. I'm tired of it.

How about one of those you push and it can either bag the leaves after chopping them up or you can blow them in one direction.

Half an acre is a lot of raking.

Have you ever considered a riding mower with a leaf attachment ?

Step up and get a two-stroke backpack. It's worth the premix hassle. I tried one of the new 50cc four-stroke backpacks last year, and it wouldn't blow a candle out.

Works awesome if your job is less than an hour, unless you half hulk arms of course.

http://www.stihlusa.com/products/blo...lowers/bg86ce/

Ken,
I have done my DD on back pack blowers, spend the few extra bucks and get a REDMAX.

Get a lawn sweeper and tow it behind your mower (or a push one if you have a push mower). Much easier than a leaf blower and you don't have to pick up leaves!

Only downside is that it doesn't work to get leaves out of landscaping...

Between the choices you put up though, Stihl all the way. I use them for as much as I can and/or afford.

Went with the Stihl - they talked me out of the backpack version and into the base hand held. For $150 I think this is going to do the trick. They went so far as to assemble one out of the box, fuel it up and let me test it on their property.

hire a mexican???

Originally Posted by ken@bimmertools

Went with the Stihl - they talked me out of the backpack version and into the base hand held. For $150 I think this is going to do the trick. They went so far as to assemble one out of the box, fuel it up and let me test it on their property.

Handheld?

Turn in your mancard.

The very manly man selling the equipment had this conversation:

me: I'm looking for a leaf blower.

him: Handheld or back pack?

me: I'm not sure - I wouldn't mind spending to get the backpack.

him: Ok - how big is your yard?

me: 1/2 acre.

Him: You have a tarp?

me: Yes.

Him: You don't need the backpack. It's got the same motor as the hand held.

me: It's just easier to carry.

Him: (looking at me sternly) The hand held is not that heavy. You can do it.

I have an Echo backpack and it is kick a55

Burn it with fire !!!!!

Originally Posted by ken@bimmertools

The very manly man selling the equipment had this conversation:

me: I'm looking for a leaf blower.

him: Handheld or back pack?

me: I'm not sure - I wouldn't mind spending to get the backpack.

him: Ok - how big is your yard?

me: 1/2 acre.

Him: You have a tarp?

me: Yes.

Him: You don't need the backpack. It's got the same motor as the hand held.

me: It's just easier to carry.

Him: (looking at me sternly) The hand held is not that heavy. You can do it.

Only other tip I can give you is - get a yellow or blue can for your premix, or you WILL put straight gas in it and fry your zoomy new blower.

Good advice. I have a separate can for pre-mix (for the string trimmer) that's all marked up.

Originally Posted by Lair

Only other tip I can give you is - get a yellow or blue can for your premix, or you WILL put straight gas in it and fry your zoomy new blower.

I keep my 2cycle oil in a 2 gallon can and my gas in a 5 gallon can.
You have good idea though. Keep it separate.


BTW, if all the above ideas fail, leave the leaves in the yard and let them blow into your neighbors yard