5 Best Backpack Leaf Blowers

Lawn services and homeowners are always in search of the best backpack leaf blower. The goal in mind is to have the best one to suit every day or weekly use. After testing the top ones listed, we can provide both businesses and homeowners with the most valuable information to develop an educated decision.

Gas VS Battery Backpack Leaf Blower

The great news about both of these is they both beat corded blowers by far due to the power and distance in use. The comparison of each is in the speed, power, and the amount of airflow put out. A person may not need all the horsepower when dealing with their own lot up to half an acre. Those who do business with these blowers need something reliable.

The type of leaves also is a factor to determine which one is the best backpack leaf blower. Dry leaves or clippings do not call for much horsepower. However, damp leaves and large amounts of debris will need top-notch horsepower. Gas backpack leaf blowers will always win in any situation, proving it is the better of the two. 

The battery-powered blowers are lighter when it comes to weight, even with heavy lithium rechargeable batteries. The gas-powered blowers have the weight of the motor, carburetor, gas tank filled with gas, and other mechanical components that outweigh the battery-powered blowers.

Maintenance would be another issue to say battery-powered is better. Battery-powered backpack blowers have fewer components to tend to when it comes to keeping up with blower. Both have their pros and cons in the matter, but it all comes down to the usage, as in the size project the owner intends to handle. 

Pros of Gas-Powered Backpack Blowers 

• There is more horsepower for more demanding jobs.
• There is no wait time when it comes to charging a battery.
• The fuel will last longer than a battery's single charge. 
• In many situations, the job will get done faster.
• The life span of the gas power backpack blower is longer if well maintained. It can last up to five to seven years, if not longer. Of course, parts will need to be changed as time goes on. 

Cons of Gas-Powered Backpack Blowers 

• Gas-powered blowers are heavier.
• The noise level on gas-powered blowers is over 90 decibels which can damage the hearing. 
• Maintenance can become costly and is often required to keep up with the efficiency. 
• Gas prices fluctuate and are required to operate the two or four-cycle motors. 
• Fuel must get mixed at the proper ratio of gas to oil, or it will damage the carburetor and the engine. (No room for error) 
• Exhaust fumes can be hazardous to the health of some individuals and the environment. 
• Some gas-powered backpack blowers are heavy due to the weight of mechanical components. 
• They can sometimes be challenging to start.

Pros of Battery-Powered Backpack Blowers  

• They are lighter with fewer mechanical components.
• Due to the fewer amount of parts, there is less maintenance required.
• Each battery is equipped to last up to two and a half hours of use. 
• There is less noise to hurt the ears or disturb the neighbors.
• The batteries are easy to install and remove, making it a quick swap if more than one battery is needed. 
• There are no fuel charges. It cost less by only charging the batteries. Simply plug it into the wall. 
• For lighter jobs and covering less square footage, the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) and MPH (Miles Per Hour) are perfect for getting the job done. 
• With a strong battery, they are easier to start.

Cons of Owning and Using Battery-Powered Backpack Blowers

• The lifespan of a battery-powered backpack blower is much less than a gas-powered one. Battery-powered lasts only about two to three years. 
• Lithium batteries are expensive.
• The charge time for each battery takes hours. The owner will need more than one battery if dealing with a larger area. 
• It can become more of a hassle when dealing with carrying more than one battery. 
• They are not as strong in horsepower compared to gas blowers. Therefore, they are limited to what jobs they can tackle. 
• In some situations, when the parts break, some are more expensive than gas-powered blowers and may even be harder to find.

Commercial VS Homeowner Backpack Leaf Blower 

It is essential to know the difference between commercial and homeowner products. The first thing everyone will notice is the sticker on the shelf. The price tag for commercial backpack leaf blowers is more expensive due to their durability and time operability.

Homeowners have the options as to which one they want, but most only get the horsepower they need. Then, some homeowners may wish to get the job done as quick as possible. They will go with a commercial brand in these situations. 

Commercial users are always on the go and need the reliability of their equipment to handle one yard to the next. The parts are more significant on the commercial brands. This also causes them to be heavier than homeowner's versions. They are made to handle wear and tear daily. Keep in mind, they are still machines and fail from time to time. 

The homeowner's versions are lighter with less horsepower. Commercial types can handle homeowner's jobs, but not the other way around. A homeowner's performance will not last long if used for commercial use. Extensive damage to the blower can occur if the homeowner's version is run constantly. However, for a brief time, it may last, but it takes off the lifespan of the equipment.

Best Commercial Backpack Leaf Blowers    

Specs	Stihl BR800	Redmax EBZ8550	Makita EB7660TH	Echo PB-580T	Husqvarna 580BTS
Engine Type	4.4 bhp engine	75.6cc Strato-Charged 2-stroke	75.6 cc (3.8 HP) MM4® commercial duty engine	58.2cc 2-stroke engine	X-Torq® engine
Air Volume	912 cfm	941 cfm	706 cfm	517 cfm	941 cfm
Air Speed	199 mph	206 mph	206 mph	216 mph	206 mph
Fuel Capacity	67.6 fl. oz.	77.8 fl oz	64 oz.	64 fl oz.	87.9 fl oz
Weight	23.1 lbs. – 25.8 lbs.	24.9 lbs.	24.1 lbs.	22.7 lbs.	26.3 lbs
Warranty	2 years	2 years	2 years	2 yr commercial / 5 yr consumer	2 years
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Stihl BR 800 C-E Magnum 

One of the proudest markings is “Made in America.” This backpack blower is one of Stihl's most potent blowing forces. It is made for comfort while being carried on the back. 

• The control handle is multifunction with all-in-one controls, making it one of the most comfortable handles. 
• It has more power than its previous version, the BR 700. 
• This blower is easily stored away by allowing the user to hang in locations, keeping it off the ground.
• The telescopic tube does not require tools to adjust. 
• There is a starting handle on the unit's side, allowing the operator to turn on the engine while the blower is still strapped to their back.
• A simple push of the button will kill the motor without taking the blower off the back.

Pros:

• Plenty of power
• Excellent cruise control
• Straightforward and quick startup
• One of the highest CFM ratings on the list
• Decent fuel tank capacity
• Acceptable noise output

Cons:

• On the expensive side
• High fuel consumption
• Needs better adjustable harness straps

Redmax EBZ8550      

This Redmax blower is another favorite with a rating of 4.8 stars among its reviewers. The blower weighs in at 25.1 pounds with dimensions of 22.9×22.6×16.2 inches. Redmax sells many of these, which is one of the most requested blowers in the commercial sector. It has 75.6cc with 4.4 horsepower. Check out our full review of the Redmax EBZ8550 for all the details.

• It has a round nozzle pushing out air speeds up to 206mph with 941cfm. 
• The handle is adjustable with an easy-moving throttle.
• The nozzle is easy to operate with its bent handle allowing the user to swing the nozzle back and forth.  
• Measured in decibels, it rates 110dB(A) for the sound levels. 
• There is a 77.8 fl oz fuel tank able to sustain for hours of use. 
• Its idling speed is 2000 RPM, allowing for control in those hard-to-reach places.

Pros:

• High fuel tank capacity
• Excellent fuel efficiency
• Easy startup and handling
• Can operate for longer before each refill
• Has one of the highest CFM ratings among the options

Cons:

• Second heaviest model on the list
• Nosier than most models
• After-sales services could improve a lot

Makita EB7660TH

The Makita EB7660TH is different from the 2-stroke motors. This blower runs on straight gasoline. The engine is a 75.6cc commercial heavy-duty four-stroke. 

• The maximum wind speed is 206mph with 706cfm.
• The motor is designed for easy and quick starting with its automatic engine decompression. 
• It has anti-vibration mounts that are heavy-duty for added comfort to the operator. 
• It has an easily accessible air filter for replacements
• The back is ventilated and padded for added convenience to the operator. 
• The tube adjusts for the required length. 
• It has a large capacity muffler making the blower quieter than most with 76dBA. 
• The shoulder straps are easily adjusted with multiple areas of connections to add comfort. 
• There are no tools required for the handle for adjustment.

Pros:

• Has a powerful engine
• Outstanding blowing capacity
• One of the more affordable options
• Requires little maintenance
• Offers carrying ease
• Slightly lighter than the Redmax or Husqvarna

Cons:

• Some difficulty reaching main switches
• Heavier than the Stihl or the Echo

Echo PB-580T

This backpack blower pushes out 215mph maximum wind speed with 58.2cc and 510cfm. It has a two-stroke motor and able to hold a fuel capacity of up to 62oz. The speed control is variable, with sound levels up to 70dBA. 

• It has a tube-mounted throttle with a cruise control setting for steady airspeed. 
• The handle for the tube has a wide-angle for the best mobility and rotation. 
• The backside is padded with comfortable shoulder straps. 
• There is an L-style frame that works in favor of reducing any impact damage.
• It has a guaranteed secure connection for the tubes.

Pros:

• Weighs lighter than many commercial alternatives
• Translucent tank signals fuel refills
• Lowest noise output
• One of the cheaper options

Cons:

• Lower CFM than other commercial options
• Lower tank capacity than alternatives

Husqvarna 580BTS

This blower is Husqvarna's most powerful blower on the market. It is capable of meeting all the needs of the demanding tasks put in front of it. The airspeed is 206.2mph with 908cfm. The idle speed is 2,000 RPM with a maximum power speed of 7,200 RPM, pushing 112dBA. 

• It has a high blowing capacity with its effective fan design.
• The start X-Torq engine makes the blower easier to start. 
• It has a commercial air filter allowing it to operate in the dustiest conditions. 
• There is cruise control enabling it to hold its speed without pushing the throttle for extended periods. 
• Its air injection allows it to operate for more extended periods. 
• It has a low vibration system with an ergonomic harness.

Pros:

• Easy starting in warm or cold conditions
• Incorporates waist buckles for less fatigue
• Extreme air flow and air speed
• Highest fuel tank capacity
• Reduced emissions
• True commercial-grade functionality
• Time-saver backpack blower

Cons:

• Needs improvement on fuel efficiency
• Heaviest unit among the options
• Instruction manual lacks detail
• Loudest noise output
• One of the more expensive options

Best Battery Powered Backpack Leaf Blowers 

Specs	EGO LBX6000	Ego Power+ LB6002	Husqvarna 550iBTX	Greenworks GBB 700
Voltage	56 V	56 V	36 V	82 V
Amp	28Ah	5.0Ah	15.6Ah – 31.1Ah Li-ion battery	5Ah
Air Volume	600 cfm	260 cfm to 600 cfm	452.03 cfm	690 cfm
Air Speed	130 mph	145 mph	120.79 mph	160 mph
Battery Life	1h 10 min. – 5h 48 min.	15 min. – 120 min.	1h 45 mins. – 3h 30 min.	65 min.
Weight	5.95 lbs.	12.5 lbs.	13.9 lbs.	15.8 lbs.
Warranty	2 years	5 years	2 years	2 years
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Ego LBX6000 Power+

Listed as one of the most advanced blowers, it is attachable to the Commercial backpack battery. It is used as both handheld and backpack at the user's discretion. Buyers should know the charger, and the battery is sold separately. 

• It has an airspeed of 130mph with over 600cfm.
• There is a Turbo Boost mode which brings it up to its full capacity of blowing. 
• There are four settings within the Turbo Boost Mode.
• It operates off of a brushless motor which makes it quiet. 
• There is an added feature of a lock-off switch for safety purposes. 
• It has a flat nozzle.
• The ergonomic design adds comfort and excellent balance. 
• It comes with a two-year warranty for commercial users.

Pros:

• Extremely powerful cordless blower
• Effective blowing
• Adjustable blowing settings
• Lightweight robust design
• No fuel emissions
• Offers the longest battery life at low output

Cons:

• Most expensive if bought with the backpack and batteries
• Some faulty batteries reported

Ego Power+ LB6002 

The backpack blower comes with a lithium-ion backpack battery with 56 volts and 5.0 amps. It comes with a five-year warranty on the blower and a three-year warranty on the battery. The maximum airspeed is 145mph with variable speeds with 600cfm. 

• It has a high-efficiency brushless motor with minimal vibration.
• The battery allows for a longer running time up to two hours low speed, high speed for 22 minutes, and turbo for 15 minutes. 
• There is a turbo button to push out maximum airspeed. 
• The tube, harness, and waist belt are all easily adjustable. 

Pros:

• Worthy replacement for gas-powered models
• Easy handle adjustment
• Overall comfort is excellent
• Great power output, easy to use
• Multiple output power settings
• Convenient storage

Cons:

• No cruise control
• Turbo at 15 minutes can be inadequate for some

Husqvarna 550iBTX

One of Husqvarna's powerful ergonomic battery backpack blowers is impressive with its cruise control and intuitive keypad. This blower allows the operator to use it in public settings with its brushless motor. 

• All the cables are hidden. 
• It is made weatherproof.
• Boost mode for maximized airspeed force
• There is little maintenance on this blower.
• The battery has Li-ion power which allows it to last for longer times with the best performance. 
• A wind speed of 120.79mph and 452.03cfm

Pros:

• High-capacity battery
• Extended runtime with excellent power output
• Low noise output
• No fumes
• Ergonomic backpack design

Cons:

• Lower CFM than the EGO or the Greenworks
• One of the heavier battery-powered options

Greenworks Commercial GBB 700 82V  

The backpack blower offers a maximum airspeed of 160mph and 690cfm. It is a versatile tool among the other blowers setting it apart from the rest. 

• A turbo button
• Variable speed control with an activated trigger
• Cruise control
• 2-5Ah Batteries which bring longer running times for 65 minutes
• An additional plug-in power source for all the commercial products listed under Greenworks

Pros:

• Largest airflow capacity on a battery-operated model
• Brushless motor for more power and less noise
• Automatic switchover between dual battery ports
• Five times less vibration than gas equivalent

Cons:

• Heaviest among the battery-powered models
• Runtime limited to a little over an hour

Best Homeowner Backpack Leaf Blowers

Specs	Stihl BR200	Husqvarna 350BT	Poulan Pro PR48BT
Engine Type	1.07 bhp	2.1 hp X-Torq® engine	48 cc two-cycle engine
Air Volume	400 cfm	692.17 cfm	475 cfm
Air Speed	125 mph – 150 mph	180 mph	200 mph
Fuel Capacity	35.5 oz	42.27 fl oz	49.3 fl oz
Weight	12.6 lbs.	22.5 lbs.	22 lbs.
Warranty	2 years	2 years	2 years
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Stihl BR200

This backpack blower is affordable, comfortable, and is fuel-efficient. This blower is one of the highest quality and chosen by most homeowners across America. 

• Easy to control with the single-handed operation
• The blower is lightweight.
• It has an anti-vibration technology added to the blower. 
• It comes with a 35.5oz gas tank.

Pros:

• Lightweight construction
• Lightest model among the homeowner models
• Adjustable speeds
• Safety harnesses on backpack

Cons:

• Foul gas emissions
• Small fuel capacity

Husqvarna 350BT

The Husqvarna 350BT is lightweight and made for a homeowner with a lot of land. It is a midsize blower with 50cc and an X-TORQ motor. 

• It has an air purge for cold starts.
• The handle is designed to keep the arm from straining while controlling.
• The handles are adjustable.
• LowVib has the user covered with lowered vibrations.
• Ergonomic handle and harness system with pads
• Cruise control
•  A high blowing capacity with 180mph and 692.17cfm

Pros:

• High CFM rating
• Quieter than other gas-powered models
• Reduced emissions and fuel consumption
• Comfortable harness for fatigue reduction
• Large fuel capacity
• Variable speeds

Cons:

• Heaviest among the homeowner models
• Quite pricey

Poulan Pro PR48BT

This blower is equipped with a 48cc two-cycle motor. The airspeeds reach up to 200mph and 475cfm. It is designed to handle the heavy wet leaves and debris in the yard. 

• Cruise control
• Variable airspeed control
• Soft grip handle
• Heavy-duty frame
• Adjustable contoured shoulder straps with pads
• Easy to use and control
• Two-year warranty
• Lightweight 

Pros:

• Has the largest tank capacity for home use
• High-speed airflow
• Adequate blowing power for residential applications
• Well-placed trigger

Cons:

• CFM rating comparable to the much lighter BR200
• Almost as heavy as the 350BT
• Reports of inconsistent engine speed

Buying Guide

Horsepower or Torque — MPH or CFM? 

A horsepower is a form used to measure the power of a motor. It is known as the “rate at which work is done.” It is for every engine, no matter what the machine, including blowers. 

Torque is known as the force times the distance. In other words, how far can the object be pushed? Torque does the work while horsepower measures how fast it is done. Most people will choose horsepower over-torque.  

For a blower, CFM and MPH work in the same manner. CFM deals with power while MPH deals with speed. In the case of blowers, many people will look at MPH over CFM. But there are times CFM is more critical. CFM is more valuable when the leaves are thick or wet. 

Blower CFM and Airspeed: Why Are the Numbers So Far Off?  

A straightforward answer would be looking at the testing and the actual work. All the testings are done in a stable environment with perfect conditions. Everything is done in a lab. The numbers can be up to 20 percent off in different climates outside the labs. 

Yard Size

Yard size makes a difference on which blower will work better on the property. A small lot with a battery-operated blower will last the entire yard but may not last for a half of an acre to an acre. 

The same goes for the gas-powered blowers. More fuel is used in bigger yards. Running time is the factor to look for when buying a blower. It will help calculate how long it will take the user to complete the job. 

Power Source and Run Time

The three sources for blowers are electric, battery, and gas-powered. Gas-powered blowers will last the longest. With electric blowers, the user is limited to how far they can go. And the battery-powered blowers will only last as long as the battery has power. 

The run time should be factored in with how long it takes the user to do the job. Longer run times work better with gas. Shorter run times battery power is sufficient. 

2-Cycle vs. 4-Cycle Engine

Two-cycle engines run on gas and oil mixture. The ratio has to be perfect, or it can damage the motor. Four-cycle engines run on straight gas and do not require a mix of oil. Naturally, the easiest way is the straight gas due to time savings. 

Weight

Weight is a factor when the user is operating the blower for extended periods. Fatigue will set in with any person who has a heavy backpack blower on their back. Choosing a lightweight blower would be the wisest decision. However, the more power required in the commercial sector, the heavier the blower will be. Homeowners and battery-powered blowers are lighter. 

Comfort Features 

When carrying a backpack blower, the user must be comfortable, especially if they use the blower to make a living. These are some comfort features to look for in a backpack blower:

• Pads for the back
• If the pads are vented to keep the user drier
• Adjustable handles
• Adjustable straps
• Cruise control
• Handles

Noise

The noise of blowers is measured in decibels. Constant use of a blower with high decibels can cause severe damage to the hearing. It is highly recommended to use earplugs when operating. 

The noise can also disturb the neighbors and surrounding businesses in the area of use. It is critical to get the blower with the lowest decibels if knowing noise is a factor. 

FAQ 

Which is better, backpack blowers or handheld ones?

Backpack blowers have more power and eliminate fatigue by putting weight on the back muscles. Using handheld blowers will wear out the user quicker. 

Are backpack blowers loud, and how loud are they? 

It is strongly advised to wear earplugs when operating backpack blowers. Decibels are measured from 50 feet away and next to the ear. They can deafen a person over time. 

Will a backpack blower move wet leaves?

Check the CFM rating. The higher the CFM, the better chance the user has of moving the wet leaves. 

Are gas-powered blowers safer than battery-operated leaf blowers?

Gas is explosive, but if used correctly, they are the same when it comes to safety. Both have their hazards and should take precautions. Debris blowback is the most dangerous when dealing with both of them. 

How long can you run a backpack blower?

High-quality battery-powered backpack blowers can continuously operate for a period of 30 minutes to one hour on a single charge. Gas-powered models can run even longer as long as you refuel them.

Compared to battery-powered backpack models, battery-powered handheld variants cannot run for over 20 minutes.

The convenience of carrying a leaf blower on your back also extends continuous operation, unlike handhelds that are more tiring to hold for longer durations.

How do you maintain a backpack leaf blower?

Like any other power tool, a backpack leaf blower requires regular maintenance. The good thing with backpack leaf blowers is that maintenance is pretty straightforward and doesn’t require additional tools.

After every use, it would be good practice to wipe down the airways of your backpack blower with a slightly dampened cloth. If you can open the filter compartment, start there, and work your way to the hose and the tube.

Some backpack leaf blowers will also have a vacuum function, so you should empty the collection bag after every use.

Always check the hose and look for loose connections, leaks, or cracks. These problems can significantly affect the efficiency of your blower.

Finally, always store your backpack blower in a clean, dry place away from drastic temperature changes, especially if it uses combustible fuels.

What does CFM mean on a backpack blower?

While MPH stands for miles per hour, CFM means cubic feet per minute. The number corresponding to a CFM rating is the amount of air displaced over a span of one minute.

Higher CFM ratings imply larger air volumes moved over a broader area.

Wrapping It Up

Which one do you think is the best backpack leaf blower from this list? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re interested in staying up-to-date on reviews of the latest blowers and other lawn care tips sign up for our newsletter below!