A garden vacuum cleaner and leaf blower are one of the most useful devices for the garden, especially in the fall. These devices are used to suck or blow out fallen leaves.
Autumn work in the garden. Illustrations taken from open sources.
If you have a large garden plot, then these devices will save your time and effort. The difference between a garden vacuum cleaner and a leaf blower is that the former sucks leaves into special bags, while the latter generates a high-power air flow, allowing you to blow away leaves scattered around the area to collect them in one pile. Let's take a closer look at blowers.
There is a wide range of garden leaf blowers on the market today, making it difficult to choose. What to look for to choose a leaf blower that will suit your needs and budget.
Determining the power of the blower
If you need to do a one-time small job, such as clearing dry leaves from the driveway in front of your house, that requires a few minutes of use, you can purchase a battery-powered leaf blower.
This is an ideal tool for casual and not too complex tasks. It does not require an electrical connection or even fuel. Thanks to the lithium battery, you will enjoy maximum freedom.
Vortex compressors (monoblock design)
Industrial vortex blowers are units that include an impeller with blades, suction and discharge channels, as well as cut-offs for separating functional elements.
Vortex compressors (monoblock design)
The devices are manufactured in the form of:
- Monoblock motor design, in which the drive is carried out immediately without a clutch
- Impeller with separate location of motor and compressor.
The first option is compact and portable. The equipment is used at treatment stations, for pneumatic transportation of bulk substances and for other purposes. Since the device continuously supplies gas, this eliminates the need for a receiver. Design features prevent oil fractions and vapors from entering the air.
Medium power blowers
In this case, the right choice is an electric vacuum blower. Compared to a battery-powered model, it allows continuous operation by connecting to an electrical outlet at home.
The only slight interference may be due to the length of the wire. But in reality this is an imaginary problem, because you just need to use an extension cable.
The size of the garden should not be excessive, otherwise it will be uncomfortable to use this tool or even the extension cord will not help. It is recommended to evaluate the distance between the connection socket and the place where it is necessary to sweep leaves and debris to one point; it is not excessive.
Features of turbo blower
Turbo blowers work on the same principle as superchargers and turbochargers. They are used in the aeration process to compress unnecessary air under pressure of up to 10 m and remove it.
Features of turbo blower
The gas blower operates in the following sequence:
- The appearance of centrifugal force is observed under the influence of the rotation of a functioning wheel, which pumps and compresses gases and air.
- After this, the compressed air flows to a stationary ring-type diffuser, which is equipped with blades to form a guide element.
- Inside the diffuser, air is converted into kinetic energy.
There are single- and two-stage TV and TG turbochargers. The first are less powerful, as they are capable of performing bilateral suction. Regardless of the number of stages, the operating principle of the unit does not change.
In order for such a blower-compressor to function effectively, cast iron is used for manufacturing. It is divided into several sectors, which are separated by diaphragms. The cavity of the structure houses a rotor, for the production of which carbon steel is used. The unit also contains several ball bearings and a shaft.
Also inside the device there are impellers, the blades of which are bent back. Thanks to this, such units have a high efficiency and structural stability. These elements are made from chromolybdenum material, nickel and carbon steel.
These features ensure the power of the equipment and a long service life. But during work they heat up, so care should be taken to ensure good cooling.
Professional blowers
Do you only deal with wet leaves and debris? Then a vacuum blower with a gasoline engine will do. It offers more power and performance than the types mentioned above.
Often, such models allow not only to blow leaves and debris into the right place, but also to crush them for subsequent processing or packaging in garbage bags.
- In this case, regardless of the engine, you will need a blower that also acts as a chopper.
- Thanks to the blades, it can shred leaves and debris, collecting them in a special basket and making them useful for composting.
- The higher the grinding ratio (a minimum ratio of at least 10:1 is recommended), the better the compost will be.
- You can choose an electric vacuum leaf blower that has a flexible hose that connects directly to the trash can.
The speed must be adjusted, the suction volume can be calibrated according to needs. Multi-height shredding blades and a metal fan provide higher performance in the blowing and suction stages.
Choosing brands
Some of the best brands of vacuum cleaners and leaf blowers are: Bosch, Ryobi and Stihl. We have selected 10 models for you that are worth a closer look.
- Cordless blower BOSCH GBL 18V-120
- Electric garden vacuum cleaner STIHL SHE 71 1.1 kW
- Blower Ryobi R18TB-0 ONE+ 5133002915
- Gasoline blower STIHL BR 200 1.1 HP
- Electric garden vacuum cleaner RYOBI RBV3000CSV 3 kW
- Cordless leaf blower RYOBI R18TB-0
- Electric garden vacuum cleaner BOSCH UniversalGardenTidy 1.8 kW
- Gasoline blower STIHL BR 700 3.8 HP
- Cordless leaf blower RYOBI OBL1820S
- Gasoline blower STIHL BR 600 3 HP
Types of blowers
Leaf blowers are usually divided into electric and gas-powered. Both options offer excellent performance and are easy to use.
The former allow unlimited use, but must be moved in a limited space, the latter are more polluting and harmful to health, but can be used anywhere and are powerful.
- Unlike electric leaf blowers, gasoline blowers are heavy, noisy, more polluting, and more difficult to maintain, just like any other gasoline engine.
- Sometimes, after long periods of inactivity, they may find it difficult to get started.
- But despite everything, they offer great advantages: they are very powerful and, above all, completely autonomous, since they allow you to move freely between trees and flower beds. 4-stroke engines are generally quieter than 2-stroke engines and produce less pollution.
There are also cordless leaf blowers with very short battery life. They are convenient for working on small surfaces and provide battery life from 10 to 15 minutes.
Compact, lightweight and handy, the cordless leaf blower features excellent balance and a soft grip for increased comfort. Ideal for precise and fast cleaning of surfaces with leaves, grass and debris on terraces, gardens, paths, etc. Thanks to the lithium battery, you can save up to 50% compared to nicd and nimh batteries.
The latest models have Turbo (for more power) and Ergo (for more autonomy) modes with double handle and airflow speed.
Conventional or turbo blower - comparison
Before choosing a blower, you should determine the differences between conventional and turbo units.
Conventional or turbo blower - comparison
Conventional units are used when it is necessary to carry out exhaust, ventilation or air conditioning. They are used in various industries, but operate with medium air flow. When increased flow is needed, turbo devices are used. The operating principle of turbo blowers allows them to be operated at high pressure. They contribute to the development of pressure up to 6m. There are multi-stage models that develop a pressure of 30 m.
Blower power
Blower power is important for good performance. That's why you need to test it before purchasing it to ensure that you'll get the job done in terms of efficiency. Also check the offset.
- The quality of materials is important to ensure the functionality of the blower.
- Too poor materials can make a product unusable after a while, while more attention to detail and finishes can make a model very durable over time. The choice depends on how you will use it.
Blower speed is important for operating efficiency. Low speeds take longer but can be more accurate. Average speed 210 km/h.
Coupling or belt?
In some classifications, blowers are divided into belt and coupling blowers, depending on the type of transmission.
In clutch-type blowers, the rotational torque from the engine to the working chamber is carried out by means of an elastic coupling. This design gained wide popularity earlier, but now both manufacturers and consumers prefer the belt drive type.
Why did it happen? The fact is that the cost of producing a belt structure has become comparable to a coupling one, and such a blower has quite a lot of advantages: a low level of vibration, the possibility of long-term non-stop operation, as well as more favorable thermal and load operating conditions.
Handle ergonomics
To get the job done comfortably and effortlessly, it is important to check the handle type of the blower. It should be very comfortable so that you can move freely and without much effort. It is better if it is anti-slip to avoid any accident.
For long-term use, we advise you to pay attention to a blower with shoulder fixation. You can carry your instrument on your back as if it were a backpack, greatly reducing your physical strain. In addition, the anti-vibration system protects your back from unwanted impacts.
What indicator is associated with the amount of garbage collected?
Productivity is the volume of air that is moved by the blower per unit of time. Typically, it is measured in cubic meters per hour (m3/h). This indicator directly determines how much garbage the device can move. Accordingly, it is generally accepted to calculate the area of territory that can be removed within the available period from this indicator.
To deal with a small area of up to two hundred square meters, models up to 400 m³/h are suitable. To work with three to six hundred square meters, you will need a wind blower to blow away leaves with a characteristic of about 500-600 m³/h. Finally, an area of more than six acres will require a device with an air capacity of more than 800 m³/h.
Blower accessories
Each model offers different sets of accessories. For this reason, it is important if you have special needs to immediately check what it has, or if you need parts that the model does not provide.
Among the most popular accessories is a flat spout, which allows you to increase the blowing speed.
- The capacity of the garbage and leaf collection bag is measured in liters.
- Usually this is from 20 to 60 liters.
- Bags that are too small can be inconvenient because they interrupt work, while bags that are too large and a little bulky interfere with getting the job done.
Basic classification of units
When choosing a model, you should pay attention to the principle of transportation during operation:
- The hand blower is suitable for compact areas, it is maneuverable and can be used both in the garden and for alleys. Compact size, special handle and belt help avoid fatigue over a long period of time.
- A gasoline backpack blower opens up a large number of possibilities for users. Despite the noticeable weight, a special belt system distributes it correctly, making processing large areas convenient and efficient.
- Powerful industrial blowers are most often made with wheels. Most often there are four wheels and a handle. They are equipped with wide nozzles, thanks to which even in one pass you can clear debris from a strip up to seventy centimeters wide. This garden leaf vacuum cleaner has an advanced shredding system that can easily handle even branches. The waste collection containers are quite large.
Blower cost
The cost of a leaf blower depends on the model and needs. Inexpensive models with low and medium productivity cost from 30 to 150 euros. From 150 euros and above you choose more complex and high-quality models.
The choice of a suitable model can be made according to your needs and by comparing the price / quality ratio of the most interesting models.
How to choose a design for industrial use?
When choosing a unit for production purposes, the following factors should be taken into account:
- design performance;
- permissible pressure drop range;
- power consumption;
- estimated costs of operation and maintenance;
- protection and safety of electrical equipment (especially important if the blower will be used in a dirty or damp room).
Our website offers more than six hundred models. A special selection service will help you navigate the choice and purchase equipment.
It is enough to enter the required power characteristics, maximum vacuum, excess pressure, productivity, and the system will select a model that will meet the needs of a particular production.
Photos of modern blower models
What tools do the pros use?
The most advanced version for leaf control is the backpack blower. This type of wind blower is used by utility services and specialists from road repair companies to remove leaves. This is a professional tool for long-term work in public urban spaces: gardens, parks and pedestrian areas. As a rule, buying it for a small area makes little sense. But if the area of your personal land is measured in hectares, then this arrangement of a powerful device will come in handy.
When the engine hangs behind your back, your arms get tired much less and it is much more comfortable to do your work. This is a huge plus for a mechanized janitor who faces a working day of up to 8 hours. Such professionals require backpack units with air flow speeds of up to 90-110 m/s. It is curious that with the help of a blower, utility workers even manage to blow off ice from canopies and roofs of buildings in winter.
How to solve the problem of high weight?
If the main disadvantage of a garden vacuum cleaner for you is weight, then a backpack leaf blower will make this disadvantage insignificant. Its design is complemented by straps that, like the straps of a backpack, are worn on the shoulders.
For greater convenience, some models are equipped with an additional belt fastened at the waist. This allows you to secure the vacuum cleaner even better so that it does not interfere with movement.
Whose products are popular with consumers?
There are certainly established leaf blower manufacturers in the market. These are the Swedish HUSQVARNA, and the German BOSCH or STIHL. Some Japanese brands – HITACHI, RYOBI – do not lag behind and are worthy competitors.
Another name for a garden vacuum cleaner comes from England, a country where they know a lot about well-groomed lawns. The CHAMPION blower is your assistant from Foggy Albion.
CHAMPION GBR375
This backpack blower was made to last a long time. It is beneficial to purchase it for caring for a small area. The presence of several attachments and a bag suggests that CHAMPION GBR375 can be used not only as a blower, but also as a vacuum cleaner - shredder.
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In the second case, you can grind fallen leaves and mowed grass into fine biomass, which is easy to dispose of. The bag can hold up to 40 liters of waste, and the assembled blower weighs about 7 kg. At the same time, the device is noticeably quieter than its counterparts.
Backpack vacuum cleaners have found a permanent home in the sheds of many landowners. It's time to join the happy owners of smart tools to make caring for your home area easy and enjoyable.
