Blowers are a versatile clean-up tool for moving leaves, grass clippings, snow, and yard debris. They are easier to use than a rake and save lots of time, especially if you have a large yard or if you are a lawn care professional. When choosing a blower, consider the air velocity and power of the blower, as well as the weight and feel of the design. Many people buy blowers that are too small – it takes quite a bit of power to move leaves, especially if they are wet. The blowers that Richardson Saw & Lawnmower carries from Echo, Stihl, and RedMax are powerful designs that will suit a variety of home and professional tasks.
Using Leaf Blowers
When using a leaf blower, it’s always a good idea to wear hearing protection, goggles to shield eyes from flying debris, and heavy-duty work gloves. If using the blower in dusty areas, consider wearing a respirator or dust mask as well. Blowers are becoming safer and less noisy every year, but it is still a good idea to be cautious when working with power equipment.
Avoid using blowers very early or late in the day, since the noise can irritate neighbors. Be mindful of wind speed and direction, and avoid blowing leaves and other debris towards people and open windows or doors.
Handheld Blowers
Richardson Saw & Lawnmower offers hand-held blowers from Stihl and Echo. The Echo PB-250LN Handheld Blower is lightweight with easy-to-use controls, and is designed to reduce operator fatigue. It has a powerful 2-stroke engine with low noise levels that blows air at 165 mph. The larger Echo PB-255LN Handheld Blower has most of the same features, but with an air velocity of 191 mph.
Stihl’s homeowner blowers are designed for quick clean-up around a home. They are lightweight, but with a sturdy build that will last for years. Stihl BG 55 Handheld Blower has an air velocity of 140 mph and weighs only 9 pounds. Stihl BG 56 C-E Handheld Blower blows air at 143 mph and weighs 9.3 pounds. Both have adjustable nozzles and are equipped with Stihl’s Easy2Start technology.
Higher-end Stihl blowers include the BGA 85 Lithium Ion Blower. This blower runs quietly on a 36-volt battery, which can be used interchangeably with other battery powered products from Stihl. It has an air velocity of 100 mph. More powerful blowers include the Stihl BG 66L Professional Blower and the Stihl BG 86 Professional Blower. The BG 66L has an air velocity of 143 mph and a built-in noise suppression muffler. The BG 86 can use either a flat nozzle, with an air velocity of 190 mph, or a round nozzle, with an air velocity of 154 mph.
Backpack Blowers
The backpack blowers from Stihl, RedMax, and Echo are more powerful than handheld models. For example, the air velocity on the Stihl BR 600 Magnum Professional Backpack Blower is 201 mph. All Stihl’s professional-quality backpack blowers feature anti-vibration systems, comfortable shoulder harnesses, and locate all the controls on one handle for hassle-free use.
RedMax blowers are efficient and reliable, with extra-wide straps and oversized back pads that are cooled by a fan for operator comfort. Available models include RedMax EBZ8500 Blower, with a 206 mph air speed, RedMax EBZ6500 Commercial Backpack Blower, with top air speeds of 232 mph, and RedMax EBZ7500 Commercial Backpack Blower, with an air velocity up to 236 mph.
Echo’s line of backpack blowers feature powerful models with easy-maintenance features and a choice of hip or tube mounted throttles. Some models are certified “low noise.” Echo’s PB-460LN Backpack Blower is very quiet for use in noise-sensitive areas, and has an average air speed of 167 mph. The PB-770 is Echo’s most powerful blower, with air speeds that average 196 mph and can reach 234 mph. Both hip-mounted and tube-mounted throttles are available.
