Leaf Blowers

About Leaf Blowers

Leaf blowers are essential tools for maintaining gardens, parks, and outdoor spaces, particularly during autumn when fallen leaves can quickly accumulate on lawns, patios, and pathways. Available at MyToolShed.co.uk, these versatile machines help prevent dead patches of grass caused by blocked sunlight and make clearing outdoor areas significantly faster than traditional raking methods. Modern leaf blowers are available in three main power formats: 240v mains electric models for consistent power near a socket, cordless battery-powered units offering unrestricted mobility, and petrol versions delivering maximum performance for larger properties.

Many leaf blowers feature dual functionality as garden vacuums, allowing users to either blow leaves into manageable piles or vacuum them directly into collection bags. Beyond autumn leaf clearance, these tools are equally effective for clearing sawdust, grass clippings, light building debris, and general garden waste, making them valuable year-round additions to any tool collection.

Applications

Leaf blowers are used across various trades and applications, including:

• Groundskeepers and gardeners maintaining parks, estates, and commercial landscapes
• Landscapers clearing debris after installations and ongoing site maintenance
• Property maintenance professionals servicing multiple residential and commercial properties
• Local authorities keeping public spaces, car parks, and pavements clear
• Builders and tradespeople clearing sawdust, aggregate, and light construction waste
• Homeowners and DIY enthusiasts maintaining driveways, patios, decking, and garden areas
• Sports ground maintenance clearing playing fields and recreational areas

Choosing The Right Leaf Blowers

When selecting a leaf blower from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these key factors:

Power Source: 240v corded models provide consistent power for smaller gardens near power outlets. Cordless battery blowers offer freedom of movement and are increasingly powerful with modern lithium-ion technology. Petrol versions deliver maximum performance for large properties but require fuel storage and are considerably louder.

Blower vs Vacuum Function: Blower-only models are lighter and more affordable, whilst combined blower-vacuum units offer greater versatility. Vacuum functionality is particularly useful for collecting leaves trapped amongst plants or in confined spaces.

Air Speed and Volume: Higher air speeds (measured in mph or km/h) shift heavier, damp debris more effectively. Air volume (measured in cubic metres per minute) determines coverage area and overall clearing efficiency.

Weight and Ergonomics: Consider the working duration and user comfort. Backpack collection systems and shoulder straps reduce fatigue during extended use.

Brand Compatibility: If you already own cordless tools from brands like Makita, Bosch, or Einhell, choosing compatible models allows battery sharing across your tool collection.

Safety Information

Always use an RCD (residual current device) when operating 240v corded leaf blowers outdoors to protect against electric shock. Wear safety glasses or goggles, as leaf blowers can propel small stones and debris at high velocity. Hearing protection is recommended, particularly when using petrol models. Store petrol and two-stroke fuel mixtures safely in approved containers away from ignition sources. Avoid using leaf blowers on wet leaves when possible, as they are heavier and more difficult to shift effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can leaf blowers handle wet leaves?

Most leaf blowers struggle with wet leaves as they are significantly heavier and tend to stick to surfaces. For best results, wait until leaves have dried or use a more powerful petrol model with higher air speed ratings.

What's the difference between blowing and vacuuming functions?

Blowing is faster for clearing large open areas by creating piles for collection, whilst vacuuming is more precise for smaller patches and leaves trapped amongst plants. Vacuum mode typically includes mulching functionality, reducing leaf volume by up to 10:1 for easier disposal.

How much runtime can I expect from cordless leaf blowers?

Runtime varies considerably depending on battery capacity (Ah rating) and voltage. Typical 18v models provide 15-25 minutes of continuous use, whilst higher capacity 36v systems can run for 30-45 minutes. Having spare batteries significantly extends working time between charges.