Those trees on your property may be beautiful most of the year, but cleaning up after them can be a chore. If you’re looking for a gas-powered leaf blower, you probably either have a large yard, more leaves than most, or a commercial landscaping business.
There are three things to consider when buying a gas-powered leaf blower: weight, cost, and power.
There are two industry standard measurements of blowing power. Miles per hour (mph) measures the speed of the gust coming out of the nozzle. Cubic feet per minute (cfm) measures the total volume of air moving through the machine, pushing the leaves.
We combined these measurements alongside cost and weight to determine the 9 best gas-powered leaf blowers to keep your property clear.
Top 9 Best Gas Leaf Blowers – Reviews
1. Poulan Pro PRB26
Poulan Pro PRB26
Our overall champ, the Poulan Pro PRB26, packs a potent one-two punch. It has loads of power at an affordable price.
For an inexpensive, medium-weight blower, the Poulan Pro PRB26 packs an impressive punch. We ranked it No. 1 for its well-balanced combination of power and affordability.
For the price, the Poulan moves a substantial 470 cubic feet per minute, generating gusts of up to 200 miles per hour.
It’s also easy to use. The cruise control and trigger-operated variable speed control keep you in the driver’s seat while handling this blower. The Poulan PRB26 also boasts a soft-grip handle and vibration reduction technology to keep from wearing out your grip.
This blower has a 2-stroke, 26 cc engine with a standard choke. This one tops our list as a great all-around gas-powered leaf blower with a little bit of everything.
Specifications:
- Air velocity: 200 mph
- Airflow: 470 cfm
- Weight: 11 lbs
Pros:
✓ Highly affordable
✓ Great power for its price
✓ Easy to use
Cons:
✗ If you’re willing to invest more, or carry more weight, there are certainly more powerful blowers out there.
2. Schröder industrial backpack leaf blower SR-6400L
Schröder industrial backpack leaf blower SR-6400L
When it comes to this Schröder industrial backpack leaf blower’s raw power, no other blower on this list comes close.
If you’re looking for raw power, nothing on our list rivals the Schröder industrial backpack leaf blower SR-6400L.
This commercial grade, high performance blower moves a whopping 920 cubic feet of air a minute. Its 230 mph blast of wind rivals the speed of most NASCAR drivers. This German-made blower packs a big motor at 63 cc with 3.7 horsepower, and it shows. With this much power, you’ll have to be careful not to blast your mulch away.
At 19.5 pounds, this blower is also much lighter than some of the other backpack models on the market.
The Schröder SR-6400L also comes with a 5-year warranty, so you know this company believes in the durability of their product. You’ll want this product to be durable, as it’s also one of the more expensive blowers on our list.
Specifications:
- Air velocity: 230 mph
- Airflow: 920 cfm
- Weight: 19.5 lbs
Pros:
✓ Exceptionally powerful engine
✓ Light for a backpack model
✓ Warranty
Cons:
✗ Price
3. HUYOSEN 26cc gas leaf blower
HUYOSEN 26cc gas leaf blower
This HUYOSEN gas leaf blower is a powerful blower at a won’t-break-the-bank price.
This HUYOSEN gas leaf blower is one of the more powerful blowers on the cheaper side. What do you get for the price? This blower packs a pretty standard 26 cc, 2-cycle engine. It’s easy to start and easy to control.
While the 157 mph airflow is nothing to write home about, we’re impressed with the respectable 547 cfm airflow. However, this leaf blower loses a couple of points for being on the heavier side for a low-cost handheld model.
Overall, this medium-weight leaf blower is worth the price and will serve any budget-conscious customer well.
Specifications:
- Air velocity: 157 mph
- Airflow: 547 cfm
- Weight: 11.5 lbs
Pros:
✓ Highly affordable
✓ Impressive airflow
Cons:
✗ Not very powerful
✗ Heavy
4. Poulan Pro PR48BT
Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower
What we liked most about the Poulan Pro PR48BT is it’s a heavy-duty leaf blower that’s comfortable to use.
The Poulan Pro PR48BT is a powerful backpack blower with great features. This model packs a 48 cc, 2-cycle engine. It moves a solid 475 cubic feet of air per minute, and it has the power to generate gusts up to 200 mph.
What we really like about this model is the heavy duty yet comfortable frame. This backpack leaf blower includes a fully-adjustable load-reducing harness with shoulder straps for minimizing muscle strain and fatigue. Its variable speed adjustment also makes this one easier to control.
Specifications:
- Air velocity: 200 mph
- Airflow: 475 cfm
- Weight: 22 lbs
Pros:
✓ Powerful engine with good speed and airflow
✓ Comfortable load-reducing harness
Cons:
✗ Price
✗ Weight
5. Craftsman B225
Craftsman B225 Leaf Blower
The Craftsman CMXGAAMR27MF minimizes vibration, maximizes blowing power, and it has variable speed control.
If you’re looking for a handheld leaf blower with amazing airflow, the Craftsman B225 is the one for the job. With only a 27 cc engine, this chubby little machine shovels an astonishing 650 cubic feet of air per minute.
With its wider nozzle, you sacrifice a little speed, reaching only 135 mph. However, we find this machine gets plenty of leaves out of the way.
The Craftsman B225 also boasts some noticeable perks. We like the variable speed control. The handle absorbs vibrations to save your arms from fatigue, and the blower is easy to start. For the price, this value is hard to beat.
Specifications:
- Air velocity: 135 mph
- Airflow: 650 cfm
- Weight: 11 lbs
Pros:
✓ Amazing airflow
✓ Affordable
✓ Easy to control
Cons:
✗ Low airspeed
6. Craftsman BV245
Craftsman BV245 27cc Leaf Blower
The Craftsman CMXGAAMR27AV gas leaf blower has a higher price tag, but you get more power and this tool is easy to use.
If you’re looking for a lightweight handheld leaf blower with serious power and price is no object, then the Craftsman BV245 might be the one for you. With a 27 ccm, 2-stroke engine, this model packs 450 cfm and 205 mph into just 10.2 pounds.
This is the lightest blower on our list, yet it has higher than average power, so you’ll be blasting leaves without straining your arm.
This model also offers a variable speed throttle to give you more control and a comfortable handle that reduces vibration. It includes a bag for gathering up leaves or debris and is easy to start. The only thing keeping this model from being higher up on our list is the price tag.
Specifications:
- Air velocity: 205 mph
- Airflow: 450 cfm
- Weight: 10.2 lbs
Pros:
✓ High speed
✓ Strong airflow
✓ Lightweight
Cons:
✗ Price
7. Echo PB-2520
Echo PB-2520 Leaf Blower
The Echo PB-2520 170 leaf blower is a solid all-around choice for its weight, cost, and power.
With its 25.4 cc engine, the Echo PB-2520 is a powerful lightweight handheld leaf blower.
While many of the gas-powered leaf blowers on this list found their way into the top 10 by standing out with one key metric, the Echo PB-2520 is here with a strong balance across each, making it a great all-around gas-powered blower.
The higher cost and modest air velocity are the only reasons this one isn’t higher on the list.
Specifications:
- Air velocity: 170 mph
- Airflow: 453 cfm
- Weight: 10.9 lbs
Pros:
✓ Strong airflow
✓ Lightweight
Cons:
✗ Blowing speed
✗ Price
8. Remington RM125 Brave
Remington RM125 Leaf Blower
Blustery summer storms and falling leaves are no match for the Remington RM125 Brave gas blower.
The Remington RM125 Brave is an all-around balanced gas-powered leaf blower and a good value. This model features a 25 cc, 2-stroke engine. This little engine moves a respectable 400 cubic feet of air a minute and can reach blowing speeds up to 180 mph.
This leaf blower is easy to start and easy to control. The Remington RM125 has a variable speed throttle with cruise control, but what we like most about this model is the price, as it’s one of the most affordable blowers on this list.
While the power doesn’t blow us away, this model is a good buy for its price. The RM125 is also backed by a two-year warranty.
Specifications:
- Air velocity: 180 mph
- Airflow: 400 cfm
- Weight: 11.68 lbs
Pros:
✓ Affordability
✓ Good value for the price
Cons:
✗ Engine power
✗ Heavy
9. Remington RM2BL Ambush
Remington RM2BL Ambush Leaf Blower
The Remington RM2BL Ambush has a powerful 27cc 2-cycle engine designed to move even the most stubborn yard waste.
The Remington RM2BL Ambush is a very powerful leaf mover. The speed and volume of air moving through this machine are more than enough for heavy-duty cleanup.
The high airspeed is ideal for moving small twigs and heavy debris, while the high airflow means you can push around a big leaf pile at once.
What are the drawbacks? This leaf blower is on the heavier side for a handheld, so keep shopping if weight is a concern. It’s also on the higher end of the price range. You’ll only want this if you’re willing to invest a little.
That said, if you’re looking for a powerful handheld, and price and weight are no object, this might be the model for you.
Specifications:
- Air velocity: 205 mph
- Airflow: 450 cfm
- Weight: 12.72 lbs
Pros:
✓ Powerful, strong speed and airflow
Cons:
✗ Expensive
✗ Heavy
Buyers Guide
Electric leaf blower vs. gas-powered leaf blower
Still not sure if you want to go with a gas or electric leaf blower? We’ll break down some of the differences and help you make the right decision.
Portability: Many electric leaf blowers have cords that you will have to drag behind you like when you run a vacuum cleaner. You’ll need a lot of extension cords to cover an enormous yard with a corded blower.
Power: While there are plenty of battery-powered leaf blowers, you might have to sacrifice a little power. A battery-powered engine might not offer the same force of air. All gas-powered blowers are cordless and have advantages of portability and stronger blowing capacity.
Weight: That said, petrol is not without its drawbacks. Gas engine leaf blowers tend to be heavier, so get ready for weight-training during your yard work.
Decibels: Noise levels will vary based on the model, so check the decibels if you have noise restrictions in your neighborhood. Invest in ear protection before firing up a 3.7-horsepower motor.
Fuel: You’ll also need to regularly purchase gas and oil to keep your fuel tank full.
Environment: Burning petroleum releases carbon emissions into the atmosphere and contributes to climate change. If you’re concerned about carbon emissions, you might consider going electric. While there are low emission gas models out there, they still burn gas.
Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons of gas and electric models, you can decide which leaf blower is right for you.
Backpack leaf blower vs. handheld
Gas-powered leaf blowers come in two main designs, handheld and backpack.
The differences between the two may be obvious from the names. One is held in one hand like a small vacuum cleaner, and the other is strapped to your back. Nonetheless, it’s worth running over the pros and cons of each.
Backpack: The main benefit of the backpack blowers will be raw force. You can simply carry a bigger engine on your back than in one hand. If you have a lot of leaves to move, you may want the bigger design. Backpack models typically will have a larger fuel tank, increasing their run time.
Handheld: The main selling point of handheld models is weight. If carrying a 22-pound machine around doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, you’ll definitely want a smaller, handheld model. These are also often less expensive.
Our list compares a variety of both backpack and handheld leaf blowers to help you choose the right tool for your fall cleanup.
Gas leaf blowers: key terms
If you have never bought a gas-powered leaf blower before, this might sound like a lot of gibberish. We’ll break down some of the parameters we used in producing our list of the best leaf blowers on the market and what each term means for you as a buyer.
Air velocity: Anyone who has driven a car is familiar with miles per hour as a measurement of speed. This measurement assesses the approximate velocity at which air leaves the nozzle. Blowing speed is important because this tells you how quickly and forcefully the blower will move leaves and debris out of the way.
Airflow: Probably the most obscure measurement to novice leaf blower consumers will be cubic feet per minute. This measures the volume of air moving through the blower in a minute.
Like blowing speed, cfm is a measurement of power. This predicts the amount of debris and leaves your blower will be able to push out the way at once.
Weight: We all know what weight means, but what it means for each customer will vary depending on need. Heavier leaf blowers may be difficult for people who are older, injured, or have difficulty lifting. You are going to be carrying this thing around after all.
Price: Gas-powered leaf blowers will vary in price. Our top 9 includes blowers that cost both under $100 and over $300. You have to decide what’s in your price range and whether you need to invest in a commercial-grade leaf moving machine.
FAQs About Gas Leaf Blowers
By our measurements, the Poulan Pro PRB26 offers the best combination of power, weight, and price on the market.
This will depend on the type of yard you have. For most small to medium-sized yards, an electric leaf blower will do just fine. However, if you have a large property or a heavy leaf load in autumn, you may want to invest in a little more power.
This will depend on the model you buy and how much use you get out of your leaf blower. You’ll need to keep up with your maintenance including oil changes. As you take good care of your gas-powered leaf blower, it should last up to 10 years.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve discussed the ins and outs of gas-powered leaf blowers, you should be able to make an informed decision about buying your next outdoor power tool. You’ll need to consider how much work you have, what size yard you have, and how much you want to spend.
Once you have a handle on these, you can figure out which model is best for your needs. All of these models are available from major retailers.
If, however, you have decided to leave your fall cleanup to a professional team, we can help with that. But if you want to tackle the job yourself, these picks will get you closer to being ready for that next autumn leaf pile.
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