Would you rather put in more hours doing yardwork or spend some cash on powerful tools to do the job quickly? If you're willing to invest, nothing can speed outdoor jobs more than a backpack leaf blower—the gardener's answer to the jet pack. We gathered five homeowner models, ranging from 45.4 to 50.8 cc, and gave them a workout blowing wet and dry leaves, sticks, pine cones and seedpods. We also evaluated two new pro models that represent the industry's future—one is a four-cycle and the other a two-stroke hybrid. During a second phase, we tested how homeowners used this gear by working alongside volunteers clearing leaves at a church. Here's what we found.Clearing the AirThe future is clear for two-stroke power equipment. It either becomes cleaner or it disappears. That's especially true for the varieties that pros operate for hours a day. We tested two low-pollution models, both of them commercial-duty. The Stihl is a hybrid that uses a four-cycle engine but two-stroke fuel. The Makita is a true four-cycle machine.

Do you give up performance when you go with cleaner equipment? These machines move an awesome amount of air—and leaves. Although it's difficult to quantify, I'd say they'd allow you to cover about a third more ground than you would with the residential equipment mentioned here, and they can move material that's soaked, packed or lightly frozen. After a thorough workout, we'd have to say that these machines fought to a draw—each has advantages.Desirable Features• Large top carrying handle• Highly accessible fuel spout• Translucent gas tank• Ledge large enough to place your foot on when starting handle with throttle Sears to Sell the Iconic Craftsman Brand After 90 Years Milwaukee's New Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Packs a Punch Without the Pesky Hose We Test the Best Hacksaws The Best Entry-Level Planers You Can Buy The 16 Best Rolling Toolboxes Should I Use Brass or Steel Plumb Bobs? 12 Quick and Easy Gifts for Dad How to Start a Snowblower

Is There a Badass Wrench-Sword Secretly Hiding Out In Your Garage? How to Choose the Best Snow Blower to Dig You out of the Next BlizzardCam gear ass''yGenuine OEM Part - Manufacturer #125552-1Out of StockClick for Expected Ship Date ›USA Dolmar Dealer Search Effective October 1st, 2015 Makita Canada assumed responsibility of Dolmar Products in Canada.For Canadian dealer information please visit Makita Canada IncFind your nearest USA Dolmar Dealertapachula backpack black Show only full service dealers.gregory backpack z35Show all reviewsAwesome blower when it ran.kay yow backpackRepairs Needed, 3rd Attempt in processMonster BlowerMagicHappy in OregonA Must Buy!!!Nice 4 strokeA little pricey, but appears to be a very good machine.

This is What I Call a BlowerTop Notch←Previous...Get fast answers from reviewers See all 53 answered questions Customers also viewed these itemsHusqvarna 965877502 350BT 1.6 kW 50.2 cc 7500 rpm 180 MPH Backpack Leaf Blower with 2.1...634Husqvarna 150BT 50.2cc 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower181Makita EB7650TH 75.6 cc MM4 Backpack Blower6Ryobi RY08420 42cc Gas Powered 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower 185 mph35Need customer service? All Leaf blowers Ratings Makita BHX2500CA leaf blower This Makita 24.5-cc, handheld leaf blower is gasoline-powered, weighs 9.8 lbs., and lacks vacuum capability. It comes with a 5-year warranty. Ratings, Reviews, Reliability & Compare are for Subscribers Only Sweeping: Loosening: Vacuuming: Handling and ease of use: Noise at ear: Noise at 50 feet: Why use Consumer Reports Price & Shop? Unbiased: Retailers cannot influence placement. Ad-free: As an integrated part of Consumer Reports, you shop in a completely ad-free environment.

New products only: You will never find used or refurbished products for sale. Consumer Reports is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to helping consumers. We do not accept advertising.Top 10 Gas Backpack Leaf Blowers imageInstead of sweeping the leaves off a parking lot, driveway, or patio, blow them away with a leaf blower. Although handheld models work well, backpack styles are easier to maneuver and more comfortable...Read More about Top 10 Gas Backpack Leaf BlowersBackpack blower manufacturers have been directing a lot of attention toward design elements that promise higher power and improved comfort. An important comfort feature is the location of the throttle control. For instance, Dolmar says its PB-7601.4 has an adjustable and ergonomically designed joystick handle with throttle control mounted to the blower tube. Comfort is also taken into consideration with the straps and backrests of most models. For example, the RedMax EBZ8500RH features a Max Cooled back pad that uses air sucked by the fan housing to keep operators cooler and more comfortable.

Stihl’s BR 600 Pro has an adjustable support harness that distributes weight evenly across the shoulders and back to reduce user fatigue. For getting intense debris cleanup jobs done faster and more efficiently, higher air speed (mph) and air volume (cfm) come into play. Echo's PB-770T puts some mustard on it at 234 mph and 756 cfm. The RedMax EBZ8500RH measures in at 206 mph, but also a whopping 908 cfm. Manufacturers must then pay careful attention to a given blower's noise level—to protect the operator’s hearing and to sometimes abide by local noise ordinances. Most manufacturers have made great strides in this regard. Then, additional innovations further lend to this effort, such as Shindaiwa’s EB802RT lower-noise "hush mode". Check out the following backpack blowers for 2015 in our Online Product Guide. Dolmar PB-7601.4 with adjustable and ergonomically designed joystick RedMax EBZ8500RH with Max Cooled back pad keeps users cool Echo PB-770T with dual-stage air filtration for longer engine life