Best Walk Behind Leaf Blower
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Leaf blowers simplify yard work by quickly clearing leaves, grass clippings, and debris from lawns and driveways. Walk-behind leaf blowers are especially powerful, making them ideal for large areas and tough jobs. Unlike handheld models, these blowers have wheels and are pushed like a lawn mower, reducing fatigue during extended use. They are perfect for big yards or commercial tasks. When selecting a walk-behind leaf blower, key factors to consider include airflow and speed for effective debris clearing, machine size and maneuverability, as well as engine power and fuel type. We tested eight top-rated models to identify the best options for various needs and budgets.
Landworks Walk-Behind Blower
We don’t recommend this blower due to reliability concerns and mixed user experiences.
We don’t recommend this blower due to reliability concerns and mixed user experiences.
We tested the Landworks Walk-Behind Blower and found it has some strengths but also significant drawbacks. The 7HP engine packs a punch, easily blowing leaves and debris. We liked the solid metal build and rugged wheels that handled different terrains well.
Assembly was quick and straightforward. The blower started up on the first pull and moved a good amount of air. It worked best on hard surfaces like driveways and patios. On grass and uneven ground, it was trickier to maneuver.
Sadly, we ran into problems after extended use. The impeller made worrying noises and eventually failed completely. This seems to be a common issue based on other users’ reports. The extremely loud operation also became tiring after a while. We were disappointed to find it’s not actually self-propelled as claimed, making it hard to push around for long periods.
SuperHandy Walk-Behind Blower
We think this blower is a solid choice for those with large yards, but it has some drawbacks to consider.
We think this blower is a solid choice for those with large yards, but it has some drawbacks to consider.
We tested the SuperHandy Walk-Behind Leaf Blower on a few big lawns. Its 7HP engine packs a punch, easily moving piles of wet leaves. We liked the adjustable blowing angle, which let us target debris in tight spots.
The steel body feels sturdy. It should last many seasons with proper care. But this durability comes at a cost – it’s heavy. We found it tiring to push around after a while, especially on hilly yards.
It’s pretty noisy, so ear protection is a must. The controls are easy to reach while walking, which is nice. Fuel capacity is small, so we had to refill often on big jobs. While it works well, some users report issues. We’d suggest checking the warranty before buying.
Champion 212cc Walk-Behind Blower
We think this Champion blower is a solid choice for homeowners with large yards or tough clearing jobs.
We think this Champion blower is a solid choice for homeowners with large yards or tough clearing jobs.
We tested the Champion 212cc walk-behind leaf blower on various yard debris. Its 1200 CFM air volume made quick work of dry leaves and light twigs. The adjustable throttle let us dial back the power for more delicate areas around flower beds.
The large 12-inch rear wheels rolled smoothly over uneven ground. We liked the front wheel’s ability to swivel or lock straight. This made it easy to push in a straight line or pivot around obstacles. The handle height adjusted to fit different users, which helped reduce fatigue during longer jobs.
We found the 3-position wind vane useful for targeting debris. The option to direct air flow forward instead of to the side was handy for creating neat piles. While this blower is on the heavy side, its power and features make it a good fit for larger properties or commercial use. For small yards, a smaller handheld or backpack blower might be a better choice.
YARDMAX Gas Blower
We can’t recommend this blower due to its underwhelming performance and quality issues.
We can’t recommend this blower due to its underwhelming performance and quality issues.
We tried out the YARDMAX Gas Walk-Behind Blower, and it left us wanting more. The 209cc engine sounds impressive on paper, but it doesn’t translate to real-world performance. We found the 150 mph wind speed and 1200 cfm air volume lacking compared to other blowers we’ve used.
The adjustable airflow direction is a nice touch. We liked being able to change the angle up or down. The large wheels made it easy to move around our yard. But these positives couldn’t make up for the blower’s shortcomings.
Build quality was a big letdown. The throttle control felt cheap and didn’t work well. We worried it might break after just a few uses. The overall construction didn’t inspire confidence in its durability. For a gas-powered tool, we expected better. We can’t justify spending money on a product that might not last.
Husqvarna 150BT Backpack Blower
We think the Husqvarna 150BT is a top choice for homeowners with large yards due to its strong performance and comfortable design.
We think the Husqvarna 150BT is a top choice for homeowners with large yards due to its strong performance and comfortable design.
We tested the Husqvarna 150BT in our yard, and it blew us away. The 51cc engine packs a punch, easily clearing wet leaves and stubborn debris. We liked how it made quick work of our fall cleanup tasks.
The backpack design felt good on our shoulders. The padded straps and hip belt spread out the weight nicely. We could use it for over an hour without getting tired. The controls are simple to use while wearing it too.
Starting the 150BT was a breeze. It fired up within a few pulls each time. The air purge system seemed to help with this. We also liked the cruise control feature for clearing large areas. It let us set the speed and focus on aiming the nozzle.
This blower isn’t perfect though. At 22 pounds, it’s on the heavy side. The noise level is also quite high, so ear protection is a must. It’s also more expensive than basic handheld blowers. But for big jobs, we think the extra power and comfort are worth it.
Poulan Pro Backpack Blower
We think the Poulan Pro PR48BT is a solid choice for homeowners seeking a powerful and comfortable backpack leaf blower at a reasonable price.
We think the Poulan Pro PR48BT is a solid choice for homeowners seeking a powerful and comfortable backpack leaf blower at a reasonable price.
When we tested the Poulan Pro PR48BT, we were impressed by its raw power. The 48cc engine packs a punch, easily clearing wet leaves and stubborn yard debris. At 475 CFM and up to 200 MPH air speed, it handled most tasks we threw at it without breaking a sweat.
The backpack design felt comfortable during extended use. We liked the padded straps and harness, which spread the weight evenly across our shoulders and back. This made it much less tiring to use compared to handheld blowers, even during longer cleanup sessions.
We found the controls easy to use, with the cruise control and variable speed options allowing us to adjust the airflow for different jobs. For light debris, we could dial it back to save fuel. When faced with tougher messes, cranking it up to full power got the job done quickly.
Starting the blower took some effort at times. We had to pull the cord several times before it fired up, which might be frustrating for some users. Once running, though, it performed consistently well throughout our testing.
For the price, we think this Poulan Pro offers great value. It may not have all the bells and whistles of pricier models, but it delivers where it counts – moving leaves and debris efficiently. If you have a larger yard and need a step up from a handheld blower, this could be a good fit.
SuperHandy Walk-Behind Blower
We think this leaf blower is a solid choice for homeowners with large yards who need serious clearing power.
We think this leaf blower is a solid choice for homeowners with large yards who need serious clearing power.
We took this SuperHandy blower for a spin around a leaf-covered yard. Its 7HP engine packs a punch, easily moving wet leaves and small twigs. The 150 MPH wind speed made quick work of our fall cleanup.
The steel frame feels sturdy and built to last. We liked how the front wheel swivels, making it easy to turn corners and navigate around obstacles. The big rear wheels rolled smoothly over uneven ground.
One great feature is the adjustable airflow. We could point the nozzle where we needed it without moving the whole machine. The handle controls are handy too – no bending down to change settings.
It’s not all perfect, though. This blower is heavy, so pushing it uphill can be a workout. It’s also pretty loud, so ear protection is a must. And since it runs on gas, you’ll need to keep fuel on hand and do some engine upkeep.
For big properties with lots of trees, this SuperHandy blower could be a real time-saver. But if you’ve got a small yard, it might be more machine than you need.
Schröder Backpack Blower
We think the Schröder SR-6400L is a top-notch leaf blower that offers great value for its power and reliability.
We think the Schröder SR-6400L is a top-notch leaf blower that offers great value for its power and reliability.
The Schröder SR-6400L impresses us with its robust 3.7 HP engine. We found it tackles wet leaves and debris with ease. Its 920 CFM airflow and 230 MPH air speed make quick work of even stubborn piles.
We like how easy it is to get this blower going. It usually starts within 3-4 pulls, even right out of the box. The backpack design spreads the weight nicely, making it comfy for longer jobs. At 19.5 pounds, it’s not too heavy for a gas-powered unit.
The 5-year warranty gives us peace of mind. We’ve used it for several seasons now, and it’s still going strong. It’s great for large properties with lots of trees. While it might be too much for tiny yards, we think it’s perfect for medium to large areas.
Brave Walk-Behind Blower
We recommend the Brave Walk-Behind Blower for its efficient leaf cleanup and user-friendly design.
We recommend the Brave Walk-Behind Blower for its efficient leaf cleanup and user-friendly design.
We recently tried out the Brave Walk-Behind Blower, and it’s a game-changer for yard work. This machine packs a punch with its 17-inch aluminum impeller. We found it blasts through piles of leaves and debris with ease, cutting our cleanup time in half compared to handheld blowers.
The rubber-mounted handles are a nice touch. They cut down on vibrations, making it more comfortable to use for longer periods. We like how we can adjust and reverse the handles too. It’s great for finding the perfect height and switching between left and right-handed use.
One feature we really appreciate is the foot-activated front discharge. It lets us direct air forward without stopping or bending down. The flat-free tires are another plus. We didn’t have to worry about punctures while working on rough terrain.
Built tough with 12-gauge steel, this blower feels like it’ll last for years. The powder coat finish adds extra protection against rust and wear. For transport, the tie-down brackets come in handy. They keep the blower secure in a truck bed or trailer.
While it’s not as portable as a backpack blower, we think the tradeoff in power is worth it for larger properties. It’s a bit noisy, but that’s expected with this much blowing force. The price might be steep for some, but for those with big yards or commercial needs, it’s a solid investment.
BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Leaf Blower
We think this versatile 3-in-1 tool is a solid choice for homeowners looking to simplify their yard cleanup routine.
We think this versatile 3-in-1 tool is a solid choice for homeowners looking to simplify their yard cleanup routine.
We tried out the BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Leaf Blower in our yard, and it made quick work of fallen leaves. The 250 mph airspeed packed a punch, easily moving wet leaves and small twigs. We liked how it switched from blowing to vacuuming with a few simple steps.
The backpack design was a nice touch. It let us work for longer without arm fatigue. The big bag held a lot of mulched leaves, which meant fewer stops to empty it. When it was time to dump the debris, the wide opening made it a breeze.
One thing to note is the cord. While it gives non-stop power, we had to plan our cleaning path to avoid tangling. The machine felt a bit heavy after an hour of use, but not enough to be a deal-breaker. All in all, we found it to be a useful tool for keeping our yard tidy.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a walk-behind leaf blower, we recommend focusing on a few key factors:
Power
Look for models with high cubic feet per minute (CFM) and miles per hour (MPH) ratings. Higher numbers mean more air volume and speed for moving leaves.
Engine Type
Gas engines offer more power but require more maintenance. Electric models are quieter and easier to start but may have less power.
Weight
Consider how much you can comfortably push around your yard. Lighter models are easier to maneuver but may sacrifice some power.
Noise Level
Check the decibel rating, especially if you live in a neighborhood with noise restrictions. Electric blowers tend to be quieter.
Wheels
Larger wheels make it easier to roll over uneven terrain. Look for sturdy construction and good traction.
Controls
We prefer models with easy-to-reach controls for speed adjustments and directional changes.
Additional Features
Some helpful extras include:
- Adjustable nozzles
- Debris reducers
- Leaf collection bags
Price
Set a budget, but remember that higher-quality blowers often last longer and perform better.
By weighing these factors, we can find a walk-behind leaf blower that meets our specific needs and yard conditions.