How to choose a leaf blower

What size is your property? How big are your trees?

Before you start looking at all the options that are available, you should consider the size of your property and your trees. 

For larger properties that accumulate a significant amount of leaves and debris, you would need to look at our most powerful options to complete the job. Some smaller properties with mature trees that have thicker leaves may also need a powerful blower. However, smaller yards that can be reached with an extension cord or that have smaller trees can us a lower voltage electric or cordless blower. Keeping your property in mind will help you when making your final choice for your new blower. 

Gas Leaf Blowers

Gas leaf blowers are the most versatile and powerful option for blowing and vacuuming leaves and debris. They are ideal for larger jobs, with no ties to an electrical cord. They are usually heavier than cordless blowers, but can be easier to handle because your back and shoulders will support the weight of the machine.

Electric Leaf Blowers

Electric leaf blowers are usually handheld and offer the convenience of push-button starting. They operate without any exhaust emissions and don't require the maintenance of fuel-mixing, which is required in gas leaf blowers. These models require an extension cord and access to an outlet to operate. 

Cordless Leaf Blowers

These lightweight leaf blowers offer the mobility of gas models, but they are much quieter. The maximum power of cordless leaf blowers is, in some cases, less than that of gas or electric. Some models also offer interchangeable batteries.

Features:

• Push-Button Start: No pull-cords - Just push the button to get started. 

• No Gas & Oil Mixtures: Don't worry about complicated (and messy) fuel and oil mixtures - Simply charge and it's ready to use. 

• 70% Less Vibration: Avoid the heavy vibrations that come from gas-powered equipment. Substantially low vibration makes completing your task easier and less strenuous. 

• 50% Less Noise: Perform your yard work without the loud noise that comes from a gas-powered engine. Your neighbours (and ears) will thank you. 

• Interchangeable Batteries: The interchangeable Lithium Ion battery works with all other same brand products. 

• Virtually No Maintenance: Unlike gas-powered yard equipment, which requires regular maintenance and tune-ups, Greenworks Brushless simply needs to be charged. 

Aero Force Technology™ Leaf Blowers

Models that use the innovative new Aero Force Technology™ are exclusive to Canadian Tire and offer the best of all worlds — a blower with high capacity of air flow to move leaves and a vacuum. The unique design significantly augments air flow out of the tube enabling users to clean their yards faster. The vacuum mode allows users to vacuum and mulch leaves into a bag for easy disposal.

Brushless

Brushless is a motor technology that is available on select cordless models. Since brushless motors don’t have wearable brushes, these motors result in less friction, which equals less heat and higher efficiency. In some models it can offer performance on par with gas-powered machines. 

Vacuum & Mulching

In addition to blowing, many models let you vacuum and mulch. When looking at these models, check the bagging capacity to see how frequently you will need to change bags. 

Mulch Ratio

Mulching will reduce debris volume as it is vacuumed. The mulch reduction ratio will give you a good idea of how many fewer bags you'll need to dispose of your leaf litter. 

Variable Speed Motor

This will give you flexibility and control while blowing or vacuuming. Use the low setting for better control on hard surfaces, tight corners and landscaped areas to avoid blowing away garden mulch. 

Air Speed

Air speed is measured in MPH (miles per hour), and determines how fast the air is moving out of your blower, ranging from 100 to 250 MPH. 

Air Volume

Air volume is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). It determines the amount of air pushed out by the blower, and may be measured with or without the blowing tube. The higher the CFM, the more powerful the machine and the greater the ability to move leaves. 

Decibels

Measures noise level. The lower the number, the quieter the blower. 

Protective Clothing

Whenever you are using a leaf blower, it’s important to wear protective clothing. Even on hot summer days, it’s advised that you wear long pants, boots, earplugs and a good pair of safety glasses or goggles. 

Work Alone

Bystanders should be at least 50 feet away from you if you are operating your leaf blower. 

Steer Clear of Rain

If it is raining outside, or the ground is wet, don’t operate your leaf blower. Not only is it heavier to blow away wet leaves and dirt, causing more work for you, but wet ground increases your chance of slipping and falling.