While most people enjoy the changing colors of the trees in autumn, keeping up with the constant onslaught of fallen leaves can be a headache. Rather than spending your weekends raking huge piles of leaves, using one of the best gas leaf blowers will cut your yard work time significantly, allowing more time to hang out with loved ones or watch the game.
These machines use powerful gusts of air to lift and push leaves across your yard, making cleanup quicker and more enjoyable. This guide describes a host of quality gas leaf blowers in different categories and offers info on important shopping considerations to help you find the best machine for your yard work.
- BEST OVERALL: Echo X Series PB-770T Backpack Gas Leaf Blower
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Poulan Pro PRB26 Gas-Powered Blower
- UPGRADE PICK: Makita MM4 4-Stroke Engine Hip Throttle Blower
- BEST HANDHELD: Husqvarna 125B 28cc 2-Cycle Handheld Gas Leaf Blower
- BEST WALK-BEHIND: Champion 224cc 4-Stroke Walk-Behind Gas Leaf Blower
- BEST BACKPACK: Husqvarna 350BT 50cc Backpack Gas Leaf Blower
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Echo PB-2520 2-Stroke Handheld Gas Leaf Blower
- BEST WITH VACUUM: Echo ES-250ES Shred ‘N’ Vac Professional Leaf Blower
Before You Buy a Gas Leaf Blower
Gas-powered leaf blowers aren’t for everyone. They’re noisy and can be quite heavy; some even require backpack straps to carry them comfortably. And they do use gasoline and oil, which may be a concern for eco-conscious shoppers.
For another option, check into an electric leaf blower. These machines use battery power or extension cords to create the wind power needed to push leaves around. Not only are they quieter and generally lighter, but they also require less maintenance than gas-powered blowers, though they often are less powerful.
How We Chose the Best Gas Leaf Blowers
We aren’t strangers to gas-burning power equipment, and we know that most folks want to be sure they’re choosing a quality leaf blower. For that reason, we called upon all of our experience with gas-powered tools and lawn cleanup to come up with a list of the most important features that the best gas leaf blowers should offer.
Once we knew what features to look for, we performed extensive product research to compile a list of leaf blowers we felt could meet our criteria. We then compared them based on price, power, comfort, and other factors to ensure each product we suggest offers enough value. Those that did were given awards based on their strengths, while those that didn’t measure up were removed from our lineup.
Our Top Picks
Below are descriptions of some of the best gas leaf blowers on the market. Be sure to check out each model and then continue reading to learn more about choosing the best model for your specific yard or needs.
Photo: amazon.com
With its impressive output and comfortable design, the Echo X Series backpack leaf blower is certainly worth a look. This model features a two-stroke engine that is capable of producing air volumes of 756 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and a top speed of 234 miles per hour (mph), making it powerful enough for any size yard. Despite its power, it produces a relatively low 74 decibels and features anti-vibration tech to keep you comfortable.
Other impressive features include a tube-mounted throttle with cruise control for convenience as well as a hip-mounted lever. It also has locking tubes to prevent them from blowing off during operation. A vented back pad, padded backrest, and padded shoulder straps keep you comfortable while wearing the machine, which is somewhat heavy at 24.3 pounds.
Product Specs
- Blower type: Backpack
- Engine type: 2-stroke
- Airflow: 756 CFM and 234 mph
Pros
- Plenty of power for yards of all sizes as well as wet or dry leaves
- Despite power output, it produces just 74 decibels of noise
- Vented back pad, padded backrest, and padded shoulder straps keep users comfortable
- Discharge tubes lock on so they won’t blow off; tube-mounted throttle with speed control
Cons
- It weighs 24.3 pounds, making it a little heavy for some users
Get the Echo PB-770T gas leaf blower at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
Those looking for a simple, streamlined gas leaf blower with plenty of power at a reasonable price will want to check out the Poulan Pro. This leaf blower features a 26-cubic-centimeter (cc) two-stroke engine with power to create 470 CFM and 200 mph of airflow—enough for those small but stubborn leaf piles.
The Poulan Pro comes with variable-speed control and a cruise control setting. Its spring-assisted start helps users get it going quickly without exhausting their backs. It weighs 11 pounds, but the Poulan Pro has a soft-grip handle and offers extra vibration control. At 108 decibels, this blower is very loud, so don’t forget to wear ear protection.
Product Specs
- Blower type: Handheld
- Engine type: 2-stroke
- Airflow: 470 CFM and 200 mph
Pros
- Affordable price point allows DIYers to handle their own leaf piles without a big investment
- Features variable-speed and cruise control settings for convenience
- Soft-grip handle provides comfort while the extra vibration control reduces fatigue
Cons
- It operates at 108 decibels, so it’s very loud
Get the Poulan Pro gas leaf blower at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
The Makita backpack blower boasts a massive 52.5cc four-stroke engine that produces 2.5 horsepower. This engine is capable of producing 516 CFM and 184 mph of airflow. While there may be faster leaf blowers on the market, this one produces admirable airflow while creating just 70 decibels of noise. It has a large 60.9-ounce fuel tank and weighs 19.7 pounds, though the padded shoulder straps help operators carry the weight comfortably.
The Makita backpack blower features a tube-mounted throttle as well as a hip-mounted throttle lever with cruise control, automatic decompression for easy starting, and anti-vibration mounts to reduce vibrations. It comes with swappable nozzles and an adjustable discharge tube.
Product Specs
- Blower type: Backpack
- Engine type: 4-stroke
- Airflow: 516 CFM and 184 mph
Pros
- Padded straps make carrying this model comfortable for longer periods of time
- Runs at a relatively low noise level of 70 decibels
- Features cruise control, automatic decompression for easy starts, and anti-vibration mounts
Cons
- It’s not the fastest backpack blower on the market
Get the Makita gas leaf blower at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
DIY landscapers looking for a reliable, easy-to-use, lightweight leaf blower might consider the 125B from Husqvarna. This compact model is light, weighing just 9.4 pounds. It features a two-stroke engine that produces 470 CFM of airflow at speeds up to 170 mph, making it a good fit for small- to medium-size yards (it’s not powerful enough for large yards).
This model from Husqvarna has some desirable built-in features, including an ergonomic design meant to improve the user’s comfort. It has an air purge system and auto-on button that help make starting easy, as well as an adjustable-length tube and a handle-mounted speed control. It also produces just 70 decibels of noise, which is rare for handheld models.
Product Specs
- Blower type: Handheld
- Engine type: 2-stroke
- Airflow: 470 CFM and 170 mph
Pros
- Lightweight model weighs just 9.4 pounds, making it easy to carry around
- Ergonomic design adds to user comfort during long periods of leaf blowing
- The air purge and auto-on button allow for easy startups; handle-mounted speed control is ideal for adjustments
- Produces just 70 decibels of noise, which is rare from a handheld model
Cons
- It’s underpowered for large yards or heavy leaf loads
Get the Husqvarna 125B gas leaf blower at Amazon or Lowe’s.
Photo: homedepot.com
For large properties with lots of leaves, the Champion Power Equipment walk-behind gas leaf blower might be the way to go. This powerful gas leaf blower features a 224cc four-stroke engine that produces airflow of up to 1,300 CFM at speeds up to 160 mph. This gives the model plenty of power for blowing lots of leaves into neat piles, but it also has a variable-speed throttle control for more delicate cleanup and runs at a noise level of 77 decibels.
This heavy-duty walk-behind leaf blower features two large 12-inch wheels and a smaller front wheel that can swivel or lock into place. It boasts an adjustable-height handle as well as a positionable chute that can direct the leaves forward or to the side. Plus, the chute has a wind vane inside that allows the user to direct the airflow upwards or downward at 15-degree angles. Just make sure to have a storage space picked out for this model, as it is large and weighs 97 pounds.
Product Specs
- Blower type: Walk-behind
- Engine type: 4-stroke
- Airflow: 1,300 CFM and 160 mph
Pros
- Powerful 224cc engine produces up to 1,300 CFM of airflow for tackling lots of leaves
- Positionable chute with built-in wind vane allows users to dial in the angle of the airflow
- Adjustable height handle ensures most users can find a comfortable position
Cons
- It’s large and weighs 97 pounds, so storage can be an issue
Get the Champion gas leaf blower at The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
The Husqvarna 350BT is a pro-level backpack blower that features a 50.2cc two-stroke engine. It weighs 22.5 pounds and pushes 494.41 CFM of air at speeds up to 180 mph. This model features Husqvarna’s fuel-saving and low-emissions X-Torq engine as well as a 42.27-ounce tank, allowing it to carry plenty of fuel for lots of runtime.
The 350BT might be a bit heavy, but its comfortable shoulder pads help spread the load. It has a tube-mounted handle with a variable-speed trigger and cruise control. A separate, detachable handle allows for two-handed use. Its modular discharge tube adjusts to the perfect length. At 71 decibels, the 350BT is reasonably quiet for its size.
Product Specs
- Blower type: Backpack
- Engine type: 2-stroke
- Airflow: 494.41 CFM and 180 mph
Pros
- Fuel-efficient X-Torq engine and 42.27-ounce tank avoid constant refueling
- Padded shoulder straps allow you to spread the weight evenly across your frame
- Features a variable-speed trigger and cruise control for convenience
Cons
- It does weigh 22.5 pounds, so it can be heavy for some folks
Get the Husqvarna 350BT gas leaf blower at Amazon or Lowe’s.
Photo: amazon.com
Those looking for a lighter-weight leaf-blowing option will want to consider the Echo PB-2520. It features a 25.4cc two-stroke engine that produces wind speeds up to 170 mph and volumes up to 453 CFM, while creating only 70 decibels of noise. When empty, it weighs a mere 8.6 pounds.
Light leaf blowers with plenty of power tend to torque the user’s wrist, but the PB-2520 has an “S-Pipe” design that helps reduce the gyroscopic effect for better comfort. It also has a see-through fuel tank (though at 18.6 ounces, it’s quite small), variable cruise control, a shoulder harness, and locking discharge pipes and nozzles for easy custom adjustments.
Product Specs
- Blower type: Handheld
- Engine type: 2-stroke
- Airflow: 453 CFM and 170 mph
Pros
- At just 8.6 pounds, this model’s lightweight design makes it easy to handle
- Despite its small size, it produces 453 CFM and 170 mph
- Produces just 70 decibels of noise, making it relatively quiet
- S-pipe design makes the unit more ergonomic and comfortable to use
Cons
- Small fuel tank might not carry as much fuel as large properties may require
Get the Echo PB-2520 gas leaf blower at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
The Echo ES-250ES Leaf Blower and Vacuum is a handheld blower that changes from blower to vacuum quickly. To do so, just snap a 35-inch intake tube onto the air intake and attach the 2-bushel bag on the air discharge. It also shreds, breaking leaves down in a 12:1 ratio. Its 25.4cc two-stroke engine produces 70 decibels of noise, blowing leaves at a top speed of 182 mph and a maximum volume of 339 CFM (though that may be underpowered for large, heavy leaf layers).
This blower has an electronic ignition for easier starts, variable speeds with cruise control, and a curved discharge tube to minimize torque on the user’s wrist.
Product Specs
- Blower type: Handheld
- Engine type: Two-stroke
- Airflow: 339 CFM and 182 MPH
Pros
- Easily converts from a leaf blower to a leaf vacuum with the attachment of an intake tube and bag
- Produces just 70 decibels of noise, keeping noise to a community-friendly level
- Features an electronic ignition, variable speeds, and cruise control
Cons
- Might be underpowered for homes with larger yards
Get the Echo ES-250ES gas leaf blower at Amazon or The Home Depot.
What to Consider When Choosing a Gas Leaf Blower
Before shopping for the best leaf blower, become familiar with the key features of these machines. Study up with the info below and keep it in mind when perusing the best gas leaf blowers.
Types of Gas Leaf Blowers
Gas leaf blowers come in a few shapes and sizes. Knowing the various types of leaf blowers will help you to understand the differences and learn how to choose the best gas leaf blower for your war on leaves. Each model has both benefits and drawbacks.
Handheld
Handheld leaf blowers are the simplest and most widely recognized gas-powered blowers. The user carries the blower by its handle, which makes it highly portable and versatile. They’re ideal for small- to medium-size yards.
However, since most handheld gas leaf blowers weigh more than 10 pounds, using a handheld blower for a full day of fall cleanup is a tiresome job. Handheld blowers might not be the best choice for those with large yards.
Backpack
For power and convenience, it’s hard to beat a backpack blower. As the name suggests, these blowers have shoulder straps that allow users to wear the heavy blower on their backs. The weight of the blower is distributed across the entire body.
Backpack blowers are powerful, but they’re heavy and unnecessary for smaller yards. They’re also usually louder than handheld models, so extra ear protection may be necessary.
Walk-Behind
Those with larger yards might want to check into a walk-behind leaf blower, which is essentially a powerful engine on wheels. Simply push it across the lawn.
One of the downsides to a walk-behind blower, however, is that it will consume more storage space. Directing the airflow can also be difficult and take some getting used to in order to avoid blowing piles of leaves around the yard.
Yard Size
Yard size has a big impact on choosing a gas leaf blower. Most people want a blower that can get the job done in a reasonable amount of time without tiring them out. They don’t want to purchase something too small or too large for the job.
Those with smaller yards can get away with a smaller handheld leaf blower. If it’s a bigger property, consider a backpack blower to help carry the weight. The shoulder pads distribute the weight over the body’s core, allowing you to work relatively effortlessly. For extremely large yards, a walk-behind model might be the best option.
CFM and MPH
Two statistics, cubic feet per minute and miles per hour ratings, are listed on the side of every leaf blower box and in every product description. These numbers are more important than horsepower or cubic centimeters because they represent the efficacy of the blower.
CFM represents volume, i.e., how much air the blower discharges from its nozzle. Volume is important because it essentially determines how many leaves will move with a gust of wind from the blower.
Mph is the speed at which the CFMs leave the nozzle. This number is equally important: It determines how quickly users can move a pile of leaves and how far they’ll go.
2 Cycle vs. 4 Cycle
The two different styles of small engines on a leaf blower (and other power equipment) are the two-cycle (or two-stroke) engine or the four-cycle engine. Each type has different qualities, works a bit differently, and requires a different fuel source.
A two-stroke engine doesn’t have an oiling mechanism, so oil must be mixed in with the fuel. These mixtures must be relatively exact. Two-stroke engines are powerful and extremely durable, but they’re also loud and dirty.
A four-stroke engine has an oiler, which requires far less effort. You can simply top off the fuel and oil separately without worrying about mixing it. A four-stroke engine is more efficient, but it’s a bit less powerful.
Fuel-Tank Capacity
Stopping every 30 minutes to top off a fuel tank slows down the job. A backpack blower needs plenty of fuel storage: Taking a blower on and off your back all day is exhausting. A tank that holds 40 ounces or more is ideal. A 15-ounce reservoir is considered a minimum capacity.
Speed Control
Some blowers have a speed control or “cruise” feature that allows you to lock the throttle in position to create a constant airflow. These features can be a big help over the course of a long day. A leaf blower doesn’t have to run at full throttle all the time. When moving dry leaves across the lawn, cutting the throttle back a bit helps you control the movement of the leaves and conserve gasoline. Moreover, holding down the trigger all day can cause hand cramps.
Usability
Fall cleanup is rarely on anyone’s favorite chore list, so the leaf blower also should be user-friendly. For instance, some models are lighter than others (less than 9 pounds). Sling straps make carrying a lightweight handheld model even easier. Also, comfortable grips and handles make sweeping the blower’s nozzle across the front of a leaf pile easier and less awkward.
Features and Accessories
Some of the best gas leaf blowers have additional features and accessories that attach to the blower to add functionality. One popular accessory, a vacuum bag attachment, collects leaves for easy bagging—some models even turn leaves into mulch. Other models have a modular discharge nozzle to adjust the length and concentration of the airflow. Detachable shoulder straps, attachments for cleaning gutters, and other convenience-oriented accessories are also available.
Noise Level
A gas leaf blower is louder than an electric blower. While they have mufflers, internal combustion engines make a lot of noise (often around 100 decibels), and the volume of air pushing through the machine hums quite loudly.
Look for a model with a lower decibel level in the 60 to 70 range. These gas leaf blowers usually have a four-stroke engine, which is naturally quieter than a two-stroke engine.
Gas Leaf Blower Bans
In many small communities and developments, gas blowers are unpopular, largely because they are very loud, disturbing the peace in quiet neighborhoods. Gas leaf blowers are also fairly dirty, producing carbon emissions that are damaging to the environment. For these reasons, many small communities want DIY lawn-care experts to switch over to battery- or electric-powered leaf blowers. Electric- and battery-powered leaf blowers are considered to be more eco-friendly, causing some local legislation to outlaw the sale and use of small gas-powered engines.
Tips for Using a Gas Leaf Blower
- When using a gas leaf blower, hearing protection is essential. While muff-style ear protection is adequate, consider doubling up with a set of earplugs underneath the muffs to get the maximum amount of hearing protection.
- When blowing leaves across a particularly dry patch of dirt, eye protection is a welcome safety feature.
- Heavy, wet leaves stick together, making them very difficult to move. Wait for the sun to dry the leaves before blowing them.
- While it’s often better to wait for a wind-free day, a steady wind blowing in the desired direction can speed up the process. When blowing into wind, you’ll want to wait for the leaves to dry and double up on hearing protection.
FAQs
Keep reading to find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about gas leaf blowers. Reach out to the leaf blower’s manufacturer and speak with a customer service representative with additional questions.
Q. What should I look for when buying a leaf blower?
Look for a balance of airflow, weight, and usability. A handheld blower that produces 140 mph or more and weighs less than 11 pounds is the sweet spot.
Q. What’s the best CFM for a leaf blower?
CFM depends on the size of the yard, the weight you’re comfortable carrying, and your budget. However, a blower with less than 300 CFM frustrates most users, so use that figure as the benchmark when shopping.
Q. Do leaf blowers take regular gas?
Yes and no. Four-stroke engines take regular gas that you don’t need to mix with oil, but many prefer 89 octane. Two-stroke engines use regular gas mixed with two-stroke oil.
Q. How do you use a leaf blower effectively?
Plan where you want the leaves to land. Spread out a tarp and hold the corners down with stones. Holding the blower at the side, tilt the nozzle at a slight angle toward the ground in front of you. Sweep back and forth until all the leaves are on the tarp.
Q. How long do gas leaf blowers last?
If the leaf blower is maintained, it can last up to 10 years. This means changing the oil, cleaning the air filter, and winterizing it at the start of cold weather on a regular basis.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
