With summer reaching its closing stages and autumn lurking around the corner, the annual ritual of cleaning and tidying up your garden is about to begin. As much as the stunning golden hues and cool weather may be enticing, the work that comes with it can often be quite daunting and draining.
Of course, if you’re one of those people who likes to have an organised garden without having to break a sweat then you’ll need a reliable electric leaf blower to help you get those stray leaves out of your way quickly and easily. Not only does it save you time, but it also makes sure that you maintain a neat and tidy garden all year round.
What Should You Look for in an Electric Leaf Blower?
source: cnet.com
With the latest technological advances for easier gardening, many of us are spoilt for choice in terms of electric leaf blowers. Some are lightweight and easy to use, while others are jam-packed with features for enhanced performance. But even in the face of such variety, there are still a few key decision points that can guide you in the right direction.
Power Output
Naturally, the greater the power output, the more powerful your electric leaf blower will be and the more efficient results you’ll get. This doesn’t mean you should always choose the product with the highest power output though. Consider your needs and determine whether you want something that can handle heavy-duty tasks or a more lightweight option.
Most households will be just fine with a product that has an output of around 5-6 amps, although more powerful blowers are available. They’re capable of clearing leaves and debris without any difficulties, so if this is what you’re looking for then you can rest easy.
Size and Weight
source: news.com.au
No one wants to lug around a bulky and heavy device just to get rid of some leaves, so keep an eye out for electric leaf blowers that are lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. Most products on the market today have specialised designs that put an emphasis on ergonomics and manoeuvrability.
A smaller device doesn’t always mean less power though, as many of these products are still capable of delivering impressive results. Plus, they’re much easier to store during the winter months when you don’t need to use them.
Ergonomics
The way a certain model fits in your hand can make a big difference when it comes to comfort and usability. Look for electric blowers that have adjustable shoulder straps, ergonomically shaped handles, and rubberised grips. This will reduce fatigue and make the job much more pleasant.
If you can’t find one that fits your hand perfectly, then you can always invest in a pair of work gloves to help cushion your hands and reduce strain. This will make it much easier to control the device, which can translate into more efficient results.
Noise Level
Ever felt embarrassed for disrupting your neighbours’ peace and quiet in their garden with the loud noises coming from your gardening activities? Sure, we’ve all been there – we have no choice but to accept it. But with an electric blower you can actually minimise the disturbance and keep things civilised.
Most of these devices are designed to be as quiet as possible while still providing great performance. If you’re not sure what noise level you should go for, then aim for something that produces between 65-85 decibels. This will ensure that you’re not disturbing anyone while getting the job done.
Battery Life
source: cityestategardener.com
While some devices require a wired connection, most models are powered by batteries. This is great because it allows you to move around freely without having to worry about the cord. But it also means that you need to pay attention to the battery life of your device.
Look for an electric leaf blower with high-capacity batteries that can last for a large portion of your gardening session. This will ensure that you don’t have to worry about recharging in the middle of the job and that you can get the most out of your device.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
If you’re a beginner, then you probably want to choose a model that has straightforward controls and simple maintenance procedures. Not only will this make the job much more manageable, but it will also prevent you from making costly mistakes or damages to the device.
Check out reviews and ask your local gardening store for advice to make sure that the air blower you choose is easy to use and maintain. You can follow up with a qualified technician if needed, but make sure that you can handle the device without too much trouble.
Warranty and Service
You should always check to see what kind of warranty and service options are available for the model you’re considering. In a world where there’s no such thing as a perfect product, you want to make sure that your device is covered and that there’s someone who can help you if anything goes wrong.
Additional Features
Depending on your needs and budget, you may want to consider blowers with additional accessories such as variable speed settings, detachable nozzles, and backpack straps. While not entirely necessary, they can prove useful if you have a more specific task in mind.
