By
Matt
August 31, 2022Upgraded Gear is supported by its readers. We may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you when buying using a link on our site.
A commercial backpack leaf blower is a powerful tool that can save you hours of work. It's an excellent choice for a variety of tasks, including cleaning dry leaves in the fall and blowing snow in the winter. It's also one of the best tools for drying your car or truck!
To create this article, we spent hours researching product data and user reviews for different commercial backpack leaf blowers. After reviewing the data, we've compiled a list of our top picks.
Tip: If you need help, then we recommend skipping ahead to our buying guide which lists important things to consider when purchasing a commercial backpack leaf blower.
| Husqvarna 570BTS Leaf Blower |  | Best 2-Cycle Blower | Air Speed: 236 mph blower speed | Air Volume: 768 cfm airflow | Noise Level: 104 dB(A) sound level | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Makita EB7660TH Leaf Blower |  | Best 4-Cycle Blower | Air Speed: 206 mph blower speed | Air Volume: 706 cfm airflow | Noise Level: 76 dB(A) sound level | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Husqvarna 350BT Backpack Blower |  | Excellent Value | Air Speed: 180 mph blower speed | Air Volume: 494 cfm airflow | Noise Level: 104 dB(A) sound level | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Husqvarna 580BTS Commercial Blower |  | Pro Choice | Air Speed: 206 mph blower speed | Air Volume: 908 cfm airflow | Noise Level: 112 dB(A) sound level | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Makita EB5300TH Backpack Leaf Blower |  | Low Noise and Weight | Air Speed: 184 mph blower speed | Air Volume: 516 cfm airflow | Noise Level: 70 dB(A) sound level | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Echo PB-770T Backpack Blower |  | High Air Speed | Air Speed: 234 mph blower speed | Air Volume: 756 cfm airflow | Noise Level: 74 dB(A) sound level | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
The Husqvarna 570BTS is an excellent commercial backpack leaf blower. It has a 2-stroke engine with a displacement of 65.6 cc and a maximum air speed of 236 MPH, which is faster than the 580BTS. Maximum airflow is slightly lower at 768 CFM, but still higher than some other commercial leaf blowers. The fuel tank is large enough and holds 74.4 fluid ounces.
This blower has many of the same features as its bigger brother, the 580BTS, such as an X-Torq® engine, comfort grip, commercial air filter, ergonomic harness, low-vibration technology and cruise control. However, it does not have an air injection system to pre-clean the air filter. In our opinion, however, this is hardly a deal breaker.
The Makita EB7660TH is an excellent four-cycle commercial backpack leaf blower for the money. Its engine has a displacement of 75.6 cc, and the blower has a maximum speed of 206 MPH and a maximum air volume of 706 CFM.
Since the blower has a four-stroke engine, it is not as loud as competing two-stroke blowers, with a maximum noise level of 76 db (A). The fuel tank is an average size and holds 64 fluid ounces. However, because the engine is more efficient, it uses less fuel. Other features include automatic engine decompression for easy starting, an ergonomic ventilated carrying strap, tool-free handle adjustment and anti-vibration.
The Husqvarna 350BT backpack blower is one of the best for small to medium-sized properties.
It is part of Husqvarna's commercial line, but is priced lower than the more powerful models. The blower produces a maximum air volume of 494 cubic feet per minute and a maximum air speed of 180 miles per hour. The fuel tank holds 42.27 fluid ounces.
When compared to other commercial blowers, the 350BT's specifications are not particularly impressive. They do, however, demolish the specifications of a large number of non-commercial models. Additionally, you receive a number of commercial features typically associated with higher-end units, such as an adjustable harness, low vibration technology, ergonomics, and cruise control. The price is also very appealing. The 350BT and 350BF are distinguished primarily by the fact that the "BF" version features a frame-mounted throttle while the "BT" version features a tube-mounted throttle.
Who is the ideal customer for the 350BT? It's an excellent blower, in our opinion, for the average homeowner who has a serious leaf problem and is looking for a low-cost solution. Additionally, it is an excellent choice for a one- or two-person commercial landscaping crew.
The Husqvarna 580BTS is our professional pick for one of the best commercial leaf blowers on the market. It has a 2-stroke engine with a displacement of 75.6 cc, a top air speed of 206 MPH, and a maximum air volume of 908 CFM. The fuel tank, which holds 87.9 fluid ounces, is also one of the largest we've seen on a commercial blower.
Air injection for longer filter life, Husqvarna's powerful X-Torq engine, a ventilated harness, and low vibration technology are among the other features. Overall, we believe the Husqvarna 580BTS is an excellent choice.
We found the Makita EB5300TH to be one of the lightest and quietest commercial leaf blowers. It weighs 19.7 pounds and produces 70db(A) of noise, thanks in part to its four-stroke engine. In terms of performance, the EB5300TH has a maximum air speed of 184 MPH and a maximum air volume of 516 CFM. These figures are comparable to those of the Husqvarna 350BT. The EB5300TH, on the other hand, has a significantly larger fuel tank, which may compensate for the difference.
Mechanical automatic engine decompression for easy starting, adjustable shoulder straps, toolless handle adjustments, and heavy-duty anti-vibration mounts are among the other features. Finally, as with any four-stroke engine, the main advantage is that no oil and fuel are mixed. There's no need to worry about mix ratios or having separate gas cans.
The PB-770T from Echo is a powerful commercial blower with one of the highest air speeds on the market. Its 2-cycle engine has a maximum air speed of 234 MPH and a maximum air volume of 756 CFM. The weight and fuel tank are comparable to the competition, but the biggest difference is in the noise levels. Echo claims that the PB-770T has a noise level of 74 db(A), which is very low for a 2-cycle blower.
The PB-770T also has a unique padded backrest and a cooling system for enhanced comfort in hot weather. It also has dual-stage air filtration, a variable speed throttle with cruise control, and a see-through fuel tank.
A commercial backpack blower has many applications, and there are several factors to consider when selecting a model. If you keep some of these considerations in mind, you should have no trouble locating the best blower for your needs.
Important Purchasing Considerations:
The most important consideration when buying a backpack blower is getting one with enough power. Power is measured by two criteria: air speed and air volume.
Air speed is easy to understand, and it represents the speed of the air passing through the nozzle of the blower. The airspeed for a commercial blower is indicated in miles per hour MPH and is usually between 180 MPH and 235 MPH.
Air volume, on the other hand, represents the amount of air (volume) passing through the blower's nozzle. A commercial blower's air volume is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and ranges from 450 to 1,000 CFM.
So, which is more important to consider: MPH or CFM? If you're looking for a blower for a commercial job, the answer is to prioritize CFM. In most cases, the MPH of a commercial blower is sufficient for most jobs, but the CFM can vary dramatically between models. The higher the CFM rating, the faster the blower will move large amounts of leaves across a yard and into a large pile. You'll finish the job faster and have more time to work on other projects.
| Model | Air Volume | Air Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna 580BTS | 908 cfm | 206 mph |
| Husqvarna 570BTS | 768 cfm | 236 mph |
| Echo PB-770T | 756 cfm | 234 mph |
| Makita EB7660TH | 706 cfm | 206 mph |
| Makita EB5300TH | 516 cfm | 184 mph |
| Husqvarna 350BT | 494 cfm | 180 mph |
Before you buy the highest CFM blower, you should understand the tradeoffs: cost, gas, and weight. To achieve a higher CFM, a blower requires a larger and more expensive motor. However, as power increases, so does fuel efficiency. It's the equivalent of driving at 100 mph on the highway; it's not as fuel-efficient as driving at 70 mph. On the other hand, you can complete the task faster at the expense of increased fuel consumption. Can you cram in more jobs for the price of the extra fuel? You'll have to make your own decision based on your company's requirements.
Another factor to consider is that as power increases and fuel economy decreases, manufacturers will compensate with a larger fuel tank. The disadvantage of a larger fuel tank is that weight increases, which may exhaust your crew faster.
The main reason commercial blowers are designed as backpack models is weight. Maximum power necessitates a large engine, an oversized fuel tank, and a massive impeller designed to pull in tons of air. When compared to a handheld model, these features add at least 10 pounds to a commercial blower.
| Model | Weight |
|---|---|
| Makita EB5300TH | 19.7 lbs |
| Husqvarna 350BT | 22.91 lbs |
| Makita EB7660TH | 24.1 lbs |
| Echo PB-770T | 24.3 lbs |
| Husqvarna 570BTS | 24.7 lbs |
| Husqvarna 580BTS | 26.3 lbs |
Most commercial backpack leaf blowers are heavy, weighing between 20 and 30 pounds. This may appear to be a lot of weight to carry, but the weight of the leaf blower is offset because it is distributed across the operator's shoulders and back. Some manufacturers have even designed their higher-end models with carbon fiber frames to save weight.
If you intend to use the blower for more than 30 minutes, it's best to get one with a well-designed shoulder harness and straps to help reduce muscle fatigue. Later in this guide, we'll go over some of the other ergonomic design and ease-of-use features.
The best backpack blowers are powerful and loud. These backpack blowing beasts make quick work of clearing large areas, but the noise level can be an issue in some residential areas. The average decibel level for commercial blowers is between 70 and 100 dB. We've included a chart with various noise levels for comparison.
Examples of Different Noise Levels:
As you can see from the list above, using a blower requires the use of hearing protection. Even if you purchase a low-noise model with a decibel rating of less than 80, your crew may require hearing protection. If you have any doubts, consult the OSHA regulations. Also, if you have multiple machines running at the same time, it will be much louder than a single blower.
So, what is the advantage of a low-noise leaf blower? The most significant benefit is that they are an excellent choice for residential areas and commercial establishments where noise is an issue. Furthermore, certain city laws and ordinances prohibit certain noise levels during certain hours of the day.
| Model | Noise Level |
|---|---|
| Husqvarna 350BT | 104 dB(A) sound level |
| Husqvarna 570BTS | 104 dB(A) sound level |
| Husqvarna 580BTS | 112 dB(A) sound level |
| Makita EB5300TH | 70 dB(A) sound level |
| Echo PB-770T | 74 dB(A) sound level |
| Makita EB7660TH | 76 dB(A) sound level |
Ways to Reduce Noise in a Leaf Blower:
It's critical to select the right engine for your needs when purchasing a backpack leaf blower. The engine is critical in determining the power of the blower. However, instead of focusing on engine displacement, focus on MPH and CFM. Some models may have nearly identical displacement but differ by 200 CFM in air volume.
Aside from CFM, another factor to consider when purchasing a commercial blower is the engine type: two-stroke or four-stroke. The main distinction is whether you must mix gas or can use it straight from the pump.
Leaf blowers with two-stroke engines require mixed gas, such as a 40:1 or 50:1 oil to gas ratio. However, four-stroke models have a separate tank for oil and use unmixed gas, such as 87 octane.
| Model | Engine |
|---|---|
| Echo PB-770T | 2 stroke |
| Husqvarna 350BT | 2 stroke |
| Husqvarna 570BTS | 2 stroke |
| Husqvarna 580BTS | 2 stroke |
| Makita EB5300TH | 4 stroke |
| Makita EB7660TH | 4 stroke |
So, which is the better buy? If you're a homeowner looking for a high-quality commercial-spec blower, mixing gas isn't likely to be an issue. It only takes a few minutes to mix gas, and one gallon will last you the entire season. In this case, you should think about both 2-stroke and 4-stroke blowers.
If, on the other hand, you work in the lawn care industry and require a commercial blower for your company, you'll need to ask some different questions. It's possible that a 2-stroke blower isn't worth the trouble.
Considerations in Choosing a Blower Type for a Lawn Care Business:
Another factor to consider when purchasing a commercial leaf blower is run time. The size of a leaf blower's fuel tank, which can vary dramatically between models, has a direct impact on its run time.
| Model | Fuel Tank Capacity |
|---|---|
| Husqvarna 580BTS | 87.9 fl oz |
| Husqvarna 570BTS | 74.4 fl oz |
| Echo PB-770T | 68.3 fl oz |
| Makita EB7660TH | 64 fl oz |
| Makita EB5300TH | 60.9 fl oz |
| Husqvarna 350BT | 42.27 fl oz |
When evaluating tank capacity, consider whether the tank is translucent. It's a standard feature on most commercial blowers that allows you to see how much fuel is left without having to unscrew the cap. However, you'll probably need to check with a friend because it's difficult to see the fuel level with the blower strapped to your back.
It should be noted that some manufacturers produce electric leaf blowers for commercial use. However, in general, a battery pack is underwhelming and has numerous drawbacks. Even though the run time may be comparable to some gas models, the charge time is the most significant issue. Some batteries can take more than an hour to charge, making commercial jobs impractical without expensive spare battery packs charged and ready to go.
Unlike handheld leaf blowers, most commercial backpack blowers include variable speed triggers as standard. A variable speed trigger is the best option because it allows you to fine-tune the throttle on the fly. Are you close to a wall and don't want to kick dirt in your face? Reduce the blowing speed by slightly releasing the throttle trigger. Do you need to move a large pile of leaves in a parking lot? Squeeze the throttle all the way to the limit!
Another feature to consider when purchasing a blower is cruise control, which is not standard on most models. This option allows you to lock the throttle at the desired setting before removing your fingers from the lever. It doesn't sound like a big deal unless you've ever held down a throttle for several hours. It begins to hurt.
A round nozzle is typically included with a commercial leaf blower. A round nozzle is ideal for cutting down on leaves and moving large piles of leaves quickly. What about other kinds of nozzles?
Common Types of Nozzles:
Aside from round nozzles, the flat nozzle is the most common type. It works well as a broom for sweeping dead leaves across a yard and gives you more control than a round nozzle. A flat nozzle is also useful for removing tough yard waste, such as stuck grass, from a client's driveway or sidewalk.
Some manufacturers include additional nozzles in their blower packages. If you find a blower you like but it doesn't come with the nozzle you want, you can usually find aftermarket attachments online.
The ergonomics and overall design of a commercial blower are important factors to consider, especially if you or your team intend to use the blower for several hours. Here are some of the most important design elements that make operating a blower for extended periods of time much easier:
Adjustable Harness - Yard work can be made more enjoyable with a set of wide, fully adjustable shoulder straps and a hip belt with padding and support.
Throttle Location - A commercial backpack blower's throttle is mounted in one of two locations. The most common option is to mount the throttle directly on the tube. The throttle is most commonly mounted on the frame, along the operator's hip, opposite the tube. With one hand dedicated to throttle adjustments and the other to tube positioning, a hip-mounted design provides more control.
Adjustable Handles - An adjustable handle grip enables an operator to customize the handles to the correct position based on their size.
Vibration Reduction - Higher-end blowers use proprietary technology to reduce vibration felt by the operator. It should be noted that not all vibration reduction technology is created equal.
Rotational Control - A blower's impeller generates a gyro effect as it rotates, which can be taxing on the operator. Rotational control technology is used in some models to reduce this effect and make it more comfortable to use the blower for longer periods of time.
Ventilated Back - A ventilated back is a cool (pun intended) feature on some models. The blower may circulate some of the air through the backpack hardness to cool your back in models with this option. It's a wonderful sensation on a hot day!
Air Purge - The air purge feature found on some models is intended to remove excess air from the carburetor, allowing the engine to start richly.
Ignoring regular maintenance is one of the most damaging things you can do to a small engine. We've put together a list of some common maintenance tasks for your commercial blower. The replacement timeframes are only guidelines and are dependent on actual use as well as the manufacturer's specific recommendations, which should always be followed.
In terms of ease of maintenance, it may be worthwhile to read the manual before purchasing a specific blower. The operator's manual can explain how simple or difficult each of these tasks will be. It should also provide you with timeframes for each of these maintenance items.
Air Filter - Before each use, inspect and clean the air filter. Replace it if you notice any damage or wear. If there is no visible damage or wear, some manufacturers recommend replacing it after three months. Typically, maintaining the air filter does not necessitate the use of any special tools and is considered a tool-free procedure. Furthermore, some manufacturers include an air injection feature that removes dust and dirt particulates before they reach the air filter, extending filter life.
Fuel Filter - At least once every three months, inspect the fuel filter. Replace it if you notice any damage or wear. If no damage or wear was found, some manufacturers recommend replacing it after a year.
Spark Plug - At least once every three months, inspect and clean the spark plug. Replace it if you notice any damage or wear. Spark plugs typically last about 25 hours, but your mileage may vary.
Muffler Spark Arrestor - Some manufacturers recommend inspecting and cleaning spark arrestors every three months in models equipped with them. Cleaning and maintaining the spark arrestor requires specialized tools.
Additional Maintenance - Other maintenance, such as inspecting and cleaning the choke shutter, fuel cap gasket, fuel system, cooling system, and cylinder exhaust port, may be required.
When purchasing a single commercial blower, storage isn't a major consideration. However, if you're outfitting an entire crew with blowers, you'll need to plan ahead of time. You'll need a way to store and transport the blowers to each job site.
If you're new to the game, the Internet has a plethora of landscaping storage racks that can be installed in an enclosed trailer. Wall racks can store a variety of tools, including backpack blowers, weed eaters, extra cutting wire, water coolers, and so on. Simply take note of the dimensions of the blower models you choose and calculate how much space you'll need to store the set.
The brand of anything is important, including a commercial leaf blower. However, unless you buy a no-name model, most brands produce high-quality machines. We don't have a "best" brand that we recommend, but we can provide a list of well-known brands with a large number of satisfied customers.
Common Commercial Leaf Blower Brands:
However, before you select one of the brands listed above, the most important thing to do is calculate the distance to a local service center that services that specific brand. That is the MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION TO ASK BEFORE BUYING A COMMERCIAL BACKPACK LEAF BLOWER.
Who wants to deal with a Hitachi blower whose nearest service center is 100 miles away? Perhaps you're embedded in STHIL because it's what your local shop sells and services. Or perhaps you're a Husqvarna fan. Whatever you choose, make sure there is someone nearby who can fix it when (not if) something breaks.
Most commercial blowers (commercial or non-commercial blowers) have a two-year warranty or less. There's not much you can do about that constraint.
However, if you are purchasing a commercial blower for home use, the warranty may be a little longer. Some manufacturers provide 5-year warranties on commercial blowers if they are not used for commercial purposes. If this is important to you, you should look into it. Remember what we said about service earlier. If the nearest dealer is fifty miles away, we believe it is not worth the trouble to purchase a blower with a 5-year warranty.
Aside from our buying guide for a commercial backpack leaf blower, we'd like to address some of the most frequently asked questions about these machines. If you have a question that we haven't addressed, please contact us. We'll do our best to get it answered and include it in this article.
MPH and CFM are equally important when choosing a handheld leaf blower and should be considered separately. However, when purchasing a commercial blower, only consider the CFM. A commercial blower's MPH is usually sufficient, ranging between 180 and 240 MPH. However, the CFM can vary greatly, starting at 500 CFM and rising to more than 1,000 CFM!
The easiest way to visualize this difference is to focus on C (cubic) in CFM. If you recall, CFM stands for cubic feet a minute. So think of a cube that measures 12" x 12" x 12" and is full of air. The CFM tells us how many of those cubes filled with air the blower can move each minute. The more cubes, the more leaves your blower is moving! So if finishing a job faster matters the most, then buy a blower with a higher CFM.
That's a difficult question, and the answer is entirely dependent on your requirements. A backpack blower is typically more powerful than a handheld blower. It's also easier to transport for longer periods of time. They are, however, more expensive. So, if you want the most powerful blower, a backpack unit is preferable to a handheld.
In some cases, using a leaf blower in a dusty or low-humidity environment can result in a buildup of static electricity. Static electricity can eventually discharge on the operator, shocking them both physically and mentally!
Static discharge is usually not a cause for concern, and some manufacturers offer kits to reduce the possibility of static discharge. If you don't buy the extra equipment, at the very least inform your crew so they aren't taken aback.
NO. It's a common misconception that using a higher-than-recommended oil concentration for a break-in period is a good idea. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and use the proper ratio specified in your blower's owner's manual.
Engine problems are no fun, especially when you're ready to go, but your machine isn't. If the engine on your leaf blower cranks hard or doesn't start, there might be an easy solution.
Common Reasons an Engine Doesn't Start:
With proper maintenance, a commercial leaf blower can last up to 1,000 hours. The best way to extend the life of a gas leaf blower is to use fuel with the lowest ethanol content. If you intend to leave the blower unused for several months, another trick is to add a fuel stabilizer to it.
