Best Commercial Backpack Leaf Blower for 2024

Commercial Backpack Leaf Blower Buying Guide

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:

• Power Output
• Weight
• Noise
• Engine
• Run Time and Power Source
• Speed Controls
• Nozzle Options
• Ease of Use
• Ease of Maintenance
• Storage
• Brand
• Warranty
• Extra Considerations

Power Output

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.

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.

Weight

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.

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.

Noise

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:

• One hundred forty decibels is the level of noise on an aircraft carrier deck and will rupture your eardrum.
• One hundred twenty decibels is a chainsaw and 32 times as loud as 70 dB.
• One hundred decibels is equivalent to a jackhammer and can cause serious hearing damage in just a few hours.
• Ninety decibels is a motorcycle at 25 ft, and extended exposure will cause serious hearing damage.
• Eighty decibels is a diesel truck at 40 mph and 50 ft and extended exposure can cause serious hearing damage.
• Seventy decibels is a vacuum cleaner and usually doesn't cause hearing damage, but can be annoyingly loud.
• Sixty decibels is a normal conversation at a restaurant.

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.

Ways to Reduce Noise in a Leaf Blower:

• Use a 4-cycle engine, which is lower noise than a 2-cycle engine.
• Incorporate noise dampening material into the blower's housing.
• Increase the muffler size on the blower to deaden the sound.
• Reduce the engine size and thus have a lower MPH and CFM.

Engine

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.

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:

• Do you want to spend time mixing gas at the job site?
• Do you trust your crew to mix the gas correctly?
• Will you always have extra 2-cycle oil handy at the job site?

Run Time and Power Source

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.

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.

Speed Controls

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.

Nozzle Design

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:

• Round
• Flat
• Flat Spread
• Gutter Cleaning Attachment

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.

Ease of Use

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.

Ease of Maintenance

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.

Storage

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.

Brand

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:

• Husqvarna
• Poulan Pro
• Hitachi
• Echo
• STHIL

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.

Warranty

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.

FAQs on Commercial Backpack Leaf Blowers

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.

What is More Important in a Leaf Blower: MPH or CFM?

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.

Are Backpack Blowers Better than Handheld Units?

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.

Why Does a Leaf Blower Sometimes Shock You?

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.

Should You Mix Oil Rich for a New Leaf Blower?

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.

Why Won't Your Leaf Blower Start?

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:

• Old fuel in the tank (more than 90 days old);
• Flooded engine;
• Incorrect fuel to oil ratio;
• On/Off switch is off (if equipped);
• Incorrect spark plug gap;
• Dirty air filter.

How Long Should a Commercial Leaf Blower Last?

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.