Posted by admin on Jun 29th
Backpack Leaf Blowers- Do You Need One?
If you are running a professional lawn care business or a homeowner with many trees, you definitely need a backpack leaf blower. There are so many choices out there that a rookie could get easily confused, or even worse, purchase an insufficient blower.
Now, you may be thinking that you can pull it off with a unnamed box store hand held blower. Well, let me put it like this. How would you like to use a ten year old 21 inch push mower to mow an acre of well grown grass? Well, that is what using a cheap hand held blower is equal to. Don't get me wrong, though. They have their purpose, even in the lawn care business. However, it is never a good idea to purchase a cheap box store blower. They are typically very unreliable and weak compared to a professional hand held.
The main thing pro hand held blowers are good for in the professional setting is for those hard to get to nooks and crannies. They are also good for a light breeze of dry grass. Why are they better in those aspects than the mighty backpack leaf blowers? Simple. They are quicker and handier.
If you are on a budget for your lawn care business and can only afford one blower, you should get a backpack blower if at all possible. The mid to top of the line models have an enormous amount of power compared to any hand blowers. It is better to go to a dealer and get a feel of the blowers, and to compare similar models. If you compare a backpack leaf blowers to hand helds, you will notice that the more powerful backpack blowers can move significantly heavier objects, like small limbs! How do you think that will help in the Fall time? Very well!
For you entrepreneurs out there who are on a really tight budget, a used backpack blower can be had for a very reasonable price. You can still compare models at the dealer, but you can buy used online or in person. If you are buying used online be sure the seller has reasonable feedback. Don't be afraid to ask plenty of specific questions. If they don't answer them in a reasonable amount of time, there are many other sellers out there!
Be sure to purchase one that is fairly new condition and not worked to death. It would be ideal to buy a demo model or one from someone who is going out of business. Used commercial lawn care equipment is better than new homeowner stuff 99% of the time. You just have to be a little more careful.
Backpack leaf blowers have an extra boost of power for the fall time or those wet days. However they are less handy in tight spaces and more expensive than a hand held leaf blower. Even though they have there disadvantages, I still would rank them more of a must have in a professional lawn care business than a hand held leaf blower.
By Heath Garner
A site that I recommend to buy used equipment on is http://www.lawnequipmentsite.com
If you would like to shop for any lawn equipment, please take a look at http://www.lawnequipmentsite.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heath_Garner
http://EzineArticles.com/?Backpack-Leaf-Blowers-or-Hand-Held?&id=990654
Mail this post
Technorati Tags: electric leaf blower, garden leaf blower, petrol leaf blower
Posted by admin on Jun 12th
Petrol Leaf Blowers
These are more powerful (and noisier) than electric ones, and with a reach beyond the limits of an extension cord. Two-cycle engines require a mix of petrol and oil. Petrol powered leaf blowers are excellent where mobility and greater work output is required, but are unfortunately heavier than the electric models.
Hand held leaf blowers - Useful only for small to medium gardens where you need the power of a petrol engine.. They can get heavy however after using for a while. Convenience and portability have their own price if you have backache! The bigger models can also vibrate a bit at top speed, so check the weight and balance.
Look for air speeds higher than 150 mph and noise levels less than 70 decibels.
Backpack leaf blowers - these are best for driveways and bigger yards. Be sure to look out for an antivibration system and noise-squelching muffler to make carrying the engine bearable for long periods of time. The blower fits in a harness worn on the operator's back.
Walk behind leaf blowers - these are better for large yards or big areas. I would look for a four cycle engine to give you more power and less emissions, and also a three wheeler if possible to make for easier steering. Walk behind leaf blowers cover the most acreage in the least time. These gas powered machines are normally the tool of choice for commercial users, but for regular homeowners, they can make short work of a home lawn. They will however be more expensive too! Vacuum units also use a hose for picking up debris and leaves.
Electric Leaf Blowers
These are less powerful than gas, but have the advantage of being lighter, with less vibration and quieter (you still need some protection for your hearing) and there are no exhaust fumes! as electricity drives the fan. The attached cord however, limits your mobility so this may not be the best choice for a lawn with lots of trees!. Look too, for a cord retention system to prevent the cord from being accidentally unplugged when being used. Also when selecting an extension cord to use with your electric leaf blower, remember that if the gauge used is too small or inadequate, the motor will not perform particularly well. Match the power rating of the tool to a compatible cord, and always buy a cord that is rated for outdoor use. Be Safe!
Handheld leaf blowers - these are best for smaller gardens, patios and walkways. Be on the lookout for one with a flexible blower tube to allow you to reach into corners!
Combo leaf blower/vacuum - a great idea for small to medium gardens where you've not much room to pile your leaves. I would look out for one with a variable speed and mulcher built-in to the blower to help cut the leaf volume.
Rechargeable/battery-operated leaf blowers - are a good alternative for small areas. Work well on solid surfaces like driveways and garages, but are limited because of their short run time and because they move less air than the larger corded models.
By: len
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Leonard Mutch is a keen gardener and author. You can read more of his tips and articles at www.gardenleafblower.com and subscribe to his gardening tips newsletter at www.gardenandplantcenter.com
Mail this post
Technorati Tags: electric leaf blower, garden leaf blower, petrol leaf blower
