subject: Facts About Leaf Blowers [print this page] Dom Quinto originally intended the leaf blower to be a pesticide sprayer, but the people who used his invention tore it down until only the blower was left. Having an easily movable blower was immediately seen as both a time and work saver in many different fields.
Leaf blowers come with electric or gasoline-powered engines. The electric leaf blower is a light, most often hand-held unit that is convenient for condominium dwellers or homeowners with small lawns. Because they have a cord attached, their range is limited. They are useful for enclosed patios or three-season mudrooms. Because they are so light, often weighing under 5 pounds, they are popular with senior citizens.
Gas powered leaf blowers are heavier, but their range is virtually unlimited. A hand-held gas powered leaf blower has a two-cycle engine, which means the operator must mix the proper amount of gasoline with oil when gassing up the machine.
These machines are used extensively where there are large shrubs close to homes and buildings. Because they can be maneuvered so easily, they are used to blow leaves away from houses and buildings in spring and fall clean-ups.
A larger gas powered device is the backpack variety, which is used by professional landscapers or by homeowners with large acreage. These machines are also two-cycle, but are more powerful than their hand-held cousins. They have detachable hoses that can be used to move heavy, wet debris large distances.
Finally there is the four-cycle unit, which is rarely found outside of commercial use. These machines are wheeled tools that the operator can push or pull. They are run on straight gasoline and are extremely powerful. They are often used to remove sand and other debris from parking lots and building sites.
Although several years ago there was some concern about the loudness of noise created by these machines, this is really no longer the case. This allows the time saving attributes of leaf blowers to be enjoyed by the next generation of landscapers and homeowners.
