Do you know that backpack leaf blowers are the most effective equipment for getting rid of fallen leaves and also debris if you have a sizeable yard or lawn?
Backpack leaf blowers have attachments to strap them to the body of the user, therefore help distribute the weight evenly on the shoulder and back. This type of leaf blowers are excellent for prolonged use as they provide more power and you can carry them for extended periods without discomfort or fatigue.
While you can get a variety of backpack leaf blowers on the market, the best would have some outstanding qualities regarding power output, weight, noise levels, and other vital factors.
Our backpack leaf blower reviews cover everything you need to know about these excellent tools. In this piece, we review the best backpack blowers money can buy, factors to consider before buying, the pros and cons and how to operate the machine for maximum efficiency.
Table of Contents
Best Backpack Leaf Blowers
1. Husqvarna 350BT Gas Backpack Blower
The Husqvarna 350BT is equipped with a 50.2cc 2-cycle engine for maximum clearing power. The machine features an X-TORQ engine designed to reduce noxious exhaust emission by up to 60 percent and boost fuel efficiency by as much as 20 percent.
The unit comes with an offset handle design for improved control reduced arm strain while using the machine at full speed. With the use of dampeners between the engine and chassis, the Husqvarna 350BT enjoys low vibrations, allowing you to operate it for long periods without discomfort.
Additionally, the blower comes with an ergonomic harness system, which is padded, and a hip belt engineered to conform to the operator’s body contours. The machine also features a variable speed throttle with cruise control for easier handling depending on the clearing task.
The Husqvarna 350BT has low noise and exhaust emission levels, making it ideal for use in built-up areas. With a 2.1 horsepower engine, the Husqvarna 350BT produces a maximum power speed of 7500 rpm and airspeeds of 180 miles per hour, enough blowing power to clear any debris.
Read the full review: Husqvarna 350BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blower
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2. Makita EB7650TH 4-Stroke Backpack Blower
The Makita EB7650TH is an excellent backpack-styled leaf blower with an immense clearing power. The machine is equipped with a powerful 75.6 cc MM4 commercial duty engine with enhanced fuel efficiency.
It features a mechanical automatic engine decompression for easy and fast starts. The machine also comes with a large capacity air filter that you can access easily for fast and hitch-free servicing and replacement.
The Makita EB7650TH features specially designed shoulder straps, which have multiple adjustments for improved fit on the operator’s body. For enhanced comfort and ease of use, the leaf blower features a ventilated padded back panel. The MM4 is a four-stroke engine, which is quieter, cleaner burning and also, requires no fuel mixing. It is designed for clearing large areas such as commercial lawns, large gardens, and sizable yards.
The unit is an excellent blower for professional landscapers and the yard-loving homeowner. The 75.6 c engine can deliver airspeed up to 200 miles per hour and 670 cfm. At 24.1 pounds, the Makita EB7650TH is lightweight and also comes with a large muffler for quiet operation.
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3. Poulan Pro 967087101 Backpack Blower
The Poulan Pro is an incredible backpack leaf blower with large air output to blow off huge piles of leaves and debris. A 48cc 2-stroke engine, which produces up to 200 mph of airspeed and 475 cfm powers the Poulan Pro, making it a light and powerful machine to get tedious yard work done easily.
The blower comes with a variable speed throttle with cruise control for improved handling and easier airflow control based on the work intensity. At 22 pounds, the Poulan Pro is a lightweight blower with a sturdy backpack for enhanced support and balanced weight distribution for comfortable operation.
The Poulan Pro is a powerful leaf blower that is ideal for all manner of yard cleanup tasks. Whether you are clearing rotting leaves, debris, grass clippings, fallen fruits, old piles of manure and everything in between, this machine always delivers.
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4. Troy-Bilt TB4BP EC 4-Cycle Backpack Blower
The Troy-Bilt TB4BP is designed to handle any volume of landscape clearing. With a powerful engine that produces a maximum airspeed of 150 mph and air volume of 500 cfm, this machine is capable of blowing large amounts of leaves, debris, and snow.
The machine features a fully tensioned multi-material suspension system that distributes the weight evenly on the user’s shoulders and hips, allowing you to operate for long without discomfort or fatigue. Troy-Bilt TB4BP comes with a long flex tube for increased maneuverability in tight and hard-to-reach spaces.
The TB4BP comes with a patented harness, which directs airflow to the operators back for enhanced cooling and comfort. The 4-cycle engine is JumpStart-capable, so you do not need to pull the start cord. Additionally, the SpringAssist starting makes it easier to pull the cord. The Troy-Bilt TB4BP has a 2-year limited warranty.
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5. Husqvarna 150BT Professional 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower
Husqvarna has a dominant name in the tool industry- and this gas leaf blower lives up to the legacy well. It’s a solid commercial-grade backpack leaf blower, but the ergonomic handling and ease of use almost make you think otherwise. The harness is comfortable, the engine has vibrations dampened for pleasant use, and the controls are properly spaced to give you ease of access and intuitive use.
They have paired this combination up with powerful patented engine design, offering reduced fuel emissions (60% from average) and increased fuel efficiency (20%, again on average). Expect to receive 434 cfm and 251 mph. Feel free to apply cruise control for blowing larger areas with ease. While 22.5 lbs is a fairly heavy blower, it’s easy to use and the backpack design makes it easy to handle the weight. Furthermore, the adjustable tube lengths enable you to customize the unit to your height and gardening needs.
Read the full review: Husqvarna 150BT Professional 2-Cycle Gas Packpack Blower
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6. Husqvarna 130BT Gas Backpack Blower
The Husqvarna 130BT is an ergonomic gas-powered leaf blower that makes leaf clearing fast, easy, and efficient. The lightweight backpack leaf blower has extremely low noise and CO2 emission levels, making it a perfect option for use in residential areas without disturbing your neighbor’s peace.
With a lightweight and ergonomic design, the Husqvarna 130BT places a lower physical strain on the body even after prolonged use. The gas leaf blower comes with advanced Air Injection centrifugal air cleaning system, which decreases wear and allows the machine to operate for longer periods without cleaning the filter.
The Husqvarna 130BT features variable speed throttle with cruise control functionality and air purge for easy starting. The comfortable harness is padded to conform to the contours of the operator for comfort and ease of use.
Read the full review: Husqvarna 130BT Gas Backpack Blower
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7. EGO Bare Tool Lithium-Ion Backpack Blower
This EGO Bare backpack leaf blower is a battery-powered juggernaut with impressive operating properties. The blower is powered by 56-volt Lithium-ion batteries, which deliver up to 145 miles per hour of wind speed and 600 CFM, enough to take care of regular and sizable yard cleanup tasks.
One of the most exciting characteristics of this blower is its low noise and gas fume emission levels, which makes it a top candidate for use in residential areas and places with noise and emission restrictions.
The EGO Bare Tool backpack leaf blower features variable speed control for easy handling and a lightweight design to enable you to work for longer without fatigue.
With the EGO Bare Tool blower, you do not have to worry about harmful gas fumes, crazy noise levels that disturb your neighbor’s peace, or confusing gas and oil mixing ratios. You can work all you want with the overwhelming clearing power of an electric engine producing airspeed up to 145 mph.
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8. DEWALT DCBL590X1 Lithium-Ion Backpack Blower
The DEWALT DCBL590X1 is a powerful battery-powered backpack leaf blower with striking performance characteristics. The machine produces a maximum airspeed of 142 miles per hour and maximum air volume of 450 CMF, giving it plenty of pushing power to move leaves and debris off lawns, yards, and gardens.
A 40V 7.5Ah battery powers the DEWALT DCBL590X1, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly operation. It features a brushless motor and fully variable speed trigger with speed lock, which you can control at the push of a button.
There is also a second battery well for an extra battery to increase the run time of the machine, and you can switch batteries with the control handle when a battery runs out of power.
With a noise rating of only 63dB (A), the DEWALT DCBL590X1 has an extremely low noise level which is compliant with national and regional noise restrictions, making it ideal for use in built-up communities and properties.
The DEWALT DCBL590X1 is engineered for heavy-duty clearing tasks and small cleaning jobs. If you need a comfortable, quiet, and efficient backpack that will not leave you smelling like a service station after your yard clearing tasks, the DEWALT DCBL590X1 is a perfect choice.
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9. Echo PB-755ST Backpack Blower
The Echo PB-755ST is a powerful gas-powered leaf blower that packs a punch. The machine delivers an immense blowing power with a maximum air speed of 233 mph.
Regardless of the thickness of the fallen leaves or tightness of the crevices in your home, Echo PB-755ST’s 2-stroke engine has the capacity to get rid of all the leaves within a short period. It features variable speed control, which you can adjust depending on the amount of leaves you are dealing with.
The Echo PB-755ST is ideal for use in the garden, on the lawn, patio, and other places where fallen leaves can cause problems. The product comes with a 68.3 oz. fuel tank, power head, pipes, and handle. It is EPA compliant, fuel-efficient, and makes clearing the yard for winter a fast and simple process.
Read the full review: Echo PB-755ST Backpack Blower
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Backpack Leaf Blower Buying Guide
Backpack leaf blowers are the perfect tool for getting your yard work done in an instant. These machines are fast, efficient, and do more than blow away leaves as they can also clear debris, mulch, manure, pebbles, snow, and even small twigs. How do you shop for the best backpack leaf blower that will suit your needs? Learn more in this buying guide.
The Top 7 Things To Consider When Buying a Backpack Leaf Blower
Before choosing a particular brand of a backpack leaf blower, it is essential to understand the main characteristics you need in the equipment. Consider the functions that you need regarding the work you intend to do with the blower, potential restrictions in your area relating to the use of blowers, and the power source among others. Here are some of the things to consider when buying a backpack leaf blower.
Weight
You need to strap the backpack blower to your back while using it and this can lead to fatigue if you have to cover a lot of ground. If you have a sizable yard with plenty of trees, you will need a bigger and more powerful blower to get the job done quickly.
However, a small cordless unit is ideal for clearing the driveway, garage, and small lawns. Consider your physical ability to carry the machine for long stretches to prevent tiring yourself out every time you use the blower. Here’s what to look for if you want to buy the best cordless leaf blower possible!Power
The engine and motor size determine the blowing power of the machine. Airspeed and air volume are two critical factors that determine the power of leaf blowers. Generally, gas leaf blowers deliver more airspeed and air volume compared to electric units.
If your yard is small, a small electric backpack blower is ideal for your needs. However, if you own acres of lots with plenty of trees or have a farm with piles of manure from last season or layers upon layers of pollen, then you need the excellent pushing power of a big backpack leaf blower.
While gas blowers can be noisy and produce fumes, they get the job done faster and deliver for longer. However, remember that power is also a function of fuel consumption, so a powerful unit will consume more fuel, but will usually work faster.
Noise Level
No matter the size or power source of your leaf blower, all of them produce a certain amount of noise, making it important to wear protective gear like mufflers. Check the noise restrictions in your community and locality before buying a blower.
In some places, you cannot use your blower at certain periods if its noise level is above a certain threshold. So, try to get a machine that does not make noise as much to safeguard your hearing and maintain the quiet of your community.Engine Type
Backpack leaf blowers use either two-stroke or four-stroke engines. Two-stroke or two cycle engines require an oil and gas mixture to power the engine. Two-stroke engines are lighter and easier to maintain and offer more power-to-weight ratio compared to four-stroke engines, but they also produce more gas fumes and are noisier.
On the other hand, 4-stroke engines do not require premixing gas and oil and ratio, you pour the gas directly into the tank, and it starts working. Also, 4-cycle engines are more fuel-efficient, provide more power, offer cleaner operation and less noise, but are bulkier.
Emission Levels
If you live in states such as California where there are emission restrictions, make sure your blower unit complies with the emission levels of the state. Emission compliant leaf blowers run cleaner and quieter and offer more energy efficiency.
Ergonomic Design
You should look for ergonomic products designed to conform to the body of the machine operator. Since you will be wearing your backpack leaf blower on your body, be sure it comes with comfortable straps that distribute the weight evenly between your shoulders, back, and hips.
Go for brands with padded harnesses and contoured shapes that conform to your body. It also helps if the machine has a hip belt as it makes it easier to carry the blower for longer.
Low vibration blowers place a lower strain on your back and also prevent hand and shoulder injuries. The throttle controls should be positioned in such a way that you can keep the natural position of your hands and wrists while using the blower.
Other Features
While most brands of backpack blowers have similar features, some have additional functions that increase their utility. Things like variable speed control, StartJump-capability, leaf vacuum mulcher, and other accessories can enhance the function of your unit.
Advantages & Disadvantages Of Backpack Leaf Blowers
The backpack leaf blower is a powerhouse regarding yard work. The machine makes dull and tedious yard clearing tasks fast, easy, and fun.
You can derive numerous benefits from these blowers, however, they have a few drawbacks like any technological innovation. Let us look at some of the advantages and disadvantages to watch out for in your backpack leaf blowers.
Advantages of Backpack Leaf Blowers
Convenience and Comfort
The convenience and also comfort that comes with strapping this blower type to your back are one of the main reasons why they are fun to use. Most leaf blowers have ergonomic designs with padded shoulder straps, and full tension supports to make working with the machine for long hours comfortable.
Some brands include hip belts and load-reducing harnesses to distribute the blower’s weight more evenly on your back and shoulders. Additionally, backpack blowers can also be made from ventilated materials to increase airflow to your back.
Backpack leaf blowers have a lightweight design, ergonomic throttle controls, and adjustable harnesses, which make cleaning a yard of leaves and easy and fast.
Higher Blowing Power
A backpack leaf blower is usually more powerful than handheld types. Backpack blowers have bigger engines, and many use gas fuel. As a result, giving them higher airspeed and also air volume that allows the machines to handle larger piles of leaves, debris, snow, pebbles, and twigs among others.
With higher blowing power comes reduced working time, so you can clean large expanses of land quickly and more efficiently. Backpack leaf blowers can produce up to 220 mph of airspeed and 800 cfm of air volume.
Less Fatigue
By design, backpack leaf blowers are worn on the back, distributing the weight of the machine evenly and reducing the strain on your body. Handheld blowers put excessive pressure on your arm, therefore, making you tired quickly.
To reduce weight, backpack blowers are built with lightweight materials with padded load-reducing shoulder straps and harnesses that help you maintain a good balance of the load while clearing your yard.
Saves Time
Raking or sweeping your yard can be tedious and time-consuming, but a backpack leaf blower makes the work faster and easier. A backpack blower delivers a powerful wind force that clears the ground of all leaves, debris, snow, and also others without wearing you out.
Cost-effective
When you have a backpack leaf blower, you can handle any amount of yard clearing tasks even if you have a heavily wooded lot. That way, you save the cash that would have gone into the pockets of a lawn or landscaping Services Company.
Mobility
Backpack leaf blowers are portable, making them the perfect yard-clearing equipment when you have a lot of ground to cover. If you buy a gas-powered handheld leaf blower, you can work for hours without fear of losing power as long as you have fuel at hand. Regardless of your yard’s size, a backpack leaf blower gives you the freedom to cover every inch of your property conveniently.
Disadvantages of Backpack Leaf Blowers
May Be Harmful to the Environment
Despite their high level of efficiency and clearing power, backpack leaf blowers, especially gas-powered units are not so environmentally friendly. Gas backpack blowers emit gaseous fumes that pollute the environment and also contribute to global warming. Besides, these machines produce loud sounds that can disturb the peace of your community.
However, most manufacturers of backpack leaf blowers now have models, which are complaint with noise and emission restrictions.Bulkier
Since backpack leaf blowers need bigger engines to deliver higher power and a frame to attach the straps and harnesses, they tend to be bulkier. It means they are heavier and may be difficult to use for extended periods for some people.
Moreover, they also require more storage space compared to smaller but less powerful handheld leaf blowers.Can Impair Your Health
Backpacks release harmful fumes and also make a tremendous amount of noise. Without adequate protection, the noise and fumes from the machine can damage your hearing and cause respiratory problems.
The gas can also spill onto your clothes and irritate your skin. Also, the vibration from the blower can cause injuries on your hands, shoulders, and back if the brand lacks adequate padding. You can avoid all of these problems with adequate safety measures.Not Suitable For People with Back Problems
If you have a weak back or weak knees that wobble under extra weight, a backpack leaf blower may not be the best choice for you. Furthermore, using this machine with back pain, neck issues, and spine disorders can aggravate your condition and land you in serious trouble.
Noise and Emissions of Backpack Gas Leaf Blower
The noise and green police have cast aspersions at the use of backpack leaf blowers. Even more, going as far as advocating for the outright ban of these machines.
Due to the advocacy work of anti-blower groups, the Environmental Protection Agency, the California Air Resources Board, and other stakeholders have created stringent regulations regarding noise and emission levels that all leaf blowers and other small off-road engines must adhere to.
Environmental Concerns
While activists and concerned homeowners complain about the noise and emission levels of leaf blowers, most fail to realize that manufacturers of these products and have made giant strides in engine design and soundproofing to ensure that their equipment meets the industry standards.
Many homeowners and landscaping professionals want to enjoy the powerful blowing potential of gas-powered backpack leaf blowers, but neighbors and activists claim the noise and gas fumes disturb the peace and constitute a health and environmental hazard.
Are Backpack Leaf Blowers That Noisy?
Compared to the backpack leaf blowers produced ten years ago, the machines on the market today are far less noisy. Using sound-absorbing materials and also mufflers that reduce exhaust sounds, manufacturers have reduced the noise that leaf blowers make drastically.
New engine designs featuring patented technologies like Echo’s sound attenuator and also special plastics help to reduce vibration and the sound made by the blower. Majority of the backpack leaf blowers today have decibel levels of 65dBa or lower, which complies with the EPA’s noise restrictions.
The motor, cowling, and nozzles have also been redesigned to reduce the airflow sound without compromising performance and efficiency.
Emission Levels of Backpack Leaf Blowers
Regarding emissions, backpack leaf blowers are much cleaner now than ever before. All leaf blower manufacturers must comply with the EPA Exhaust requirements, and therefore help drive down emission levels.
While activists continue to demonize backpack leaf blowers, vehicles and power generating plants are responsible for over 60 percent of the greenhouse gases. Additionally, ruminant animals and other farm animals produce a large proportion of the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.
Most people use leaf blowers for a few minutes occasionally while cars and buses are always on the road 24/7, but there will never be the talk of banning automobiles in the nearest future.
Public Concerns
In many places where councils have tried to ban the use of leaf blowers, authorities have found the ban to be largely unenforceable. Furthermore, the issue has created resentment in communities, placed a hardship on landscapers and cost residents thousands of dollars in enforcement fees.
The truth is that backpack leaf blowers have improved over the years. Therefore, the industry regulators have ensured that every brand on the market complies with noise and emission restrictions.
Backpack leaf blowers are safe, and also, the sounds they make are acceptable. However, you also need to use them correctly and at the right time for maximum efficiency.
How Does a Backpack Leaf Blower Work?
A leaf blower is an incredible tool for getting tedious and also, time-consuming yard work is done in less time. However, do you understand the working principle behind this great invention? Here is how your backpack leaf blower works.
All leaf blowers work by creating centrifugal force. Which, is released under pressure to move piles of dead foliage and also debris in your yard, garden, farm or commercial spaces.
The backpack leaf blower comes with an engine that drives a motor. The motor drives an impeller (fan) which has several blades. When you start your blower’s engine, the motor starts moving and spins the impeller.
High Air Velocity
The spinning fan sucks air into the machine from the outside and also, spins the air at very high speed. The higher velocity of spinning creates a loud sound that combines with the sound of the engine to consequently, create loud noise backpacks were known for in the past.
The backpack also has a tube that serves as the outlet for the spun air. While the machine spins the air, it builds up pressure that is then released at high speeds, which can move dry and wet leaves, debris, pollen, snow, pebbles, twigs, and other unwanted particles you can find on your driveway, lawn, garden and lot.
The power of leaf blowers is measured in airspeed and cubic feet per minute. Therefore, the higher the airspeed and cfm, the more powerful your backpack leaf blower.
How to Use a Backpack Leaf Blower Effectively & Safely
A backpack leaf blower is simple to operate. If your unit comes with a JumpStart assist system, you do not even need to pull the cord to start the machine. However, a lot of homeowners and commercial leaf blower operators do not know the correct way of using this equipment. The following tips will help you become more effective at using a backpack leaf blower.
Tips on using a Backpack Leaf Blower
Before Operating
The following are necessary before operating your leaf blower unit.
- Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before starting your leaf blower.
- Understand the gas to oil ratio if a 2-stroke engine powers your unit and ensure you check that nothing is out of place before cranking the engine.
- Check the air intakes, air filters, spark plug, and the muffler before starting the machine.
When Operating
Follow the following tips while using the backpack leaf blower.
- Ensure that you are in the right state of mind before using a leaf blower. If you are physically tired, or mentally drained due to alcohol or other substance use, do not go near a leaf blower to avoid injuries.
- Also, switch off the engine when not in use and stay with your machine at all times during the clearing operation.
- Use protective equipment like goggles, sound mufflers to protect your ears, gloves for increased grip and to prevent cuts and blisters due to the engine’s vibrations, nose masks to protect your lungs (in dusty areas), and rubber boots if you are clearing a slippery or wet surface.
- It is advisable to remove jewelry, loose clothing and tie back your hair if it could be entangled with the equipment.
- Walk through the work area before using leaf blower so that you can remove rocks and debris and other potential projectiles that may damage the unit or surrounding property.
- Remove cars and other objects that could suffer damage when impacted by projectile blown off by the leaf blower.
- If your unit uses an extension cord, be sure to put it in a safe location and properly plugged in the right outdoor power outlet.
- Leaf blowers must not be used while on a ladder or roof, except where necessary safety precautions are in place.
After Operating
It is advisable to use the below tips after operating your leaf blower machine.
- Shut off and allow your leaf blower to cool off before cleaning with a damp cloth or brush.
- Replace the spark plugs and air filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure your unit serves you for longer.
Community Concerns
The below tips will help you use a backpack leaf blower more responsibly.
- Operate your leaf blower at convenient hours when residents have gone to work. It is not acceptable to use leaf blowers in residential areas on the weekends, late nights and early mornings.
- Use the minimum amount of power to get the job done to reduce the noise of the machine so your neighbors can enjoy their peace.
- Always clean up after using blowers. Your neighbor will not be happy if you leave debris near their yards or cars.
- Essentially, you need to be considerate in using backpack leaf blowers due to their loud sound.
- Also, remember to take adequate safety precautions and seek medical help immediately in case of injury.
FAQ
- What Is the Best Type of Backpack Leaf Blower?
What is best for you depends on your peculiar needs. Consider the space you need to clean and look for a leaf blower that can handle that type of load. - Are Electric Leaf Blowers Better Than Gas Powered Units?
The only advantage electric blowers have over gas-powered types is their low noise and emission levels, but electric-powered blowers also create a screaming sound that is unpleasant to the ears.
However, gas leaf blowers are more powerful, make your work faster and deliver for longer. Also, gas-powered blowers are mobile, although they can be noisier. For more information, check out the corded electric leaf blower reviews! - What Is the Acceptable Noise Level for a Backpack Leaf Blower?
The Environmental Protection Agency sets a requirement of 65dBa or lowers as the permitted noise level for leaf blowers. Hence, Top-rated leaf blower brands on the market comply with this requirement.
Wrap Up
A backpack leaf blower is an excellent piece of equipment that makes tedious and time-consuming yard work fast and fun. The strap-on design means you can carry them to every part of your property, kicking off leaves and also, debris in a fraction of the time it would have taken to rake or sweep it.
The machine is versatile, convenient, and highly maneuverable. With units pumping out air at speeds up to 250 mph, no amount of piled-up leaves or debris can stand in your way.
Therefore, if you need a fuel-efficient and powerful blower to take care of your yard cleaning duties, a backpack unit is ideal for your needs.
Knowing the right questions to ask when shopping for a blower is essential to getting the best backpack leaf blower that will satisfy your needs. Go through our detailed backpack leaf blower reviews to learn more about the top products on the market.
