While electric leaf blowers are gaining popularity, petrol leaf blowers are still a staple in many garden sheds.
In this article, we have looked at our top picks of the best petrol leaf blowers for 2023 to help you find your first or next machine.
We’ll take you through the specifications of each leaf blower and what to look for in your ideal unit.
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Our TOP Petrol Leaf Blower Picks
Best Petrol Leaf Blowers to Buy in 2023
Here are our top picks of the best petrol leaf blowers available at the moment.
- McCulloch GB 355 BP Backpack Petrol Leaf Blower
- Webb 2-Stroke Petrol Leaf Blower, Vacuum, and Shredder
- Hyundai Petrol Backpack Leaf Blower
- PowerKing Handheld Petrol Leaf Blower
- eSkyde 2-Stroke Backpack Petrol Leaf Blower
- Makita 4-Stroke Engine Leaf Blower
- Stihl BG86 Petrol Leaf Blower
We have looked at the best petrol leaf blowers to help you decide which option is best for you and your garden. Different people will require different leaf blowers for various reasons.
Perhaps one is better for the size of your garden and your primary requirement is that it is easy to use. It may even be that you are looking for a lightweight leaf blower which will not cause strain.
We have therefore listed our top picks and indicated which option is better for a particular garden size. Additionally, we have looked at the specifications of each model so that you can work out which unit would be easier and more comfortable for you to use.
McCulloch GB 355 BP Backpack Petrol Leaf Blower
Key Product Specs and Features
- Airflow: 1697CFM airflow
- Weight: 11kg
- Petrol tank volume: 2.2L
- Noise level: 113dB(A) (decibels)
- Special feature: backpack design
- Ideal for: Large gardens
If you are looking for a leaf blower for a larger garden or a garden that is prone to leaves, this backpack leaf blower is a good choice. It has a large petrol tank and adjustable backpack straps allowing you to work for longer without needing to refill or feeling fatigued.
With a variable speed trigger, you can adjust the airflow depending on what you need. For larger areas and general cleaning, you can increase the airflow. In comparison, for times when you need to be more precise, the speed can be decreased to give you greater control of the leaf blower.
Finally, users have reported that this leaf blower is easy on petrol, meaning you will not need to fill it too often due to the volume of the petrol tank.
Pros:
- Not too heavy: despite the weight of 11kg, many users have found that this leaf blower does not cause fatigue when using it for a prolonged period of time
- Powerful: this leaf blower is powerful and, with air speeds up to 355km/h you can get the job done efficiently and painlessly, even in larger gardens
- Comfortable: the shoulder straps are padded and adjustable, allowing you to fit them correctly on your frame for added comfort when using
Cons:
- Noisy: users have said that this leaf blower is rather noisy, with some recommending wearing ear defenders when using it
Webb 2-Stroke Petrol Leaf Blower, Vacuum, and Shredder
Key Product Specs and Features
- Airflow: 875CFM airflow
- Weight: 5kg
- Petrol tank volume: 650ml
- Noise level: unknown
- Special feature: Shredder, vacuum, and collection bag
- Ideal for: Large gardens
Webb has designed this leaf blower with a vacuum (with a collection bag) and a shredder to make the job of clearing your garden easier. As a handheld leaf blower, this lightweight item is easy to carry without fatiguing.
The company states that this combination allows you to move any leaves or garden debris into piles and then reduce your waste. Vacuuming the debris and leaves and then shredding them is said to reduce your garden waste by half.
The vacuum bag is able to hold 40L of garden waste for easy collection. This makes it suitable for larger gardens as you can collect large amounts of waste and shred it efficiently and easily.
Pros:
- Lightweight: weighing only 5kg, this leaf blower is easy to use and manoeuvre when using it for longer periods of time
- Comes with a shoulder strap: as this leaf blower is suitable for larger gardens, the shoulder strap reduces the tension on your hands and allows you to carry it comfortably
- Powerful: users have said this is a powerful leaf blower that makes it easier for them to get the job done efficiently
Cons:
- No measuring vessel: no tool or attachment allows you to measure the amount of oil and petrol in the leaf blower which makes getting the right ratio difficult
Hyundai Petrol Backpack Leaf Blower
Key Product Specs and Features
- Airflow: 1306CFM airflow
- Weight: 9.85kg
- Petrol tank volume: 1,5L
- Noise level: 98.5dB(A) (decibels)
- Special feature: backpack design
- Ideal for: Large gardens
This is a good leaf blower for those looking for a versatile unit. You can adjust the speed of the airflow depending on what is needed at the time, giving your more control over your unit.
For larger gardens, backpack leaf blowers are more often recommended as it gives you more ease of use. You do not need to hold a heavy leaf blower in your hand throughout the process, as the comfortable, adjustable backpack straps will create a good balance between your body and the leaf blower.
Aside from using this leaf blower to clear leaves and debris from your garden, it is powerful enough to be used to remove snow. This gives you the ability to use your leaf blower year-round to get real value from your purchase.
This leaf blower comes with a 3-year warranty, allowing you to send your leaf blower back should you have any issues. Depending on the circumstances, Hyundai will either repair the unit for you or they will send a replacement.
Pros:
- Powerful: users have said that this leaf blower is powerful enough to get the job done in less time.
- Year-round use: Hyundai has indicated that their leaf blower is ideal to use at any time, capable of clearing leaves, grass cuttings, snow or gutters.
Cons:
- Fuel mixing bottle leaks: users have said that the fuel mixing bottle does not seal correctly and is rather flimsy, so many have opted to not use it
PowerKing Handheld Petrol Leaf Blower
Key Product Specs and Features
- Airflow: 1643CFM airflow
- Weight: 13kg
- Petrol tank volume: 650ml
- Noise level: unknown
- Special feature: anti-vibration technology
- Ideal for: Large gardens
PowerKing has designed this leaf blower with a 2-stroke oil and petrol mix of 1:40. This mixture is then stored in the 650ml petrol tank which allows you to operate the leaf blower for longer before it needs to be refilled.
You can use this leaf blower to clean most of your garden efficiently and easily. The nozzle allows you to get to leaves and debris from under bushes, allowing you to clear grass cuttings, twigs, leaves and more.
This handheld leaf blower is powerful enough to get the job done efficiently while the easy start technology makes it effortless to get the leaf blower going. With airflow of over 1600CFM, this leaf blower is powerful which makes for a quick clean-up without too much effort.
Pros:
- Tapered nozzle: the tapered nozzle allows you to control the airflow and the direction of the air, directing leaves and debris better
- Powerful: users have said this is a powerful leaf blower that allows them to get the job done quickly
Cons:
- Handheld: while there is anti-vibration technology and a comfortable handle, this leaf blower is a handheld variation and can be heavy (weighing 13kg) when used for too long
eSkyde 2-Stroke Backpack Petrol Leaf Blower
Key Product Specs and Features
- Airflow: 423CFM airflow
- Weight: 9.21kg
- Petrol tank volume: 1.2L
- Noise level: 98dB(A) (decibels)
- Special feature: cruise control and backpack features
- Best for small to medium-sized gardens
If you are looking for a powerful leaf blower that gives you precise and efficient clearing, then the eSkyde backpack petrol leaf blower is a good option. It gives you greater comfort while cleaning with the use of padded backpack straps while making your cleaning efficient and precise.
The turbo nozzle directs the airflow to allow you more control when cleaning your garden. It directs airflow precisely to move leaves and garden debris into an exact pile which allows you to clean up the leftover debris easily.
Finally, this leaf blower comes with a 1-year warranty which allows you to send your unit back if there are any issues experienced during that time. eSkyde will then repair your leaf blower or send you a replacement depending on the circumstance.
Pros:
- Cruise control: this leaf blower comes with a cruise control option that allows you to set the speed of the engine for longer use without needing to adjust it
- Comfortable: the backpack straps are padded to provide more support and comfort when using the leaf blower over long periods of time
- Turbo nozzle: the turbo nozzle allows you greater control and precision when clearing your garden by directing the airflow
Cons:
- Heavy: some users have reported that, despite the backpack straps, they find themselves becoming fatigued from the weight of the leaf blower
Makita 4-Stroke Engine Leaf Blower
Key Product Specs and Features
- Airflow: 1497CFM airflow
- Weight: 4.4kg
- Petrol tank volume: 520ml
- Noise level: 1037dB(A) (decibels)
- Special feature: comes with a tool kit
- Ideal for: Smaller gardens
If you are looking for a leaf blower to use infrequently or in a smaller garden, Makita’s 4-stroke option is a good choice. It has enough power for a small garden but would not work well in a larger garden, and is lightweight enough for easy use.
This is a handheld leaf blower which means you will need to hold it while clearing your garden, which is not too much of an issue as it is lightweight. You may want to buy a strap for the leaf blower if you are using it for longer times.
Finally, this is a compact leaf blower which can easily be packed away and stored. There is an optional vacuum attachment that can be bought separately to convert this leaf blower to collect leaves and debris while cleaning.
Pros:
- Easy to start: users report that this leaf blower is easy to start up and continues to work at the same intensity with use
- Lightweight: weighing less than 5kg, this leaf blower is lightweight and will not cause fatigue when used for longer periods of time
- Powerful: users have said that this leaf blower is powerful enough to cut down time cleaning your garden
Cons:
- Loud: unfortunately, users said this leaf blower is rather loud so you may find yourself experiencing some discomfort while using it
Stihl BG86 Petrol Leaf Blower
Key Product Specs and Features
- Airflow: 1459CFM airflow
- Weight: 4.4kg
- Petrol tank volume: 440ml
- Noise level: 70dB(A) (decibels)
- Special feature: 3-in-1 leaf blower, mulcher and vacuum
- Ideal for: Large gardens
For those looking for a gardening kit that allows you to fully clear and dispose of leaves and debris, Stihl’s BG86 petrol leaf blower may be a good option for you.
If exhaust fumes are a concern for you, this leaf blower is a good option. This leaf blower has been designed to use 20% less fuel consumption, resulting in lower exhaust emissions. Stihl has done this to give you peace of mind while cleaning your garden.
This kit allows you to manoeuvre the leaves in your garden to one spot (with the leaf blower), collect the leaves and debris (using the vacuum) and then mulch the leaves (with the mulcher) to leave a clean garden.
Finally, this leaf blower comes with a 2-year warranty, allowing you to return your product for a replacement or a refund should you have any issues with it.
Pros:
- Full kit: this leaf blower comes with a vacuum and mulcher to collect and get rid of leaves and debris as you clear
- Quiet: at 70 decibels, this is a quiet leaf blower that will not cause any damage to the user’s ears and will not cause any disruption in your neighbourhood when using it
- Powerful: users have said this is a powerful leaf blower that allows the process of clearing your garden to be more efficient and less tiresome
Cons:
- Somewhat finicky: users have said they have some difficulty connecting the attachments to the body of the leaf blower, saying that patience is a must
How to Buy the Best Petrol Leaf Blower
Engine Capacity
There are three types of leaf blower engine sizes:
- Small with 20cc to 49cc
- Medium with 50cc to 75cc
- Large with more than 100cc
It is important to identify what engine capacity you require and then look for a leaf blower with your preferred engine size. Engine sizes are measured in cubic centimetres (cc).
Weight
Given that leaf blowers require you to carry them, you should prioritise lightweight options. If a leaf blower is too heavy, you are less likely to want to use it as often. If you are buying a leaf blower with straps you have a bit more leeway but handheld options should be lighter weight.
Durability
When buying a leaf blower, ensure it is durable and will last with frequent use. You do not want to buy a low-quality leaf blower and then need to replace it in a short time. You should therefore look for durable, thick plastic or metal parts which will not rust or break easily.
Maintenance
Unfortunately, leaf blowers require frequent maintenance, with the suggested option being maintenance once a month. This usually involves maintaining and cleaning the air filters and fuel lines. Electric leaf blowers require less maintenance than petrol leaf blowers.
Warranty
If a company gives a descent warranty on their leaf blowers, this is an indication that the company is confident in its product. This gives buyers the ease of mind that they will be reimbursed if something goes wrong with their leaf blower. It is important to read your warranty carefully.
Handheld or Backpack?
Depending on how often you use your leaf blower, either of these options is a good choice. For a big garden and frequent use, a leaf blower with straps is a better option. For the infrequent use of smaller gardens, a handheld leaf blower is suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Electric or Petrol Leaf Blower?
Both electric and petrol leaf blowers have advantages and disadvantages. For electric leaf blowers:
Pros:
- More affordable
- Light-weight
- No need to buy petrol before using
Cons:
- Less powerful
In comparison, for petrol leaf blowers:
Pros:
- More powerful than electric blowers
- Gets the job done faster
- Stronger airflow
Cons:
- Release smoke from petrol
What Is A Good Cfm for A Leaf Blower?
Smaller properties require less CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute), with the suggested CFM being 200 to 400. Meanwhile, if you have a larger property, you should look for a leaf blower with a 400 to 700 CFM. This is essentially the power of the air used for the leaf blower.
What Size Leaf Blower Do I Need?
For large gardens, you will want to buy a larger and more powerful leaf blower to reduce the amount of work required. In comparison, smaller gardens or infrequent use means you can get away with a smaller leaf blower while still getting the job done.
How Loud is a Leaf Blower in Decibels?
Petrol leaf blowers tend to be louder than electric leaf blowers due to the engine size. The National Institute of Health conducted a study on the characteristics of leaf blower sounds. They found that the person using the leaf blower will experience 95 dB[A] (A-weighted decibels).
How long can you leave petrol in a leaf blower?
You should not leave petrol in your leaf blower for longer than 30 days. Petrol can degrade over time which will cause a build-up in your leaf blower engine. You should therefore empty the petrol from your leaf blower when putting it away or storing it to avoid damage to your machine.
What petrol is best for a leaf blower?
Most leaf blower manufacturers produce their leaf blowers to use regular, unleaded petrol. You can therefore take a petrol canister or jerry can to your local petrol station and collect some unleaded for use in your leaf blower.
Conclusion
Deciding which petrol leaf blower to buy can be an overwhelming task which we have made easier with this list. We have looked at our top picks and what features differentiate each one.
When looking for a leaf blower, several factors are important to consider. These include the weight of the unit, the power of the engine, special features, and other elements that make a leaf blower stand out. It is important to consider what your garden size will require.
We trust that you have found this article enlightening and that you now know what leaf blower you will be trying next. Let us know if you have any questions or comments.
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Charl is a full-time writer with a range of passions and expertise in lawn mowers and other garden power tools. After many years in the corporate rat race, he decided to follow these passions. When not writing, Charl can be found in his garden, tending to or propagating plants, keeping the lawn near perfect, and enjoying the outdoors with his dogs. He is also fascinated by emerging technology and tries to squeeze in a round of golf as often as possible.
