Homeowners with large yards or many trees usually prefer gas-powered leaf blowers. Although gas-powered leaf blowers cost more than electric, they also have more power and versatility. That is why they are the No. 1 choice for lawn care professionals.
But do you want to skip the cost of professional leaf removal and do it yourself? We know there are many options when choosing a leaf blower, so we researched and uncovered the best gas-powered leaf blowers. Best of all? You don’t have to break the bank to get a quality blower, because many of our picks are moderately priced.
Our top picks
| Best handheld leaf blowers |
| 1. Echo PB-2520 |
| 2. Troy-Bilt TB27BH |
| 3. Echo PB-2620 |
| 4. Craftsman B215 |
| Best backpack leaf blowers |
| 1. Schröder SR-6400L |
| 2. Husqvarna 150BT |
| 3. Echo PB-755ST |
| Best walk-behind leaf blowers |
| 1. Yardmax YF1565 |
| 2. Champion 200947 |
Top 4 handheld gas-powered leaf blowers – reviews
1. Echo PB-2520
Our top pick for handheld gas leaf blowers is the Echo PB-2520. At 8.6 pounds, it is the lightest pick on our list, but the PB-2520 is no weakling. Its 15.8 N of blow force makes it one of the more powerful handhelds on the market, which means you can quickly manage leaves even when wet.
Echo has a reputation for manufacturing durable equipment, and they back up their reputation with a 5-year consumer (2-year commercial) warranty. Most competing leaf blowers come with no more than a 2-year consumer warranty.
How does it handle? Because the Echo PB-2520 is lightweight with an ergonomic design and a second grip, most homeowners are comfortable using it. However, some users will need to purchase the shoulder strap, which is sold separately.
Specifications
- CFM (air volume): 453
- MPH (airspeed): 170
- Weight: 8.6 lbs
- Noise level: 70 dB
- Warranty: 5 years
- Engine: 25.4 cc, 2-stroke
- Translucent fuel-tank: yes
- Variable speed: yes
Pros
✓ Light-weight
✓ Powerful
✓ Ergonomic
✓ Easy to use
✓ 5 year warranty
Cons
✗ Shoulder strap not included
✗ Has to warm up for 1 to 2 minutes or it stalls
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2. Troy-Bilt TB27BH
The Troy-Bilt TB27BH is powerful and affordable, making it one of the best buys on our list. With 450 CFM and an airspeed of 200 MPH, most homeowners with yards up to an acre can quickly take care of fall cleanup.
How does it handle? The Troy-Bilt TB27BH is small and easy to use with a comfortable overmold handle. In addition, it comes standard with SpringAssist™, which makes starting the leaf blower effortless.
Specifications
- CFM (air volume): 450
- MPH (airspeed): 200
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Noise level: 74 dB
- Warranty: 2 years
- Engine: 27 cc, 2-stroke
- Translucent fuel-tank: yes
- Variable speed: yes
Pros
✓ Powerful
✓ Affordable
✓ Easy to use
Cons
✗ Noisey
✗ Heavy vibration
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3. Echo PB-2620
The Echo PB-2620 is powerful and durable. It has slightly more force than the Echo PB-2520 but weighs more and has a higher price tag. It is built with a double-grid air intake design to prevent clogging and has variable speed cruise control.
How does it handle? Although it is heavier than Echo’s PB-2520, it is still lightweight enough for easy handling. In addition, its rubber grip reduces vibrations, and its second grip allows the user to hold the device securely. A shoulder strap is sold separately.
Specifications
- CFM (air volume): 456
- MPH (airspeed): 172
- Weight: 9.7 lbs
- Noise level: 70 dB
- Warranty: 5 years
- Engine: 25.4 cc, 2-stroke
- Translucent fuel-tank: yes
- Variable speed: yes
Pros
✓ Powerful
✓ 5-year warranty
✓ Easy to handle
Cons
✗ Expensive
✗ Shoulder strap not included
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4. Craftsman B215 – Best budget buy
With the Craftsman B215, you can maintain quality and stay within your budget because it is the lowest-priced leaf blower on our list. It is powerful enough to quickly manage debris on small to medium-sized yards, including wet leaves. In addition, it features an extended nozzle with a scrapper that helps clear debris from hard-to-reach places.
How does it handle? The Craftsman B215 is compact with an ergonomic design and an easy start mechanism.
Specifications
- CFM (air volume): 430
- MPH (airspeed): 200
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Noise level: 72 dB
- Warranty: 2 years
- Engine: 25 cc, 2-stroke
- Translucent fuel-tank: yes
- Variable speed: yes
Pros
✓ Affordable
✓ High airspeed
✓ Easy to start
✓ Ergonomic
Cons
✗ Less durable than Echo blowers
✗ Heavier than competing models
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Top 3 backpack gas-powered leaf blowers – reviews
1. Schröder SR-6400L
The Schröder SR-6400L gas-powered backpack leaf blower is our top pick for backpack blowers. With an impressive air volume of 920 CFM and airspeed of 230 MPH, it is powerful enough to handle heavily wooded yards over an acre. In addition, it can effortlessly blow heavier debris such as wet leaves and pine needles.
Best of all, it is one of the more affordable backpack blowers. But don’t worry about sacrificing quality; Schröder makes durable leaf blowers backed by a five-year warranty and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
How does it handle? At just 19.5 pounds, the Schröder SR-6400L is lightweight for a backpack blower. In addition, it has an ergonomic design with thickly padded shoulder straps and back support. Some users complain that the recoil starter is difficult to pull.
Specifications
- CFM (air volume): 920
- MPH (airspeed): 230
- Weight: 19.5 lbs
- Noise level: 98 dB
- Warranty: 5 years
- Engine: 63.3 cc, 2-stroke
- Translucent fuel-tank: yes
- Variable speed: yes
Pros
✓ Affordable
✓ Powerful
✓ 5-year warranty
✓ Light-weight
✓ Comfortable
Cons
✗ Noisey
✗ Recoil starter is difficult to pull
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2. Husqvarna 150BT
The Husqvarna 150BT boasts an impressive airspeed of 270 MPH, which means it can push heavier debris than most competing models. However, its air volume is lower than the average backpack blower, so it may take longer to clear large yards.
The 150BT utilizes Husqvarna’s X-TORQ® technology for 2-stroke engines. The technology reduces fuel usage by up to 20% and emissions by up to 60%.
How does it handle? The Husqvarna 150BT has an ergonomic design, easy-to-access controls, and a right-side handle. In addition, it has adjustable padded straps and is easy to start with a spring-loaded on-off switch.
Specifications
- CFM (air volume): 452
- MPH (airspeed): 270
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Noise level: 94 dB
- Warranty: 2 years
- Engine: 51 cc, 2-stroke
- Translucent fuel-tank: yes
- Variable speed: yes
Pros
✓ Very high airspeed
✓ Affordable
✓ Lightweight
✓ Reduced fuel consumption
✓ Low emissions
✓ Easy to start
Cons
✗ Noisey
✗ Low CFM (air volume)
✗ Not easy to assemble
✗ Heavy vibration
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3. Echo PB-755ST
The Echo PB-755ST can handle heavy debris with an airspeed of 233 MPH, and you will get the job done quickly with 651 CFM. You’ll enjoy a lot of use from this durable leaf blower with an automotive-style air filter and Posi-loc pipes.
How does it handle? The Echo PB-755ST is comfortable to use with padded shoulder straps and back support. It has a flexible blower tube, easy-to-access controls, and a thick plastic frame that reduces vibration.
Specifications
- CFM (air volume): 651
- MPH (airspeed): 233
- Weight: 24.7 lbs
- Noise level: 74 dB
- Warranty: 5 years
- Engine: 63.3 cc, 2-stroke
- Translucent fuel-tank: yes
- Variable speed: yes
Pros
✓ 5-year warranty
✓ Powerful
✓ Easy to use
✓ Durable
✓ Reduced vibration
Cons
✗ Heavy
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Top 2 walk-behind gas-powered leaf blowers – reviews
1. Yardmax YF1565
Our top pick for residential walk-behind leaf blowers is the Yardmax YF1565. With an air volume of 1,200 CFM, you can clear debris from large yards in no time. And all that capability comes with a low price tag; it is one of the most affordable walk-behinds on the market.
How does it handle? The Yardmax YF1565 has an ergonomic handle with an anti-vibration grip. In addition, its 12-inch rear wheels and 8-inch front wheel moves smoothly over most terrain, and easily maneuvers through tight spaces. However, it weighs 88.4 pounds, which is light for a walk-behind but is still too heavy for some users to push.
Specifications
- CFM (air volume): 1200
- MPH (airspeed): 150
- Weight: 88.4 lbs
- Noise level: 76 dB
- Warranty: 2 years
- Engine: 209 cc
- Translucent fuel-tank: no
- Variable speed: yes
Pros
✓ Affordable
✓ Less noisy than most walk-behinds
✓ High CFM
Cons
✗ Lower airspeed than most walk-behinds
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2. Champion 200947
The Champion 200947 is very powerful, with an air volume of 1,300 CFM. It has a lower airspeed than most walk-behinds but is strong enough to clear most yard debris quickly. This is a great pick for homeowners with large yards and a lot of trees.
How does it handle? The Champion 200947 has an adjustable ergonomic handle with a soft grip that can fold for easy storage. In addition, it has never-flat rear wheels and 360° front wheel swivel. As with other walk-behind blowers, it will be too heavy for some users to push.
Specifications
- CFM (air volume): 1300
- MPH (airspeed): 160
- Weight: 89 lbs
- Noise level: 85 dB
- Warranty: 2 years
- Engine: 224 cc, 4-stroke
- Translucent fuel-tank: no
- Variable speed: yes
Pros
✓ High CFM
✓ Reasonably priced
✓ 360° front wheel swivel
✓ Adjustable throttle control
Cons
✗ Noisy
✗ Lower airspeed than most walk-behinds
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Buyers guide
Knowing what to look for makes shopping so much easier. Here we break down the basics, so you can find the best gas-powered leaf blower to suit your needs.
When purchasing a leaf blower, it is important to consider the following:
Design type
What design type is right for you- handheld, backpack, or walk-behind?
Handheld
Handheld leaf blowers are typically cheaper, quieter, and lighter-weight than backpack and walk-behind models. Because handhelds generally have less power than the other design types, they are best for small to medium-sized yards.
Backpack
Most lawn care professionals prefer backpack leaf blowers because they are more efficient than handhelds. They tend to have higher air volume (CFM), meaning they pack a more potent punch. Although backpacks are typically heavier than handhelds, the weight is easier to carry on your back than on your arms.
Walk-behind
Walk-behind leaf blowers typically have more power than other design types and can quickly clear large amounts of debris. As a result, homeowners with large and heavily wooded yards may choose to save time by purchasing a walk-behind blower. However, walk-behinds are typically very heavy and difficult to maneuver, especially uphill.
Power
Air volume (CFM) and airspeed (MPH) are two of the most significant contributing factors to a leaf blower’s total blow force (N). Homeowners with small yards and only a few trees may not need a blower with a lot of power. However, a powerful blower can save you a lot of time and effort if you have a large yard with many trees.
The table below shows typical CFM and MPH for leaf blowers.
| Design Type | CFM | MPH |
| Handheld | 200 – 500 | 70 – 260 |
| Backpack | 400 – 750 | 150 – 250 |
| Walk-behind | 1,500 – 4,000 | 150 – 200 |
Please keep in mind that most walk-behinds are intended for large commercial properties. Walk-behinds for residential use have under 1,500 CFM.
What is the difference between CFM and MPH?
- CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures air volume (the amount of air that passes through a leaf blower). Higher air volume means more ground clears with each blow, so you complete the job quicker.
- MPH (miles per hour) measures how fast the air passes through the leaf blower. Faster airspeeds can push heavier debris, such as wet leaves and pine needles.
Do I need variable speed? Leaf blowers with variable speed are handy because they are versatile. For example, sometimes, you may need high speed to clear wet piles of leaves, but other areas (e.g., flower beds and gardens) are too delicate to handle the same force.
Weight
Lighter leaf blowers are easier to maneuver and require less physical strength. However, high-power leaf blowers are typically heavier, so there is often a trade-off between physical strength and endurance.
The table below shows the typical weight of gas-powered leaf blowers.
| Design type | Typical weight (lbs.) |
| Handheld | 9 – 12 |
| Backpack | 17 – 26 |
| Walk-behind | 100+ |
Noise
Some cities and HOAs don’t allow gas-powered leaf blowers because the noise is loud and at a high frequency. So check local codes and HOA policies before purchasing a leaf blower, and always be sure to use proper hearing protection. The noise rating of an average gas-powered leaf blower is 80 – 90 dB.
Warranty
Most leading leaf blower manufacturers offer a 2-year (residential use) warranty on gas-powered leaf blowers. A few companies, such as Echo and Schröder, offer a 5-year warranty and others offer 1-year warranties.
Cost
Although the average leaf blower costs $150, the average gas-powered leaf blower costs $250. The table below shows the cost of gas-powered leaf blowers by design type.
| Design type | Typical cost |
| Handheld | $120 – $300 |
| Backpack | $350 – $750 |
| Walk-behind (for residential properties) | $450 – $1,300 |
Other factors that affect the cost of a gas-powered leaf blower include:
- Brand
- Weight
- Noise
- Features
FAQ about gas-powered leaf blowers
When choosing a leaf blower, look for these handy features:
● Second grip: Gives you more control
● Easy-to-access controls: This is excellent for safety and comfort
● Translucent fuel tank: So you can see when it’s time to refuel
● Ergonomic handles: Makes it more comfortable to use
● Padded straps: Thicker padding means more comfort
● Variable speed: So you can care for delicate areas of your yard
Many homeowners use their leaf blowers to remove snow from vehicles, driveways, and walkways. Not only do they blow snow, but their heat also melts it. If you plan to use your leaf blower for snow removal, get a model with at least 400 CFM and 150 MPH.
If there is more than 1 inch of snow to remove, it is best to use a snow plow or hire a professional. Professional snow removal typically costs $50 to $140 per visit.
When to call a pro
As the temperature drops, leaves pile up, and many homeowners prepare for the holidays. Often it is best to hire a professional so that you can spend your time on holiday cheer. There are many reasons to hire professional lawn care, so give your local pro a call and let them handle your yard care needs.
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Main Image Credit: Charles & Hudson | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 2.0
