Clearing a lawn full of leaves can be exhausting and time-intensive. That’s why leaf blowers are essential gardening tools. Whether it’s to get rid of those autumn leaves, clear walkways, or remove grass cuttings in the summer, leaf blowers are convenient for use all year round.
But with plenty of leaf blowers available, deciding between petrol and battery-powered or large and small lawn use cases can get overwhelming. We compiled the best among the lot, alongside other valuable tips, to help you choose a suitable model for your needs. Let's get into it.
Our Top Picks
If you're short on time and need to make a quick purchase. Here are our top three picks available in Australia:
Greenworks Cordless Leaf Blower
Best battery-powered leaf blower with a 297 km/h speed, 21 minutes operating time, and a brushless motor for power and durability.
STIHL Electrostart Petrol Blower
Best petrol leaf blower with a 2-stroke engine, 356 km/h speed, ErgoStart technology, and anti-vibration for commercial leaf-blowing tasks.
Bosch Leaf Blower & Vacuum
Best corded electric leaf blower, shredder, and garden vacuum with a 285 km/h blower speed and a 50 L collection bag.
Top 9 Leaf Blowers for Aussies — In-Depth Reviews
Our top nine picks for the best leaf blowers for Aussies are backed by in-depth reviews, countless hours of testing and researching, and insights gained from rigorous examination. Let's deep dive!
1. Greenworks 40V Brushless Cordless Leaf Blower
Best Battery-Powered Leaf Blower
Blower speed: 297 km/h
Operating time: 21 min
Warranty: 3 years
The Greenworks Brushless Cordless Leaf Blower is a great product if you value performance, durability, and convenience and have a medium to large yard with moderate to heavy leaf fall. This high-performance battery leaf blower offers airflow speeds up to 297 km/h. In blower mode, you can get up to 21 minutes of operation on high and adjustable speed from its variable speed dial.
The leaf blower is convenient to use. Its brushless motor is designed to increase run time and offer more power while reducing wear and tear. It also features a cushioned grip, which makes it comfortable to operate. The 40V brushless leaf blower also offers vacuuming and a mulching capability with a mulching ratio of 10:01. It has an easy, toolless conversion between the blower and vacuum modes.
GreenWorks' cordless leaf blower is inexpensive. However, its batteries and charger raise the price significantly. Homeowners who already have compatible batteries can buy the tool only. The leaf blower's batteries are also compatible with GreenWorks G MAX 40 Volt 4 Amp hour (146 Watt hour) batteries. Greenworks also has over 60 tools powered by this battery, so you might consider this an investment.
Pros
- High-performance
- Long 21-minute operation
- Comfortable cushioned grip for ease of use
- Versatile with blower, vacuum, and mulching capabilities
- 6-speed settings with a turbo button
- Easy to maneuver in tight spaces
Cons
- A bit noisy
- Additional cost for batteries and charger
2. Bosch ALB 18 LI Leaf Blower
Best Value Battery-Powered Leaf Blower
Blower speed: 210 km/h
Operating time: 17 min
Warranty: 2 years
If you’re looking for a cordless, lightweight, and powerful leaf blower, you may want to choose the Bosch ALB 18 LI. This battery-powered leaf blower features an ergonomic design that is comfortable to work with. Weighing only 1.8 kg, Bosch ALB 18 LI ensures that you work for long periods without fatigue. It's best at clearing leaves and small debris from small- to medium-sized areas.
The leaf blower has a powerful speed with an excellent airflow of 210km/h, allowing you to easily clear leaves off your patios and medium-sized gardens. While not designed for heavy-duty applications like large backyards and gardens, the leaf blower effectively performs well. With a detachable blower tube, it's also easy to store and carry along.
Bosch's 18-volt lithium-ion battery offers freedom of movement while cleaning. Its Syneon Chip helps regulate power, prolonging its battery's runtime and lifespan. The battery is compatible with other Bosch tools like drills, trimmers, and saws. The Bosch ALB 18 LI gives you a 17-minute continuous runtime and is ideal for most applications.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Weighs only 1.8 kg
- Powerful speed with 210 km/h airflow
- Detachable blower tube for easy storage
- Soft grip for comfortable working
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty applications in large yards
- Not compatible with Bosch professional batteries
3. BLACK+DECKER 18V Leaf Blower
Best Battery-Powered Lightweight Leaf Blower
Blower speed: 209 km/h
Operating time: 20 min
Warranty: 2 years
The BLACK+DECKER 18V Blower is a handy leaf blower with a power boost feature and a POWERCOMMAND functionality that offers extra power when needed. You can count on the strength of BLACK & DECKER 18V Blower GWC1820PC-XE to complete the most challenging tasks. Switching the Power Boost button activates the power boost mode that speeds the airflow to about 209 km/h. This is 20% more power compared to the standard mode power.
The leaf blower comes with a compact design for easy storage and handling. Its lightweight 1.7 kg design makes it easier to carry without tiredness or back pain. As a battery-powered leaf blower, you also enjoy cordless freedom to move around conveniently and get the job done efficiently without being tied to a socket. It comes with a soft-grip handle to offer extra comfort during use and ensure that your palms won't develop bruises.
The BLACK & DECKER Blower GWC1820PC-XE makes less noise during operation. And when not in use, you can detach the chute to ensure easy storage. Get this leaf blower to clear debris from patios, gardens, pavements, garages, and pathways. You can also use it to remove guttering and light snowfall, fallen blossoms, and leaves. However, due to its limited battery life, we do not recommend it for large or heavily loaded areas.
Pros
- Low noise during operation
- Compact and lightweight design
- Soft-grip handle for added comfort
- Detachable chute for easy storage
- Versatile for clearing various debris
Cons
- Limited to 18V BLACK+DECKER battery system
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks in larger areas
4. WORX WG547E Turbine Leaf Blower
Most Versatile Battery-Powered Leaf Blower
Blower speed: 120 km/h
Operating time: 20 min
Warranty: 3 years
The WORX WG547E TURBINE blower is a versatile leaf blower with Turbine Fan technology. This offers the high air volume flow you need from a leaf blower to ensure efficiency in cleaning. The air volume flows up to 340 cfm for greater efficiency. It is also a 2-speed blower, giving you complete control and the ability to tackle different tasks around the garden, deck, patio, and yard.
The WORX WG547E is compact and lightweight to ensure easy portability and operation. Its hyper-stream air nozzle lets you deal with harsh conditions, ensuring you get the last leaf off your garden and patios. It provides a good clean-up, even with challenging tasks. You won’t also experience back pain from prolonged usage as you can easily handle it with one hand, weighing only 2 kg.
Additionally, the leaf blower features the Powershare platform to allow you to use or interchange the batteries with other WORX tools. The leaf blower isn't suitable if you need a long runtime, a powerful performance, or a large coverage area. WORX's WG547E leaf blower offers a short runtime of 20 minutes and a moderate speed of 120 km/h.
Pros
- Turbine fan technology for high air volume flow
- 2-speed blower for versatility in tasks
- Compact, lightweight design for easy portability
- Hyper-stream air nozzle for efficient leaf-clearing
- Cordless convenience for uninterrupted use
Cons
- Short runtime
- Not for heavy-duty tasks
5. STIHL Electrostart Professional Backpack Blower
Best Petrol-Powered Commercial Blower
Engine type: 2-stroke; 63.3 cc
Blower speed: 356 km/h
Warranty: 2 years
The STIHL Electrostart Professional Backpack Blower is a powerful leaf blower for extensive and commercial leaf-blowing tasks. It features a two-stroke engine with a dedicated 2-MIX technology that significantly improves its performance and power efficiency. The leaf blower offers an air throughput or volume of 1.090 m³ per hour and a blowing speed of 356 km/h, the highest among the other petrol leaf blowers on our list.
Despite its power, STIHL's leaf blower engine produces low emissions. It comes with the easy-to-start STIHL ErgoStart technology with a smooth, even pull. Even a gentle pull of the starter cord effortlessly starts up the engine. The blower also features an anti-vibration system that reduces vibrations in the handle to make your leaf-blowing experience pleasant. And to accommodate all users, the blower tube is fully adjustable to fit the user's height.
We recommend STIHL's leaf blower if you need a powerful and efficient leaf blower for extensive and commercial leaf-blowing tasks. It weighs 11.5 kg, twice the weight of the Makita BHX2500V model, has a power output of 2.9 kW and a 1.7 L fuel tank capacity. We do not advise it if you need a leaf blower for casual or small-scale tasks, as it might be too powerful.
Pros
- Ideal for extensive and commercial tasks
- Low emissions despite its power
- STIHL ErgoStart for easy and smooth engine starting
- Anti-vibration system for a comfortable user experience
- Fully adjustable blower tube for user comfort
- Excellent blow speed at 356 km/h
Cons
- Heavier at 11.5 kg
- Higher price point
- Not ideal for casual or small-scale tasks
6. Honda 25cc 4-Stroke Leaf Blower
Best Petrol Four-Stroke Engine Blower
Engine type: 4-Stroke; 25 cc
Blower speed: 252 km/h
Warranty: 4 years dom., 1-year com.
The Honda 25cc 4 Stroke Leaf Blower is a powerful and efficient model for large-scale and professional tasks. It's ideal for clearing plenty of cuttings, leaves, and debris, thanks to its four-stroke leaf blade and 25cc commercial engine for intense performance. Thus, we recommend it if you need to regularly clear a lot of leaves, debris, and cuttings from your property or work site.
Honda's petrol leaf blower is environmentally friendly and quiet during operation. It produces low emissions, and its fuel consumption is efficient. The leaf blower, with a 0.55 L fuel tank capacity, also requires no fuel mixing, unlike other petrol models available on the market. It has an anti-suction fan cover and a blower speed of up to 252 km/h.
As a bonus, the leaf blower is incredibly easy to start up. Professionals after a top-grade petrol leaf blower job or homeowners with plenty of leaves to shift would find the model incredibly helpful. It also comes with four years of domestic and one-year commercial warranty. However, like the STIHL Electrostart, we do not recommend Honda's petrol blower for people who need a small-scale or residential leaf blower, as it is more expensive, heavier, and less portable.
Pros
- Easy to start
- Powerful 25cc commercial engine
- Fuel-efficient and no fuel mixing required
- Anti-suction fan cover for added safety
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Higher price point
- Not for small-scale or residential use
- Heavier and less portable
7. Victa Swift-Start Blower/Vac
Best Budget Petrol-Powered Blower
Engine type: 2-Stroke; 27.5 cc
Blower speed: 250 km/h
Warranty: 2 years
The Victa Swift-Start Blower/Vac is a reliable leaf blower that offers a smooth, soft, and easy pull start. It features auto-choke and consistent performance with anti-vibration thanks to an isolated engine and a Walbro carburetor. Unlike the Honda model, Victa's leaf blower comes with a 27.5cc 2-stroke engine efficient enough to blast away debris and a vacuum kit for gathering and shredding waste.
However, the Victa Swift-Start Blower is expensive compared with the other options on the Australian market. It's suitable for people who need a reliable yet economical tool to clear leaves and debris from large areas and can vacuum leaves that are smaller than a 20-dollar note. Albeit, it might struggle with larger or wetter leaves.
The petrol-powered blower, with a fuel tank capacity of 0.45 L, is also not very effective on grass or uneven surfaces, as it can miss or clog the suction tube. Thus, you can opt for the Honda 4-stroke blower for tougher jobs.
Pros:
- Reliable with a smooth and easy pull-start
- Features auto-choke for hassle-free operation
- Anti-vibration design for comfortable use
- High airspeed with a 27.5cc 2-stroke engine
- Includes a vac kit for gathering and shredding waste
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Not very environmentally friendly
- Produces more noise during operation
- Overkill for small-scale use
8. Bosch 2300W Corded Electric Leaf Blower & Vacuum
Best Electric Leaf Blower
Blower speed: 285 km/h
Collection bag capacity: 50 L
Warranty: 1 year
The Bosch 2300W is a corded-electric leaf blower and a garden vacuum ideal for tidying your driveways, patios, lawns, and gardens. It offers good performance with a 2300w motor (maxes out at 3,000W) that can deliver an air volume flow rate of 160 l/s and variable speeds reaching as high as 285 km/h.
The leafblower has three configuration modes. Along with shredding, it can be used to collect debris and leaves around patios and gardens. And it can suck up waste in the garden using the vacuum mode, which has a capacity of 50 L. You can easily switch from the leaf blower to the vacuum mode by replacing the blower tube with the vacuum tube and the collection bag to suit your garden and driveway cleaning needs.
If you are sensitive to dust or allergens, use the air blower with protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a mask, as leaf blowers can stir up these particles in the air.
Bosch's electric leaf blower has a shredder function that condenses waste into materials you can easily decompose in the garden. And while it may not be the lightest leaf blower, it is manageable at 3.4 kg. It goes up further to 4.7 kg when you include the vacuum mode.
Pros
- Variable speeds for versatile use
- Leaf blower, shredder, and garden vacuum
- Easy switch between modes
- Convenient for multiple outdoor cleaning tasks
Cons
- Limited range
- Requires access to an electrical outlet
- Less suitable for very large areas
- Potential noise and cord management issues
9. Ozito 1800W Corded Blower BLW-1800
Best Cheap Electric Leaf Blower
Blower speed: 320 km/h
Power input: 1800 W
Warranty: 3 years
If you’re after a simple electric blower to remove a reasonable amount of leaves from your low-maintenance lawn, get the Ozito Electric Blower BLW-1800. It features a lightweight design and a sure grip ergonomic handle for convenient, prolonged usage and easy maneuverability. Likewise, its 1800W electric motor is good enough to complete small leaf-blowing tasks without hassle.
While there's little to complain about at its price point, we only recommend it for DIY and residential use only. The 25 m corded-electric leaf blower offers a blower speed of 320 km/h and 206 cfm air volume, excellent for courtyards, driveways, and patios. Homeowners also get a 3-year replacement warranty on purchase.
The Ozito 1800W Corded Blower BLW-1800 was once recalled in 2015 due to a risk of electric shock from the impeller breaking during use and rupturing the casing. So, if the cord doesn’t pose a problem and being slightly noisy is not a concern, you can pick it up for your occasional use. Otherwise, choose a more stable and reliable leaf blower from above.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Suitable for small leaf-blowing tasks
- Long 25m cord for extended reach
- 3-year replacement warranty
Cons
- Requires access to an electrical outlet
- Less powerful compared to other models
- Not suitable for larger or more demanding tasks
- Noisy at 100 dB
How to Use a Leaf Blower?
Leaf blowers are powerful tools that require proper safety precautions to avoid injury from flying debris. To effectively use a leaf blower, here's a step-by-step guide to follow for efficiency and safety:
- Check the weather: Never blow wet or soaked leaves after rain or snowfall; this would be a much harder and counter-productive task.
- Wear safety gear: Always wear suitable protective gear. This includes eye protection, gardening gloves, face mask/covering, protective clothing/closed-toe shoes, and noise-cancelling ear muffs.
- Prepare your leaf blower: Ensure you fully charge the battery of your cordless leaf blower or have a spare battery ready.
- Adjust the airflow settings: Too much power and airflow will make a mess. Point the blower’s chute toward the ground directing the airflow under the leaves, not on top of the leaves.
- Move the blower chute from left to right: Create an arc-like motion as you walk and move the leaves into piles.
- Start with the nozzle close to the ground: Then raise it to a height where it does not generate dust.
Buying Guide: Choosing A Leaf Blower
You must always consider your needs when making a purchase. In your assessment of a suitable leaf blower, first, consider your lawn size. How much debris do you typically encounter per week? How many trees are on your lawn, and how big are they? Besides these, consider the following:
#1 - Fuel Type
A more powerful petrol option may be perfect for large estates with significant amounts of leaves and debris. But for most small homeowners doing the job themselves, the exhaust emissions, noise, fuel mixing, and maintenance required with petrol models can be annoying.
Homeowners with small to medium-sized lawn areas and patios should consider electric and battery-powered leaf blowers. Electric corded leaf blowers are limited in range but not run time. And while you can extend the field with multiple outdoor extension cords, it's inconvenient. Battery leaf blowers can be as powerful as many petrol blowers, but the limitation is the need to recharge.
#2 - Noise Level
It is important to consider noise levels when it comes to leaf blowers. Consumer Reports recommends wearing hearing protection, goggles, and a dust mask for safety precautions and health benefits.
#3 - Power
You require a powerful leaf blower model if you have trees that shed considerable leaves throughout the year. Areas that don’t need much maintenance may be better suited to a lower-budget cordless or electric model.
#4 - Airflow speed
The more airflow runs through the leaf blower, the more effective it is at shifting heavier debris like wet leaves and grass. Manufacturers record this in kilometres per hour (km/h). Consider the work available to you and the limits of the airflow when making a decision.
#5 - Accessories
Many leaf blowers allow leaf vacuuming and mulching. This makes collection and composting a breeze. However, some are easier than others to switch between vacuuming and blowing.
Some can be converted for other functions, saving the need to buy additional equipment. When purchasing battery-powered models, consider if you have other tools that use the same brand of batteries.
Different Types of Leaf Blower
There are several types of leaf blowers available on the market, each designed for specific tasks and preferences. Here are the primary types of leaf blowers:
#1 - Battery Leaf Blowers
Cordless leaf blowers are usually simple, easy-to-use, and inexpensive models. They get work done relatively quickly and are convenient. When choosing a cordless leaf blower, look out for the battery type, whether it comes with a charger, and if it can supply sufficient power for your needs.
#2 - Petrol Leaf Blowers
Petrol leaf blowers are noisy and horrible for the environment but powerful. They are also harder to maintain compared to the other modes available. Most professional lawn mowing or garden maintenance services carry anything other than petrol-driven leaf blowers. Homeowners should only consider petrol leaf blowers if they only meet their required needs and leaf-blowing use cases.
#3 - Electric Leaf Blowers
While they cannot compete with petrol leaf blowers' power or cordless models' maneuverability, they offer some advantages. Notable among them are maintenance and price.
Electric leaf blowers are relatively inexpensive than other types of leaf blowers. They are also easier to maintain since they do not require any petrol mixing or battery change.
Depending on how the leaf blower is carried and the tasks involved, there are handheld leaf blowers for small tasks like garage dust or porch cleaning, backpack blowers for more extensive projects with powerful motors, and wheeled blowers for commercial use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about leaf blowers in Australia.
How long can a leaf blower run?
The runtime of a leaf blower depends on the type and model of the leaf blower:
- Electric Leaf Blowers: These typically have a limited run time per battery charge. You can expect them to last 8 to 30 minutes on a single charge. However, the lifespan of an electric leaf blower can last between 3 to 5 years with regular use.
- Gas Leaf Blowers: These can be taken far and wide for an indefinite time as long as you keep the tank full. A gas leaf blower should survive for more than ten years with careful maintenance and use.
Not that these vary based on the specific model and how well the leaf blower is maintained. We recommend referring to the manufacturer's instructions for specific information about your leaf blower.
What is considered a powerful leaf blower?
A powerful leaf blower is typically characterised by its air volume and speed, measured in Litres Per Second (L/S) and Kilometers Per Hour (Km/H), respectively.
- High L/S: A higher L/S indicates that the blower can move a large volume of air, making it effective for blowing a lot of leaves at once.
- High KM/H: A higher KM/H means that the air is moving at a high speed, which is useful for moving heavier debris and wet leaves.
The most powerful leaf blowers can reach speeds of up to 209 km/h and have at least 283 l/s.
Which is better, petrol or electric leaf blower?
If you prioritise power and have a larger area to maintain, a petrol leaf blower might be the better option. But an electric leaf blower is more suitable if you prefer a lighter, quieter option and have a smaller yard.
Petrol leaf blowers offer power and mobility, making them ideal for larger properties and commercial use. They provide long-lasting, unrelenting power, which is crucial for demanding tasks. However, they tend to be noisier, emit more fumes, require a supply of mixed petrol, and need more maintenance.
On the other hand, electric leaf blowers are generally lighter, quieter, and require less maintenance. They are less powerful than petrol blowers and are typically more suitable for smaller yards or gardens with fewer trees.
Which is better 2 stroke or 4 stroke leaf blower?
For power and efficiency, a 2-stroke leaf blower is the better option. But if you prefer a quieter, more fuel-efficient option, a 4-stroke leaf blower could be more suitable.
2-Stroke Leaf Blowers are powerful, lightweight, and efficient. They require a mixture of oil and gas which goes directly into the fuel tank. These engines are less expensive to manufacture and simpler to use. However, they tend to be noisier and produce more air pollution.
Whereas 4-Stroke Leaf Blowers are generally quieter, more fuel-efficient, and have separate tanks for oil and gas. They are typically more suitable for those who prefer less noise and more fuel efficiency.
What is the best 4-stroke leaf blower?
The Honda 25cc four-stroke Leaf Blower is the best 4-stroke leaf blower. It offers a powerful 25cc commercial engine with low emissions, making it suitable for various outdoor tasks. Its four-stroke engine design also eliminates the need for mixing oil and gasoline, which is a common requirement in two-stroke engines, making it more user-friendly.
Additionally, Honda is known for its reputation for durable and long-lasting engines, which adds to the product's overall value. While it may not be the lightest option, it's manageable for various users and tasks. We recommend comparing features and assessing your individual requirements before making a final decision.
Are Leaf Blowers Worth It?
Yes, leaf blowers are generally considered worth the investment for both homeowners and commercial users. For homeowners, leaf blowers can significantly reduce the time and effort required to clean up leaves and debris. They are compact and easy to store.
For commercial users, leaf blowers are even more cost-effective than other options. They are essential tools for maintaining large properties and commercial spaces. However, consider factors such as noise levels, environmental impact, maintenance requirements, and cost before making a decision.