How Do Leaf Blower Vacuums Work?

21 minutes read

A leaf blower vacuum is a versatile tool used for cleaning up leaves and debris in outdoor spaces. It combines the functions of a leaf blower and a vacuum cleaner, allowing the user to blow leaves with a powerful stream of air or vacuum them up for easy disposal.


The leaf blower vacuum operates using an electric motor or a gas-powered engine. When using it as a blower, the motor powers a fan that generates a high-speed stream of air, which is directed through a nozzle at the desired target. The force of the air blows leaves, grass clippings, and other lightweight debris away, making it easier to clear them from driveways, walkways, and lawns.


When using the tool as a vacuum, the motor drives a different mechanism that creates suction. The vacuum nozzle is attached and creates a seal against the ground, allowing it to collect leaves, twigs, and small debris as it is drawn in by the suction. These items are then collected in a collection bag or a detachable container attached to the vacuum.


Some leaf blower vacuums also feature a mulching function. In this mode, the vacuum shreds the collected leaves and debris into smaller pieces as it draws them in, reducing their volume significantly. The shredded material can be used for composting or easily disposed of in bags.


To switch between the blower and vacuum modes, users typically need to detach the nozzle and attach the appropriate tool for their desired function. Many leaf blower vacuums come with attachments that make this process quick and straightforward.


Overall, leaf blower vacuums provide a convenient solution for outdoor cleaning tasks. Their dual functionality allows for efficient leaf blowing and vacuuming, making yard maintenance easier and more time-effective.

Best Leaf Blowers and Vacuums of 2024

1
EGO Power+ LB6504 650 CFM Variable-Speed 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Leaf Blower 5.0Ah Battery and Charger Included

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

EGO Power+ LB6504 650 CFM Variable-Speed 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Leaf Blower 5.0Ah Battery and Charger Included

  • Turbo button delivers 650 CFM, up to 180 MPH with tapered nozzle attached
  • Up to 90 minutes of average runtime on a single charge with the included 56V 5.0Ah ARC Lithium battery
  • Variable speed dial from 225 CFM to 470 CFM with lock on button for ultimate control
  • High-efficiency brushless motor
  • IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction
  • 64 dB noise level
  • Compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
  • Spread and tapered nozzle attachments included
  • 5-year tool warranty, 3-year battery warranty
2
Husqvarna 970466901 150BT Gas Leaf Blower, 51-cc 2.16-HP 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower, 765-CFM, 270-MPH, 22-N Powerful Clearing Performance

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Husqvarna 970466901 150BT Gas Leaf Blower, 51-cc 2.16-HP 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower, 765-CFM, 270-MPH, 22-N Powerful Clearing Performance

  • Husqvarna 150BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blower combines a high powered gas leaf blower with state-of-the-art ergonomic design, a perfect gift for dad
  • Powerful Clearing Performance: 2-cycle, 51-cc, 2.16-HP engine has a powerful blowing force (765 CFM, 270 MPH, 22 N), reduces emissions up to 60%, and increases fuel efficiency up to 20%
  • Ergonomic Harness System: Gas leaf blower backpack features a padded harness, hip belt and weight-leveling load management system for optimal comfort
  • Easy Operation: Air purge system removes air from the carburetor and fuel system for trouble-free starting, plus the variable speed throttle with cruise control allows for easy operation without the need to regulate the blower's speed
  • Gas Blowers for Lawn Care: Gas leaf blowers simplify the process of regular yard maintenance and more demanding lawn care tasks, like cleaning up heavy, wet leaves and debris
3
EGO Power+ LB5302 3-Speed Turbo 56-Volt 530 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower 2.5Ah Battery and Charger Included

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

EGO Power+ LB5302 3-Speed Turbo 56-Volt 530 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower 2.5Ah Battery and Charger Included

  • Turbo button delivers 530 CFM, up to 110 MPH to power through heavy debris
  • Up to 75 minutes of runtime on a single charge with the included 56V 2.5Ah ARC Lithium battery
  • Variable speed dial from 260 CFM to 400 CFM with lock on button for ultimate control
  • High-efficiency brushless motor
  • IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction
  • 64 dB noise level
  • Compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
  • 5-year tool warranty, 3-year battery warranty
4
Cordless Leaf Blower - Electric Leaf Blower Cordless with 2 Batteries and Charger - 2 Speed Mode - 21V Battery Powered Leaf Blowers for Lawn Care, Patio, Blowing Leaves and Snow

Rating is 5 out of 5

Cordless Leaf Blower - Electric Leaf Blower Cordless with 2 Batteries and Charger - 2 Speed Mode - 21V Battery Powered Leaf Blowers for Lawn Care, Patio, Blowing Leaves and Snow

  • 【Up to 2x Batteries】Tired of the time consuming of leaf raking and the back pain? Tired of the limitation of cord, the noise from the bulky blowers? Consider getting the LAZYBOI cordless leaf blower with two batteries for tackling your lightweight jobs. Within 30 mins, you can get your work done in any terrain, even for roofs and gutters.
  • 【Faster Charging and No Hassles】 Sometimes customers got annoyed by waiting too long to charge the battery. But with the LAZYBOI leaf blower, you will get the convenience of 1-hour fast charging. The cordless leaf blower set comes with a fast charger and two 2.0ah 21v batteries which keeps 40-min work for the low speed mode and 30-min work for the high speed mode.
  • 【Advanced Motor with Turbo Tech】LAZYBOI cordless leaf blower uses advanced turbo technology, which effectively boosts the maximum air speed to 150MPH. Although the turbo mode uses a lot of power (which drains the battery faster), it is quite useful for loosening up those stubborn patches of debris that get stuck and otherwise refuse to budge. Our LAZYBOI blower is absolutely a lightweight and cordless leaf blower that brings a better user experience than others'.
  • 【Lightweight and Portable】 Lightweight design makes it perfect for one-handed operation for easy maneuverability. Weighs only 3.38 lbs and features an ergonomic body that naturally moulds to the direction of blowing, you will experience 30% less user fatigue during operation. The upgraded rubber grip of the leaf blower is not only non-slip when used, but also provides you with just enough support to make your work easier.
  • 【Battery Maintenance】 Product Safety is Top 1 to consider, we've implemented overheat protection in our batteries to ensure consumer safety. To prolong battery life, please wait 5-10 minutes after discharge before charging, and fully charge the battery before storing it for 3+ months. The LED indicator shows red while charging and green when fully charged.
  • 【12 Month Waranti】 We offer you 12 months of free warranti service to make your leaf blower more durable and reliable. If you have any problems with our cordless leaf blower, please feel free to contact us, and we will answer it within 24 hours.
5
DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Leaf Blower, Cordless, Handheld, 125-MPH, 450-CFM, Tool Only (DCBL722B)

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Leaf Blower, Cordless, Handheld, 125-MPH, 450-CFM, Tool Only (DCBL722B)

  • Up to 450 CFM of air volume and up to 125 Mph with concentrator
  • Innovative axial fan design that maximizes on air output and run time
  • Low noise during operation - 66 dB(A), ideal for noise sensitive regions and properties
  • High-efficiency brushless motor helps extend run time and motor life
  • Lightweight and ergonomic design allows for easy control and arm movement
6
VacLife Leaf Blower Cordless with Battery and Charger-350CFM 150MPH 20V Electric Leaf Blower, Perfect for Lawn, Yard, Garage, Patio & Sidewalk Red (VL717)

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

VacLife Leaf Blower Cordless with Battery and Charger-350CFM 150MPH 20V Electric Leaf Blower, Perfect for Lawn, Yard, Garage, Patio & Sidewalk Red (VL717)

  • POWERFUL MOTOR & EFFICIENT CLEANING: VacLife cordless leaf blower is equipped with a copper motor which makes the appliance durable, energy-saving, and less noisy. In addition, the turbo booster helps to provide stronger airflow, which is up to 280 CFM. Plus the strong wind speeds up to 120 MPH, VacLife can work efficiently in helping you clean the target area.
  • CORDLESS DESIGN & LONG BATTERY LIFE: This battery powered leaf blower is cordless and portable. It's convenient for you to carry around. The 20V 4.0Ah battery can support the blower to work for 25 mins in high-speed mode and 15 mins in turbo-speed mode. What's more, it only takes 2h to fully charge the battery. You can monitor the remaining battery and charging process by the indicators.
  • VARIABLE SPEEDS: This cordless leaf blower features variable speeds. The harder you press the power switch, the stronger the wind is. By pressing the turbo-speed button at the same time, the wind reaches its strongest speed. Thus, this blower can not only blow away leaves, fragments, and dust but also snow and stubborn debris. You can choose suitable speeds freely to solve your problems.
  • WIDE-APPLICATION: This electric blower is suitable for many different uses. It is not limited to the function of a lawn vacuum or a yard vacuum. It can be used to clean the garage, patio, sidewalk, porch, car, balcony, deck, and hard-to-reach areas. Moreover, this electric blower works effectively in cleaning damp leaves, snow, dust, and fragments as well as drying your car surface.
  • USER-FRIENDLY & ERGONOMIC DESIGN: The handgrip of this blower for lawn care is wrapped with elastic rubber which makes it non-slip and comfortable to hold. Meanwhile, the assembly of the appliance can be finished easily in a few steps by referring to the user manual included in the package. ( Note: Please read the manual carefully before using the electric blower. )
7
Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum, Variable-Speed (up to 250 mph) with Metal Impeller, 12 amp,Red

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum, Variable-Speed (up to 250 mph) with Metal Impeller, 12 amp,Red

  • Superior blowing and mulching proven by controlled laboratory testing.This bag is designed to capture leaf particles not dust. Product needs air flow to work properly.3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder340 CFM blow mode and 405 CFM Vac mode3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder
  • Powerful up to 250 mph degree. 350 CFM blow mode and 410 CFM Vac mode
  • Vacuum tube, bottom-zip bag, cord storage hook, shred-all shred ring and time-saving oscillating tube included; Extension cord Sold separately
  • Variable speed control for better control in both blower and vac mode
  • This bag is designed to capture leaf particles not dust. Product needs air flow to work properly.
  • 3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder
  • 340 CFM blow mode and 405 CFM Vac mode
  • 3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder
8
WORX WG520 12 Amp TURBINE 600 Electric Leaf Blower

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

WORX WG520 12 Amp TURBINE 600 Electric Leaf Blower

  • [TURBINE FAN TECH] Worx engineers figured out how to get a jet engine-type motor inside of a leaf blower. Super powerful, yet not so loud that you’ll think it’s getting ready for takeoff
  • [TWICE AS FAST AS PRO BLOWERS] Professional-grade gas blowers rely on outdated tech. The Turbine is cutting edge, and spins twice as fast as the blowers used by commercial grounds crews
  • [2 SPEEDS FOR DIFFERENT JOBS] Go slow for pavement or tight corners. On the open lawn, switch to speed 2 and see what the 110 mph Turbine can do
  • [600 CFM] We named the Turbine 600 after the 600 Cubic Feet per Minute of high-capacity air volume that shoots out of its wide-mouth nozzle. That’s a wide, strong path of air that allows you to clear large areas with fewer passes
  • [DO IT YOURSELF. DO IT BETTER. DO IT WITH WORX.] WORX tools are engineered with cutting-edge technology, and above modern efficiency standards, so you can build a cost-effective tool collection that’s been designed to last
  • [HYPER-STREAM AIR NOZZLE] We didn’t just stop designing once we were finished with the Turbine engine. We added an attachable nozzle, optimized to direct all that volume in a concentrated area for tougher jobs
  • [ONE-HANDED OPERATION] All the power and only 6.4 lbs. The Turbine 600 is designed to be controlled with just one hand. The ergonomic design funnels the wind in a way that’s easy to handle
  • [EXTENSION CORD RETAINER] The electrical cord comes with a retainer attached, so when using an extension cord it won’t disconnect, even when it gets snagged


How do leaf blower vacuums handle different surfaces like grass or pavement?

Leaf blower vacuums are designed to handle different surfaces like grass or pavement in slightly different ways. Here's how they typically handle each surface:

  1. Grass: When using a leaf blower vacuum on grass, it is usually set to a lower power setting to prevent damaging the turf. The vacuum function helps collect leaves, grass clippings, and other debris by sucking them into a collection bag or a mulching chamber. Depending on the model, the attachment used while vacuuming on grass may have a wider nozzle or some protective features to prevent any blade or grass damage.
  2. Pavement: On pavement or hard surfaces, leaf blower vacuums are typically used in blower mode to blow away leaves and debris. The blower mode uses a higher power setting to produce a strong gust of air that dislodges and moves debris. Some models come with attachments like concentrator nozzles, which provide more targeted airflow for efficient cleaning of tight spots or corners. These attachments can be used to direct the airflow as desired.


It's important to note that leaf blower vacuums may have adjustable power settings to cater to different surfaces, allowing users to dial in the appropriate level of suction or airflow for each situation. However, it's always recommended to check the user manual of your specific leaf blower vacuum to understand the exact instructions and recommendations for different surfaces.


What are the safety precautions to follow when using a leaf blower vacuum?

Here are some safety precautions to follow when using a leaf blower vacuum:

  1. Read the instruction manual: Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's recommended safety guidelines and operating instructions before using the leaf blower vacuum.
  2. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from dust, debris, and any potential projectiles. Use hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs as leaf blowers can generate a loud noise. Additionally, consider wearing a dust mask to avoid inhaling dust or allergens.
  3. Choose the right clothing: Wear clothing that covers your arms, legs, and feet to protect against accidental contact with the blower's moving parts or debris. Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothes that may get entangled in the equipment.
  4. Check the area: Before operation, inspect the working area for any potential hazards like rocks, branches, wires, or other debris that could be blown around by the equipment. Remove any obstacles or hazards to avoid accidents or damage.
  5. Avoid blowing near people or pets: Ensure that there are no bystanders, especially children or pets, around the working area. The blowing force from the vacuum can cause injury or discomfort.
  6. Use a secure grip: Hold the leaf blower vacuum firmly with both hands, ensuring a comfortable and secure grip. This will help you maintain control and reduce the likelihood of accidents or damage due to loss of control.
  7. Check the electrical cords or power source: If using a corded leaf blower vacuum, inspect the cord for signs of damage, fraying, or wear and tear. Ensure that the power source is suitable and doesn't pose any electrocution risks.
  8. Use the proper extension cords: If an extension cord is required, use a heavy-duty cord that is rated for outdoor use. Check the wattage or amperage capacity to ensure it can handle the leaf blower vacuum's power requirements.
  9. Be cautious of operator fatigue: Using a leaf blower vacuum for an extended period can cause operator fatigue, leading to reduced focus and compromised safety. Take regular breaks to rest and hydrate.
  10. Store and maintain the equipment properly: After use, store the leaf blower vacuum in a secure place away from children's reach. Keep it clean, check for any damage or loose parts, and follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule.


Following these safety precautions will help minimize the risk of accidents and injuries when using a leaf blower vacuum.


How are leaf blower vacuums powered?

Leaf blower vacuums are typically powered by either electricity or gas.


Electric leaf blower vacuums are powered by electricity from an outlet or a rechargeable battery. They have an electric motor that generates airflow to blow or vacuum the leaves and debris. Battery-powered models offer more portability by eliminating the need for cords, but they typically have a limited runtime before the battery needs to be recharged.


Gas-powered leaf blower vacuums, as the name suggests, use gasoline as their power source. They have a two-stroke or four-stroke engine similar to those found in lawnmowers or chainsaws. Gas-powered models provide more power and longer runtime but require regular refueling and maintenance.


Both types of leaf blower vacuums have their advantages and disadvantages, so the choice often depends on factors such as power requirements, usage frequency, portability needs, and personal preferences.


What is the ideal airspeed for efficient leaf blowing and vacuuming?

The ideal airspeed for efficient leaf blowing and vacuuming can vary depending on the specific equipment being used. However, typically, a higher airspeed is preferred to efficiently move and collect leaves and debris. Leaf blowers and vacuums with airspeeds ranging from 150-250 miles per hour (240-400 kilometers per hour) are commonly considered effective for this purpose. It is important to note that factors such as wind conditions, moisture content in leaves, and the types of debris being collected can also impact the ideal airspeed.

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