Winterizing a leaf blower before storing it is essential to ensure its proper functioning and longevity during the cold months. Here are the necessary steps to follow:
- Clean the leaf blower: Start by removing any dirt, debris, or leaves that may have accumulated on the unit. Use a brush or a cloth to carefully clean the blower, both externally and internally. Make sure to pay attention to the air intake and exhaust areas.
- Empty the fuel tank: Empty the fuel tank completely to avoid the fuel from deteriorating over time. Turn on the blower and let it run until it runs out of fuel. This step helps prevent the fuel from clogging the carburetor and other internal components.
- Remove the spark plug: Locate and remove the spark plug wire, which should be disconnected from the spark plug. Unscrew the spark plug using a socket wrench and inspect it for any signs of wear or damage. If necessary, clean it or replace it with a new spark plug.
- Lubricate engine components: Adding a small amount of motor oil to the cylinder will help prevent rusting and corrosion during storage. Rotate the starter cord a few times to distribute the oil within the cylinder. Keep in mind that this step is not required for four-stroke engines, as they have a separate oil reservoir.
- Check the air filter: Remove the air filter and inspect it for any dirt or debris. Clean or replace the filter as needed to ensure optimal air intake during operation. A clogged air filter can affect the blower's performance.
- Store the leaf blower: Find a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area for storing the leaf blower. It is recommended to keep it in a shed or garage to protect it from extreme temperatures and humidity. Ensure that the storage location is secure and inaccessible to children or pets.
Remember, it is always a good idea to consult the manufacturer's manual for specific instructions, as different leaf blower models may have slightly different requirements for winter storage. Following these steps will help safeguard your leaf blower and prepare it for a trouble-free start in the spring.
Best Leaf Blowers and Vacuums of 2024
1
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
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Turbo button delivers 650 CFM, up to 180 MPH with tapered nozzle attached
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Up to 90 minutes of average runtime on a single charge with the included 56V 5.0Ah ARC Lithium battery
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Variable speed dial from 225 CFM to 470 CFM with lock on button for ultimate control
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High-efficiency brushless motor
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IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction
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64 dB noise level
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Compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
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Spread and tapered nozzle attachments included
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5-year tool warranty, 3-year battery warranty
2
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
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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
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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%
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Ergonomic Harness System: Gas leaf blower backpack features a padded harness, hip belt and weight-leveling load management system for optimal comfort
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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
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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
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
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Turbo button delivers 530 CFM, up to 110 MPH to power through heavy debris
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Up to 75 minutes of runtime on a single charge with the included 56V 2.5Ah ARC Lithium battery
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Variable speed dial from 260 CFM to 400 CFM with lock on button for ultimate control
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High-efficiency brushless motor
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IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction
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64 dB noise level
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Compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
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5-year tool warranty, 3-year battery warranty
4
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
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【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.
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【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.
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【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'.
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【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.
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【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.
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【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
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Leaf Blower, Cordless, Handheld, 125-MPH, 450-CFM, Tool Only (DCBL722B)
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Up to 450 CFM of air volume and up to 125 Mph with concentrator
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Innovative axial fan design that maximizes on air output and run time
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Low noise during operation - 66 dB(A), ideal for noise sensitive regions and properties
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High-efficiency brushless motor helps extend run time and motor life
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Lightweight and ergonomic design allows for easy control and arm movement
6
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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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
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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
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Powerful up to 250 mph degree. 350 CFM blow mode and 410 CFM Vac mode
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Vacuum tube, bottom-zip bag, cord storage hook, shred-all shred ring and time-saving oscillating tube included; Extension cord Sold separately
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Variable speed control for better control in both blower and vac mode
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This bag is designed to capture leaf particles not dust. Product needs air flow to work properly.
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3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder
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340 CFM blow mode and 405 CFM Vac mode
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3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
WORX WG520 12 Amp TURBINE 600 Electric Leaf Blower
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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 I prepare a leaf blower for winter?
Preparing a leaf blower for winter involves a few simple steps to ensure its proper storage and protection during the cold months. Here's a guide on how to do it:
- Clean the Leaf Blower: Before storing the leaf blower for winter, it's important to clean it thoroughly. Remove any debris or leaves stuck in the machine. Use a brush or toothbrush to clean the air vents, cooling fins, and the entire exterior. This prevents any clogs or damage caused by debris left over time.
- Empty Fuel and Oil: Dispose of any remaining fuel from the tank by running the machine until it is out of gas. It is essential to remove fuel to prevent it from aging, separating, or leaving deposits that may clog the system. If your leaf blower has a two-stroke engine, empty and replace the fuel mix according to the manufacturer's instructions. Additionally, drain the oil if your leaf blower has a four-stroke engine or a separate oil reservoir.
- Remove the Spark Plug: To prevent accidental startup and protect the engine during storage, remove the spark plug from the leaf blower. This ensures that the machine won't start accidentally, and it also allows for easier maintenance come springtime.
- Clean or Replace the Air Filter: Inspect the air filter and clean or replace it if necessary. A dirty air filter restricts airflow and reduces the performance of the leaf blower. Cleaning it ensures optimum engine efficiency when you start using the leaf blower again.
- Inspect and Lubricate: Check all moving parts and lubricate them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pay attention to the impeller, fan blades, drive shaft, and other critical areas. Proper lubrication prevents rust and helps maintain the leaf blower's performance.
- Store in a Dry Location: Find a dry and sheltered location to store your leaf blower over winter. Ideally, it should be a cool, dry area like a garage or shed. Protect the machine from moisture, extreme temperatures, and dust to ensure it remains in good condition during the winter months.
By following these steps, you can properly prepare your leaf blower for winter storage and ensure it's ready for use when the next season comes around.
What materials do I need to winterize a leaf blower?
To winterize a leaf blower, you will need the following materials:
- Fuel stabilizer: This helps to prevent the fuel from deteriorating and clogging the carburetor during storage. It also protects the engine from ethanol-related damage.
- Fresh fuel: If your leaf blower has old fuel in it, it is recommended to drain the tank and add fresh fuel before storage.
- Air filter: If the air filter is dirty or worn out, it should be replaced before winterizing.
- Spark plug: Inspect the spark plug and replace it if necessary. A fresh spark plug will ensure easy starting when you need to use the leaf blower again.
- Lubricating oil: Check the manufacturer's instructions to see if they recommend any specific lubricating oil for the blower's engine. If required, make sure you have the appropriate lubricating oil.
- Clean cloth or rag: Use a clean cloth or rag to wipe down the leaf blower and remove any dirt or debris.
- Storage container: If the leaf blower does not come with a storage case, you may want to have a suitable container or bag to store it in.
- Owner's manual: It is always beneficial to have the leaf blower's owner's manual on hand for reference and to ensure you follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for winterizing.
Remember to consult the leaf blower's specific owner's manual for any additional materials or steps recommended by the manufacturer.
What types of fuel can be used for winterizing a leaf blower?
To winterize a leaf blower, you typically don't need to change the type of fuel you use. However, there are a few different types of fuel commonly used in leaf blowers:
- Gasoline: Most leaf blowers are powered by gasoline. It is important to use the correct gasoline-oil mixture if your leaf blower requires it (typically a 2-stroke engine). Make sure to use fresh, high-quality gasoline with the appropriate octane rating for your specific model.
- Propane: Some leaf blowers are designed to run on propane, which can be a cleaner-burning fuel option. Propane-powered leaf blowers often require a separate propane tank, and it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for refilling and safety precautions.
- Electric-powered: Electric leaf blowers, either corded or battery-operated, don't require fuel. They are powered by electricity from an outlet or rechargeable batteries. For winter storage, it is important to properly store and maintain the battery, as extreme cold temperatures can affect its performance.
Regardless of the fuel type, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for winterizing your leaf blower, which typically includes steps like removing or stabilizing fuel, cleaning the unit, and storing it in a dry place.
