How Do Leaf Blower Vacuums Work?

16 minutes read

Leaf blower vacuums work by combining the functionality of both a leaf blower and a vacuum cleaner into a single device. These machines are designed to help collect and dispose of leaves and other debris in outdoor spaces.


At its core, a leaf blower vacuum consists of an electric or gas-powered motor that generates air flow. This motor is typically mounted on a handheld device or a backpack, allowing the user to carry it around and operate it easily. The air is usually forced through a narrow nozzle or tube that can be directed towards the desired area.


When used as a leaf blower, the motor produces a powerful jet of air that helps to move leaves, grass clippings, or other lightweight debris. The focused air stream effectively blows these materials away, clearing them from paths, driveways, gardens, or other surfaces.


To convert the device into a vacuum, a collection bag or container is attached to the same nozzle or tube. This bag is designed to capture and store the debris sucked in by the vacuum. The nozzle/tube with the collection bag is directed towards the target area, and the suction power generated by the motor pulls in the leaves and other debris into the bag. Many models also feature adjustable settings for suction power to accommodate different types of debris.


As the materials are drawn into the collection bag, they pass through filters or screens that prevent larger objects from entering and potentially clogging the machine. The vacuumed debris is stored in the collection bag until it needs to be emptied and disposed of.


Some leaf blower vacuums also come with additional features such as mulching capabilities. These models have blades or shredders built into the collection unit that break down the collected leaves into smaller pieces. The mulched material can then be used as compost or for other gardening purposes.


Leaf blower vacuums are a convenient tool for outdoor cleanup, as they eliminate the need for manual raking or sweeping. They provide an efficient, time-saving way to clear leaves and debris from various areas, keeping outdoor spaces neat and tidy.

Best Leaf Blowers and Vacuums of 2024

1
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 5 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
2
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
3
DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Leaf Blower, Cordless, Handheld, 125-MPH, 450-CFM, Tool Only (DCBL722B)

Rating is 4.8 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
4
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
5
Cordless Leaf Blower, Electric Leaf Blower Cordless with 2 Batteries and Charger, 160MPH,21V Battery Powered Leaf Blower Lightweight for Lawn Care, Patio, Blowing Leaves, Dust Blowing and Snow

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Cordless Leaf Blower, Electric Leaf Blower Cordless with 2 Batteries and Charger, 160MPH,21V Battery Powered Leaf Blower Lightweight for Lawn Care, Patio, Blowing Leaves, Dust Blowing and Snow

  • 【High-Performance Motor】:The cordless blower With a high brush motor, our Cordless Leaf Blower not only delivers exceptional wind power but The leaf blower exhibits two modes. Maximum wind speed can reach 160mph You can easily adjust the wind power to meet your specific needs.
  • 【Highly Versatile 】: The leaf blower cordless has two types of blow tubes, suitable for use in a variety of scenarios. It's great for sweeping debris from shops, garages, driveways, outdoor yards, and gardens. It's also effective in removing snow, dust, debris, spider webs, and drying car surfaces. constructed from durable materials that can withstand outdoor conditions. A detachable tube is convenient for storage and easy cleaning.
  • 【Extended Runtime】:The battery leaf blower Provides 2 Removable and rechargeable 21V/2.0Ah batteries with a fast charger.making it a convenient choice for the Cordless Leaf Blower. so you can maintain a productive and uninterrupted workflow in your yard.
  • 【Lightweight Design】: Weighing in at only 2.6 pounds, our Cordless Leaf Blower boasts an ultra-light body that reduces fatigue during extended use. The ergonomic handle further enhances comfort, allowing you to maintain control and ease of operation.
  • 【Fantastic Customer Service】:committed to providing you with the best shopping experience possible. If you have any questions about the use of the product or any problems with the product, you can contact us at any time and we will solve it for you within 24 hours.
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


How powerful is a typical leaf blower vacuum?

The power of a typical leaf blower vacuum can vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Generally, leaf blowers have power ratings between 500 watts to 2,000 watts (or 0.5 to 2 kilowatts). This power rating indicates the electrical consumption of the leaf blower, but it doesn't directly correlate to the suction power or efficiency.


The suction power or airflow of a leaf blower vacuum is usually measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) or cubic meters per hour (m³/h). A typical leaf blower vacuum can have an airflow ranging from 150 CFM (255 m³/h) to 600 CFM (1,019 m³/h). Higher CFM values generally indicate a more powerful and efficient leaf blower vacuum.


It's important to note that the power and efficiency of leaf blowers can also depend on other factors like the design of the fan impeller, nozzle attachments, and the overall build quality of the device.


What is the maximum airspeed of a leaf blower vacuum?

The maximum airspeed of a leaf blower vacuum can vary depending on the specific model and brand. However, in general, leaf blowers can have airspeeds ranging from around 100 to 250 miles per hour (160 to 400 kilometers per hour).


What environmental impact do leaf blower vacuums have?

Leaf blower vacuums can have several environmental impacts:

  1. Air pollution: Leaf blower vacuums are powered by gasoline engines or electric motors. Gasoline-powered leaf blowers emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, contributing to air pollution. Even electric leaf blowers indirectly contribute to air pollution if the electricity they use comes from coal-fired power plants.
  2. Noise pollution: Leaf blowers produce high levels of noise, which can be disruptive and cause distress to humans and animals. Prolonged exposure to loud noise from leaf blowers can lead to hearing damage and stress-related health issues.
  3. Dust and particulate matter: Leaf blowers often stir up dust and particulate matter while in use. This can exacerbate respiratory issues for individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions. The fine particles can also contribute to pollution in the air, soil, and water.
  4. Disruption of wildlife and ecosystems: The strong air currents from leaf blowers can disturb and disorient birds, insects, and small animals living in the affected area. This disturbance can interrupt their natural behaviors, breeding patterns, and feeding habits. The use of leaf blowers can also damage plants and disrupt the natural decomposition process by removing leaves and debris from the ground.
  5. Energy and resource consumption: Leaf blower vacuums, particularly electric ones, require energy to operate. The production and consumption of this energy can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Additionally, leaf blower vacuums are often made using various resources like metals and plastics, which can have environmental impacts associated with extraction and production processes.


To mitigate these environmental impacts, some measures can be taken, such as using electric leaf blowers instead of gasoline-powered ones to reduce air and noise pollution. Additionally, using leaf blowers sparingly and adopting alternative methods like raking or mulching leaves can help minimize the negative environmental effects.

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