In the movies, leaf blowers are mainly used for comic relief. The bit often includes kids or pets diving into carefully arranged piles. Or maybe they make the setting for some cheeky hide and seek. But you’ll get a lot of leafy litter in autumn, and leaf blowers are a fun way to control them.
And there are our main kinds of leaf blowers – handheld electric, handheld petrol, backpack blowers, and larger wheeled leaf blowers. Petrol blowers are more powerful than electric blowers, but they’re louder too. So how can you be sure you got the best petrol leaf blower?
The Best Petrol Leaf Blower In UK 2023
1. Makita 4- Stroke Leaf Blower (Our Top Pick)
Petrol-powered leaf blowers are the best in terms of power and leaf-pushing capacity. But they can be frustrating in terms of noise. Both or yourself and your neighbours. This Makita has several settings that reduce its volume. The handle has sot padding. This insulation absorbs part of the vibration, bringing the engine’s roar down to a live-able 67dB. The muffler helps too.
This Makita engine is a 4-stroke 24.5cc model. It’s built for residential leaf blowing but is effective enough for commercial landscaping. Its rounded nozzle offers more pushing power while its top blowing speed is 45mph (2.33kph). The leaf blower is light enough to hold in one hand – it’s 9.8lbs with a full fuel tank. And its emissions are well within EPA and CARB limits.
That may set your mind at ease because many of us love the power of petrol blowers but worry about their carbon footprint. This leaf blower is easier to start because it has low-compression properties and a 2.7-ounce crankcase capacity. The decompression is automated so you won’t have to fight the recoil. The fuel tank is translucent so you can easily tell when it needs a top-up.
All these features make the Makita extremely fuel-efficient. You’ll trim costs by up to 60%. Another challenge with petrol blowers is maintenance. Makita makes this easier because the spark plugs and air filter are easy to reach. You can attach a vacuum to this blower, but it doesn’t come in the initial bundle. You’d have to order the vacuum attachment (and bag) separately.
One annoying thing about petrol blowers getting the right ratio of petrol to oil. MM4 engines are designed to solve that issue. Just load fuel – no oil needed. Commercial users especially love its sizeable fuel tank and air filter because you can work longer without pausing or refills or cleaning out the filter. It’s also cool that you can exchange the nozzles/tubes to blow or suck.
Makita leaf blowers have the capacity of commercial machines tailored into the price and package of a casual gardener. It’s quicker, quieter, and more convenient than market rivals.
Pros:
- Its noise levels are a respectable 67dB.
- The blower is lightweight at roughly 4.5kg.
- It’s beloved for its fuel efficiency.
Con:
- It doesn’t ship with a vacuum attachment.
2. Stihl BG86 Petrol Leaf Blower
You might be wary of petrol blowers because of the mixing ratio. But many models advise you on the right proportions for effective results. In this case, the recommended ratio is 50:1. And while this leaf blower isn’t at the top of the pile, pun intended, it does have some useful features. Its ‘audio’ is in the lawnmower range at 104dB. And at 5kg, you can operate the blower one-handed.
For those concerned about the emissions effused by petrol blowers, this Stihl BG86 releases 0.848 CO2. The 27.2cc engine produces 0.8kW o power and the blower does need a battery or its starter, even though its primary fuel source is petrol. Stihl as a brand has a superior shock absorber system that cuts down the blower to a vibration value of 2.5 and reduces noise too.
When you’re shopping for a blower, you should verify two air measurements – speed and volume. Speed affects how fast your leaves move, which dictates how far you can push them and where the pile should be. Air volume is more about blowing force. In this case, it’s 69. Some gardens may need extra verve to detangle loose leaves from the thatch so higher volume is best.
This Stihl has an air volume of 0.44. Because it’s a 2-stroke engine, you get a reasonable amount of blowing power without adding too much weight or guzzling too much fuel. It saves 20% on petrol compared to other blowers in this class. Starting this blower is easy. It has a primer bulb with a manual recoil plus electronic battery ignition so it gets going with one or two tugs.
This model has a plastic air filter far finer than its predecessors. The elements in the filter are up to 70% more efficient than prior models. This HD2 filter is positioned for easy access and fuss-free cleaning. It helps that sad filter can repel water and oil, so there’s less gunk to get rid of from the get-go. The best part is the lock-and-stop throttle so you don’t have to keep pressing.
Or all the joy of leaf blowers, continuously holding the trigger will soon cause carpal tunnel. So the toggle lock on this Stihl is a treasure. But protect your ears – this blower is over 100dB.
Pros:
- Its 27.2cc engine is air-cooled.
- The blower has detachable nozzles – one flat, one round.
- It’s a decent 5kg while full.
Con:
- The BG86 only comes with a leaf blower. If you want a version with the vacuum attachment included, order the SH86 instead – it has identical specs + a shredder.
3. ParkerBrand 2-Stroke Petrol Leaf Blower
The good news is this parker can both blow leaves away and suck them up. The bad news is it has an up-facing exhaust. It won’t bother you much when you’re pushing leaves away. But when you start to suck them up, the emissions will hit your ace directly so you might need a gas mask. Especially if you’re working under dense tree cover or you’re in an area with low circulation.
This 2-stroke engine has a displacement of 26cc and a top speed of 170mph. Its throttle switch keeps it conveniently controllable, even at that pace. And the box ships with everything you need to control your leafy litter. Including a maintenance kit. This ParkerBrand leaf blower has a mulcher and shredder. These are common on electric blowers – not so much or petrol ones.
It also comes with a heavy-duty canvas collection bag for less mess and quick clean-up. Being a 2-stroke engine, this equipment does need a fuel: oil ratio of 40:1. And you’ll want to use synthetic engine oil that’s customised or 2-stroke systems. ParkerBrand is a UK company so if national pride is a deciding factor for you, there you go. And this hand-held model is a fan fave.
This ParkerBrand leaf blower has both blowing and vacuuming functionality. And it comes with a canvas bag. Its flattened nozzle is ideal for blowing, but it doesn’t come with a rounded ‘spare’.
Pros:
- The blower includes a mulcher and a shredder.
- Its 2-stroke engine has an output of 0.7kW.
- The top speed is over 170mph (about 273kph).
Con:
- Over time, the brittle fuel pipe will need replacing.
4. McCulloch Petrol Leaf Blower
We assume that women (and queer folk) put a lot of weight onto the visuals of a product. That’s why products that target them come in so many colours. But visuals can attract male buyers too. It just depends on the product and the cleverness o their marketing team. Take this McCulloch leaf blower. It’s macho, mostly black (with some yellow), and shaped like a bazooka or canon.
But it doesn’t just look like a dream – it blows like one too. With a top speed of 229.9mph, it vacuums and mulches too. And it has three interchangeable tubes plus a vacuum bag. The engine is calibrated for daily use so you’ll get a lot of functionality out of it. It’s not just for leaves – you can also use it to collect mown grass or straw, shredding and compacting them or compost.
You can easily adjust the speed of blowing and suction so it’s easier to control and far more versatile. And while blowers typically have round or flattened nozzles, this one has a modified nozzle with a capsule-like design. The tapering tip provides added pressure while blowing. And in suction mode, you can remove the ‘head’ and use a hollow nozzle with a wider diameter.
This McCulloch weighs 4.5kg so it’s short enough to hold in one hand. The handle is padded and ergonomic, and the whole leaf blower is fitted with anti-vibration technology. The litter bag has a j-shaped adaptor or quick attachment and a shoulder strap or portability. This bag has a carrying capacity of 45 litres so you can work for extended periods uninterrupted. It’s 800W.
The McCulloch blower has a soft start mechanism so it’s fast and convenient. You can work for a long time before you need to empty the collection bag. But it cuts out if you kill the choke.
Pros:
- The engine is compact at 10 by 10 by 10cm.
- It has a top speed of 370kph.
- The 45-litre collection bag allows vacuuming and clean-up.
Con:
- That ‘rounded cube’ shape is cute but awkward to work with.
5. eSkde 2-Stroke Leaf Blower
Backpack blowers provide added power and capacity. But the engine is closer to your ears so they feel louder than other blowers. And they rarely have a collection bag so they’re unlikely to have shredders or vacuum options. That said, you can work much longer without tiring. So I blowing leaves in the yard takes longer than an hour, a backpack is probably your best shot.
eSkde can cover large areas – over 700m3 in an hour. To facilitate this airspeed, the blower comes with a turbo nozzle. The engine is a 2-stroke model with 43cc displacement and a translucent 1.2-litre fuel tank. And yes, the harness is padded for convenience and comfort. But the straps aren’t the best so it’s worth reinforcing them to avoid putting your back out.
The backpack has an accordion-style arm that lets you easily adjust your blowing angle. The trigger is mounted just after the ‘accordion’ so you can intuitively direct your nozzle. The flattened nozzle has a flared tip that creates a wider blowing arc. The backpack weighs 9.5kg but you’ll barely feel it because the backpack frame supports the engine. But invest in good ear muffs.
The dimensions of this backpack blower are about half a metre by half a metre (4cm by 46cm) and it’s 39cm deep. The engine is air-cooled and you can use the throttle to select the right speed. Because a backpack blower lets you work or hour at a stretch, you could easily hurt your thumb. That’s why the eSkde is equipped with ‘cruise control’ or extended blowing sessions.
With the cruise setting, you can settle on a speed and ‘lock’ it. That way you don’t need to keep revving – just focus on directing your blower. The device needs minimal assembly before use.
Pros:
- The backpack offers balance and support.
- Its airspeed is 720m3 per hour
- The blower ships with a turbo nozzle.
Con:
- The straps could be stronger …
6. Ryobi Petrol Blower Vacuum
If you walk up and down your street, you’ll notice different approaches to yard work. Some neighbours seem to deliberately pick the worst times or mowing and blowing. Others use it as an excuse for street-side chats. Some of us love simple devices with just one on-off switched.
Others want something complex that needs an engineering degree to figure out. The latter probably own this Ryobi. If you’ve had a Ryobi before – even if it was a different model – you may have an easier time setting this up. Otherwise, start by glancing through YouTube or video instructions, because the typed ones in your shipping box are vague and unhelpful.
This 26cc leaf blower can suck and blow. The vacuum nozzle is round and hollow while the blowing nozzle is a flat two-pronged visor. The blower has a carrying bag to collect leaves in suction mode. The blower pushes (and pulls) at over 00kph so it’s strong enough to handle heavier leaves and twigs. It’s especially effective on wet leaves and damp clippings.
That may seem like a trite feature, but in a place that rains every two or three days, it’s crucial to have equipment that can work with soggy conditions. This is a petrol-powered blower, which means it requires regular maintenance. That includes cleaning the fuel tank, air filter, valves, diaphragm, and primers. It may also mean replacing the carburettor and spark plugs.
These parts are small and intricate so they often need special (small) tools that are easy to lose. This Ryobi has a built-in storage compartment for said tools. Meaning you can stop for a quick repair at any time. And because the tools go back in the machine rather than being dumped in a toolbox or drawer, you’ll soon develop a habit of cleaning your blower’s tools after every use.
This extends the lifespan of both the tools and the blower. And because you can easily shit between speeds, nozzles, and activities, this is the best petrol lead blower or amateurs.
Pros:
- It has separate tubes for blowing and vacuuming.
- The 26cc engine has a top speed of 325kph.
- You can tweak the throttle or different tasks.
Con:
- The assembly instructions are tricky to decipher.
7. Hyundai Backpack Leaf Blower
We’ll close our exploration with a backpack leaf blower. It’s a 2-stroke model with a 52cc displacement. Like many backpack blowers, it has an elongated tube with a flattened nozzle. But the nozzle is shaped like an eye rather than an oval with rounded sides. This makes your blower more directional. The trigger is positioned along the tube and it’s a soft-touch fingertip trigger.
Leaf blowers have powerful high-speed motors. And while the shoulder straps soak up some of the weight, they don’t necessarily prevent movement. So the blower is fitted with anti-vibration technology to stop it rattling your bones. And although the trigger is light, your fingers will eventually go numb and tingly if you have to curl and squeeze it endlessly for an hour.
This is where the throttle lock comes in. It allows you to lock the trigger in its ‘on’ position and give your finger much-needed release. This feature also reduces fuel wastage. This model is sourced within the UK so you’ll have no problem finding spares or getting professional repairs. Just be sure you’ve filled the warranty form so you can cash in on those subsidised services.
Hyundai’s backpack leaf blower is relatively green. It’s rated Euro 5 or emissions and weighs 9.85kg. Like many backpack blowers, this one doesn’t have a suction feature. You may think it does – because it has two nozzles. But these are intended to offer a variety of blowing speeds or different scenarios (wet, dry, light grass, strong wind, leaves weighed down etc.).
The Hyundai backpack leaf blower has a 1.5-litre fuel tank. And a litre gives you close to an hour’s worth of blowing. The 1.45kW motor spins at 7500rpm and it has a CDI starter system.
Pros:
- This backpack blower has a 3-year warranty.
- You can blow or up to 55 minutes per litre.
- The engine is air-cooled.
Con:
- The blower has no primer bulb so it’s irksome to ignite.
Buying Guide
You’ve decided you want a petrol leaf blower from the get-go. So now you have ewer aisles to rummage. What features and actors should consider as you shop for the best petrol leaf blower?
Displacement Rating
Engine displacement influences the amount of power your petrol leaf blower can emit. It will also affect how loud the leaf blower is, and how long you can work before your fuel tank needs a refill. Displacement is measured in CCs and you want a minimum of ** cc. Leaf blowers with higher engine capacities can damage your hearing, so check if they have mufflers or earmuffs.
Confirm the decibel rating of your leaf blower. 65dB or less is ideal. And or extremely powerful engines, check that it has anti-vibration technology. That offers both safety and comfort when you’re working with the leaf blower. Because the engine influences weight as well, see I you can get one with a strap or a harness. For bigger gardens, consider buying a rucksack leaf blower.
Primary Tasks
What’s the main goal of your leaf blowing shenanigans? If you have a tree over the driveway (or one that sheds onto the neighbours’ yard), the goal is collection. You want to get them away from the car and/or out of the garden next door. Look for a leaf blower with a rounded nozzle and possible a vacuum suction feature. You can ‘pull’ the leaves straight into a collection bin.
But if the leaves are a small back yard annoyance (or too many to store in a suction bag), you can get a leaf blower with narrow-tipped nozzles and higher airspeeds. This makes it easier to direct the leafy mass towards a central spot. You can later burn or collect the leaves from the pile and discard them. Some blowers have built-in shredders and mulchers or repurposing your litter.
User Convenience
Handheld leaf blowers are the most popular model on the market because they’re affordable and lightweight. But handheld petrol blowers are heavier than electric ones. So if you’re covering a large garden, the handheld unit will soon tire you out. Consider forking out the cash or a rucksack or you may end up spending hundreds more on a chiropractor or physiotherapist.
A rucksack blower gives you between 30% and 70% more power. Some have their controls intuitively positioned so you can reach them without a thought. Others can’t be reached without putting the rucksack down, so it’s hard to adjust your controls mid-blow. Bottom-mounted air intakes are cleaner. You also want a primer bulb for easier starting. And a see-through fuel tank.
Blow Them Away!
Now that we’ve done the research, we recommend buying the Makita. Here’s why:
- Its 4-stroke 24.5cc engine is powerful enough for commercial use.
- The fuel capacity is 17.7 ounces and airspeed is about 230kph.
- It has a soft grip that minimises vibration.
- The low-compression engine is easier to start.
- The blower has accessible parts or convenient engine maintenance.
- The two-stage air filter facilitates fuel efficiency.
- This Makita has a 2.7oz crankcase capacity.
- It has a muffler that keeps it at 67dB.
Which petrol leaf blower are you playing with at the moment? Show us photos in the comments!
