Leaf Blower & Garden Vacuum Buying Guide

Whether you are involved in the maintenance of parks or stadia, or simply want to remove the hassle from cleaning-up around the yard and garden, it should only take a few minutes to choose a suitable machine from the comprehensive Mowerwarehouse range.

Handheld Electric Blower-vacs

Compact, convenient and easy to use, mains-powered machines come in three types - dedicated leaf blowers; blower-vacs; and three-in-one garden blower-vacs (which include a built-in shredder). At the more affordable end of the market, the Handy BV2500 offers all three functions and develops a lot of power for its price; while the more expensive Viking BE600 (also a 3-in-1 machine), is a robust, high-performance tool, ideal for the more frequent user. More expensive still is the battery-powered Ryobi 'One-Plus' leaf-blower, which offers all the advantages of electric power (cleanliness, reduced noise, minimal maintenance), without the restrictions of a mains-cable. Look out for models such as the Ryobi RBV-2400, which has a variable-speed control. This is particularly handy on more powerful machines, as it allows you to reduce the air-speed when working on gravel and other loose surfaces.


Handheld Petrol Blower-vacs

Available as either dedicated leaf blowers, or blower/vacs with integrated shredders, petrol-driven machines offer more power and longevity than electric versions; and of course, your movement is not limited by a power-cord. For general domestic use, 3-in-1 models by McCulloch and MTD represent outstanding value for money; while dedicated leaf-blowers from leading manufactures Stihl, Kawasaki and Echo can cost up to £260, and are generally the preserve of the professional operator or serious home user. For commercial users working in noise-sensitive environments (outside hospitals, schools, built-up areas), Dolmar's quiet-running four-stroke machines are worth checking out; and if you are looking for a high-end 3-in-1 blower-vac, then the Echo ES-255ES 'Shred 'n' Vac' certainly fits the bill.


Petrol Backpack Leaf-blowers

Essential pieces of equipment for large-scale clear-ups, the backpack design of these machines allows for the use of much more powerful (and consequently far heavier) engines. As a result, these blowers will move even the stickiest, most downtrodden leaves without problem. Because backpack machines are designed for extended periods of use, the importance of decent ergonomics and user-friendliness should not be underestimated - look out for breathable padding, sensibly-positioned controls and noise-reducing engine-mufflers. Models range from the Ryobi RBL-26BP, which at under £200, is incredibly cheap for a machine with a long-lasting full-crank engine; through to professional-grade blowers, such as Kawasaki's outstanding 65cc KRB-750B, which is capable of producing an air-speed of 210mph.


Wheeled Lawn & Garden Vacuums

Ideal for very large-scale multi-surface use, these hugely powerful machines are not only capable of lifting stuck-down leaves, but will also pick-up heavier items, such as rotten fruit and empty cans. When choosing a wheeled vacuum, a balance needs to be struck between working-width and manoeuvrability - the wider the machine, the faster your work rate; but it may not fit narrow paths and gateways. Prices vary greatly, from the inexpensive Centurion 'Windy Vac', through to the mid-range Billy Goat 'Little Billy', right up to the superb self-propelled IBEA 'Turbo 70'. MTD, Mighty-Mac and Lawnflite produce wheeled vacuums which incorporate shredding and chipping systems. Keep an eye out for machines with an adjustable suction-height - this provides the flexibility required to deal with different surfaces and debris types. For example, when picking-up leaves from gravel surfaces, the suction-height would be raised, so as to avoid collecting stones. Most manufacturers offer an optional hose-kit, which allows you to clear flowerbeds and makes it easy to remove debris from nooks and crannies.


Brush Leaf Sweepers

Brush (as opposed to vacuum) leaf-sweepers are usually towed behind a garden tractor, and come into their own in situations where access and obstacles are not an issue. The main manufacturer of these machines is Agri-Fab, who produce a model to suit every pocket. Their cheapest leaf-sweeper is the 26" hand-propelled model; while towed units range from the mid-priced 38" machine, up to the feature-laden 44" model - the best leaf-sweeper in its class.


Professional Wheeled Leaf & Litter Vacuums

World renowned American manufacturer Billy Goat produce the highest quality wheeled leaf & litter vacuums available - even their domestic machines are built to commercial specifications. Billy Goat's MV-650 series 'Multi-Vac' is available in both push-type and self-propelled versions and will deal with all types of litter and garden debris; while their heavyweight VQ models are equipped with a six-speed gearbox (including reverse), and are driven by immensely powerful Honda or Briggs & Stratton engines. All Billy Goat professional wheeled vacuums offer lots of performance- and comfort-enhancing features and have been built to withstand the abuse meted-out by the commercial operator.