Best Petrol Leaf Blower 2022
Best Petrol Leaf Blower Review
Our UK audience calls them petrol leaf blowers but our US audience call them gas leaf blowers. So in this article you we have mixed and matched which term we used so that we cater to everyone. Regardless of what you call them, the leaf blower has become an essential component of life, if you have a home or large property to manage.
If you asked us straight off the bat to name the best petrol leaf blower then we would probably say the Makita BHX2501 leaf blower. It is a little pricey, but if you can afford it, this is really the leaf blower you want to have. Saying this, we understand that budgets are not always this big and in honesty if you are not using it that often, then a more affordable leaf blower will be more suited to you.
Luckily for you we have tested and reviewed a range of different leaf blowers which vary in price, style and key features. If you are wondering which leaf blowers came out on top when we did this then read our best leaf blower review. However, in regard to this article you are reading right now, this is all about the Makita BHX2501 gas leaf blower (with a chaser of a petrol leaf blower buying guide).
Makita BHX2501 4-Stroke Petrol Leaf Blower
The BHX2501 leaf blower from Makita is the ideal solution if you’re looking for a leaf blower with higher performance, reliability, and quality. If you buy power tools regularly then you’ll know that there are all the things you would expect from Makita products. They have an extensive range of high-quality power tools but none more hi-tech than their leaf blowers range. Due to their focus on innovative technology, Makita has played a major role in the development of leaf blowers over the last 10-15 years.
This BHX2501 petrol leaf blower comes with a 25.5cc powerful petrol engine that doesn’t require oil mixing. But, don’t be fooled into thinking that this leaf blower is just a noisy monster of a power tool, it is surprisingly quiet. We really like how Makita have done this without compromising on power output as the 145mph airflow that it produces is really impressive. It can easily tackle even the biggest of tasks without having to stop. The design also excels in other areas too, with it being well-balanced and lightweight which makes it very comfortable for the user. Talking of how easy it is to use it is a great first tool for beginners as well as being powerful enough for professionals who use leaf blowers in their day to day jobs.
The one drawback as we mentioned in the introduction is the price. Saying this, although the BHX2501 is one of the more expensive 4-stroke leaf blowers available on the market, you do get a lot for your money. It’s also super good on emissions and has a low rate of fuel consumption so it’s cheap to run. Another reason it is great value is the additional vacuum attachment that can be purchased to fit with this model. It is a little bit of a shame that it is not included, but on the other hand, the vacuum attachment is only a small extra cost for a lot more convenience. When using it makes the tidying up task ten times easier and has the benefit of being less physically demanding for the user.
Specifications
- Motor Size: 25.5cc
- Weight: 4.4kg
- Maximum Power Output: 145mph
What We Like:
- 4-Stroke Engine
- Compact and Lightweight
- Optional Vacuum Attachment
More Photos
Our Verdict
The Makita BHX2501 leaf blower is really a great tool regardless of what you need it for. It is ideal for the home to clean out driveways or paths and powerful enough for professional use. As it is a gas leaf blower then there is also no need to stop and recharge the battery like a cordless leaf blower, as well as no restriction as to how far you can go like a corded electric leaf blower.
At Wonkee Donkee, we would describe this as a classy leaf blower. Because it is powerful yet quiet. The added bonus of reliability and extra attachments just offers great value for money too. Yeah, it would be great if the vacuum attachment was included. But in our opinion, it’s worth the extra investment. It hands down is our number one recommendation for a gas leaf blower (petrol leaf blower).
Petrol Leaf Blowers Guide
When clearing your yard of debris, gas leaf blowers have one distinct advantage over electric models – they aren’t limited to working around battery size, an outlet and electrical cord. If you’re doing any sort of serious landscaping, like more than one property, or simply have a large area bigger than a few square feet to clear, gas power is the only way to go.
Keep in mind that gas-powered leaf blowers are generally noisier than electric blowers. You’ll need to take this into account if you will be working in ears reach of any neighbours or in a busy public place. Gas-powered units also tend to weigh more, and of course, they need to be filled with gas.
Depending on your yard size or the type of landscaping you’ll be doing, you’ll need to decide on one of three basic gas leaf blower types: handheld, backpack-style or wheeled. The smallest, and least expensive, is a handheld model. This type is ideal for small to medium-sized landscaping jobs. They free you from the electrical ‘umbilical cord’ and allow you to easily navigate any sort of yard obstacles.
Handheld Leaf Blowers
The smallest, and least expensive, is a handheld model. This type is ideal for small to medium-sized landscaping jobs. They free you from the electrical ‘umbilical cord’ and allow you to easily navigate any sort of yard obstacles.
As we keep mentioning, which device is best for you depends on your needs and the tasks you’ll be completing. So for small tasks that you need to complete regularly the most suitable leaf blower model is probably a handheld version. These models tend to be lightweight and easy to manoeuvre allowing you to whizz around any obstacles or obstructions.
Backpack Models
For bigger tasks where you have more ground to cover then, we would probably suggest purchasing a backpack leaf blower. For example, if you are using it for the general clearing of leaves, twigs, bark, and even heavy-duty debris, particularly for yards over half an acre, this would be the best choice.
The actual blower is attached to a backpack frame that fits over your shoulders. This greatly reduces the weight load by levelling it across your back, shoulders and arms rather than just solely on your hand and arm. If you have never used one before you’ll be amazed by the comfort and how when using it you will be less fatigued and can work longer. Of course, the extra harness and frame do lead to a more expensive unit. But, if you need a high-quality leaf blower to regularly cover big areas then its really worth the money.
As with different designs, the focus on a certain area such as comfort means that there is usually a drawback in another aspect of the power tool. So while the backpack models make for less tiring use, they aren’t as versatile as a handheld in terms of getting into tight spots or blowing from certain angles.
Wheeled Leaf Blower
Finally, there are the wheeled leaf blower models. These are the real ‘power tools’ of leaf blowers – with prices to match. In addition to the capacity and sheer muscle, though, the noise-factor also goes up a few notches. Still, if you have difficulty holding a handheld, or shouldering the load of a backpack model, a wheeled model is ideal. More to the point, if you do a lot of yard work, with yards over a half an acre, or do landscaping beyond just the backyard, you just might want the step-up in power and portability.
The last thing that we suggest before you buy any model of a leaf blower is to consider when you are buying it. Due to leaf blowers being a typically seasonal tool then prices tend to fluctuate quite a lot over a year. While most people will mosy on down to their nearest home improvement centre or hardware store, it can pay you to look around online. Just keep in mind that there could be significant additional costs for shipping due to the size of these units.
Gas Leaf Blower Specifications
Gas leaf blowers are great for clearing out driveways, front lawns, and other areas of excess leaves, debris, and trash. Similar in some respects to gas hedge trimmers, they’re the most powerful solution to getting the job done quickly. The power behind petrol leaf blowers can also make chores fun (or maybe we are just still kids at heart).
Blower Speed
Blower vacuums can be adjusted to various speeds, and they usually have motors with powerful amps underneath the shell for a strong air blowing capacity and volume. You can choose between speeds of 100 mph to 235 mph. Just don’t let your pet get in the way of the leaf blower, or they might get blown away. Some gas blowers allow you to adjust airspeed and air volume as two separate knobs, dials, and buttons on a switchboard of controls. This allows you a precise measurement of how much leaves you can blow away, at what angle, and how fast you can blow them away.
You can get rid of a more substantial volume of leaves and debris with a powerful gas leaf blower so don’t skimp on price, and get the good model if you’re really thinking about buying one. Don’t hesitate to purchase the one with the highest bestseller ratings on Amazon. These have been quality-confirmed by thousands of users, and they usually have many more controls, switches and dials than conventional models. There is a big difference between a gas leaf blower that just shoots air out and an actual machine that allows you to control the experience much more tightly.
Extra Uses
Some models even allow you to convert your leaf blower into a vacuum or a mulcher so it can handle multiple tasks. A two in one or three in one model makes the tidying up process once you have gathered your pile of leaves so much easier and less fatiguing. Models that include a vacuum and bag help with the collection of leaves meaning you don’t have to bend down and scoop them up. Mulchers go one step further and they shred the leaves after they have been vacuumed on their way into the bag. This allows for a much larger storage capacity so fewer trips to empty the bag.
Added Features
Some have low vibration handles to minimize the amount of stress put on the body when using it. Common misconceptions about gas-powered leaf blowers is that they’re heavier, harder to start, and clumsier than electric leaf blowers. These misconceptions are proved wrong with the new range of gas-powered leaf blowers coming out. The only danger is that you’ll have to negotiate is the storing of gasoline.
So you should really keep this in mind when you’re working or storing your petrol leaf blower if there are children or if you have a variety of people coming in and out of your garage. There is a wider range of possibilities open to you with a gas-powered leaf blower. Most do more tricks than the electric leaf blowers, even the handheld gas-powered leaf blowers. What you lose in user-friendliness, you make up for in user features.
Gas leaf blowers are really for the serious users for which less competent models won’t do. Most should meet national noise standards in order to be safe on the market, but there is a separate category of neighbourhood noise values, and this is really a matter of subjectivity. Your leaf blower shouldn’t disturb the whole neighbourhood, and the best gas leaf blowers don’t conform to the old stereotypes that they were much noisier than electric leaf blowers. But what are you gonna do if you have an ultra-big lawn and a lot of space to clear out, and you just can’t stand the inefficiency of an electric blower? The gas leaf blower is the only viable solution.
