Wednesday, September 4, 2002

Choose the right leaf blower

The season is called "fall" for a reason: all of those lovely autumn leaves will eventually end up on the ground, and you'll have to clean them up.

A convenient alternative to back-wrenching raking is using a leaf blower. According to Mark Michaels, handheld products business unit manager at Husqvarna, handheld or backpack leaf blowers can be a powerful tool in removing the remnants of the fall season.

"Leaf blowers provide more efficiency in the clean-up process," Michaels said. "Compared to manual tools, a blower will allow you to cover more ground with less fatigue to the arms and back."

Michaels offers these tips for selecting a blower:

The true test of power in a leaf blower is not the size of the engine or rated horsepower but rather the amount of air it puts out in a given amount of time. Air volume is measured by the cubic feet per minute (CFM). If you're buying a handheld blower, look for one greater than 350 CFM. For backpack models, anything above 575 CFM will provide high efficiency.

Consider the nozzle shape. A narrow outlet will provide higher air speed-good for moving wet, heavy material. A wider nozzle provides lower airspeed but creates a wider path, allowing you to move large amounts of dry material.

If you have a large area to tackle, consider a backpack blower. It reduces stress on the shoulders and back, especially if equipped with a hip pad and used properly.

A backpack blower with the throttle handle mounted on the tube allows for the most maneuverability and least fatigue. Look for a throttle that allows you to lock the speed at a constant rate.

When considering a hand-held blower, look for one with an in-line handle. If the handle is offset from the tube, your wrist will be forced to rotate in an unnatural position. Also, many handheld blowers come with a vacuum attachment for mulching.

Visit an outdoor power equipment dealer for additional tips or to try out a blower. Get advice from someone who's been around power equipment long enough to help you make a smart buying decision.

For more information, visit www.husqvarna.com, or call 1-800-HUSKY-62 to locate a dealer near you.

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