Homeowners use leaf blowers for a variety of jobs around the house and yard at any time of the year. Gas leaf blowers are the most common, used primarily to help homeowners maintain their yards. Leaf blowers are generally used to “sweep” leaves, grass, weeds, and dirt off patios, sidewalks, lawns, and driveways. Different types of leaf blowers include handheld, backpack, and wheeled that can be powered by a gas-oil mixture, electricity, or battery. Gas leaf blowers weight about ten pounds and are loud enough to warrant hearing protection. Homeowners can expect to pay between one and five hundred dollars for a leaf blower designed to fit their needs. Three of the most popular brands of leaf blowers include Black+Decker, Craftsman, and Stihl. Here are helpful questions when choosing a leaf blower.
There are many reasons why a leaf blower may not start. First, make sure the power switch is on and that you are using a fresh fuel mixture. The fuel mixture should be less than 90 days old. Users can also clean the air cleaner and make sure the fuel filter is free of debris.
Gas-powered leaf blowers require a fuel-oil mixture that is 40:1. Mix 3.2 ounces of oil with a gallon of regular gas. Thoroughly shake the mixture before putting in the leaf blower.
Users should put in 87 octane regular unleaded gasoline, and diesel should never be used.
Fuel should not be stored in the leaf blower, as it can form gummy deposits in the fuel system. To store the leaf blower for longer than 30 days, drain the tank, start the gas leaf blower, and let it run until it stops.
Gas leaf blowers can vacuum up small, dry material, such as twigs, bits of paper, grass, and leaves. Users should not attempt to vacuum liquid, stones, gravel, or metal.
A typical warranty for a leaf blower usually spans two to four years.
A warranty for a leaf blower generally covers manufacturer’s defects, parts, and labor. Read the warranty carefully, as some things are not covered.
The two-cycle engines of leaf blowers run on a gas-oil mixture that keeps the engine lubricated at all times. Straight gas should not be used and will ruin the engine.