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Leaf Blowers
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- Electric blower-broom Toro Power Sweep 51585 *Est. $40
- Handheld gas leaf blower Echo PB-251 *Est. $170
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- Starts easily
- Powerful
- Optional vacuum kit
- Optional gutter kit
- Noisy
- Heavy
- Two-cycle gasoline engine pollutes
If you need a powerful leaf blower that isn't restricted by the length of a cord, reviews recommend the Stihl BG 55 as a moderately priced handheld gas leaf blower that starts easily and performs well. Overall, we found more support for electric leaf blowers, which are less polluting and require less maintenance than gas-powered leaf blowers. But if you need more range, gas is the way to go. Note that the Stihl BG55 is noisy; even from 50 feet away the noise level is rated at 69 decibels -- too loud for communities with noise restrictions. If you want a gas handheld blower without so much noise, experts recommend the Echo PB-251, which is slightly less powerful but rated at only 65 decibels.
We found the best comparison review of the Stihl BG 55 gas leaf blower on ConsumerReports.org, where it's ranked in relation to seven other handheld gas blowers plus 16 leaf blowers of other types -- based on thorough objective tests. Testing at ConsumerGuide.com is more informal, but the review has plenty of details. Consumers Digest recommends the Stihl BG 55 as a Best Buy.
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.org
ConsumerReports.org compares the Stihl BG 55 with seven other gasoline handheld leaf blowers, as well as nine electric blowers and seven backpack blowers. Within types, all the leaf blowers are ranked based on objective tests for performance in sweeping, loosening and vacuuming debris, along with ratings for handling and noise.
Review: Power Blowers: More Punch for Plug-ins, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Sept. 2007
This site publishes single-product reviews of leaf blowers, giving the Stihl BG 55 a Best Buy award, with top ratings for both performance and ease of use. The review notes that it's easy to start and can be used one-handed; the main drawback is its 69-decibel noise level -- louder than some regulations allow. (This review is in ConsumerGuide.com's archives, with a note that the manufacturer advised them that the BG 55 has been discontinued. This information is incorrect.)
Review: Stihl BG 55 Gas Blower, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, June 5, 2008
3. Consumers DigestDetails/Subscribe
This article recommends the similar Stihl SH 55 as a good value, but ranks the more expensive Echo PB-230LN higher, since it's quieter and carries a five-year warranty.
Review: Yard Smarts, Neil Soderstrom and Ken Textor, Sept./Oct. 2006
Leaf Blowers Runners Up:
3 picks including: Engadget.com, The Wall Street Journal…
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
1 pick including: Consumers Digest…
Toro 51592 Super 12 Amp 2-Speed Electric Blower/Vacuum
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