12 Best Commercial Backpack Leaf Blowers 2023 + Buyer’s Guide

Raking up debris from your yard has to be one of the most time-consuming, back-breaking, brow-sweating, downright boring garden maintenance chores there is.

But it doesn’t have to be.

In fact, it can be a lot more fun.

Read on to discover the best commercial backpack leaf blowers on the market, so you can harness the power of a mini hurricane, and blow all your cares away.

A buyer’s guide and FAQ section will follow for more information on what you should be looking out for, and you can be ready for whatever falls this fall.

12 Best Backpack Leaf Blower Reviews 2023

Remington RM2BP Slinger Backpack Leaf Blower

Getting us off the mark is this budget-friendly offering from Remington, a power tool company born out of Milwaukee in the 1920s. Backed by a 27cc, 2-cycle gas engine, the Slinger can reach wind speeds of up to 145 MPH, with 445 CFM airflow.

Designed for faster, smoother starts with quick-start technology, you’re armed with a long-flex tube for improved maneuverability to blast away debris all around your yard, patio, or garden.

The no-frills backpack design has a mesh, CoolFlex back to help air circulate and keep you from overheating, while the adjustable straps distribute weight evenly to prevent fatigue.

Pros

Cons

Poulan Pro PR48BT Backpack Leaf Blower

If you want to up the ante from the previous model, this 48 cc, 2-cycle leaf blower from Poulan Pro is a good choice.

Capable of wind speeds of up to 200 MPH and 475 CFM, it weighs just under 20 lbs, with a more heavy-duty frame than the Remington, you’ve got a solidly designed backpack with a load-reducing harness that provides an optimum fit for any user.

With a variable speed trigger and cruise control, the ergonomic handle gives you all the power you need at your fingertips, and you can easily select the precise airflow depending on the task at hand.

Pros

Cons

CRAFTSMAN BP410 Backpack Leaf Blower

Next up we have an entry from Craftsman, a 32 cc, four-cycle gas-powered backpack leaf blower that has the benefit of not requiring a fuel and oil mix to run. With a high airspeed of 205 MPH and a velocity of 460 CFM, the BP410 blows quickly and efficiently, so you can tidy up your outside areas in double-quick time.

The fully-tensioned backpack system is made from multiple materials to allow maximum comfort, weight distribution across the shoulders and hips, and eliminates user fatigue. With an electric, easy-start capability, it takes less effort to get going, and the ergonomic, tube-mounted lever ensures comfort and control at all times.

Pros

Cons

Greenworks BPB80L2510 Backpack Leaf Blower

While the vast majority of backpack leaf blowers will be gas-powered, you can trust eco-friendly company Greenworks to offer an alternative to fuel emissions.

This cordless version is backed by a powerful 80 Volt battery, enabling it to reach up to speeds of 145 MPH, with an impressive 580 CFM of airflow. Wet and dry leaves trouble it not, as the variable speed trigger and turbo feature offer on-demand power and control depending on where you’re using it and what you’re using it on.

But perhaps best of all, is that the whole unit weighs just over 14 lbs, making it one of the lightest machines around, as well as one of the best battery-powered backpack leaf blowers on the market.

Pros

Cons

Ryobi Gas Backpack Leaf Blower

Homedepot.com

Japanese tool manufacturer Ryobi has one of the largest ranges of tools on the market, boasting quality and affordability throughout. They make the bold claim that this 38 cc gas backpack leaf blower is the most powerful in the residential class on the market, and as it offers a whopping 760 CFM and up to 175 MPH winds, they just might be right.

This is down to the Crossforce technology that it employs, while the engine is uniquely positioned to provide more power and cleaning efficiency. Variable speed and cruise control come as standard, and the adjustable shoulder straps and contoured back provides additional comfort and vibration control.

Pros

Cons

Schröder SR-6400L Backpack Leaf Blower

The Germans enter the fray now with this offering from power-tool company Schröder. Marketed as an industrial-strength leaf blower, this machine offers a very impressive 230 MPH from its 63.3cc engine, with a face-melting 920 CFM of airflow.

Weighing just 19.5 lbs and considering the price point, you’re getting a very powerful machine with a lot of blow for the buck.

Easy-to-assemble, with 3.7 HP, and intuitive tube throttle controls, this unit is ideal for shifting larger piles of leaves, or for any situation that needs some serious wind force to get the job done.

Pros

Cons

Husqvarna 350BT Gas Backpack Blower

I honestly try not to include a Husqvarna whenever I write an outdoor power tool review, but the problem is they’re just so damn good that it’s impossible to leave at least one of them out.

Best known for their outstanding chainsaws, the Swedes have produced this powerful backpack leaf blower with an X-torque engine design to reduce emissions by up to 60%.

Backed with a 50.2 cc, two-cycle engine, this unit is able to generate wind speeds of up to 180 MPH, with a 494.41 CFM rating for clearing stubborn debris around your garden. Low-vib dampeners between the engine and chassis reduce vibrations, and the fully adjustable, ergonomic padded harness system will sit comfortably on the hips and shoulders of any user.

Pros

Cons

EGO Cordless Electric Backpack Blower

Homedepot.com

With the inclusion of a Greenworks battery-powered backpack leaf blower, EGO was never going to be outdone. The eco-friendly companies continue to square off against each other in the battle to save the planet with power tools. Just check out this article on Greenworks vs EGO lawnmower rivalry.

EGO’s cordless backpack blower offers 56 Volts of power to get you up to 145 MPH wind speeds and 600 CFM – which is very impressive for a battery, and it’s eight times quieter than a gas-powered machine.

Claiming to offer a generous 180-minute run time, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to get the job done before draining the juice. And at just under 13 lbs, it pips Greenworks to the lightest backpack leaf blower in the review.

Pros

Cons

Makita MM4 Backpack Blower

Homedepot.com

A 52.5cc, four-stroke engine powers this Makita machine, one of the best commercial-grade backpack leaf blowers on the market. Without the need to mix oil and fuel, you have a cleaner-burning engine that is fuel-efficient and offers up to 184 MPH wind speeds, with 516 CFM of airflow.

Designed with professionals in mind, with quick and easy starting technology, heavy-duty anti-vibration mounts, and extra-wide padded straps and padded back panel for superior operator comfort. The large-capacity air filter is simple to replace, and the nozzle can be adjusted to suit the required length for the task at hand.

Pros

Cons

Echo PB-770T Gas Backpack Blower

Believe it or not, it was the beginnings of the Echo company that actually invented the leaf blower in the 1970s. As you might expect, they’ve learned a few things since then, and today manufacture some of the best blowers out there.

This particular model features a 63.3 cc, professional-grade, 2-stroke engine for outstanding performance, capable of wind speeds up to 234 MPH, with 765 CFM. With a padded backrest and shoulders for extra comfort and a vented back pad to keep you cool, you can get plenty of use out of the 770T without feeling the burn – which is ideal for commercial-sized jobs.

The side-mounted, heavy-duty, dual-stage air filtration improves the life of the unit, and the wide-angle, flexible tube rotation offers plenty of maneuverability and control with the mounted variable speed throttle.

Pros

Cons

Husqvarna 570BTS Backpack Blower

It comes as no surprise that Husqvarna offers another entry with this professional-grade backpack leaf blower with a monster 65.6 cc engine. Capable of wind speeds of up to 236.2 MPH and in-pipe airflow of 768 CFM, you’ll have no problem shifting stubborn debris anywhere around your property.

It weighs in at 24.7 lbs and features the Husqvarna X-torque engine to offer superior fuel efficiency while reducing emissions by up to 60%. The easy-to-adjust comfort handle provides intuitive controls at your fingertips, and the commercial-grade, two-stage intake air filtration ensures you can use the machine in all conditions over longer periods.

Adjustable handles, variable throttle, and cruise control complete this animal of a leaf blowing package.

Pros

Cons

RedMax EBZ8500RH Power Blower

When it comes to the very best commercial backpack leaf blowers, I might have spoken too soon in endorsing the Husqvarna and Echo models. As good as they are, RedMax are regarded as the industry leaders in this field (particularly in the US) but they usually come with an eye-watering price for your trouble.

This version is unrivaled when it comes to balanced power, capable of 208 MPH wind speeds, and an impressive 908 CFM of airflow in the tube. It features a Max-Cooled backpack that draws air from the fan housing to keep you cool in hotter weather, and the wide straps and contoured back are oversized for additional comfort.

Pros

Cons

How to Choose the Best Backpack Leaf Blower

There’s a lot to consider before making a purchase of a backpack leaf blower and you want to make sure you get the right one.

Take a look at our buyer’s guide below for tips and advice about what to look for, with an FAQ section in case we miss anything important.

Power Source

Decide on what kinds of power source you want your backpack leaf blower to have. In this department, you have two choices – battery, or gas. Electric, corded backpack blowers don’t exist – for good reason.

The former has a lot of advantages. You don’t need to use oil or fuel, no mixing is required, no fuss, and no mess.

The machine rarely needs maintenance, and with zero fuel emissions and being significantly quieter than its gas counterparts (which is very important when it comes to leaf blowers in particular) it’s the eco-friendly choice for the conscientious homeowner.

And battery-powered machines weigh next to nothing compared with heavy gas engines – which is a real advantage when you’re carrying the thing on your back.

That being said, there’s really no substitute for gas-powered machines when it comes to commercial backpack leaf blowers.

They’re far more powerful, with large fuel tanks that allow you to tackle the heavy-duty, longer jobs. They have battery blowers easily beat for run time.

Price-wise, gas machines are more expensive when everything is equal, and don’t forget about oil, fuel, and maintenance costs on top of your initial purchase.

The type you choose will depend on the size of your property, and the kinds of jobs you want the blower to handle each season.

MPH/CFM

With every leaf blower, gas or battery-powered, the specifications will feature these two numbers that you need to be aware of.

The MPH is the maximum miles per hour wind speeds the machine will be able to produce.

The CFM is the cubic feet per minute of airflow that will be ejected from the nozzle.

Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t really the MPH that is the most important figure here. Most lawn and garden debris will be shifted with minimum wind speeds.

But the volume of air that’s produced will determine just how much material you can clear in one pass. As an example, 750 CFM will mean that 750 cubic feet of air will be produced by the blower per minute.

The higher this figure, the more material you’ll move.

MPH is important, as you’ll still need a strong wind speed to back up the volume. In this department, I would suggest finding an agreeable balance between the two.

Remember though, the higher these figures go, the heavier, louder, and more expensive the machine is likely to be.

Uses

Leaf blowers are not just used to shift leaves – although that is regularly their primary occupation and the reason they were designed.

To get the most out of your backpack leaf blower (and to help you choose the right one) it’s worth noting some other tasks it can handle, so you can get more out of it year-round as opposed to simply in the fall.

This list is not exhaustive – and if you have any other ideas for leaf blower uses – let me know in the comments below.

Weight

Backpack leaf blowers are much heavier than a handheld machine – but that’s the trade-off for more power.

Having said that, if the backpack is designed well, with good weight distribution, you will likely have a more pleasurable user experience than a handheld version, which can often be cumbersome and tiring to carry around without support.

Still, these machines aren’t light, and you need to have a modicum of physical fitness to use one – particularly for long periods.

Battery-powered versions are far lighter than gas, so if weight is a real concern for you, it might be preferable to research that type of product.

The more power, the heavier the unit will be.

Noise Levels

There’s no two ways about it – backpack leaf blowers are LOUD.

So much so that they have been banned in many places, or their use seriously restricted. Check local ordinances in your part of the world before making a purchase.

There’s no more sure-fire way to tick your neighbors off than to blast one of these babies for hours. Not to mention the damage you can do to your own ears from continued use.

Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). Read this informative article from the CDC on what causes hearing loss. Pay particular attention to where you can locate leaf blowers on that table.

Have consideration for others when and where you’re operating such machines – and ALWAYS wear highly-rated ear protectors, even if you’re only working for a short time.

When in doubt, and if it’s practical, choose a battery-powered option, as they can be up to eight times quieter than gas products.

Backpack Design and Comfort

As previously mentioned, the design and style of the backpack on a leaf blower can make a big difference to your comfort and overall experience.

Look for units with fully adjustable straps, with satisfactory padding and breathability. There’s nothing worse than a sticky back drenched with sweat a couple of minutes into the job.

Waist and chest harnesses can help distribute the weight across your back, shoulders, and hips.

And some models have an ingenious air-flow built into the back pad, which uses a fan to cool you down as you work.

Pay close attention to other user reviews when it comes to quality straps and support – it’s a serious consideration for your health and comfort.

Controls

Most backpack leaf blowers will have intuitive controls built into the airflow nozzle.

Look out for machines that have variable air speeds – which is important depending on the type of material you’re trying to move, and the surface on which it resides.

Blasting max turbo power at wet leaves on a gravel driveway is asking for trouble. And clearing concrete paths and walkways can be a hassle when it comes to weeds, so check out this article on the best weed killers for driveways for some help.

Cost

Commercial backpack leaf blowers don’t come cheap. They’re made with premium materials and designed for heavy-duty work for professionals.

And the more power you need, the more the machine is going to dent your bank balance.

Always purchase the best you can afford – but make sure you suit it to the job it’s required to do. There’s no point overspending if you don’t need it.

FAQs

Do I need a backpack leaf blower?

That’s a very good question to start us off. For most people – in a residential environment at least – a backpack leaf blower is overkill.

But if you’re maintaining a larger property, particularly with dense tree and foliage cover, then it’s likely you will need something that’s going to handle the sheer amount of material deposited on your land every year.

If that’s the case, then I would highly recommend a backpack blower. Bonus points if you live far from your nearest neighbor.

And while you’re considering if you need a good leaf blower for autumn, it’s a good time to check out the best single stage snow blowers for winter while you’re at it. Follow that link for more info.

How do I use a backpack leaf blower?

Backpack leaf blowers are pretty powerful machines, and they can be a bit intimidating at first, especially to anyone who has never used one before.

The wind speed strength can be enough to blow someone off their feet if they’re not careful, and precautions should be taken and safety advice adhered to at all times.

Certainly, never point a powerful wind machine in the direction of people or animals. Unless, of course, you’re trying to remove rodents or pests.

For more information, watch the video below from Husqvarna about how to use and operate backpack leaf blowers efficiently and safely.

Who makes the most powerful leaf blower?

There are a plethora of quality brands out there when it comes to manufacturing leaf blowers, from Echo who invented the machine to one of the oldest companies in the world with Husqvarna, to the US powerhouse RedMax – and everything in between.

For the most powerful leaf blower, research which machine can reach the highest MPH wind speeds, with the most CFM airflow.

But bear in mind that what these figures are on the page might differ significantly in practice. Still, for the real commercial-grade units, I’d start with the three brands I’ve mentioned above.

Is MPH or CFM more important for a leaf blower?

It’s a topic of some debate, and I would say it’s a balance.

CFM is more important for just how much material you can shift the total area that can be displaced at one time.

However, it matters for nothing if you don’t have the power to actually shift said material with a decent MPH wind speed.

Thankfully, backpack leaf blowers offer a variety of choices in both departments, and you’ll find that a balance is usually well struck between the two – particularly the higher up in quality you go.

Are electric leaf blowers more powerful than gas?

Although battery-powered leaf blowers often claim to be gas-equivalent, this is usually when compared against the lower end of the scale.

Comparatively speaking, with an even playing field, gas-power wins hands down.

They both have their advantages and disadvantages, however, and whenever possible, I encourage the use of battery-powered machines. The technology is improving all the time, too.

Take a look at this article on gas vs electric lawnmowers for some additional insight into this long-running power-source battle.

How long do electric leaf blowers last?

Providing you treat the device properly, an electric leaf blower should last a good number of years. They require less maintenance than gas versions.

However, if you’re talking about battery life in a cordless electric leaf blower, this can vary depending on the battery voltage and the amount of power you’re using.

The best commercial electric backpack leaf blowers will give you plenty of run time – but I’d always recommend purchasing an additional battery as backup.

Should I get a leaf blower or vacuum?

Leaf vacuums are very useful if you want to really clean up your yard, patio, driveway, or garden. They can mulch down debris into manageable sizes, which can be ideal to use in one of these money-saving compost tumblers.

However, this process can be time-consuming as opposed to simply blowing waste garden material off desirable surfaces.

Check out this article on commercial leaf vacuums and make your own mind up which product would be more beneficial to you.

Do I need safety gear when operating a backpack leaf blower?

Given that a backpack leaf blower is one of the noisiest tools you can operate, then yes, you do need to wear safety gear when operating one.

Ear protection is essential. No ifs, no buts, no excuses. ESSENTIAL.

Eye protection is highly recommended, too. You’re blowing debris all over the place, and it can easily be sent in a direction you don’t want it to go. At the very least, wear sunglasses.

Keep your arms, legs, and toes covered, and wear a pair of good quality gardening gloves to help with comfort and control.

How loud are backpack leaf blowers?

Unless you’re rocking a battery-powered model, backpack leaf blowers can reach very loud decibel levels.

You should always check to make sure it’s safe and legal to operate such a machine in your area.

Each product will inform you in the specifications of how loud in (dB) the machine will run. Obviously, try to go for the quieter models if you can – but I recognize this isn’t always possible in this class.

Watch the video below for advice on how to use a leaf blower and still get on with your neighbors.

Summary

The best commercial backpack leaf blowers are loud, powerful machines that can clear your property of debris in no time.

But it’s important to read and understand the safety points made in this guide, and I hope that the review section has helped you pick out the right machine for you and your needs.

I would choose the EGO battery-powered product if I was in the market for a new leaf blower. I’m a fan of reducing fuel emissions, and it’s a super-lightweight yet powerful unit that will get the job done for me.

Don’t forget that there are many more types of leaf blowers to choose from if you want to consider other options.

Let me know which model you would choose and why.

Bring on the fall!