There’s simply nothing like a walk-behind leaf blower if you own a large property. All those beautiful colors up on the trees come down eventually, and a backpack leaf blower would hardly serve.
What you need is the best walk behind leaf blower for your yard to help you get more done in record time. You definitely have better things doing with your time than yard work, no? Exactly.
So, here’s what I have in store for you today.
I’ll be taking you through a comprehensive list of some of the best walk behind leaf blowers. Don’t worry, I mixed up the list so there’s definitely something for everyone.
To do you even one better, I have also included a buying guide to help sort out any confusion you might have in picking the right walk behind leaf blower for you.
That said, let’s meet the 7 best walk-behind leaf blowers that money can buy.
Contents
- 7 Best Walk Behind Leaf Blowers 2023
- The Basics of Walk Behind Leaf Blowers
- What to Consider When Buying a Walk Behind Leaf Blower
- Conclusion
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7 Best Walk Behind Leaf Blowers 2023
Billy Goat F1802SPV Self-Propelled Walk Behind Leaf Blower
The most powerful walk behind leaf blower in the market right now is the Billy Goat F1802SPV self-propelled leaf blower. No questions asked.
This is also the leaf blower to go for when max air volume is needed. I’m talking 2900 cubic feet per minute max air volume rating here!
Even more impressive, this gas-powered bad boy has a 4-stroke engine that’s to die for. So, much better efficiency for you.
Plus, it also takes my prize for the best self-propelled walk-behind leaf blower as well.
Pros
- Comes with a large fuel tank.
- Comes self-propelled.
- Variable speed settings give you more control.
- Patented Aim N Shoot technology helps you push debris farther and more precisely.
- Noise is at an acceptable level.
- Heavy-duty machine.
Cons
- It is quite pricey.
Takeaway
It’s not hard to see why the Billy Goat F1802SPV self-propelled leaf blower is my number one walk behind leaf blower. It does cost a pretty penny but the power/convenience combo benefit is just too sweet to pass up.
Southland SWB163150E Walk Behind Leaf Blower
The Southland SWB163150E walk behind leaf blower makes it to the second position on our list as the best budget walk behind leaf blower on the market.
The air volume this machine offers is awesome. 4 times more than any backpack blower can produce at its best.
The Southland SWB163150E walk behind leaf blower is also rugged and comes pre-assembled. Plus with its large 12-inch rear wheels, this baby is easy to maneuver too.
Pros
- Powerful 4-stroke engine.
- Lightweight.
- Fuel efficient.
Cons
- Design could be better.
- Might not move as smoothly on uneven surfaces.
Takeaway
You can do better than the Southland SWB163150E walk behind leaf blower. However, at this price point, it hardly gets better than this clean, 4-stroke beast.
Billy Goat F601V Walk Behind Leaf Blower
The Billy Goat F601V Walk Behind Leaf Blower is a breeze to move around the yard which is why it is easily my pick as a great push leaf blower.
It features a superior fan technology that decreases noise levels and delivers excellent blowing efficiency.
Another impressive feature of this leaf blower is its powerful engine.
It’s no surprise, therefore, that the Billy Goat F601V, as well as other Billy Goat leaf blowers, is a favorite among professionals.
Pros
- Relatively affordable.
- Comes with Billy Goat’s patented Aim N Shoot technology for flexibility and precision.
- The gas tank size is decent.
- The noise level is quite acceptable.
- One of the fastest-blowing walk behind leaf blowers at 200 miles per hour.
Cons
- The max air volume is quite low at only 1090 CFM.
Takeaway
This isn’t Billy Goat’s most powerful walk behind leaf blower with a max air volume of 1090 CFM. Its strengths, though, seem to lie in its maneuverability and air speed.
Southland SWB43170 Walk Behind Leaf Blower
Southland is known for making the most affordable yet excellent leaf blowers in the market, and the Southland SWB43170 walk behind leaf blower is a great example.
This machine is gas-powered and comes with a 2-stroke engine. It might not be as powerful as a 4-stroke motor. But at its price point, I definitely can’t complain.
Perhaps the best feature of this leaf blower is that it has a manageable weight and size.
Pros
- Excellent value for money.
- Fantastic cruise control to ensure effortless maintenance of your selected speed.
- Noise rating is somewhat acceptable.
Cons
- Gas tank is quite small at 28 fl. oz.
- Max air volume is low.
Takeaway
The Southland SWB43170 walk behind leaf blower gives great value for money. It can be inconvenient to work with though as the gas tank is really small, demanding constant fuel refills.
Cub Cadet Walk Behind Leaf Blower
Homedepot.comIf you’re looking for something lightweight yet durable, the Cub Cadet walk behind leaf blower sure is looking good. The housing is made with cast aluminum which makes this leaf blower easy to use.
One thing I really love about this gas-powered leaf blower is that it comes with large, semi-pneumatic rear wheels. This feature makes the Cub Cadet a great compromise if you dread driving a walk-behind leaf blower but can’t afford a self-propelled model.
Pros
- Relatively affordable.
- Powerful 4-cycle engine.
Cons
- Gas tank capacity is small.
- Air volume and speed are low.
Takeaway
The Cub Cadet walk behind leaf blower brings the perfect balance between heavy-duty and lightweight. If you want something that lasts but doesn’t feel like you’re driving a Mack truck, this is your guy.
Troy-Bilt TB672 Walk Behind Leaf Blower
The Troy-Bilt TB672 is a gas-powered walk behind leaf blower with a fantastic 4-cycle engine.
Now, the TB672 is the noisiest leaf blower on our list. However, it still falls within the average decibel rating for most walk-behind leaf blowers.
The TB672 is not the most powerful walk-behind leaf blower. But you might want to consider this model if you don’t do frequent heavy-duty yard work with your blower.
Pros
- The TB672 is quite inexpensive.
- Relatively lightweight which makes navigation easier.
Cons
- Gas tank is quite small.
- Max air volume and speed are somewhat low compared to other walk-behind leaf blowers.
Takeaway
If you’re not power-hungry, the Troy-Bilt TB672 walk behind leaf blower makes a great, affordable choice.
Beast LB1M20 Walk Behind Leaf Blower
For the ultimate commercial walk behind leaf blower, the Beast LB1M20 Walk Behind Leaf Blower would be my pick.
It features a heavy-duty metal housing which makes this a heavy machine. All the same, that’s what you want if you’re into gardening or landscaping on a commercial level.
Thankfully, this leaf blower is also easy to use and maneuver as well.
Pros
- Variable speed settings.
- Large and stable rear wheels.
- Lowest decibel rating on this list.
- Clean and efficient 4-stroke engine.
- The gas tank is sufficient.
Cons
- Air volume and air speed are decent at best.
Takeaway
Affordable, clean, and not too noisy, the Beast LB1M20 walk behind leaf blower is a great all-rounder. But watch out though, this is a heavy-duty machine so it is heavy.
Sidenote: if you’re looking for commercial type leaf collecting devices, perhaps look into some of the best commercial leaf vacuums.
The Basics of Walk Behind Leaf Blowers
What Is a Walk Behind Leaf Blower?
When it comes to large yards, a walk-behind leaf blower is your best bet at clearing leaves effectively.
Mature trees tend to shed leaves and huge amounts at that. Only a machine with an engine as powerful as what you find in a walk-behind leaf blower can handle that amount of debris.
It’s the reason walk-behind leaf blowers are the models of choice for commercial gardeners and landscapers.
While there are great commercial backpack leaf blowers, even these lack the power needed to clear large yards. Especially for commercial purposes.
That said, it goes without saying that walk-behind leaf blowers are bulky machines. If your yard is not large enough to accommodate one, there’s no use buying it.
A handheld leaf blower or even a leaf vacuum might be a better option for you.
By the way, we took a closer look at backpack vs handheld leaf blowers to compare all the pros and cons. If you’re also curious, we recommend reading it!
One more thing. Walk-behind leaf blowers are not at all cheap. So, be sure to read this guide in its entirety before deciding whether or not they are right for you.
With that said, let’s talk about why you should consider getting a walk-behind leaf blower.
Why Should You Get a Walk Behind Leaf Blower?
The main advantages walk behind leaf blowers have over other kinds of leaf blowers are their powerful engines and blower fans.
This is why they make quick work of clearing large yards with many mature trees.
But besides that, walk behind leaf blowers are also great at taking out wet as well as stubborn leaves, dirt, sticks, and debris.
Other ways a walk-behind leaf blower can prove useful include removing stagnant water as well as preparing asphalt or flat roofs for resurfacing. Jobs requiring gale-force winds would also benefit from a walk-behind leaf blower.
How to Use a Walk Behind Leaf Blower
First, you want your walk-behind leaf blower on level ground, making sure to avoid debris and tall grass.
You also want to check for oil and gas before starting your leaf blower. This is especially important if you’re using your leaf blower for the first time in a long time.
If this is the case, you want to totally remove the gas from the tank and replace it with fresh gas. Of course, don’t spill the old gasoline onto the ground.
Once that’s done, start the engine and push the leaves to a spot following a semi-circular pattern.
Be sure you’re standing on secure footing so you don’t miss your step, and be even more careful when navigating slopes and steep terrains. In fact, you want to avoid hills altogether as pushing leaf blowers up a hill can constitute a safety hazard.
Another important safety tip to observe is to make sure your feet, hands, and face do not face the blower while you’re working it.
Finally, so you don’t blow off all your hard work, dispose of the leaves once they’ve formed a big enough pile.
For more tips on using a walk-behind leaf blower, check out this helpful video below:
How to Maintain a Walk Behind Leaf Blower
Without proper maintenance, your investment in a walk-behind leaf blower can become a waste.
So, here’s how to maintain your leaf blower:
- Never clean your blower when the engine is still on. Turn the engine off first and then allow the blower to cool down before proceeding to clean.
- While cleaning, you want to take out leaves and other debris stuck to the blades of the fan. Also, be sure to check the blower for fuel leaks.
- Next, the fasteners. Inspect these monthly or after every 10 hours of use (if you use your blower more frequently). Make sure they are still securely placed.
- The air filter and oil should be changed regularly. A good frequency to work with is after every 25 hours of use or at the beginning of each season.
- Spark plugs do wear out after a while. So, make sure you check on them and replace them when needed.
- Also, don’t forget to flush the fuel system regularly. It helps to keep your engine fuel-efficient.
- Finally, store your machine correctly. When not in use, your walk behind leaf blower should be stored in your garage or in a shed. Wherever you choose, make sure neither your kids nor your pets can reach it.
What to Consider When Buying a Walk Behind Leaf Blower
Engine Specs
You probably came across the words 2-cycle, 4-cycle, cc, or OHV while researching walk behind leaf blowers. But what do these mean?
Well, cc means cubic centimeters. This is how leaf blower engines are measured.
The higher this number is, naturally, the more powerful the motor. However, also naturally, the higher the cc rating, the more fuel the motor will consume.
But then again, you saw that coming, didn’t you?
OHV stands for overhead valve engine.
Overhead valve engines are greener, more durable, and more efficient than other engine types.
The final terminologies to clarify under engine specs are 2-cycle and 4-cycle.
A 4-cycle is a more efficient and more powerful engine than a 2-cycle engine. Hence, 2-cycle engines are more commonly found in entry- and mid-level walk behind leaf blowers.
Expectedly, 4-cycle engine blowers are also more expensive than 2-cycle leaf blowers.
Air Speed and Volume
Air speed is measured in miles per hour (MPH) while air volume is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Both these specs are important indices of performance when it comes to picking a walk-behind leaf blower.
Now, in comparison, air speed is not equally as important as air volume when it comes to performance.
Nonetheless, look out for high numbers in these categories if you want a leaf blower that gets the job done in a snap.
Fuel Tank Size
In walk-behind leaf blowers, tank sizes usually range between 0.75 to one gallon.
The benefit of a larger tank size is obvious. You won’t need to keep stopping for fuel refills which means you can get more done in less time.
If you’re into lawn care commercially or your yard is a large one, you surely relate to why this benefit is crucial.
Lastly, on this point, there are walk-behind leaf blowers that come with a fuel gauge. This way you know how much fuel you have left without having to unscrew the tank cap.
Nozzle
Nozzles for walk-behind leaf blowers can either be stationary or adjustable. Of course, an adjustable nozzle is more preferable because of the flexibility it affords you.
Also, consider getting a nozzle with hand controls rather than an attachment for convenience.
If you want even more efficiency, you can get walk-behind leaf blowers with split-discharge nozzles.
With such nozzles, you can easily push leaves at the bottom and top of the pile at the same time. Saves you time and effort.
Handle
Go for walk-behind leaf blowers with ergonomic handles. Think rubberized and padded. This type of handle helps to reduce vibrations and prevent hand fatigue.
You also want your handle angled as angled handles are much easier on the wrist.
Additionally, there are space-saving models that come with foldable handles. That’s definitely something to consider if you don’t have a large enough space to store your blower.
Wheels
Leaf blowers with larger rear wheels are the most stable.
Front wheels, on the other hand, could be swivel-style or straight.
If you go for straight front wheels, moving uphill is easier. Swivel-style front wheels, on the other hand, make turning easier.
There are wheels, though, that give you the benefit of both straight and swivel-style wheels thanks to a locking mechanism.
Weight
Walk-behind leaf blowers are not light. You are looking at 80 to 120 pounds for one machine. That’s large which is why the wheels are necessary.
But that’s not all. The size of a walk-behind leaf blower is also related to the power of the blower. So, the larger the size of a leaf blower, the more powerful it is.
Be that as it may, if you do gardening or landscaping commercially, or if you have a large yard, you cannot afford to sacrifice power on the altar of convenience.
If that much weight is too heavy for you to control, then maybe consider self-propelling models.
Housing
The housing for walk-behind leaf blowers is usually either plastic or metal.
As you can tell, plastic housing would make for a lighter leaf blower. But is it a durable option?
Of course not. At least not in comparison to metal housing.
Metal housing might be much heavier compared to plastic housing. However, with metal housing, you can be sure to own your machine for longer.
Fan
The fans in walk-behind leaf blowers can either come with steel blades or composite blades.
If noise bothers you, composite blades are quieter. So, you might want to go for them.
Steel blades, on the other hand, are noisier but they are more durable.
If you do get steel blades, though, you can have them balanced to reduce the vibration.
Besides blade material, two other things you want to consider when considering fan blades for your blower are number and length.
More and longer blades facilitate higher airspeed which in turn facilitates the ease of your work.
On average, walk behind leaf blowers have blades 14 to 17 inches in length and about 5 to 16 in number.
Noise
Noise is something you’d have to live with if you’re getting a walk-behind leaf blower. There’s no way to get around it.
The quietest you can get from a walk-behind leaf blower is about 70 decibels and some can get as noisy as 100 decibels.
However, there are some manufacturers that try to make their products quiet by including vibration-reducing parts.
For instance, some manufacturers include a muffler to minimize noise and vibration levels from the blower.
Whether or not they do that, though, it would be in your best interest to wear a pair of ear defenders when using a walk-behind leaf blower.
Propulsion System
There are two different ways in which a walk-behind leaf blower can be propelled.
A walk-behind leaf blower can either work by pushing, or can be self-propelled.
If you’re choosing to go for a push leaf blower, then you better be bringing considerable arm strength to the table. As you know, these guys can get really heavy, although there are those with ergonomic handles to make pushing them easier.
On the other hand, if you’re like me and can’t be bothered to be stressed by pushing, then you want to get a self-propelled leaf blower.
It would cost you extra bucks, no doubt. But if convenience is of extreme importance to you, I doubt you’d mind that, would you?
Conclusion
So, that’s it, guys! My top picks for the best walk behind leaf blowers. I told you there was something for everyone, didn’t I? So, which are you ordering?
Also remember, that this is not where it all ends as there are many more types of leaf blowers to choose from in different categories.
Talk to me in the comment section!