Commercial Leaf blowers are heavy-duty gas-powered leaf blowers, designed to handle large volumes of garden debris. Although larger leaf blowers are usually used by landscapers and public maintenance crews, domestic users with large gardens often see them as their best option.
As is to be expected, commercial leaf blowers are larger and heavier than the smaller models used for light to medium duty yard cleaning. As they get bigger, the engine size can reach around 50cc or more and these models are too heavy to carry normally so they use a backpack design, making them easier to use.
This article is going to cover the best commercial leaf blowers on the market in 2018. We’re going to cover both handheld leaf blowers and backpack models. In each category, we’ll compare your best choices for a high-quality, durable machine in a range of different prices.
4 Best Commercial Handheld Leaf Blowers 2018
Weighing anything from 8 LBS up to around 10 LBS, handheld commercial leaf blowers are light enough to carry in one hand without fatigue being a real problem. When choosing the best commercial handheld leaf blower, you need to look at the weight balance and vibration of the machine. Because you will be holding the leaf blower in one hand for long periods, user comfort is a big factor. Some will have shoulder straps to make them more comfortable to use.
1. Husqvarna 952711925 125B 28cc 2-Stroke 170 MPH Gas Powered Handheld Blower
I’m sure that I’m not alone in saying that Husqvarna makes some of the best gas-powered garden tools. So if you’re looking for the best commercial handheld leaf blower, the Husqvarna 125B will be the first choice for many.
Considering that this leaf blower is backed by the Husqvarna brand, the price is incredibly reasonable, the engineering and quality of the Husqvarna 125B cannot be disputed. It has a powerful and robust 28cc 1.1 HP 2-stroke engine. At maximum power this engine reaches 8000 RPM, giving you an airflow of 470 CFM in the housing and 425 CFM in the pipe. With the flat nozzle, the airspeed is 170 MPH and 130MPH with the round nozzle. Husqvarna engines in all models from 2017 onward, comply with the strictest environmental control regulations, this means that the Husqvarna 125B is both EPA and CARB compliant.
The Husqvarna 125B handheld commercial leaf blower has some outstanding design features that make it very easy and comfortable to use. It starts perfectly with a single pull on the recoil starter, this is made really easy due to the Air Purge system that removes air and fuel from the carburetor – eliminating the common problems resulting from fuel flooding in the engine.
The controls are placed for maximum convenience on the soft grip handle. The variable speed trigger has a cruise control locking mechanism that allows you to release the trigger when working at the same speed for long periods. Low vibration levels (11.1m/s²) and reasonably low noise levels of 94dBA at the operator’s ear add to the user comfort of this machine. The adjustable tube is a nice feature that enhances the ease of use under varying working conditions. At a weight of 4.26 Kg (9.4 LBS), it’s not a heavy tool to use.
The Husqvarna 125B has been engineered to give you superior performance and is one of the best commercial handheld leaf blowers when it comes to user comfort and reliability. I’ve always found Husqvarna dealership service to be fantastic and the Husqvarna 125B has a 2-year warranty. I see no exclusions for a commercial warranty, so one can assume that this warranty is also valid for commercial use.
2. Hitachi RB24EAP 23.9cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered 170 MPH Handheld Leaf Blower
Priced slightly lower than the Husqvarna 125B, the Hitachi RB24EAP is equally impressive. It has very similar specs and easily the best warranty of any commercial handheld leaf blower.
The 23.9cc 1.13 HP engine matches the Husqvarna’s performance on every level and is also EPA and CARB III compliant. You’ll be getting 441 CFM airflow and 170 MPH airspeed at full power from this little beast. It also has one of the best weight specs in its class at 8.6 LBS. The handle is well designed and it has a good center of gravity, though it probably won’t be quite as comfortable as the Husqvarna because of vibration.
The purge primer works well, making it very easy to start. For those who don’t know what a purge primer is, it’s a bubble that you press with your thumb to remove air from the fuel line before starting. The large trigger throttle control is comfortable and easy to use, but you don’t have the luxury of a throttle position locking mechanism. So you have to continuously hold the trigger whilst working. This is not a big issue, it’s just that your trigger finger can become tired and cramp up when working for long periods.
The Hitachi RB24EAP is a well-made leaf blower with a durable plastic housing and fixed position, round nozzle tube. The warranty really stands out at an incredible 7 years for home use, 2 years for commercial use and 1 year for hire companies.
3. Makita BHX2500CA Commercial Grade 4-Stroke 24.5cc Handheld Blower
Makita is, in my mind, one of the most underrated tool manufacturers. They’re at the higher end of the price range, competing with the top dogs and worth paying for. The Makita BHX2500CA outperforms most commercial handheld leaf blowers in many ways. When you look at the specs of this leaf blower, you’ll notice some of the best, particularly the exceptionally low noise level.
The Makita BHX2500CA makes use of a 24.5cc 1.1 HP 4-stroke engine. This is one of the few gas-powered leaf blowers to use a 4-stroke engine and the obvious advantage to this is that you don’t need to mix gas and oil, 4-stroke engines also tend to be more durable. The disadvantage of using a 4-stroke engine is that it runs a lower RPM, compared to 2-stroke engines. This results in a slightly lower air volume (356 CFM), the airspeed is slightly better than most others at 145 MPH with the round nozzle. I don’t have airspeed specs when using the flat nozzle, but it will certainly match and, most likely, exceed the 170 MPH airspeed which is the rated speed for the best models in this review. The lower air volume isn’t a big sacrifice to make when you look at the many advantages that this model provides. This engine is both EPA II and CARB III certified.
The engine starts very easily, thanks to the automatic mechanical decompression that opens the valves when starting. It also has a noise level that cannot be beaten – 67dBA. The gas tank is larger than most at 17.6 Oz, giving a much longer working time on a tank.
Not only is the vibration of the 4-stroke engine lower than a 2-stroke equivalent, but the soft grip handle reduces most of the vibration where you need it most. The Makita BHX2500CA is probably one of the best gas handheld leaf blowers when it comes to user comfort, rivaled only by the Husqvarna 125B. Makita has also included cruise control, which locks the trigger controlled throttle when you want to run at a continuous speed for prolonged periods. In addition to all the comfort features, it’s also a very lightweight machine, weighing only 9.8 LBS.
Dual stage air filtration makes the Makita BHX2500CA more reliable and aids fuel efficiency between service intervals. The startup kit includes a round nozzle, extension pipe, and a toolkit. You also have the option of a flat nozzle, an additional pipe extension, and a debris collection bag.
With one of the best low emission stats and a very quiet engine, the Makita BHX2500CA is far superior to the others. The only drawback is a lower air volume – though this is only slightly lower than other commercial leaf blowers in the handheld category. Makita has a fantastic dealership network, offering excellent after sales service and the BHX2500CA comes with their standard 1-year warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee. Emission components, like the carburetor, have a 2-year warranty.
4. Tanaka TRB24EAP 23.9cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered 170 MPH Handheld Leaf Blower
If you compare the Hitachi RB24EAP to the Tanka TRB24EAP, you’ll notice that both models have a similar product code – on this model they’ve simply added one letter to the front.
They look exactly the same, excepting that the Tanka is Orange and the Hitachi is green. Their specs are identical, too. Actually, they’re exactly the same leaf blower. Hitachi owns the Tanka brand. The design of this commercial leaf blower is originally Tanka and was introduced in 2003. After acquiring the Tanka brand, Hitachi decided to include this model in their range under the Hitachi name.
So the only difference is the color, though the price may vary – depending on the retailer. The Tanka has the same 23.9cc 2-stroke, EPA and CARB certified, engine. It also has the same fantastic 7-year warranty for residential use.
If you’re looking at the Tanka24EAP vs the Hitachi RB24EAP, it might simply come down to color preference – do you prefer a green tool to an orange tool? My recommendation would be to look at the price and go for the cheaper option. After all, you’ll be getting exactly the same leaf blower for your money.
4 Best Commercial Backpack Leaf Blowers 2018
Commercial backpack leaf blowers are much more powerful than handheld models, with engine sizes ranging from around 50cc and upwards. This means they are decidedly heavier and therefore use a backpack design to help the user handle the weight of the larger engine more comfortably. They’re going to be noisier and the engine will be quite close to your ears, making ear protection an important piece of safety gear for these machines.
When choosing the best commercial backpack leaf blower, you’ll be looking at power, I’m sure. You should also look at the usability of the machine – how does the pipe operate and where are controls situated? This can make a big difference when it comes to using the machine.
1. Husqvarna 150BT 50.2cc 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower
The Husqvarna 150BT is powered by their 50.2cc 2.15 2-stroke X-torque engine. This is a very easy starting, fuel-efficient engine and is CARB compliant.
The X-torque engine has very low vibration levels and, when combined with the comfortable ventilated harness with a waistband, it’s an incredibly comfortable backpack leaf blower for the user. Lugging the 22.5 LBS machine around isn’t a tough job.
The trigger control is placed in a user-friendly position on the flexible pipe, meaning that you can work comfortably without any strain. The trigger also has a cruise control lock. Living up to its reputation as one the best commercial backpack leaf blowers, the Husqvarna 150BT has ample power, delivering an astounding 692 CFM airflow at the blower (434 CFM at the pipe) and a top airspeed of 251 MPH using a flat nozzle and 214.75 MPH with the standard round nozzle.
Designed and built to the exacting quality standards that we’ve all come to expect from Husqvarna, the 150BT gives you power and usability that places it high on the list of the best commercial leaf blowers. Naturally, you’re going to get excellent service from their dealership network and it has a 2-year consumer (residential) warranty.
2. Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower
Echo has one of the best reputations when it comes to commercial-grade equipment, it’s a brand worth paying a little extra for. The Echo PB-580T is one of the most powerful and comfortable commercial backpack leaf blowers available.
The 58.2cc 2-stroke engine is only slightly larger than the Husqvarna 150BT but produces better air volume at a similar airspeed. With a round nozzle, you’ll get 510 CFM at the pipe and a maximum airspeed of 215 MPH. It also has one of the best noise level specs in its class – 70dBA.
Comfort is un-compromised, the ventilated backpack straps are well padded and it has a backrest for added comfort. The tube mounted throttle trigger is as comfortable and is as easy to use as any you’ll find. You’ll be able to work for long hours, without fatigue being a problem and the large 62 Oz gas tank will give the uninterrupted working time to match.
A fantastic commercial backpack leaf blower, by anyone’s standards. It has a warranty to match its impressive specs – 5 years for residential use, 2 years for commercial use and 90 days for rental.
3. Poulan Pro 967087101 48cc Backpack Blower
If an affordable commercial backpack leaf blower is what you’re after, the Poulan Pro PR48BT is going to be the best model for you.
Despite having a slightly smaller 48cc 2-stroke engine than most of the others in this class, it offers airspeed and volume specs that can compare with the best. You’ll get a maximum airspeed of 200 MPH and airflow of 475 CFM.
The heavy-duty frame and backpack-style straps offer good comfort. Though, I must say that when compared to the others, it’s not really the best. The backrest offers good support, but the straps don’t seem to fit as comfortably as the others.
Otherwise, I can’t see that you’re getting much less, for the lower price of the Poulan Pro PR48BT. It also has a well-placed trigger control, mounted to the end of a flexible pipe. The 2-year warranty is also very reasonable for a commercial backpack leaf blower in this price range.
4. Makita EB7650WH MM4 Hip Throttle Backpack Blower, 75.6cc
The Makita MM4 Backpack leaf blower is the most expensive in this review. Though, with very few exceptions, it has some of the best features and specifications.
The engine is quite a bit larger than the others – 75.6cc (3.8 HP). Being a 4-stroke engine it has the advantage of lower vibration and noise levels. As with the handheld Makita leaf blower, reviewed earlier, the backpack version has the same pros and cons as a result of the 4-stroke engine. It has an airspeed of 195 MPH (not the best) and a volume of 526 CFM which is the best air volume at the pipe of all the models reviewed here.
Noise levels are pretty impressive at 76dBA. The very compact size and lightweight (22.6 LBS) design, make it incredibly comfortable to use. The straps and backrest offer fantastic support and mold perfectly to the body. The trigger switch, with cruise control, is also placed in the best position for maximum ease of use.
For one of the most fuel-efficient and durable engines, the Makita backpack commercial leaf blower comes up tops. You get a 1-year standard warranty and 90-day money back guarantee on the Makita.
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