Some homeowners like the idea of using a leaf blower to get rid of snow. They prefer this over other methods like shovels or snow blowers.
The issue, however, is that not all leaf blowers are the same. Though using this is more efficient than others, it does not mean that it always will be.
You need to look for a specific model that will give you the best value for your money.
This is what we’re going to help you with. In the next sections, we listed five of the best leaf blowers for snow.
Best Leaf Blower for Snow Removal
What to Look for in a Leaf Blower
Before everything else, you should first know what to look for in a leaf blower. This will help you make the best choice possible after reading. Here is a list for reference:
- High Airflow
- High Airspeed
- Lightweight
- Ease of Use
As for the type, it is up to you if you want a gas-powered or electric unit. This is as long as take note of the factors above. You can also create a specific standard for your desired unit. This will make it easier for you to cross out bad ones from the good.
1. Hitachi RB24EAP
The first on our list is the Hitachi RB24EAP. This is one of the lightest and most powerful blowers of the brand.
This unit is a gas-powered leaf blower designed for handheld use. This is a commercial-grade unit.
Meaning, you can expect this to offer distinct specs and features. This leads to the top choices of homeowners for leaf blowers for snow purposes.
Here is a detailed list of the features of the Hitachi RB24EAP:
- Power Source: Gas
- Airflow: 441 cubic feet/minute
- Airspeed: 170 miles/hour
- Weight: 8.6lbs
- Mode of Use: Handheld
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.6 fl. oz.
Despite being lightweight, this is still perfect for snow and debris removal. If your concern involves its emission, you can rest assured of a low-level intensity.
This is because of its PureFire two-stroke engine technology. This makes it both environment and user-friendly. In addition, you will also find a two-finger throttle for easier operation.
What makes this unit better is its 7-year warranty. No matter if you buy this from Amazon or Hitachi’s site, it assures the said warranty for the buyer’s peace of mind.
Quality-wise, you won’t have any problems. You may, however, have issues with its price.
Still, it is an investment that you should consider if you have the budget.
2. WORX WG520
Next up, we have one of WORX’s most affordable leaf blowers — WORX WG520. This performs best in terms of speed and noise control.
Like the former, this is also a commercial-grade unit. This, however, is an electric leaf blower.
Meaning, you need to connect this with a corded power source for it to function. The good thing about this type of unit is the lessened carbon emissions.
Below are the technical specs of the WORX WG520:
- Power Source: Electricity
- Airflow: 600 cubic feet/minute
- Airspeed: 110 miles/hour
- Weight: 7.2lbs
- Mode of Use: Handheld
If you are looking for the best value leaf blower, then this may be your best choice. It has all the qualities that a good unit has.
This has high airflow capacity and decent speed. Furthermore, you can choose from two-speed modes to assure efficiency.
This will allow you to adjust it according to where you will use it.
Taking the features into account, you may expect that this is as pricy as the former. This is not the case at all, though and it is ideal for those who are working on a budget.
3. Toro 51619 Ultra
The Toro 51619 Ultra is another one of the most recommended leaf blower units for snow. This is part of Toro’s Power Blower Vac Series. This is mainly famous for its extra powerful airspeed.
Like the WORX WG520, this is also an electric-powered unit. This comes as a 3-in-1 machine.
In particular, this consists of a blower, vacuum, and leaf shredder. All of these tools will help remove the most snow as possible.
For reference, here are the features offered by the Toro 51619:
- Power Source: Electricity
- Airflow: 410 cubic feet/minute
- Airspeed: 250 miles/hour
- Weight: 8.5lbs
- Mode of Use: Handheld
As you can see, this model has the highest airspeed out of the leaf blowers in this list. With 250MPH, you can expect this to perform best in snow cleaning.
It is not as lightweight as the others, but it is still not on the heavy side. Apart from being the fastest, this is also one of the cheapest models.
4. Husqvarna 230iB
The fourth model that we are going to focus on is the Husqvarna 230iB. This is a popular name among homeowners who use leaf blowers for snow.
Aside from the power and speed, it’s mainly preferred because of its flexible design.
This unit is a battery-powered leaf blower. Meaning, you should expect it to need refueling and maintenance from time to time.
Still, this offers many good features.
Here is a list that you can refer to:
- Power Source: Lithium-Ion Battery
- Airflow: 650 cubic feet/minute
- Airspeed: 136 miles/hour
- Weight: 13.4lbs
- Mode of Use: Handheld
Going back, it’s said that this has a more flexible design compared to other units. This is due to its adjustable blowing tube.
This feature makes it perfect for different area types. For easier handling, this also comes with cruise control.
This allows better control for the user. As for the price, this has a slight difference from that of the Hitachi RB24EAP.
5. Milwaukee M18 Fuel
Last, and not least, we have the Milwaukee M18. If you want a high-end option that will last you for several years, then this will be the best way to go.
Instead of running through gas or electricity, this works through a battery. This means that you can save more energy by using this unit.
This also guarantees an eco-friendly solution. To make it even better, you won’t have to worry about working with cords.
See below for a brief list of Milwaukee M18’s features:
- Power Source: Lithium-Ion Battery
- Airflow: 450 cubic feet/minute
- Airspeed: 120 miles/hour
- Weight: 6.6lbs
- Mode of Use: Handheld
This model is a more improved M18 unit. The M18 Fuel coming with brushless motors made a significant difference between the two.
According to the brand, you can expect the power to be 4 times better than that of the former. Despite this, portability is still guaranteed.
Because of its features and overall quality, this is on the pricy side. This is probably the most expensive on this list.
Things to Consider when Choosing the Best Leaf Blower for Snow Removal – Buying Guide
Snowfall season is here, which means you’ll be spending a lot of time outside either shoveling or blowing snow.
Leaf blower snow removal can be tricky and it takes the right tools as well know-how to do it without risking injury.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Air Volume and Speed
There are two factors to consider when deciding on a leaf blower. Cubic feet per minute or CFM tells you how much snow it can blow per minute, and mile-per-hour MPH tells you the speed of its blowing abilities.
This is important because one without the other would be pointless and it is impossible to work with just air volume without considering speed.
- Engine Capacity
To find a leaf blower that is powerful enough to remove winter snow, you should consider the engine capacity. The larger the cc (cubic centimeters), the better.
- Design and Weight
You’ll need a leaf blower that’s light enough for you to use with one hand and has ergonomic features. This can also help with stability when working in snow or if another lighter shoveling device is needed.
- Warning Label
It’s important to note that some leaf blower products are not made for blowing snow. If the device warns against it on the product label or in an instruction manual then you should avoid using it for snow and wet conditions. Exposing the leaf blower to moisture can cause damage to the internal components.
- Gas Power
It is recommended that you should stick to a gas-powered leaf blower. This is because electricity and water do not mix, which may lead to problems like shorting out from moisture or snow reaching the internal components. Always make sure it’s waterproof if getting a battery-operated leaf blower so that wet conditions won’t be an issue.
Picking the Best Leaf Blower
Leaf blowers are not all the same! Some models, like electric and battery-powered ones, can be better for residential areas or smaller yards. Gas-powered leaf blowers have the speed that’s needed by large lawns with a lot of leaves to blow away in less time.
- Handheld Leaf Blower
Single-handed leaf blowers are a popular option because they’re easy to use. Some of these models can be operated with just one hand, and their compact size makes them perfect for quick jobs around the house. Battery-powered or electric handheld designs get great reviews from homeowners who want something simple but powerful
- Backpack Leaf Blower
Backpack blowers are great for blowing leaves and other debris off a large yard. You can operate them with either both hands or one, making it easy to clean up quickly without the need for multiple machines. They’re also heavy so you’ll want to make sure that your harness is padded comfortably for your shoulders and waist when wearing it. One of the drawbacks to a backpack blower is its weight. The weight of these machines ranges from 11 pounds up to 37 pounds depending on what model you are using.
- Gas Powered Blower
Gas-powered blowers have the advantage of being powerful but are heavy and loud. Environmentally conscious people would want to avoid gas power because it has harmful engine emissions, though some find them preferable for leaf blowing due to their longevity when well maintained.
- Cordless Battery Powered Blower
Cordless models offer a lighter, quieter alternative to gas-powered blowers. The best cordless models are powerful enough to work well on small-to-medium-sized yards. These machines have the ability to operate quietly, which is great for those who live in suburban areas.
- Corded Electric Blowers
Electric-powered leaf blowers are the perfect choice for quick cleanups. They maneuver well, are eco-friendly and quiet, ideal for older users. They come with an extension cord, which can be in the way on occasion but is lightweight and easy to maneuver. Electric blowers are cheaper and easier to maintain than gas-powered models. If you’re looking for a model that will work without interruption, then an electric one is the way to go. You’ll need to ensure that you’re within 100 feet of an outlet in order for it to run continuously without stopping.
How to Stay Safe While Using the Leaf Blower For Snow
Consider Gas-Powered instead of Electric
When it comes to snow, gas-powered leaf blowers are better than electric models. The cord can be a hazard when working with electricity and water so you’re best off using electric leaf blowers on dry leaves.
Gas-powered machines also have another major plus, they work more quickly because of their power which is something that should definitely come in handy when clearing snow.
Efficiency is Key
If you want to get the job done quickly, make sure your leaf blower is able to blow through a lot of snow quickly. The cold weather can be tough on motors and other parts so it’s important that there is enough CFM (cubic feet per minute) and MPH (miles per hour).
Leaf blowers aren’t for the heavy lifting. These machines are great at removing dry, powdery snow from sidewalks and driveways. However, they’re not quite as powerful in dealing with wet or deep layers of snow.
Handle with Care
Leaf blowers are not recommended to be used in climates where the temperature is less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a climate that falls below this threshold, opt for shovels or snow-blowing machines instead of leaf-blowing equipment.
After clearing the snow, you should bring your leaf blower inside to give it a chance to dry out. If left outside in cold weather, the motor could get damaged and might not work as well next time.
FAQ
Is a leaf blower good for snow removal?
The leaf blower is a great way to get rid of dry, powdery snow that has accumulated on sidewalks, driveways, and vehicles. They’re more portable and easier to operate than traditional shovels or other heavy equipment like regular snowblowers.
A leaf blower is less exhausting than lifting heavy loads of snow with muscle power alone.
The best time to use a leaf blower is when there are light layers of snow. Just be sure to find one with enough power so you can clear away snow that is 1-2 inches thick.
How much does a leaf blower cost?
Backpack leaf blowers are generally more expensive than corded or cordless blowers. A small to midsize model starts at around $250, with high-end models costing well over $500.
How many CFM is a good leaf blower?
Leaf blowers are designed to deal with a variety of debris, wet or dry. The CFM on these machines ranges from 200-700 and will depend largely on the size of your property.
For an acre or more leaf blowing needs 400-600+ CFMs while smaller properties can get by with something in the range of 150 – 300+.
What is the difference between a snow blower and a leaf blower?
A snow blower is a powerful machine that can be driven on the sidewalk or street to clear away heavy and thick wet snow. The auger in it spins and cuts through everything like butter so you don’t have to use a shovel.
Leaf blowers are a popular tool for removing dry and fallen leaves, but they can also be used to remove light snow. They’re made so that the average person is able to carry them around with ease.
Can I use a Cordless Leaf Blower For Snow?
Gas leaf blowers are recommended for clearing snow because they have the necessary power to do so. An alternative would be a cordless handheld model that can do the job just as well.
Cordless handheld models can remove light snow from cars and pathways. When looking for a cordless leaf blower, be sure to get one with enough power so you’re spending less time in the cold weather.
Summary: Best Leaf Blower for Snow
Generally, gas-powered blowers perform better in cleaning heavy snow. Electric-powered ones, on the flip side, are lighter and more eco-friendly. Take note of your goal before choosing a specific unit.
For a quick summary, here are the leaf blower units that you can look into:
- Hitachi RB24EAP 200 – Best Features
- WORX WG520 – Best Value
- Toro 51619 Ultra – Most Affordable
- Husqvarna 230iB – Most Versatile
- Milwaukee M18 – Most Efficient
All of these are available on Amazon. Aside from the specs, it is best to consider your budget and planned length of usage.