http://www.rcpw.com/store/blog/1-Blog.aspx?feed=rss&categories=37 en-us orders@rcpw.com Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:48:01 -0500 Leaf Blowers Leaf Blowers http://www.rcpw.com/blog/how-to-use-a-leaf-blower http://www.rcpw.com/blog/how-to-use-a-leaf-blower orders@rcpw.com Leaf Blowers <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main"><p>A leaf blower can be a fantastic and versatile tool in the yard, but proper leaf blower etiquette and safety should be followed. From cleaning the rain gutters to drying off the driveway, its important to be aware of the debris your blower will pick up and where it will be blowing it<!--more-->.</p><h2>Read the manual!</h2><p>Reading the operator's manual is the most important part of using any power equipment. If you don't have one, you can most likely find one on the manufacturer's website. It may only take all of ten minutes, and like this guide, you just might learn something!</p><h2>Beyond the leaves</h2><p>Your leaf blower can be used for more than just blowing leaves. Some other uses include:</p><ul><li>Remove and gather leaves</li><li>Vacuum up leaves</li><li>Break up or dislodge matted grass</li><li>Clean parking lots</li><li>Clean farm and construction equipment</li><li>Clean arenas and amusement parks</li><li>Remove light or fluffy snow</li><li>Dry off pavement</li><li>Clean rain gutters</li></ul><h2>Some general guidelines</h2><ul><li>Leaf blower's shouldn't be operated by children</li><li>Watch what you're doing! Don't point the leaf blower at people or pets.</li><li>Don't operate unless bystanders are at least 50 feet away.</li><li>If you're sick or under the influence, then you should consider putting the leaf blower down.</li><li>Don't use a leaf blower indoors!</li><li>Inspect the leaf blower before and during use.</li><li>Don't modify the leaf blower!</li><li>Never use a leaf blower while in a tree or standing on a ladder, rooftop or any other unstable surface. Some backpack blowers may look like a jet pack, but if you fall -- we can guarantee that it wont work like one.</li><li>Use your head! Be careful!</li></ul><h2>Safety clothing</h2><ul><li>Hearing protection</li><li>Goggles</li><li>Heavy-duty non-slip work gloves</li><li>Sturdy and protective clothing</li><li>Tie back your hair if it's long!</li><li>Wear long pants and long sleeves</li><li>Sturdy non-slip shoes</li><li>Wear a respirator if it's really dusty!</li></ul><h2>Fuel safety</h2><ul><li>Don't spill! If you get gas on the leaf blower -- wipe it off.</li><li>Use the correct fuel/oil mix. You can find this in your operator's manual.</li><li>Refuel before starting the engine.</li><li>Don't smoke while handling fuel!</li><li>Start at least ten feet away from where you fueled it.</li><li>Store fuel in a well ventilated area</li><li>Make sure the spark plug boot is secure to avoid sparks igniting fuel vapor!</li></ul><h2>Be courteous</h2><ul><li>Follow the local rules and ordinances about when to use your leaf blower.</li><li>Again, don't point towards people!</li><li>Don't blow debris near open windows or doors.</li><li>Consider passersby.</li><li>Don't leave your blower running unattended.</li><li>Never use a leaf blower to spread fertilizers, chemicals or other toxic substances.</li></ul><h2>Too loud?</h2><ul><li>Use the lowest possible throttle speed that's necessary to do the job.</li><li>Use nozzle attachments that will reduce sound.</li><li>Try to avoid using multiple blowers in neighborhoods and around buildings because the sound can be intensified.</li><li>Check the muffler, air intakes and air filter to make sure they're in good condition.</li></ul><h2>Too dusty?</h2><ul><li>Start with the nozzle hose close to the ground at first and then raise up to the point that it doesn't generate dust.</li><li>Use the full lower nozzle extensions to minimize dust and control noise.</li><li>Pay attention to what you're blowing around!</li><li>Practice moving around grass clippings or a paper cup without moving dust.</li><li>Wet dusty areas before blowing.</li><li>Never use a leaf blower to move excessively dusty materials.</li><li>Leaf blowers should not be used to clean up: large amounts of gravel or gravel dust, cement or concrete dust, plaster dust, construction dirt or dry garden topsoil. You can use a vacuum or a power broom with water!</li></ul><h2>Being more efficient</h2><ul><li>Control air velocity at the nozzle end to lift leaves and not dust.</li><li>Practice different nozzle movement and throttle control combinations.</li><li>You can practice up, down, left and right motions while starting close to the ground and the debris.</li></ul><p>Credits: Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.mmtoinc.com" title="Cleveland Wedding Photography">Memories Made to Order</a></p></div> Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:53:00 -0500 http://www.rcpw.com/blog/the-four-types-of-leaf-blowers-which-is-right-for-you http://www.rcpw.com/blog/the-four-types-of-leaf-blowers-which-is-right-for-you orders@rcpw.com Leaf Blowers <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main" data-pb-style="T2IEFS5"><p>When considering the type of leaf blower to purchase, there are several factors to that need to be considered. First, one must look at the size of the area that needs to be cleared. Second, one must determine how much they are able to and/or desire to lift.<!--more--> Next, one must figure out if a corded model would be acceptable or if an unencumbered battery or gas-powered model would be easier to use. Finally, what price range are you willing to invest, as well as, what storage space do you have available. Once you have an understanding of these factors, now you are able to make the correct choice for you.</p><p><a href="https://www.rcpw.com/equipment/kawasaki-leaf-blowers/KRB750B.html"><img style="float:right;" src="https://www.rcpw.com/i/products/250/KRB750B.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="250" /></a>Before considering which leaf blower would be the best fit for your needs, you need to know some terminology. Many manufacturers like Sears and MTD promote their products using mile per hour (MPH) ratings. These MPH ratings indicate how fast the air escapes out of the end of the blower tube's nozzle. The MPH rating can be decreased with a larger nozzle and increased with a smaller nozzle. Other manufacturers, such as ECHO, Shindaiwa and STIHL, promote their products using cubic feet per minute (CFM) ratings. These ratings are much more accurate for how powerful a blower is and will be a much better indication of its strength. Also, look carefully at the nozzle types: flat and round. While flat nozzles will have higher MPH ratings and lower CFM ratings, round nozzles will have lower MPH ratings but higher CFM ratings. You'll find that the leaf blowers with higher CFM ratings start with high-end handheld blowers and increase drastically with backpack and walk-behind blowers.</p><p>Now that we've learned some terminology, the following are the four main types of leaf-blowers available:</p><a href="https://www.rcpw.com/equipment/worx-corded-leaf-blowers/WG500.html"><img style="float:left;" src="https://www.rcpw.com/i/products/250/WG500.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="250" /></a><h2>Electric Handheld Blower</h2><p>This type works well for small areas. With its more compact size comes the advantage of a lighter weight than many gas-powered blowers. Users will also enjoy an instant start up and a quieter sound. Electric blowers come with corded and battery powered options with varying degrees of power, though most are less powerful than gas powered blowers. When considering which electric blower to buy, evaluate the area to be cleared for obstacles in which a cord could get tangled and whether an outlet is convenient to your work space.</p><h2>Gas-powered Handheld Blower</h2><p>If you would like more power than the electric handheld blower can provide, but plan to buy the blower for mainly residential use, a gas-powered handheld may be ideal. With no cord to consider, this handheld is more maneuverable. This type is slightly heavier and more expensive than the electric handheld blowers and it may require engine maintenance and fuel mixing.</p><h2>Gas-powered Backpack Blower</h2><p>For commercial use or residential users with larger areas, a gas-powered backpack blower may be best. These are the most popular blowers on the market because of their power and ease of maneuverability. They usually weigh nearly two times as much as gas-powered handhelds, and therefore are carried in a harness to allow the user's back to handle the weight. While originally designed for the commercial landscaper, more residential customers are purchasing gas-powered backpack leaf blowers to reduce the amount of time it takes to clean up their yards. Before choosing this type of blower, compare the weight, engine size and CFM output to that of handheld blowers or other backpack blowers. A higher CFM output will decrease the amount of time spent cleaning up your yard.</p><h2>Push/Self-Propelled Blower</h2><p>A push or self-propelled leaf blower is the most powerful blower you can buy. Designed for large residential or commercial use, this type of blower is pushed like a lawn mower and blows debris with high power and speed. Because of its heft, this type of blower can be difficult to maneuver. This is also the most expensive and would require a significant amount of storage space, but due to the high CFM output, this is the best option for large residential properties (more than an acre).</p><p>Evaluate the size of the area and the amount of power needed for the weight of the debris to be cleared against the amount of heft the user can handle comfortably, and the right choice for you will be as clear as your freshly blown driveway and yard.</p><p><a href="https://www.rcpw.com/equipment/kawasaki-leaf-blowers/KRB750B.html">Our most popular backpack blower, Kawasaki KRB750B Backpack Blower, check it out here.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.rcpw.com/equipment/worx-corded-leaf-blowers/WG500.html">Another popular blower, Worx Corded Electric TriVac Blower / Mulcher / Vac, check it out here.</a></p></div><div data-content-type="row" data-appearance="contained" data-element="main"><div data-enable-parallax="0" data-parallax-speed="0.5" data-background-images="{}" data-background-type="image" data-video-loop="true" data-video-play-only-visible="true" data-video-lazy-load="true" data-video-fallback-src="" data-element="inner" data-pb-style="K5VOB2Y"><figure data-content-type="image" data-appearance="full-width" data-element="main" data-pb-style="WK9TSSP"><img class="pagebuilder-mobile-only" src="/Shared/images/wysiwyg/the-four-types-of-leaf-blowers-which-is-right-for-you.jpg" alt="" title="" data-element="mobile_image" data-pb-style="X14GWKH"></figure></div></div><div data-content-type="row" data-appearance="contained" data-element="main"><div data-enable-parallax="0" data-parallax-speed="0.5" data-background-images="{}" data-background-type="image" data-video-loop="true" data-video-play-only-visible="true" data-video-lazy-load="true" data-video-fallback-src="" data-element="inner" data-pb-style="R3WQGMR"><div data-content-type="text" data-appearance="default" data-element="main"><p>When considering the type of leaf blower to purchase, there are several factors to that need to be considered. First, one must look at the size of the area that needs to be cleared. Second, one must determine how much they are able to and/or desire to lift. Next, one must figure out if a corded model would be acceptable or if an unencumbered battery or gas-powered model would be easier to use. Finally, what price range are you willing to invest, as well as, what storage space do you have available. Once you have an understanding of these factors, now you are able to make the correct choice for you.</p></div><div class="pagebuilder-column-group" data-background-images="{}" data-content-type="column-group" data-grid-size="12" data-element="main" data-pb-style="AU7TNLO"><div class="pagebuilder-column" data-content-type="column" data-appearance="full-height" data-background-images="{}" data-element="main" data-pb-style="NHKA9D0"><div data-content-type="text" data-appearance="default" data-element="main"><p>Before considering which leaf blower would be the best fit for your needs, you need to know some terminology. Many manufacturers like Sears and MTD promote their products using mile per hour (MPH) ratings. These MPH ratings indicate how fast the air escapes out of the end of the blower tube's nozzle. The MPH rating can be decreased with a larger nozzle and increased with a smaller nozzle. Other manufacturers, such as ECHO, Shindaiwa and STIHL, promote their products using cubic feet per minute (CFM) ratings. These ratings are much more accurate for how powerful a blower is and will be a much better indication of its strength. Also, look carefully at the nozzle types: flat and round. While flat nozzles will have higher MPH ratings and lower CFM ratings, round nozzles will have lower MPH ratings but higher CFM ratings. You'll find that the leaf blowers with higher CFM ratings start with high-end handheld blowers and increase drastically with backpack and walk-behind blowers.</p></div><div data-content-type="text" data-appearance="default" data-element="main"><p>Now that we've learned some terminology, the following are the four main types of leaf-blowers available:</p></div></div><div class="pagebuilder-column" data-content-type="column" data-appearance="full-height" data-background-images="{}" data-element="main" data-pb-style="TKI00PB"><figure data-content-type="image" data-appearance="full-width" data-element="main" data-pb-style="O4TWVFS"></figure></div></div><h2 data-content-type="heading" data-appearance="default" data-element="main" data-pb-style="A0M3P1E">Electric Handheld Blower</h2><div data-content-type="text" data-appearance="default" data-element="main"><p>This type works well for small areas. With its more compact size comes the advantage of a lighter weight than many gas-powered blowers. Users will also enjoy an instant start up and a quieter sound. Electric blowers come with corded and battery powered options with varying degrees of power, though most are less powerful than gas powered blowers. When considering which electric blower to buy, evaluate the area to be cleared for obstacles in which a cord could get tangled and whether an outlet is convenient to your work space.</p></div><h2 data-content-type="heading" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">Gas-powered Handheld Blower</h2><div data-content-type="text" data-appearance="default" data-element="main"><p>If you would like more power than the electric handheld blower can provide, but plan to buy the blower for mainly residential use, a gas-powered handheld may be ideal. With no cord to consider, this handheld is more maneuverable. This type is slightly heavier and more expensive than the electric handheld blowers and it may require engine maintenance and fuel mixing.</p></div><h2 data-content-type="heading" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">Gas-powered Backpack Blower</h2><div data-content-type="text" data-appearance="default" data-element="main"><p>For commercial use or residential users with larger areas, a gas-powered backpack blower may be best. These are the most popular blowers on the market because of their power and ease of maneuverability. They usually weigh nearly two times as much as gas-powered handhelds, and therefore are carried in a harness to allow the user's back to handle the weight. While originally designed for the commercial landscaper, more residential customers are purchasing gas-powered backpack leaf blowers to reduce the amount of time it takes to clean up their yards. Before choosing this type of blower, compare the weight, engine size and CFM output to that of handheld blowers or other backpack blowers. A higher CFM output will decrease the amount of time spent cleaning up your yard.</p></div><h2 data-content-type="heading" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">Push/Self-Propelled Blower</h2><div data-content-type="text" data-appearance="default" data-element="main"><p>A push or self-propelled leaf blower is the most powerful blower you can buy. Designed for large residential or commercial use, this type of blower is pushed like a lawn mower and blows debris with high power and speed. Because of its heft, this type of blower can be difficult to maneuver. This is also the most expensive and would require a significant amount of storage space, but due to the high CFM output, this is the best option for large residential properties (more than an acre).</p><p>Evaluate the size of the area and the amount of power needed for the weight of the debris to be cleared against the amount of heft the user can handle comfortably, and the right choice for you will be as clear as your freshly blown driveway and yard.</p></div><div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main"><a href="https://www.rcpw.com/echo-pb-9010h-79-9cc-220-mph-1110-cfm-gas-backpack-leaf-blower-w-hip-mounted-throttle/">Our most popular backpack blower, Echo PB-9010 79.9cc Backpack Blower, check it out here.</a></div></div></div> Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:53:00 -0500