Gas Leaf Blowers 

When clearing your yard of debris, gas leaf blowers have one distinct advantage over electric models – they aren't tethered to an outlet and electrical cord. If you're doing any sort of serious landscaping, more than one property, or simply have a yard bigger than a few square feet, gas is the only way to go.

Keep in mind, however, gas-powered leaf blowers are generally noisier than electic blowers. You'll need to take into account your neighbors, as well as any local ordinances. Gas-powered units also tend to weigh more, and of course they need to be filled with gas.

Depending on your yard size or type of landscaping you'll be doing, you'll want to decide on one of three basic gas leaf blower types: handheld, “backpack” style, or wheeled.

The smallest, and least expensive, is a handheld model. With prices ranging from around $75 up to about $200, this type is ideal for small- to medium-sized landscaping jobs. They free you from the electrical “umbilical cord”, and allow you to easily navigate any sort of yard obstacles.

Depending on the size of the yard and how frequently you clear it, you might want to consider a gas-powered backpack leaf blower, which isn't as heavy or cumbersome to use. For general clearing of leaves, twigs, bark, and even heavy-duty debris, particularly for yards over half an acre, this might be the best choice. The actual blower is attached to a backpack frame that fits over your shoulders. This greatly reduces the load that a handheld places on your arms and hands. You'll feel less fatigued, and can work longer. Of course, the extra harness and frame means a more expensive unit, with prices up to three or four hundred dollars.

While the backpack makes for less tiring use, they aren't as versatile as a handheld in terms of getting into tight spots or blowing from certain angles.

Finally, there are the wheeled models. These are the real “power” tools of leaf blowers – with prices to match. In addition to the capacity and sheer muscle, though, the noise-factor also goes up a few notches. Still, if you have difficult holding a handheld, or shouldering the load of a backpack model, a wheeled model is ideal. More to the point, if you do a lot of yard work, with yards over a half acre, or do landscaping beyond just the backyard, you just might want the step-up in power and ease.

In terms of brands, Stihl and Echo both offer superior machines at reasonable prices, though there are other excellent brands as well. The Stihl BG46 is an incredibly quite unit, satisfying even California's strict noise-pollution laws. The Echo Pro Lite offers industrial-grade power for those with very large or difficult jobs.

One other thing to keep in mind is that with the changes in seasons, you might see a lot of price fluctuations on gas powered blowers. While most people will mosy on down to their nearest home improvement center or hardware store, it can pay you to look around online. Just keep in mind that there could be significant additional costs for shipping.