Leaf Blower

[eventer2b]

I was planning to buy a Leaf Blower as a xmas present to the barn this year. I was wondering what the best option is.
I think we would want battery operated for ease and as quiet as we can get. It is a small barn - only about 5 stalls on each side plus tack/feed rooms at the end. I am looking on amazon, but there are so many specs. Anyone have any recommendations on brands or the specs below?

Voltage
Amps
Speed

[clanter]

weight would be a key issue since you will need to be hauling this puppy around and a trigger lock-on would make it easier to use as it “reduces end user fatigue”

I have a bunch of the Dewalt 20 volt tools, they all work as expected so that would be the direction I would go because I already have the battery packs and charger

Thiers weights in under six pounds and is variable speed within its three selectable speeds

http://www.bqpstore.com/dewalt-dce100b-20-volt-max-lithium-ion-cordless-blower-tool-only/

[Robyn]

I got a Dewalt blower for Mothers Day. Best gift ever and I’ve been a mother for a loooong time

That said, it is much larger than the link above. Not sure about specs but it cost around $200 I think. It is not heavy at all and is battery operated. I think the battery charger came with it for that price but not sure because it was a gift…!

[jawa]

Ryobi is another brand of battery operated tools to look into. We have an older and newer model of blower from Ryobi. The newer one is more powerful. I would get the largest battery you can afford. The larger the battery the longer the charge will work.

[horsepoor]

I have this one for the barn. Love it so much that I bought a second one to use up at the house. It rivals the blowing power of the gas powered one that we also have (which I hated using as it was hard for me to start and so noisy you have to wear ear protection). I love that the battery one is quiet. If I had to use it for long periods, it would get heavy and I’d prefer a backpack type, but I only use it for a 3 stall barn or blowing leaves/grass trimmings off the paths and such things. The only complaint I have is that it sucks the air from the back, so if you are wearing really loose clothes, it sometimes grabs them, but I think that would be true of any blower, and might have more to do with how I hold it or something.

[csaper58]

I have the Black and Decker 18 volt NS118.

It’s OK for my patio and driveway but I would not want it for the barn.

One thing you want to think on with the battery models is, where is your charging station going to be?

Samsung batteries aren’t the only ones that catch fire.

Some of the gas and corded blowers can also be vacuums and you can suck up dust and debris as opposed to stirring it into the air.

You will need hearing protection with whatever you buy.

[horsepoor]

[QUOTE=csaper58;8897473]

You will need hearing protection with whatever you buy.[/QUOTE]

Disagree with that. The one I have is quiet enough I can still hear the radio at the same time, or hold a conversation (not that anyone wants to do that and get blown on!).

Good point on the batteries and fire - I don’t leave mine plugged in unattended. Feel safer about having them in the barn than gas powered stuff, but that’s me.