STIHL SH86 Shredder/Vacuum

The first thing to think about is what you are going to use the tool for. If you only have a small garden, or aren’t worried about what happens to the leaves afterwards, then you will only need a Blower. However, if you’re dealing with large amounts of leaf fall or debris, or you plan to compost what you gather, a Combination Blower and Garden Vacuum is potentially a better choice; gathering the leaves and debris into the bag provided eliminates mess and the need to remove items by hand. ToolStore UK offers a range of Leaf Blowers and Garden Vacuums so no matter how big the job is, we have the tool for you.

The next consideration is how much power you need. If you’re clearing a large area of leaf fall, or need to get the job done very quickly, you will need a machine with higher blow speeds and air volumes.

This might also influence whether you choose a petrol-powered tool, a battery-operated machine or a tool with a power cord for plugging into the mains. However, bear in mind that petrol-powered Leaf Blowers and Garden Vacuums are heavier than electric versions, which is why many are offered as backpacks rather than as handheld tools. Backpack Blowers are great options for long periods of use; you carry the blowing tube in your hand whilst carrying the motor in a harness. This offers both improved comfort and a potential increase in output power.

In a lot of respects, this question depends on how you’re going to use the tool. For prolonged use, or for jobs over large areas, a Petrol Blower offers extra power and extended runtime, so is potentially the most sensible choice. However, battery technology is constantly evolving, meaning that cordless machines are increasingly popular amongst both home users and professionals. If you’re adding your Blower to an existing collection of cordless tools, a ‘Body Only’ unit might prove a ‘value for money’ option, if it can be combined with batteries you already have.

Corded Blowers are ideal for small gardens and jobsites, but are less common these days, thanks to the efficiencies offered by petrol and cordless tools.

Brushed motors use carbon brushes to transfer power from the fixed part of the motor to the rotor. This creates a reliable and relatively inexpensive motor, but brushed motors d require regular maintenance, in order to either clean the brushes or replace them as they wear out. A brushless motor, by contrast, uses a magnet mounted on the rotor to generate the power and electrical switching to perform the function carried out by the brushes. The additional complexity of the motor’s working means that brushless motors are usually more expensive than brushed.

However, eliminating the brushes also eliminates internal friction and maintenance, meaning that brushless motors offer both increased power and a longer working life. Brushless motors also generate less heat and noise and so, on balance, are considered superior to brushed motors.