Cleaning up fallen leaves is an inevitable garden chore for most of us. When you consider how beneficial leaves are in the garden, you'll want to collect and make use of every last one. New leaf vacuums, blowers and improved lawn rakes can make the job easier. The following are top picks of leaf pick-up tools. You can also check out more top quality leaf blower reviews at Consumer Search.
Once you choose your tool, be sure to put those leaves to good work.
1. Black and Decker BV2500 Leaf Hog Electric Blower/Vac
The popular Blower/Vac now has a low noise design, so you won't go deaf using it. Leaves can be blown into a pile or shredded and vacuumed into a bag. The shredder turns 10 bags of unshredded leaves into one. It has an Anti-clog Vortex® Vacuum System, although leaves should be dry to be effective. The blower offers speed controls from the quietest 150 MPH to a maximum 200 MPH Specs: Electric, 12 Amps, Weight 8.1 lbs , Bag 2 Bushels, Air Speed up to 200 mph, Mulch Ratio 10:1, Decibel 65 dBA
2. Black & Decker® Cordless Blower (NS118)
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Black & Decker introduced a whole line of battery powered, cordless yard tools recently. Some, like the line trimmer, are for light use only. This blower can rev up speeds of 120 mph, which should collect most leaves and certainly grass cuttings. It may not handle wet leaves as well as a gas or electric model, but it certainly is more convenient than electric and it's lighter and quieter than gas. The battery takes a few hours to charge and it's nice to have a 2nd one on hand. Weight: 5.5 lbs
3. Toro Electric Ultra Blower
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For those who don't like the noise or the hassle of starting a gas blower, there are still powerful electric models out there. The Toro Ultra 3-in-1 Blower, Vacuum, and Leaf Shredder can work up a breeze at over 200 mph. Try chasing a leaf around the yard with that. The handles are ergonomic and comfortable for short term use. The Ultra has gotten very good reviews and it's not just quieter, it's lighter (7.5 lbs.) and cleaner than a gas model. However you will have to drag that cord around.
4. Leaf Flowtron Leaf-Eater Electric Leaf Shredder #LE-800
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Leaf shredders make quick work of dry leaves. Although funnel shredders are space hogs, considering their limited usage, they offer the convenience over blower/vac of not having to empty bags every time they are full. And you don't have to carry them around. Plop yours next to a pile of leaves and just keep funneling them in. The bottom of the funnel fits easily into a garbage can. Shredders can also be used for other light debris, such as shredding straw. They don't work on branches, but I love how quickly my leaves turn into leaf mold mulch.
5. Ames Clog-Free Rake
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The standard lawn rake has evolved into a garden tool. This model from Ames has no metal parts, so there will be no rust. The handle is cushioned to reduce hand stress and the tines are designed to retain their shape and resist clogging. Specs: 30 inch spread.
6. Pivot Rake
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The pivot action allows you to twist the rake head and use it like a broom, to push or pull leaves toward you. The telescoping aluminum handle extends from 3' to 4 3/4' and has a cushioned handle to reduce hand stress.
