Top 8 best petrol leaf blower for 2023

If you have a large garden or a medium and no outside power socket, then you’ll want to invest in the best petrol leaf blower.

 

Unlike the battery-powered cordless leaf blowers, which use recharge batteries, these are less eco-friendly as they use petrol. However, if you have a large area to cover or need sheer power, then the only way is to use a petrol-powered device.

 

Most petrol leaf blowers are powered by a two-stroke engine, with power calculated in cubic centimetres or cc. With a two-stroke engine, you have to mix oil with fuel using a ratio suggested in the manual. Whereas with a four-stroke engine, you can directly pour petrol into the unit.

 

Expect to wear ear defenders when using a petrol leaf blower as they are noisy. Another element to consider when buying the best petrol leaf blower is the starting mechanism. Most use pull-start ignitions which can be tricky to operate on cold mornings.

 

If your petrol leaf blower offers multiple functions such as blowing and vacuuming, then you might need to reconfigure the device depending on the function your using. You might end up having to fit different tubes and connect or remove the collection bag depending on the mode.

 

Having looked at a range of the best petrol leaf blower currently available, we’ve picked out 8 that stand out.

 

 

* Prices correct at time of publishing

 

 

Stihl BG 86 CE Petrol Blower

 

Description

As a very powerful and premium product, the Stihl BG 86 CE Petrol Blower is ideal for the professional landscaper or the demanding homeowner. Offering 3 functions in one unit, this low noise device is a blower, vacuum and mulcher.

 

Designed to clear large areas, this Stihl leaf blower is highly effective and packed full of features to ensure user comfort.

 

Built around the latest 2 stroke-engine with a stratified charge, which reduces fuel consumption by 20% and uses some clever engineering including a catalytic converter. Also, this produces fewer exhaust emissions, leading to a greener experience.

 

But that’s not the only engineering magic. Stihl has also incorporated the latest ErgoStart technology so that this petrol blower is easy to start and doesn’t require a lot of effort and false starts. A four spring anti-vibration system with a soft grip handle helps reduce user fatigue.

 

Stihl has built this blower to be relatively maintenance-free, thanks in part to an HD2 filter constructed from polyethene filter material. The filter cartridge can be inserted and removed without tools.

 

The Stihl BG 86 CE Petrol Blower comes with a flat nozzle as well as a round nozzle as standard. To use it as a garden vacuum, you need to buy a STIHL Petrol Blower Vacuum Kit. A 2-year warranty is also included.

 

 

Conclusion

The Stihl BG 86 CE Petrol Blower is a fantastic hand held unit. It starts very easily, is lightweight, comfortable to grip and offers plenty of blowing power enabling you to shift any stubborn leaves and debris.

 

As you might expect, the build quality is superb and you should be using this Stihl blower in years to come. While it might not be the most powerful on our list, it is the most efficient thanks to Stihl uses of the latest technology. Comparing it to other units, it’s quieter and cleaner.

 

That’s not to say it doesn’t have its downsides. Changing the tubes is a little difficult and if you want to use it as a garden vacuum, then you have to buy an additional bit of kit. Also, it would be nice if it came with a shoulder strap to help make carrying and using it easier. 9/10

 

 

 

Hyundai HYB5200 Petrol Leaf Blower

 

Description

Featuring a 52cc 2 Stroke Engine, the Hyundai HYB5200 Petrol Leaf Blower is a powerful backpack unit that’s easily manoeuvrable. At just under 10Kg, it’s a decent size but the backpack element helps to reduce arm strain while distributing the weight evenly across the body.

 

The HYB5200 is ideal for large gardens or if you need a good deal of power and a cordless leaf blower simply won’t cut it. Thanks to its robust design, it’s perfect for use at home and semi-professionally, and can be used all year round.

 

Building using a powerful 52cc 2-stroke air-cooled engine, which complies with EURO 5 emissions standards. It manages to balance performance and fuel consumption allowing you to complete the job in less time and with ease.

 

The well sited controls allow you to easily control the engine speed and airflow speed. Arriving with two different nozzles, you can fine-tune the blowing speed to the activity, whether you’re clearing snow, cuttings or litter.

 

The Hyundai HYB5200 is ergonomically designed with anti-vibration technology to increase comfort and protect the user’s hands. Its supplied with a twin over-shoulder support harness for maximum comfort and control.

 

Included with the leaf blower: A Double Shoulder Support Harness, Tool Kit and User Manual. Covered by HYUNDAI 3-year warranty.

 

 

Conclusion

It’s a mixed bag with the Hyundai HYB5200 Petrol Leaf Blower. It fairly eco-friendly and is one of the most fuel-efficient on our list. However, it’s very heavy at nearly 10 kg. The backpack does help spread the weight evenly but doesn’t provide relief, which isn’t great if you have a large area to tend to.

 

As there is no fuel primer bulb, only a choke it can take several pulls to get the unit started. Some have struggled to fit their funnel down the filler cap mount but it is of a decent size.

 

It is loud at full throttle, producing about 112db. So, you’ll need to wear ear defenders and ensure the neighbours are out or at worst, limit use to an hour to avoid upsetting them.

 

Arriving in parts, it’s easy to assemble. It makes light work of blowing leaves into a pile, even wet ones are tamed by it without fuss. Finally, the 3-year warranty ensures peace of mind. 9/10

 

 

 

Makita BHX2501 24.5 cc 4-Stroke Petrol Handheld Leaf Blower

 

Description

As our second petrol blower, the Makita BHX2501 24.5 cc 4-Stroke Petrol Handheld Leaf Blower is built around a 4-stroke engine, which uses less fuel and doesn’t require mixing of fuels.

 

It, therefore, creates fewer emissions than other petrol leaf blowers. The unit uses a mechanical decompression system for consistently easy starting.

 

The translucent 0.52-litre fuel tank has a large opening for easier refuelling. Also, it’s fairly quiet due to a large capacity muffler.

 

As a hand-held blower, it’s compact and only weighs 4.4 kg, which is fairly small as far as petrol leaf blowers are concerned. It can be easily carried in one hand.

 

The motor on the Makita BHX2501 produces an airflow of 233 Km/h. So there’s plenty of power on tap. The blower tube can easily be removed and breaks down into 2 parts for easy storage.

 

An optional vacuum attachment is available and instantly allows you to collect and mulch debris. It’s functional design allows for easy maintenance. Finally, it comes with a 1-year warranty.

 

 

Conclusion

As far as petrol blowers go, the Makita BHX2501 24.5 cc 4-Stroke Petrol Handheld Leaf Blower is fuel-efficient and fairly environmentally friendly.

 

It’s ideal if you have a hard to reach garden or if you need to cover acres, although it does burn fuel fairly quickly. And as it doesn’t require fuel to be mixed with oil, you can simply add the petrol and fire up.

 

For its compact size, it delivers plenty of power and is easy to operate, in spite of its lack of speed control.

 

Another element that separates the Makita BHX2501 from other leaf blowers is the vacuum attachment kit (available separately), which comes with its a specific tube and a bag. In vacuum mode, the unit compacts leaves and debris into a tiny pile in the bag. 8/10

 

 

 

Mcculloch GB355BP Petrol Backpack Leaf Blower

 

Description

As one of the most expensive leaf blowers on the market, the Mcculloch GB355BP Petrol Backpack Leaf Blower provides lots of power.

 

A 46cc petrol engine produces an impressive top air velocity of 355km/h. So whether you’re clearing a large area or trying to tidy leaves into a pile, there’s plenty of power available.

 

The variable engine speed is complete with cruise control, which reduces hand cramps over long periods. Plus the trigger handle position is adjustable and so you can move it to where it’s most comfortable.

 

A backpack holds the engine in place and has comfort padding and adjustable straps. These enable to user to spread the weight (9.2kg) over both shoulders and reduces fatigue for the user over long periods.

 

While designed for the domestic market, the Mcculloch GB355BP Petrol Backpack Leaf Blower has many features you’ll typically find on professional garden tools.

 

As a petrol leaf blower, it emits sound at 95 dB, so is best used with ear defenders and goggles.

 

 

Conclusion

If you have a few acres or a difficult to reach garden then a petrol leaf blower such as Mcculloch GB355BP Petrol Backpack Leaf Blower is the way to go.

 

You will have to mix petrol with 2 stroke oil. However, with a litre tank, fuel should last quite a while. It’s not the most eco-friendly option but sometimes that the comprise you have to make.

 

The benefits of using the Mcculloch GB355BP are simple, it’s very powerful, designed for comfort, in spite of its weight and has a variable speed control with cruise control.

 

All of these factors make moving garden debris easy, no matter whether dry or wet or firmly stuck in place. 8/10

 

 

 

eSkde BPL430-S9 Backpack Petrol Leaf Blower

 

Description

The budget-friendly eSkde BPL430-S9 Backpack Leaf Blower offers a lot for the money. Under the bright orange hood is a 43cc 2-Stroke Easy Start Petrol Engine. The unit comes complete with a Turbo Nozzle, allowing you to make light work of the task.

 

Weighing a respectable 9.5kg, the BPL430-S9 features an ergonomic padded backpack complete with a harness ensuring maximum user comfort. Ideal for covering a large area or clearing snow, it has plenty of power on top.

 

As you might expect, the hand throttle is easy to grab and the controls are comfortably positioned along the nozzle, allowing for easy use. They feature a trigger action throttle along with a ‘cruise’ setting allowing you to set the engine speed for longer periods of use.

 

The 43cc 2-stroke petrol engine is fed by a large, 1.2-litre fuel tank, meaning you can cover a sizeable area before needing to refuel. The engine produces an impressive 250 km/h airflow rate ensuring whatever you’re debris trying to clear is blown out of the way!

 

The eSkde BPL430-S9 comes with a Turbo Nozzle, tool kit, fuel mixing bottle and user manual. It does require assembly but thankfully, this takes minutes.

 

 

Conclusion

If you need a leaf blower with more power than a cordless unit but don’t have the budget to buy a petrol blower from a big name brand, then consider eSkde BPL430-S9 Backpack Petrol Leaf Blower. It’s just as affordable.

 

You do need to assemble it, and the manual leaves much to be desired as it’s hard to follow. Thankfully understanding it only takes a few minutes and just as long to put it together.

 

The plastic measuring bottle makes pouring and mixing fuel simple. With fuel poured into the unit, the choke set, throttle set, it only takes two pulls and it fires up with no complaints. Just be careful with the fuel cap as the seal isn’t thick enough and is worth changing to ensure no issue.

 

Given its large weight, the straps help you to distribute it evenly across your back, making it feel lighter. In terms of use, even at half throttle, the eSkde BPL430-S9 delivers plenty of power allowing you to easily move leaves, snow and debris out of the way. 8/10

 

 

 

Webb WEBV26 Petrol Garden Blower Vacuum

 

Description

Offering two functions in a small package, the UK-designed Webb WEBV26 ensures you can keep your garden tidy without minimal effort. Using this gardening tool, you can blow leaves and debris into piles, making it easier to move them. Switch to vacuum mode and you can reduce these piles into mulch that’s ideal for your garden.

 

Built using a high-capacity 26cc full-crank engine that’s coupled with a high-performance turbine, the unit produces an impressive 114mph airflow speed. The real magic is just how light the unit is. At 4.8kg, it’s lightweight, easy to carry and features an ergonomic handle.

 

The Webb BV26 is ideal for clearing paths and lawns of grass clippings and fallen leaves. After using the blower function to shepherd debris into piles, change to vacuum mode and watch as it shreds the materials at a 12:1 ratio.

 

The robust metal shredder-blade ensures fantastic performance and rugged durability. The resulting mulch is then passed to a 40-litre collection bag, making it easy to spread over your flower beds.

 

Like the high-quality metal blade, the powerful 26cc two-stroke air-cooled engine with a full crankshaft for optimum torque and long-term reliability. Using a premium Walbro carburettor and a Champion spark-plug to ensure dependable starting and smooth high-RPM performance.

 

The BV26 comes with a shoulder strap, improving the user’s comfort as the unit’s weight is more evenly distributed. As well as a blower tube and vacuum tube. Finally, a two-year warranty is also included.

 

 

Conclusion

If you’re after the best bang for your buck then consider the Webb WEBV26 Petrol Garden Blower Vacuum. it’s powerful, lightweight and offers two functions. Plus it’s designed in Britain!

 

It provides plenty of power, especially for its slender weight! To Webb’s credit, filling the unit with fuel is simple and it always seems to start with a pull or two. That said, the priming bulb is in an awkward place as it sits under the Walbro carburettor.

 

Even if you don’t plan to use the vacuum mode, it’s well built with a metal blade. The sturdy collection bag is a real bonus as it’s far more rugged than your typical mesh bags. That said, it is a little fiddly to change between blower and vacuum.

 

If you’re looking for a lightweight petrol leaf blower that delivers a punch and doubles as a garden vacuum, then consider Webb WEBV26 Petrol Garden Blower Vacuum. 8/10

 

 

 

STANLEY SLB-3IN1A Petrol Leaf Blower

 

Description

The STANLEY SLB-3IN1A Petrol Leaf Blower is a powerful unit that offers 3 different functions. It comes with a blower tube and a vacuum tube, a 40-litre collection bag and uses a digital ignition system for an easy start. Ideal for keeping your garden tidy, all year round.

 

Built around a 2-stroke, air-cooled 26cc petrol engine, the STANLEY SLB-3IN1A is a leaf blower, vacuum and mulcher. The unit’s powerful 750w motor offers a max 8000rpm engine speed allowing you to effectively blow the leaves from paths and lawns with a powerful 70m/s velocity of air.

 

The unit quickly converts between a single-handed blower and a two-handed vacuum/mulcher. In the vacuum/mulcher mode, garden waste is compacted using an 8 :1 shredding ratio. Mulch is collected in a 40-litre collection bag, making it easier spread it across your garden.

 

While superb for dealing with leaves and other garden debris, it can also be used as a snowblower. It’s a superb garden tool to use all year round to keep your garden looking amazing!

 

The comfortable and ergonomic handle combined with the lightweight 5.9 kg design creates an excellent device. An innovative recoil-starter allows for an easy start, every time. The cockpit operation enables comfortable handling and use.

 

 

Conclusion

As well built, multi-purpose tool, the STANLEY SLB-3IN1A Petrol Leaf Blower offers a lot. It comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind. STANLEY are well-known for their quality, and this tool is no different. It’s easy to set up and use and is certainly powerful enough to do the job.

 

That said, there are a few points that let it down. It’s very loud, so you’ll either need to wait for the neighbours to go out or limit using it to short bursts. While fairly light at 5.9 kg, it doesn’t come with a shoulder strap, so can easily become heavy to hold.

 

The blower mode is very effective, enabling you to quickly keep your garden tidy and clean. Some users have had issues with the blade jamming when using the vacuum mode. So you might want to be careful not to pass large leaves and debris through the unit as this will block it.

 

Overall, the STANLEY SLB-3IN1A offers superb value for money from a company you can trust. 8/10

 

 

 

PowerKing 26cc Petrol Leaf Blower

 

Description

Blow fallen leaves, twigs, grass clippings and other garden debris into easy to move piles with the PowerKing 26cc petrol blower. Ideal for clearing pathways, under shrubs, behind sheds and other awkward areas that aren’t accessible with a brush.

 

A reliable variable speed 2-stroke air-cooled engine produces an impressive 345km/h (214mph) blowing power. There’s plenty of power on tap whether whatever you’re trying to tidy.

 

It does require you to mix petrol and oil using a 40:1 ratio. However, the generous fuel tank allows you to store plenty of 2 stroke fuel mix meaning it runs for a while before needing to be refuelled.

 

As no one wants to spend their afternoon tidying leaves and cuttings, the PowerKing Leaf Blower is built with speed in mind. It also offers easy start technology and intuitive controls, ensuring you can complete the task in the least possible time.

 

Weighing a colossal 13kg, this hand-held unit is a beast. It doesn’t come with a shoulder strap, so you’ll need pretty big muscles! Luckily, some comfort is provided by the anti-vibration handle, which is complete with a soft grip.

 

A tapered nozzle is fitted to this blower and offers enhanced blowing performance, ensuring the machine’s 214mph airflow is directed exactly where it is needed to quickly and effectively move leaves, litter, grass clippings, tree debris and other garden debris.

 

Thanks to its robust construction and quality high-performance parts, it’s built to last. Finally, it comes with 2 years warranty and full service back up for complete peace of mind.

 

 

Conclusion

While the PowerKing 26cc petrol blower is highly affordable and provides an impressive amount of blowing power, it does fall short on a few points.

 

Firstly it’s 13 kg. Yes, that’s unbelievably heavy. And as a handheld unit, you can’t wear it on your back and distribute the weight evenly across your body. It doesn’t even come with a shoulder strap. So you either need to be very strong or willing to work in small areas.

 

Putting those issues to one side for a moment, it is a superb blower that’s easy to start and works well. Granted, it’s not the most powerful blower but is very good value for money. 7/10

 

 

 

And the best petrol leaf blower is?

Having reviewed several of the best petrol leaf blowers on the market, a few stand out. Before we get to the top picks, it’s worth reminding you of a few basics.

 

Firstly, read the manual to discover the type and correct mixture of fuel and oil before you pour any liquid into it. This just happens to be one of the biggest mistakes that’s easily avoided.

 

Secondly, even the best petrol leaf blower is noisy and dirty, and so you should wear productive gear including ear defenders, safety glasses and gloves. Take your safety serious as you could end up harming yourself.

 

With those tips out of the way, here are our top choices.

 

If you’re looking for a hand held device, then buy the Stihl BG 86 CE Petrol Blower. It’s powerful, lightweight, very eco-friendly and built to last.

 

You might prefer a device with a backpack and so consider Hyundai HYB5200 Petrol Leaf Blower. It’s fuel-efficient, easy to control and very powerful.