Power tools

Blown away

Jana Silver is swept off her feet checking out some of the current power blowers on the market

As Autumn fast approaches there is an inevitable demand for commercial leaf blowers. While petrol and electric options are still available, professionals are recognising that the power of battery can deliver the same and even exceed petrol performance. As a fossil fuel petrol contributes to polluting emissions, such as carbon dioxide, so landscapers are increasingly aware of how these gas-guzzling models can affect our health and also the environment. Professional gardeners should also consider vibration levels on the tools they use, so that the risk of Hand-arm Vibration (HAV)-related injury is limited.

This painful condition, also known as vibration white finger, can be avoided using low vibration battery powered tools as many operate below the daily 2.5m/s² A(8) Exposure Action Value (EAV) limit.*

EGO Professional

EGO’s Professional-X LBX6000 Blower, is a prime example with an EAV of 2.175m/s², significantly lower than the 2.5m/s2 daily action limit enforced by The European Physical Agents Directive.

In addition the LBX6000 Blower has a maximum noise rate of LpA/LwA 80dB(A) / 93dBA(A) making it among the quietest on the market. If that isn’t enough, EGO’s Professional-X Blower also has a generous professional warranty of three years.

Makita UB001G Brushless Blower

Get ready to be blown away by Makita's UB001G brushless blower. It delivers the high output professionals need to tackle more demanding applications with ease. The blower makes light work of high-demand tasks thanks to its brushless motor that means it can deliver high no load speeds (up to 23,000rpm) and in boost mode, it has a maximum blowing force of 17N, which is more than enough to handle larger quantities of garden debris.

For optimal operation, the UB001G features variable speed control that allows users to adjust the output depending on the task. In addition, the cruise control function enables operators to lock the variable speed control trigger at the desired output level. Constant speed control also works to maintain output and maximise efficiency. It is lightweight, compact, and has been designed so that it is resistant to water splashes, which is ideal for those working outside in unpredictable weather.

Cobra LB45024V

For a blower that’s practical in design and powerful in performance, Cobra’s LB45024V offers the ideal solution. In addition to a 24V Lithium-ion battery, the LB45024V boasts a 300W motor, delivering the power to clear pathways, lawns and other outdoor areas in a matter of minutes. Its lightweight, highly manoeuvrable design and ergonomic comfort controls also take the hard work out of garden maintenance.

Husqvarna 525BX

Husqvarna 525BX is a powerful, well-balanced, handheld blower designed for full-time professional use, which allows demanding tasks to be tackled with ease. Its high-performing X-Torq® engine, along with its unique fan and housing design, which provides maximum blowing capacity and blowing force when in use, makes light work of clearing debris and leaves. In addition, an adjustable tube length to ensure best ergonomics in demanding areas and around obstacles.

The 525BX also features a Smart Start®, resulting less resistance in the starter cord and less pulls for easy starting, cruise control for optimum handling, plus a specially designed fan housing which ensures air stream is in line with the handle to ensure excellent maneuverability. And for operators working long shifts, the blower’s Low Vib® anti-vibration system dampens vibrations from the machine whilst the in-line outlet reduces gyroscopic forces resulting in less arm strain.

STHIL BGA 200

The STIHL BGA 200 cordless blower cleans large areas quickly and efficiently. With a blowing force of 21 Newton, STIHL’s BGA 200 cordless blower is the most powerful in the STIHL range and features a high air speed for coping with wet leaves. The BGA 200 is exceptionally easy to handle, thanks to its newly developed comfort carrying system. This innovative feature allows the tool to be used in different ways depending on the application; hand-held in confined working areas or suspended in the carrying system for larger-scale cleaning work. This approach is practical, efficient and increases operational comfort.

Thanks to its low-noise operation, the BGA 200 can also be operated without restriction in noise-sensitive areas and can be used without hearing protection. The blowing force has three different settings, which can easily be selected by the user via a selector switch. Furthermore, the user can easily adjust the length of the nozzle to meet different requirements and operating situations with the help of a quick adjustment system.

Avant Vacuum brush

Intended for professional contractors collecting tree leaves in parks and open spaces, the powerful Avant vacuum brush is intended to be used as an attachment to the Avant mini loader. The unit sucks the waste first into the vacuum on the bottom of the collector box and then into the box, compacting everything into a tight package. The mouthpiece on the vacuum is equipped with a 1300 mm wide rotary brush which loosens also more compacted and wet leaves and waste. Brush rotation speed can be easily adjusted.

The collector box is mounted on top of the vacuum unit. It is equipped with large transparent plastic windows so that you can easily monitor how the box is filling up. The box is emptied by opening the lid (powered by a hydraulic cylinder) from Avant’s driver seat and by lifting the boom the collected waste can be tipped into a container, bin or skip.

*Daily exposure to vibration is measured by the formula known as an A(8) value. For hand-arm vibration (HAV), the daily ELV is 5 m/s2 A(8) and the daily EAV is 2.5 m/s2 A(8).