Leaf blowers are versatile machines. They save you time by helping with your fall cleanup, and they can also be used as your driveway sweepers or snow clearers. However, a leaf blower is primarily for cleaning up leaves as swiftly and efficiently as possible, making it an excellent investment for your garage.
Say you don’t have the funds to go all out for the latest leaf blower. In that case, it could be a good idea to purchase a used leaf blower. But buying a used leaf blower isn’t as simple as buying a new one straight off the selves of your hardware store.
In this article, we’ll explain the pros of used leaf blowers and a few things to consider before buying one, so make sure you read until the end.
How Efficient Are Used Leaf Blowers?
Many people think of old leaf blowers as noisy, gas-guzzling wastes of fuel. But that’s not always the case.
How big is your yard, and how many leaves do you typically have to clean up each year during the fall? What is your noise sensitivity? And how does your budget look? Answering these questions will make shopping extremely easy for you.
If you have a larger field and yard to look after, you might need to invest in a newer heavy-duty machine. A used or old leaf blower, on the other hand, will do just fine if you have a smaller area to maintain.
How Long Do Used Leaf Blowers Last?
First things first, if you’re buying a used leaf blower, make sure to go for an electric one. An electric blower will last considerably longer than gas-powered models if properly maintained.
With just a bit of care, a leaf blower should last about a thousand hours before it starts needing repairs. That’s around ten years for an average homeowner.
When buying a used model, ask the previous owner about the number of hours the machine has been used or check its instruction manual to figure out the age.
A well-maintained used leaf blower has a shelf life of roughly 4-6 years. Proper usage and maintenance can extend the life even further. Remember, routine inspections and servicing will play a big part in how long they ultimately last.
Things to Consider When Buying a Used Leaf Blower
Here are five things you must consider when buying a used leaf blower if you want to make an informed decision:
Size of Your Yard
If your backyard is small and has only a handful of leaves and debris, you may not need a heavy-duty blower. A well-maintained, used leaf blower would be enough.
A handheld will be perfect for you if you have a tiny yard to clean. Plus, they’re almost always lightweight and compact, making it easy for you to store them.
Leaf Blower Regulations
Always purchase one from a trustworthy seller.
Only buy blowers that meet all the safety requirements and emission standards set by government organizations or consumer groups to ensure you purchase a safe-to-use leaf blower. To verify a leaf blower, check for a label from a recognized safety group, such as the CPSC, CSA, NSC, or IEC.
Noise Level
A leaf blower’s noise level is labeled in decibels, with a lower decibel number suggesting that the leaf blower is on the quieter side. Leaf blowers with high CFM and mph numbers are often louder.
Consider testing out a used blower to get an idea of its noise level before buying it. If you decide on a louder model with a noise level beyond 60 to 65 decibels, you should also get hearing protection to avoid hearing loss. Your neighbors will always appreciate a quiet leaf blower if you use one for a longer period of time.
Power Source
The blower’s power source is one of the most important things to look at. It could be gas, electric, or battery-powered. Both gas and electric-powered blowers have cordless versions.
Battery-powered leaf blowers are smaller, quieter, and result in less pollution, but they can overheat and aren’t as powerful. On the other hand, gas-powered leaf blowers have a lot of power, but they also emit a lot of gas and require more maintenance.
Price
Old leaf blowers are priced differently depending on their design, power sources, and condition. Generally, older, used leaf blowers are a lot more affordable than new releases – which is why people buy them in the first place.
Tips & Tricks to Maintain Used Leaf Blowers
- Keep the filter clean and in good working order. If it’s filthy, clean it with warm, soapy water. Toss it if it’s worn or outdated and replace it with a new one.
- Store the leaf blower in a well-ventilated place away from potentially hazardous chemicals or anything else that could ignite gasoline. Avoid using an electric leaf blower in the rain or snow, which can damage the electric motor.
- A used leaf blower’s battery can last up to 1-2 years, depending on how you use it. The amount of time it will run on a single charge depends on the battery capacity, so if you plan to use it in a large area, choose a model with a larger battery capacity.
- A blower will undergo a lot of wear and tear if you use it at full throttle. Start with the lowest power setting and work your way up – you might not even need as much power as you think.
- Most blowers use a combination of unleaded gas and 2-cycle oil to operate. Check the user handbook before starting it to see what type of fuel it uses.
- Always charge the leaf blowers with their correct chargers. And store them in a cool, dry place to keep their batteries safe from water and heat. All this will go a long way in increasing their battery lives.
Bottom Line
The primary purpose of a leaf blower is to, well, blow leaves. As long as it’s in good condition, there’s no reason you shouldn’t go ahead and purchase a used leaf blower. This way, you can save a little money while still investing in a quality tool.
In some states and cities leaf blowers are banned from use.
