Leaf Blower Debates: Controversy and Enthusiasm
Someone might think, “Leaf blowers seem like an innocent enough power tool, surely they’re not surrounded by an enormous civil/environmental controversy.”
That someone would be wrong.
As a heated debate continues about the widespread use of gas-powered leaf blowers, these power tools do more than just sweep up leaves; they also kick up a some political compost.
On one side, there are environmental concerns because of gas usage, and advocates are pushing for cleaner technology. They are also concerned about noise pollution concerns involved with loud leaf blowers in residential neighborhoods.
On the other side of the argument, lawn and garden business owners stress the industry’s dependency on the machines, as they sharply and necessarily cut down on labor costs. Strangely, they are joined with a number of enthusiasts who just think that leaf blowers are cool.
Manufacturers are responding by providing more power options for blowers, as well as low noise designs.
Although the power of gasoline blowers is still needed for commercial use, models like The Black & Decker NS118 18 Volt Cordless Broom Hard Surface Sweeper are well-reviewed for homeowner use, being electric, efficient, and low on noise.
Then, in a completely different leaf-blower-universe it seems, an equally epic clash of turbulent ideas regarding leaf blowers is under way.
For some, the question isn’t “How should leaf blowers be powered and when?” but rather, “How can I optimize this magnificent air displacement to entertain myself?”
Although it would be best if leaf blowers were left to their real jobs, some of the bright, dim, and/or bizarre blower uses out there deserve a mention.
Here’s some youtube videos that sample these alternative blower use techniques:
The Blower + Spinning Chair Method
Whether a blower is being used to make someone dizzy or get some real work done, just make sure to be safe and to keep those tools in good condition.
As a seasonal tool, it’s the time of year to hang those blowers up for the winter, so check out eReplacementParts.com’s Winterizing Power Tools article.
And if it’s time for a part replacement (like a spark plug change), visit our Leaf Blowers Parts page to get started with a parts search.
