Leaves begin to fall off trees in Autumn, signalling the transition to colder winter weather, which is when leaf blowers come in handy for clearing debris from your gardens or driveways.
Leaf blowers are usually handheld or backpack-mounted devices, allowing users to clear away debris easily. Opting for a leaf blower reduces the effort needed to maintain your exterior when the cold weather comes around.
At Gustharts, we tell you about the benefits of using a leaf blower and why Stihl leaf blowers are an excellent investment.
Table of contents
Benefits of a leaf blower
Reduces time and effort
Leaf blowers undoubtedly save a great deal of time and effort compared to clearing away debris with a rake or by hand. Using a leaf blower will reduce the time needed to complete lengthy tasks and the strain on the back and arms. Opting for a backpack-mounted leaf blower is perfect for those wanting a simple yet effective way of clearing their exterior.
Clear hard-to-reach areas
Due to the length of Stihl leaf blower pipes, this allows you to reach high areas such as gutters and garage corners. A Stihl leaf blower also enables you to clear debris that has fallen into narrow crevices you may not fit into.
Clear away all debris
Leaf blowers aren’t restricted to removing fallen leaves; they are excellent at clearing away debris. Dead twigs, branches and solid deposits such as stones are commonly found in gardens during the winter and can be cleared away easily using a leaf blower. Disposing of these materials is essential, as they could damage other garden machinery equipment if not removed.
Clear pathways
Stihl leaf blowers are excellent tools to have in the colder months for clearing water or snow from driveways or pathways. You will likely find debris on your pathways, such as stones and dirt, so using a leaf blower is fantastic for clearing this away and ensuring your exterior looks exquisite.
Double up as a dryer
If you have just washed your car and want it to dry quickly, leaf blowers can be used as a dryer. Although this may seem like a quick way of drying your car, there are certain things you need to be aware of. Leaf blowers don’t have hot air options, meaning drying your car will take longer than expected. Additionally, there is a high chance that your leaf blower has accumulated dirt, resulting in you blowing dirt onto your car and causing scratches.
How to use a Stihl leaf blower
Stihl leaf blowers may seem difficult to use once you first start; however, they are easy tools to grasp and simple to use. Although they are simple to use, there are some tricks and techniques you can implement to make it much easier.
Wear protective clothing
When using a Stihl leaf blower, wear protective equipment such as ear defenders and eye protection. While leaf blowers may seem like harmless appliances, they are exceptionally loud, and prolonged exposure to the noise may damage your hearing. Furthermore, eye protection is needed to protect you from flying debris when operating a leaf blower.
Check the weather
A dry and calm day is best for using your leaf blower, as you are not fighting any counter-productive conditions. You should never try to use your leaf blower after rain or snow, as this causes the leaves to stick together, making it incredibly difficult to clear without doing it yourself.
Moreover, using a leaf blower on a windy day is counter-productive as the wind will blow the leaves about. Never use your leaf blower just after applying fertilisers or chemicals, as your leaf blower could lead you to inhale harmful particles.
Clear outdoor area
Moving any garden furniture or ornaments will make it more manageable to use your leaf blower effectively. Ensuring the area you want to tidy is clear will reduce the number of distractions and potential hazards.
Use the correct angle
When operating your leaf blower, ensure the tip is pointed downward at a tight angle and close to the ground. Adopting this technique will allow you to keep higher control and precision while moving the leaves forward in your preferred direction. Keeping the leaf blower close to the ground ensures little dust is blown upwards into your face.
Blow leaves onto a tarp
If you need to dispose of the leaves once you have collected them in a pile, a tarp is a quick and effective way to transport them. Before blowing the leaves, lay down the tarp in your garden. Using a tarp will give you a target and determine which direction you should be blowing the leaves.
How to start a Stihl leaf blower
When starting a Stihl leaf blower, consult the instruction manual to acquaint yourself with the control locations and functions. Always start petrol-powered Stihl leaf blowers outdoors and away from people and combustible materials. Inspect your machine to ensure nothing is broken or loose, and all caps are screwed on tightly.
Once you have completed these steps, follow our step-by-step guide to start your leaf blower:
- Place the leaf blower on a level, dust-free surface, ensuring the power switch is on, and the master control is in cold-start.
- Press the manual fuel pump five times minimum.
- For handheld leaf blowers, use your left hand to grab the starter handle while holding the machine to the ground firmly with your right.
- For backpack leaf blowers, use your right hand to grab the starter handle while gripping the blower handle with your left and pushing your right foot against the base plate to secure the blower in place.
- Pull the start handle until you feel resistance. Repeat this until you hear the blower trying to start before changing the master control to the run setting.
- Pull the starter handle until the blower starts before squeezing the throttle to disengage the throttle lock.
Keep your exterior tidy with the latest Stihl leaf blowers
Stihl leaf blowers are excellent for protecting your exterior from leaves and debris during winter. This guide will help you understand the benefits of using a leaf blower while explaining the best way to use it effectively.
If you want a leaf blower to maintain your garden, why not opt for a Stihl battery or handheld leaf blower?
