Leaf Blower Specifications

Power Source Specifications

• The specification usually listed first in leaf blower descriptions is power source. Nearly all leaf blowers use one of two power sources, gas or electric. Electric leaf blowers list power specifications in volts, even if the world "electric" doesn't appear in the product description. Battery powered leaf blower power supply specifications include the input required to charge the battery in volts, watts and hertz as well as the type of battery and the time required to charge it. Gas powered leaf blower descriptions contain the word "gas," the abbreviation "cc" or both. Gas powered blower specs list gas tank capacity in quarts or gallons.

Power Specifications

• Power specifications vary contingent upon the power source of a unit. The "cc" found in gas powered mower descriptions constitutes an abbreviation of cubic centimeters, or engine displacement. Cubic centimeters measure total volume of air displaced by all of an engine's cylinders during one full sweep. The higher a displacement measurement, the more power an engine generates. Thus a 20cc leaf blower possess less power, and therefore less air propulsion, than a 28cc leaf blower.

  Electric leaf blowers often provide specifications such as miles per hour along with power measured in volts. Black & Decker, for instance, specifies that its 18-volt blower creates air power that moves as quickly as 120 miles per hour. Power for blowers designed for plugging in while in use is measured in amps.

Size Specifications

• Leaf blower size specifications run a limited gamut. Manufacturers include measurements such as the length and height of blowers in inches. In the event that a blower comes with attachments of varying sizes, from alternate muzzles to bags for multipurpose blowers/shredders, measurements for such objects appear in inches. Size specifications for containers such as bags include length, width, depth and, sometimes, volume. Some manufacturers include weight in their listed specifications.

Other Specifications

• Manufacturers of backpack mowers include the weight of the backpack in the specifications so consumers have an idea of what they'll be carrying around. Gas powered blower specifications include the ignition type, usually power ignition or manual (ripcord) while electrical blower specs indicate the type of power switch (paddle, toggle etc) used. Some manufacturers specify engine type, 2 cycle or 4 cycle. Engine type affects the type of oil and engine needs and impacts engine performance. Generally 2 cycle engines produce more power than 4 cycle engines but shorter life spans. Other specifications list materials (usually plastic), accessories, color and warranty type.