Leaf Blower Picker
Save your back. Pick the right one.
EGO 765 CFM Cordless
$280Best cordless. Powerful. Lightweight. Quiet.
Best overall.
Ryobi 40V
$180Light + cheap + battery. Senior-friendly.
Best value.
Worx Trivac WG509
$110Corded blower + vacuum + mulcher.
Best 3-in-1.
Toro Power Sweep (electric)
$60Cheap corded. Good for small yards.
Best budget.
Stihl BG 56 (gas)
$200Pro-grade gas. Most powerful but loud.
Best gas.
Cordless = best for seniors
- No cord to trip over.
- Lighter than gas.
- Quieter than gas (less hearing damage).
- No fuel mixing or storing.
- Battery 20-40 min runtime.
- Reaches anywhere in yard.
- Battery shared with other tools (EGO, Ryobi platforms).
Senior-friendly features
- Under 8 lbs — easy on shoulders.
- Variable speed trigger (low for delicate plants).
- Cruise control button — no constant trigger pulling.
- Padded shoulder strap if heavier.
- Quick-release battery — no struggle.
- Tube length adjustable.
Skip the leaf blower?
- Hire help — TaskRabbit, neighborhood teen $25-50/visit.
- Fall cleanup service — $100-300 for whole yard.
- Mulching mower — leaves break down into lawn.
- Leave them be — better for soil + bird/insect habitat.
- Rake — exercise, no battery, peaceful.
Safety
- Hearing protection (cheap foam plugs $5).
- Safety glasses — debris flies.
- Closed-toe shoes.
- No ladder use.
- Don't lean over — tip-over risk.
- Watch for hidden tripping hazards under leaves.
- Stop if winded — sit, drink water.
Battery platform tip
Pick ONE battery platform: EGO 56V, Ryobi 40V, DeWalt 20V Max. Then leaf blower + string trimmer + hedge trimmer + chainsaw + mower share batteries. Cheaper long-term + simpler. EGO + Ryobi = best senior platforms.