7 best garden vacuum cleaners

Garden vacuum cleaners-blowers are one of the most popular and demanded types of mechanized garden equipment along with almost irreplaceable lawn mowers. They become especially valuable in the fall, when harvesting rapidly falling leaves becomes a daily and rather exhausting nature. Modern blower-vacuum cleaners for outdoor work are efficient and easy-to-use units, with the help of which you can quickly and effortlessly collect leaves and light debris in a heap, collect in a suction mode in a special bag, and, if desired, also grind the conglomerate, turning foliage into mulch – nutritious organic fertilizer. Our experts have compiled a special rating of this kind of gardening machines, which will help you navigate when choosing a model for your own needs.

How to choose a garden vacuum cleaner

To begin with, we will briefly and succinctly go through the most important points that should be considered when choosing a garden vacuum cleaner / blower for one purpose or another.

Professional or household

Everything is more or less obvious here. If you need a tool exclusively for yourself – to tidy up the adjacent territory in the fall and, possibly, to one of the neighbors, you should choose the household model. If clearing foliage in autumn, snow in winter and mowed grass in summer is your profession, here you need a powerful, hardy, high-performance professional model without options.

It is not difficult to distinguish one from the other. Electric household models in terms of power consumption rarely exceed 2.5 kW. Gasoline household appliances, as a rule, have a 0.5 liter gas tank. In any case, the class of the device can and should be specified at the point of sale.

Functionality

Garden vacuum cleaners most often make sense to buy if the device can operate in at least two modes – blowing and suction. Most models with a suction mode are also supplemented with a chopping (mulching) function. This versatility is supported by both gasoline and electric devices powered by the network. Battery-powered models have too limited a charge reserve, so manufacturers limit such solutions only to blowing mode. In our review, we will consider one such blower, since sometimes this particular form factor is the most convenient and appropriate.

Gasoline or electric engine

One of the most important parameters when choosing is the type of motor on which the blower / vacuum cleaner operates. The commercially available models are equipped with gasoline or electric engines. The latter are still divided into battery and network.

The advantages of gasoline devices are complete mobility and independence from the outlet, performance, power. On the other hand, most of these devices emit a loud noise, produce vibrations that are exhausting for the operator’s hands, require constant handling of fuel and oil, inevitably produce harmful exhaust gases, and often do not start up the first time, especially if the operator has little experience with the equipment on gasoline engines.

If, nevertheless, no alternatives are considered, and it is the gasoline option that is needed, then it is worth looking at the models where all the listed disadvantages are at least minimized: the presence of an anti-vibration system; noise suppression; lightweight start-up or electronic ignition; rational management. You need to understand that, saving on these options, you will have to spend at least on headphones and special gloves to absorb vibrations, and possibly also on a respirator and other personal protective equipment.

Experts also recommend choosing models in which the engine cylinders are equipped with a nikasil (cermet) coating.

Electric networked garden vacuum cleaners are the most popular form factor among summer residents and owners of private houses. These devices are incomparably quieter than gasoline ones, completely environmentally friendly, much lighter in weight and most often cheaper, all other things being equal in terms of performance. Pay attention to the power of the engine, the ability to smoothly adjust the intensity of the air flow, the flexibility and security of the network cable at the base.

Finally, battery models are the most limited in terms of functionality. Even a very capacious battery is not enough for long-term operation in suction mode and, moreover, mulching. Therefore, battery blowers almost all work exactly like blowers, and not otherwise. However, they often turn out to be much more convenient and expedient than the network ‘brothers’ when you need to clean up a small patio, stairs, or attic.

Ergonomics and working comfort

In the presented rating, we consider only hand-held models of blower-vacuum cleaners, therefore, ease of use is of great importance here.

Even relatively light electric models still feel quite a bit, especially with gasoline ones. Therefore, when choosing, pay attention to the presence of a harness for wearing on the shoulder, as well as the presence of a soft lining in the belt itself.

For suction and blowing modes, different nozzle nozzles are most often used – for blowing out a narrow flat nozzle, for suction – a wide round one. The tooling has to be changed mainly manually, but there are models in which the mode change takes place without dismantling the nozzle.

For ease of grip and better maneuverability, it is highly desirable that the unit has an additional handle at an angle to the main one.

If you have to clean only flat surfaces – asphalt, paving slabs, concrete – it makes sense to buy a model with special wheels at the very bottom of the pipe.

Regarding gasoline models, as mentioned above, it is desirable to have a lightweight starter, and not just a classic one with manual ‘spin-up’. In electric models or gasoline models with an electric start, it is highly desirable to have a lock against accidental starting.

Another not very common, but desirable point is the presence of effective filters, since in the vacuum cleaner mode the device drives through itself large volumes of dust and other kinds of suspensions, which can even seep through the waste bag

Shredding

The impeller is an important part of the garden vacuum cleaner. For cleaning a soft conglomerate – fallen leaves, mown grass and the like – an impeller made of durable plastic will be enough. But if you have to use a garden vacuum cleaner to clean the area from spruce cones, fallen off tree bark or thick branches, you will need a tool with steel knives.

Grinding is used not only to obtain a nutritious organic mixture that can be used to fertilize the soil. Often this function is used even if the entrance is not leaves, but plastic bags or bottles. This is done to reduce the amount of garbage. A ratio of 10 to 1 is considered quite effective.

Rating of the best garden vacuum cleaners

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best garden vacuum cleaners	1	Husqvarna 125 BVX	RUB 16 900
	2	Greenworks G40ABK6	RUB 13,509
	3	MTD BV 2500 E	RUB 4,990
	4	Bosch ALS 30	RUB 5,739
	5	Black&Decker GW2500	RUB 4 399
	6	CHAMPION GBV326S	RUB 8 650
	7	BORT BSS-550-R	RUB 1,181

 

Husqvarna 125 BVX

Rating: 4.9

The rating is opened by the most notable multifunctional model produced by the Swedish company Husqvarna, which specializes in this kind of equipment. It is a handheld blower powered by a gasoline engine that has a suction and debris treatment function.

The volume of the gas tank is 0.5 l. Engine power – 1.1 HP with a fuel consumption of 0.5 l / h. The engine of the garden vacuum cleaner is a two-stroke 28 cc. At idle, it revs up to 3.2 thousand per minute. Anti-vibration systems, hand pump and exhaust gas catalyst are not provided. The vibration on the handle, according to the manufacturer, should not exceed 11.1 m / sq. see Sound pressure recorded near the operator’s ear when operating at full power – up to 92 dBA, at a distance of 15 meters – up to 70 dBA.

Air flow characteristics: flow rate in the fan casing – 13.31 cubic meters per minute; flow rate in the bell – 12.03 cubic meters m; flow velocity in the bell – 76 m / s; outgoing flow velocity – 58.12 m / s.

The engineers who developed this garden vacuum cleaner paid a lot of attention to ergonomics. The bell has a special, well thought-out design for optimal balancing and easy maneuvering. The launch is facilitated by the implemented Smart Start® technology. Includes shoulder strap and padded grip. The revs can be locked (a kind of ‘cruise control’).

The functionality of the unit allows it to be used as a blower and as a garden vacuum cleaner – a conversion kit is included in the delivery set. In the suction mode, the waste is collected in a special bag with a volume of 64.35 liters. You can turn on mulching mode to shred foliage and debris to 16: 1 fractions.

The garden vacuum cleaner weighs 4.35 kg. Supplied with round and flat nozzles. Manufacturer’s warranty – 12 months.

Advantages

• reputable highly specialized brand;
• reliability and reliability;
• power and performance;
• ease of use;
• high-quality mulching.

disadvantages

• not marked.

Greenworks G40ABK6

Rating: 4.8

At number two, we take a look at the handheld cordless blower from Greenworks, an exclusive trademark of the large Globe Tools Group, headquartered in the US in Charlotte, North Carolina. This series is manufactured in China.

The unit is two times lighter than the previous model – 2.2 kg in a package, and even less in assembled working form – 1.54 kg. Dimensions in packing – 480x250x280 mm. The package also includes a lithium-ion battery, charger, manual and warranty card.

This garden vacuum cleaner is powered by a 40V G-MAX 6Ah battery. Its main field of application is cleaning areas from fallen leaves, dust and light debris. Thanks to the use of a fan with an axial design, the device demonstrates good performance: air flow speed / volume – 177 km / h and 8.5 m³ / min. In this case, the noise level does not exceed 100 dB.

The advantages of this form factor and this model in particular are obvious. This is incommensurable, in comparison with gasoline, ease of use; several times less noise; 100% environmental friendliness; unpretentious maintenance. The blower starts with just one touch, the air flow rate can be easily adjusted with the wheel on the handle. The trigger can be locked in the desired position. The device is well balanced to minimize stress on the operator’s hands during long continuous operation.

On the other hand, in the context of this particular garden vacuum cleaner, we see a rather limited functionality. This is exactly what is only a blower and nothing else. The suction mode, and, accordingly, grinding and other useful functions are not provided here.

Manufacturer’s warranty service is provided for 24 months.

Advantages

• quiet work;
• thoughtful weight distribution and balancing;
• ease of use;
• environmental friendliness;
• performance;
• unpretentious maintenance.

disadvantages

• functionality limited by only one blowing.

MTD BV 2500 E

Rating: 4.8

The third interesting device for cleaning open areas in our rating is an electric blower / vacuum cleaner manufactured by the American company MTD. Garden vacuum cleaners supplied to European countries and the Russian Federation are manufactured in Germany.

The purpose of the device is the same as that of the above-described model from Husqvarna, while it has all the advantages of operating from an electric motor – ease of use, low maintenance, complete absence of harmful emissions, quiet operation. The fundamental difference from the previous electrical model is mains operation, that is, mobility will be limited by the length of the cable and extension cord.

An electric motor with a power of 2.5 kW at idle reaches 14 thousand rpm. In operation, it creates an air flow of up to 75 m / s, while working with minimal noise compared to gasoline models.

When switching to suction, fallen leaves and light debris fall into a special bag with a volume of 45 liters. Mulching mode allows you to shred waste in a ratio of 10 to 1. The bag is easy to empty and clean.

The garden vacuum cleaner weighs 3.9 kg, for the convenience of long-term continuous use it is equipped with a belt harness. The mains connection cable is equipped with a kink protection at the base. A wheel is installed in the lower part of the blower pipe to facilitate the movement of the unit on level surfaces. A well-implemented vibration damping system significantly adds to the comfort in work.

The manufacturer’s warranty period for this model is 36 months.

Advantages

• performance;
• ease of use;
• high-quality damping of vibrations;
• low noise;
• maneuverability;
• 3 years warranty.

disadvantages

• the standard bag is slightly dusty during operation.

Bosch ALS 30

Rating: 4.7

The rating continues with the blower-vacuum cleaner of the famous German brand Bosch. The characteristics of the model are in many respects similar to the previous solution from MTD with the only difference that this machine is somewhat more powerful and efficient.

This is exactly the same ‘3-in-1’ machine, capable of working in three modes: blowing, suction and grinding. The weight of the device depends on the specific target assembly: in the assembly of the blower – 3.2 kg, in the assembly of the garden vacuum cleaner – 4.4 kg (here the weights are added by a grass-catcher bag with a volume of 45 liters and a two-piece pipe).

The unit is operating from the mains. Engine power – 3 kW. Develops air speed up to 300 km / h. In this case, the speed can be regulated, however, in a small range – from 280 to 300 km / h. In mulching mode, it crushes the incoming conglomerate in a ratio of 10 to 1.

The vacuum cleaner is quite convenient to use – in addition to the harness, a well-thought-out design and an additional D-shaped handle, which allows you to tilt and more conveniently hold the device, add ergonomics. The grass catcher closes with a dense yet familiar ‘zipper’, allowing you to completely empty the bag in seconds.

The scope of delivery of this garden vacuum cleaner includes the blower itself, assembly pipe, nozzle, protective cover, grass bag, shoulder strap, instructions.

Advantages

• build quality;
• power and performance;
• ease of use;
• low noise;
• illustrious brand.

disadvantages

• no pronounced flaws were found.

Black&Decker GW2500

Rating: 4.6

Next in the ranking of the best garden vacuum cleaners according to the version is a machine made by the legendary American company with a century of history Black&Decker. This series is manufactured in China. Most users highly appreciate the build quality and durability of the case, made of ABS plastic.

The technical characteristics are in many ways almost identical to the previous electric network models, the significant difference is perhaps in the design. So, the power of the electric motor in this case is 2.5 kW, but the device is capable of developing an air flow rate even slightly more than a more powerful machine from Bosch – up to 300 km / h. In terms of the ‘run’ of air, the productivity of the device reaches 624 cubic meters per hour. In the garden vacuum cleaner mode, the intensity is expectedly lower – up to 210 km / h of the air flow speed.

The garden vacuum cleaner in working order weighs 3.2 kg. Sufficiently comfortable to use thanks to the ergonomic main and secondary handles and shoulder strap. The intensity of work can be infinitely adjusted. In vacuum mode, the device collects debris in a 40 liter bag. The mulching mode is provided up to fractions 10: 1.

Advantages

• build quality;
• durable body;
• reliability and reliability;
• fair price.

disadvantages

• no obvious flaws were found.

CHAMPION GBV326S

Rating: 4.5

Now let’s look at the only domestic-brand garden blower in our rating. Under the CHAMPION brand, sufficiently high-quality, reliable, and at the same time inexpensive equipment for the mass consumer is produced. The assembly is carried out in China. It is also the second and last car in this review to be powered by a gasoline engine.

The vacuum cleaner weighs 4 kg, weight may vary depending on the assembly. Its dimensions are 81x34x38cm. The volume of the gas tank is 0.5 l. Two-stroke engine with a capacity of 1 hp. s or 750 watts. Engine volume – 26 cubic meters. see Productivity for air circulation – 612 cubic meters per hour at air speed up to 320 km / h. In the suction mode, the debris is collected in a rubberized bag with a capacity of 40 liters from the inside. In mulching mode, the unit crushes the incoming conglomerate in a ratio of 15 to 1.

Despite its impressive weight, the vacuum cleaner is well thought out from an engineering point of view in terms of balancing and ergonomics. The shoulder strap allows you to cover large areas with minimal operator strain.

Advantages

• power;
• performance;
• rubberized bag inside.

disadvantages

• there are complaints about the quality of mulching.

BORT BSS-550-R

Rating: 4.4

Our rating is completed by another universal tool for cleaning household plots and other open and closed areas. The BORT trademark belongs to the well-known German holding SBM Group. This series is manufactured in China.

This is the smallest and lightest model in our review. The net weight is 1.3 kg, the dimensions in the package are 24x18x18 cm. Such parameters became possible only when using a low-power motor – 550 W. At idle, the engine develops up to 13 thousand revolutions per minute. The noise level of the device is much lower than any of the above models – no more than 75 dB. Powered by an electrical network, cable length – 2 meters.

The vacuum cleaner can operate in either blowing or suction mode. The air flow rate is easily adjusted with a separate wheel on the handle. To work in vacuum cleaner mode, the tool is equipped with a compact dust bag. In addition, the scope of delivery includes two spare carbon brushes for the motor and a pipe.

The official manufacturing guarantee is one year.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;
• compactness and light weight;
• decent performance with low power consumption;
• adjustable speed;
• ultra-affordable price.

disadvantages

• some plastic parts give off a strong odor.