Alternative to hand raking ?

[JCM 9,160]

Anyone have likes or dislikes using a STIHL backpack blower for fall cleanup ?  How would it work on a 200' plus long packed crushed stone driveway removing debris ? Thus far the JD with 60'' auto connect drive on deck works great in a 3rd of the time anything else has done. Are the backpack blowers comfortable to use ? . weight. noise level etc ?  Thanks for your input.

[953 nut 55,218]

2 minutes ago, JCM said:

How would it work on a 200' plus long packed crushed stone driveway removing debris ?

Can't say how the backpack blower would do buy my homemade Wheel Horse blower works great on gravel.

[ebinmaine 67,469]

I've had an older Stihl backpack blower here but rehomed it in favor of a single hand held model. 

 

It worked GREAT for relocating whatever was light enough to move. Leaves of course but also nuts and small stones. 

You can get used to the correct positions to reduce that. 

 

The reason I sold the backpack type was my own personal people chassis was incompatible with the pack size. You've met me. I have an exceedingly long/tall back. If I was shaped more like a human and less like a Bear 🐻  I'd have kept it. 

 

 

 

13 minutes ago, JCM said:

Are the backpack blowers comfortable to use ? . weight.

 

This of course depends on you. Likely you'll be fine for 15 to 30 minutes even when you first get one. 

That time can be built up just like any other activity. 

 

13 minutes ago, JCM said:

noise level etc ?

 

I'd be more concerned with vibration than noise.  And again that's something you can adjust with the right clothing and hand protection. 

 

Noise is easy. GOOD PPE is essential.  

 

 

One BIG advantage to using a blower is that you'll be able to get leaves out from under places you've not reached in years because you won't need to move the things around. 

If you store stuff on pallets it's even better. 

 

 

Would I recommend you buy one? 

 

Yes.  

 

 

 

[rmaynard 15,455]

I love my Stihl backpack blower. It is not particularly comfortable, but I can tolerate it for the length of time I have to wear it. It moves a ton of leaves. 

 

41 minutes ago, JCM said:

 How would it work on a 200' plus long packed crushed stone driveway removing debris ?

 

I have crushed stone in front of and around my pole building. Aside from blowing a few stones, the blower does a great job of moving the leaves and other debris.

 

 

Edited 8 hours ago by rmaynard

[SylvanLakeWH 25,555]

I had a red max back pack and moved it along. To heavy for my back issues but man it moved the leaves...

 

Noise and vibration were issues but not to bad...

 

Went with Dewalt's 20v line and works great for what i need on 3 suburban lawns... use it for gutters too with an extension...

 

 

[Racinbob 11,076]

It's been too wet to try out my blower. I've got a reducer to choke it down a but if needed. 

 

[Ed Kennell 38,170]

                                                                      My Leaf Blower

 

                                                        

 

[Brockport Bill 1,661]

5 hours ago, 953 nut said:

Can't say how the backpack blower would do buy my homemade Wheel Horse blower works great on gravel.

awesome - - what blower drum is that ?

[953 nut 55,218]

38 minutes ago, Brockport Bill said:

what blower drum is that ?

The blower was installed in a commercial heat/AC unit that was being replaced. I have since replaced the round ducts wit a more compact rectangular sheet metal fabricated duct. lets me get closer to things wit5hout knocking the round duct off.