Raking leaves .. a necessary job, to be sure, but it's so, so ... vintage. So behind the times, so not in vogue. Leaf blowers are where it's at, and Stihl leaf blowers leave generic blowers in the dust.

With a comprehensive line in both hand-held and backpack units, there is sure to be a Stihl leaf blower that meets your needs. According to Stihl, its leaf blowers are some of the most powerful available. Some models can be converted from leaf blower to sprayer or from blower to vacuum with little fuss. With all the myriad of jobs a good leaf blower can do, from clearing debris from just about anywhere to keeping those pesky fall leaves at bay, it's wise to purchase one that will get them all done with ease.

Model Choices

Consider the Stihl leaf blower model BG 55. From the Stihl HomeScaper series, this blower features hand-held portability and round nozzle for increased air volume. To make this blower even more versatile, you can add a gutter-cleaning kit or a vacuum attachment.

Model BG 85 is a top-of-the-line Stihl leaf blower that features both round and flat nozzles, a special soft-grip handle and cruise control for consistent air speed. This leaf blower might be designed for the landscaping professional but there are sure to be busy homeowners who would find the power of this Stihl leaf blower to be just what they need around the house.

For a lightweight blower for smaller jobs, consider the BGE 60 , which is a super light electric blower perfect for smaller jobs and landscape needs. It features the same simple cord-keeper system as found on most Stihl leaf blowers and a gutter kit is also available for this model.

If you have heavy-duty needs at your home, consider the BG 65 D Stihl leaf blower. This model is perfect for more detailed and demanding jobs. This model features a Quad Power engine that adds quite a bit more power but doesn't add any weight to the blower. This Stihl leaf blower has a soft-grip handle for comfort and is also compatible with the optional gutter kit or vacuum attachment.

Stihl makes good chain saws, too.

Photo by Lemuel Cantos, Creative Commons Attribution License