When the leaves start piling up this fall, don't sweat it. Our high-powered yard-clearing arsenal stands at the ready to turn that age-old chore into, well, less of one
Type: Gas blower-vac Blower rating: Very good Vacuum rating: Good Impeller blade: Plastic
Balance and comfort: The hard handle could use some cushioning to make it more comfortable. In use, this machine rotates to the left quite strongly.
Overall: The entry-level-priced Ryobi is a capable blower but is limited as a vacuum. For instance, the plastic impeller was stopped by a dime-size branch, and the position of the vacuum bag is uncomfortable; the user has to remove the tube from the housing to dump the bag's contents.
Specs: 9.5 pounds. 26 cc. 13-ounce fuel tank. Maximum blower speed/volume: 150 mph/400 cfm. 70 dB at 50 feet. 12:1 mulching ratio. 1.5-cubic-foot bag. Three-year warranty.
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