4 Best Budget Leaf Blowers for Fall

Although a rake may be the cheapest tool for the job, the time-consuming and back-straining work drives some homeowners toward a more powerful alternative.
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Many people look forward to the changing colors this time of year, but not many look forward to disposing of all the leaves. Although a rake may be the cheapest tool for the job, the time-consuming and back-straining work drives some homeowners toward a more powerful alternative. Before you buy a leaf blower, note that your neighborhood association, municipality, or state may have specific rules about leaf blower use. Some localities have outlawed the machines completely on the grounds that they emit too much noise and/or pollution. This often applies only to gas-powered leaf blowers, but even electric blowers have been banned in some places.

Experts recommend shopping for a leaf blower at the end of the season if you're determined to get the best deal. If you can't wait that long, look to the slide show below for four top picks from Cheapism.com. Cheapism.com reviewers. They include a mix of electric-powered units under $100 and gas leaf blowers under $150.

4 Best Budget Leaf Blowers for Fall
Toro 51609 Ultra(01 of04)
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Best: Toro 51609 Ultra
This corded electric leaf blower (starting at $70) is remarkably powerful, according to user reviews, and doubles as a vacuum and shredder. It comes with a bag worn over the shoulder to hold the remains, which can be used as mulch. This is a lightweight option, at a mere 7.5 pounds, and the electric motor emits 67 decibels.
For more on the Toro 51609 Ultra, go to Cheapism.com.
Hitachi RB24EAP(02 of04)
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Best: Hitachi RB24EAPA gas leaf blower like this one (starting at $139) is best for consumers with large yards. It has a powerful motor and isn’t tethered by a cord. It’s also the loudest machine on this list and may not be suitable for someone with close neighbors. This blower has received rave reviews from many owners and weighs a manageable 8.6 pounds (plus the weight of the fuel).
For more on the Hitachi RB24EAP, go to Cheapism.com.
Worx Trivac WG500(03 of04)
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Good: Worx Trivac WG500The Trivac WG500 (starting at $88) is another multifunction electric leaf blower. Users applaud it for converting from a blower to a vacuum/mulcher with the flip of a switch. Reviews proclaim the motor as powerful yet quiet; it emits just 63 decibels. Also available now is the WG505 (starting at $97), which ups the ante with a tough metal impeller for mulching.
For more on the Worx Trivac WG500, go to Cheapism.com.
Weed Eater FB25(04 of04)
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Good: Worx Trivac WG500The Trivac WG500 (starting at $88) is another multifunction electric leaf blower. Users applaud it for converting from a blower to a vacuum/mulcher with the flip of a switch. Reviews proclaim the motor as powerful yet quiet; it emits just 63 decibels. Also available now is the WG505 (starting at $97), which ups the ante with a tough metal impeller for mulching.
For more on the Worx Trivac WG500, go to Cheapism.com.

For a complete cheap leaf blowers buying guide, visit Cheapism.com.

Louis DeNicola worked on this story. Follow him on Google Plus

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