Milwaukee Leaf Blower

Milwaukee Leaf Blower

Milwaukee just released its new Gen II M18 FUEL blower (2724-20), and it is definitely a welcome upgrade from the Milwaukee M18 FUEL blower (2728-20). So is the Milwaukee Gen II M18 blower better than the original M18 blower? In a nutshell, it looks nearly exactly the same BUT it’s smaller, lighter, and more powerful. Seems like a no brainer to us, but if you’re still wondering which Milwaukee blower you should buy then look no further because we’re already done the research that will help you choose which Milwaukee blower is best for you!

What Milwaukee Blower Will You Choose?

Both the M18 and Gen II are awesome power tools to help you maintain home and professional landscaping needs. Here’s our take: we appreciate that both Milwaukee’s blowers are part of the M18 FUEL system, they come standard equipped with a POWERSTATE brushless motor, REDLINK Plus intelligence, and are compatible with Milwaukee’s M18 lithium-ion battery.

And while we do think that that M18 blower is a great choice, we are especially enjoying the Gen II model because it is smaller and more lightweight but has more power than the previous model. Our eyes are on the Gen II model, but you just really can’t go wrong with either of these Milwaukee blowers.

Milwaukee M18 Cordless Blower

Milwaukee’s M18 cordless blower has grown long in the tooth, but it’s still a very capable tool. This blower is extremely compact, and can be used for various jobsite cleanup tasks.

With the extension nozzle in place, you can clear dust and debris on the floor without bending too much. However, the blower’s narrow nozzle will limit how effective it will be at clearing larger areas. The blower comes with inflation accessories, giving the blower utility beyond jobsite cleanup tasks.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Blower (Gen 2)

Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Gen 2 cordless blower, 2724, features a brushless motor and is said to have the power to clear things away from up to 15 feet. It can be used for clearing larger indoor areas of sawdust and similar air-movable debris.

Milwaukee also designed this blower for landscaping professionals and other users seeking a cordless battery-powered alternative to gas engine leaf blowers.

The two power settings give users a high speed for more demanding cleanup tasks, and the lower power setting is said to be “optimized for clearing debris from flower beds without moving mulch.”

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Leaf Blower

Make sure you are confident about your own expertise with leaf blowers before trying to find the best blowers to clean up your yard. Consider the size, weight, power, and runtime of the tool to help determine which products are the best leaf blowers. Also, keep in mind that while extra features like a variable speed trigger are great, the core functionality of the leaf blower is more important.

Gas- or Battery-Powered

The question of whether you should buy a gas or electric blower is the first aspect to take into consideration when shopping for a leaf blower. You can likely reach a conclusion based on the size of your yard. Gas-powered models offer greater mobility and a longer run time, but they’re louder, smellier, heavier, and require more maintenance. On the plus side, they’re better at moving wet leaves and work well on difficult terrain like stairs and hills. If you have a large yard and opt for a battery-powered model, you’ll likely need to invest in an extra battery or two to extend its runtime.

Similar to vacuums, blowers come in both cordless and corded variants. Corded ones are best suited for small suburban landscapes or to clean out your garage. Cordless models are a good pick for the eco-conscious and those who don’t need super-fast blowing speeds.

Backpack or Handheld

You can also choose from different styles of blowers. Some leaf blowers are handheld (which are the most popular), while other styles you can wear like a backpack or push and walk behind. According to our lawncare expert, Roy Berendsohn, backpack models are less tiring to use. They are typically more powerful than handheld models — which allows you to clear deeper leaf piles, wet leaves, or semi-frozen leave with little effort on your part. Not to mention, since your hands are free, you can more easily move outdoor furniture or a gas grill that may get in the way.

On the other hand, handheld blowers are less expensive, take up less room and are easier to store, and work well in tight spaces. If you only have to clear a paved surface like a driveway, garage, or patio, you’ll be plenty happy with a handheld blower.

CFM Versus MPH

As you’d expect, different types of blowers don’t perform the same way. Gas blowers are typically the most powerful, have the highest blow speeds (measured in MPH), and discharge more air (measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM). Our colleagues at Good Housekeeping say that for leaf-clearing jobs in areas that are larger than an acre, you’ll need a minimum of 400 CFM.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet and reliable electric model, a convenient cordless one, a powerful yet still affordable gas blower, or a more sophisticated walk-behind, we have you covered after researching and comparing 30 different leaf blowers. So, stop spending all weekend running around with a rake and invest in one of these efficient leaf blowers, which make cleanup a breeze.

Gas vs. Electric: Picking the Right Leaf Blower

Speed, convenience, budget—all are important considerations when weighing gas vs. electric.

In the handheld category, gas and battery blowers can each make quick work of leaves and are still the fastest way to clear a yard full of leaves. The best corded-electric blowers are powerful enough for many big jobs, though you’ll have to stay within 100 feet of a power outlet. (Most outdoor extension cords top out at that length.)

Gas handheld leaf blowers go anywhere, but they weigh and cost more than corded electrics—and they’re noisier. They also require fueling and maintenance. Cordless electric, also called battery-powered leaf blowers, now offer power on a par with gas models, but they have limited run time per battery charge—expect 8 to 30 minutes on a charge.

Some handheld blowers also collect yard debris via a vacuum, a feature that comes in handy for sucking up leaves as they fall or for taking care of stragglers. But their relatively small tubes limit how much you can vacuum at once, making them best for really small yards, where you can bag up the mulched leaves.

Backpack blowers typically cost more than handheld blowers, but they offer more power and transfer weight from your arms to your back and shoulders. Backpacks tip the scales at 22 pounds, but this type can still feel lighter than a 10-pound handheld blower because the weight is better distributed. These are best for large lawns, and you can go with a traditional gas-powered backpack blower or a battery-powered model. Battery types are relative newcomers to the field, and in our tests, the best of these can hold their own against gas when it comes to sweeping power.

Got lots of leaves and a level property? Wheeled blowers pack the most power by far. They also take up the most storage space, can be tough to push and control, and bear the biggest price tags of all these categories. They’re really best for large, flat yards that abut the woods. They’re tough to push on hills, and if you live in an area with close neighbors, it’s easy to accidentally blow leaves into an adjacent yard.

Our Top Picks

While there are a tremendous number of options out there, the following list narrows down the possibilities to some of the best milwaukee leaf blowers on the market. The criteria outlined above was used to identify standouts in a variety of categories. We then put each one through a rigorous test, cleaning up wet and dry leaves and lawn debris in a variety of settings. Our findings are outlined in the reviews below. One of these tools may be what you need to take care of those leaves around the yard.

1. Milwaukee 0852-20 M12 Lithium-Ion Cordless Compact Spot Blower

Milwaukee 0852-20 M12 Lithium-Ion Cordless Compact Spot Blower

The M12 Compact Spot Blower delivers more control and faster cleanup. It features high and low speed settings, a lock-on button and a variable speed trigger for increased control during jobsite cleanup. The M12 Compact Spot Blower’s compact size allows for greater access, maneuverability in tight spaces, and easy storage. The axial fan provides the best combination of power and run-time with 175 CFM and 110 MPH of air speed.

The M12 Compact Spot Blower includes (2) nozzles. The rubber nozzle removes debris from hard-to-reach spaces. The wide sweeping nozzle efficiently clears debris in open spaces. The M12 Compact Spot Blower is ideal for jobsite and work bench cleanup. The M12 Compact Spot Blower is fully compatible with 100+ solutions on the M12 system.

Features:

  • More controlled, faster cleanup
  • 2 Modes and Variable Speed trigger increase control
  • Compact size and rubber nozzle for tight spaces
  • Axial fan for best combination of power and run-time
  • Maximum Air Speed: 110 MPH
  • Maximum Air Volume: 175 CFM
  • Rubber nozzle removes debris in hard-to-reach places
  • Wide sweeping nozzle efficiently clears debris in open spaces
  • Lock-on switch reduces user fatigue

2. Milwaukee 2724-20 M18 FUEL Blower

Milwaukee 2724-20 M18 FUEL Blower

The Milwaukee 2724-20 M18 FUEL Blower makes quick work of cleanup with no gas headaches. This lightweight blower delivers up to 450 CFM and moves air at up to 120 MPH, so users will have the power to handle their landscape cleanup tasks. The brushless motor ensures the M18 FUEL Blower reaches full speed in under 1 second, while users can control airflow via high/low electronic control and a variable speed trigger. At only 4.9 lbs (without battery), landscape professionals and homeowners alike can complete the job without fatigue.

Features:

  • Moves a maximum air volume of 450 CFM at up to 120 MPH
  • Reaches full speed in under one second
  • High/low electronic speed settings and variable speed trigger
  • Lock on button reduces fatigue
  • 3 Year limited warranty
  • Compatible with all M18 batteries

3. Milwaukee 2724-21HD M18 FUEL Blower Kit

Milwaukee 2724-21HD M18 FUEL Blower Kit

The M18 FUEL™ Blower has the power to clear from 15 ft, gets to full throttle in under 1 second, and is up to 4 lbs lighter than competitors. Designed to meet landscape maintenance professional needs, the POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor and REDLITHIUM™ HIGH DEMAND™ XC 8.0Ah Battery deliver 450 CFM and 120 MPH output. The blower features a variable speed trigger and high/low speed settings for increased control.

The high setting is for the most demanding applications and low is optimized for clearing debris from flower beds without moving mulch. The lock on button allows the blower to be locked on to full throttle, so the operating hand can be relaxed reducing fatigue. The M18 FUEL™ Blower is fully compatible with 150+ solutions on the M18™ system.

Features:

  • Power to Clear From 15′
  • Full Throttle In Under 1 Second
  • Up to 4 lbs. Lighter
  • POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor: Delivers more power under load and longer motor life
  • REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence: Provides optimized performance and overload protection using total system communication between tool, battery and charger
  • REDLITHIUM™ HIGH DEMAND™ 8.0Ah Battery: Delivers unmatched run-time, power, and longer life (sold seperately)
  • Maximum Air Volume: 450 CFM
  • Maximum Air Speed: 120 MPH
  • Lock On Button: Yes
  • High/Low Speed Settings

4. Milwaukee 0884-20 M18 18V Lithium-Ion Compact Handheld Blower

Milwaukee 0884-20 M18 18V Lithium-Ion Compact Handheld Blower

The M18 Compact Blower delivers the fastest jobsite cleanup. The 0884-20 offers a best in class power to size ratio. The M18 Compact Blower has power control that includes a 3-speed electronic switch, lock-on and a variable speed trigger which allows for versatile clearing power.

This blower moves air at 160 MPH and 100 CFM for class-leading performance. Featuring a shock-absorbing polymer body and a crush resistant nozzle the M18 Compact Blower delivers jobsite durability. Included is a 9 in. extension nozzle to clear dust and debris easily from the ground or overhead. The 0884-20 also comes with a universal inflator/deflator. Works with all Milwaukee M18 Batteries (batteries sold separately).

Features:

  • 3-Speed electronic switch and variable speed trigger allow for versatile clearing power
  • Extension nozzle clears dust and debris easily from the ground or overhead without having to lean over or stretch
  • Shock-absorbing polymer and reinforced handle resists drops
  • Lock-on switch reduces user fatigue
  • Universal inflator/deflator for easy set-up and take-down of most inflatable products
  • Nozzle made from soft plastic to resist crushing or cracking

5. Factory Reconditioned Milwaukee 2728-80 M18 FUEL 450 CFM Handheld Blower

Factory Reconditioned Milwaukee 2728-80 M18 FUEL 450 CFM Handheld Blower

The M18 FUEL Blower has the power to clear from 15 ft. of distance, generating up to 30% less noise than competing gas models while providing the longest max CFM run time compared to other cordless blowers. Designed to meet landscape maintenance professionals needs, it features a POWERSTATE brushless motor and runs off REDLITHIUM power for the longest run times and most consistent power available.

Features:

  • POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers constant power under heavy load for maximum performance
  • REDLINK PLUS intelligence system ensure optimal performance and overload protection to prevent damage during heavy applications
  • REDLITHIUM battery pack provides superior power, performance and runtimes than competing battery packs

FAQs

Which is more important for a leaf blower, CFM or mph?

It depends on the intention of the user. If the goal is to move a large number of leaves, then a higher CFM rating is more important for the leaf blower. However, if the goal is to push a small to moderate amount of leaves across a very long distance, then it’s better to opt for a higher mph rating.

How many CFM should a good leaf blower have?

CFM is responsible for the volume of leaves and other debris that the blower can push. A good CFM rating usually falls between 300 and 500 CFM.

Do leaf blowers take regular gas?

The specific blower will have instructions about the type of gas and oil that it needs, including the appropriate gas-to-oil ratio, if necessary. Always refer to the manufacturer’s directions for information on fueling because differences can and often do exist among products.

Are electric leaf blowers quiet?

All leaf blowers produce some sound in the form of high-pressure airflow, but electric leaf blowers don’t rely on a noisy gas-powered engine, so they are usually much quieter than a gas leaf blower.

Can you use a leaf blower on wet leaves?

Whether a leaf blower can be used on wet leaves depends on the CFM of the specific leaf blower and the amount of wet leaves. If there is a large pile of wet leaves, even very powerful blowers will have an issue moving it. If the leaves are in small clumps or spread out across the lawn, then a leaf blower should be able to move them without much issue.

How long should a cordless leaf blower last?

In general, most battery-powered leaf blowers will last 20 to 30 minutes per charge. However, there are several variables that will affect how long a cordless leaf blower lasts. Gas-powered models will naturally last longer than battery-powered units, and they can be refueled immediately. The type of battery and speed at which your blower is operating will impact the runtime, as well. (In particular, running a leaf blower on its highest setting will drain its battery extremely quickly.)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *