I have always had a hard time dealing with fallen pine needles in my yard.
These things are very hard to remove, and a standard leaf blower is never truly cut out for blowing them away effectively.
I have often been left with a lack for words after seeing how truly resilient they can be.
So, you will need a blower which is not just reliable but powerful enough to remove the stickiest of pine needles.
But finding a leaf blower which is capable of balancing the two is something quite hard to come by. Even a lot of adept yard care enthusiasts have a tough time picking the one which is right for the job.
So, if you’re facing the same dilemma I might just have the perfect list for you today. The blowers I have listed today are not just my personal favorites but some of the most popular tools in the market.
So what kind of Leaf Blower do you need?
The kind of leaf blower that you will need for the job will depend on the type of tree and yard size you’re dealing with.
In my experience, if it’s just a single small tree, then a portable handheld leaf blower will suit your needs just fine. But for bigger yards with multiple trees, you might have to invest in a bigger and more powerful blower.
The sticky nature of the pine needles makes them one of the hardest to remove. They often cling to each other and onto the grass and will need a good amount of force to remove.
And taller the grass, the harder it gets to find a viable solution for them. Leaves, in comparison, are much easier to deal with as they have a bigger surface area that allows adequate air to flow through and carry them away.
The Top 5 Leaf Blowers for Pine Needles
Because of the reasons mentioned above, you’ll need a powerful leaf blower to deal with this task. The models I’ll show you today are some of the most powerful out there.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Echo PB-8010 Backpack Blower
If you’re looking for a leaf blower that is quite well-rounded and balanced in all departments, then you can rarely find a model better than the Echo PB-8010.
Why go for this blower?
The Echo PB-8010 is specifically designed to not physically strain the user when it’s in use. It comes with a lot of functional features that I found to be rather user-friendly, and something that even a novice can pick up.
I was able to use the blower for an extended period of time on a mid to large scale yard. As the throttle of the model is located on the tube, it allowed my left hand to be free and grip the blower accordingly to provide more support and control.
Reliable Power
The Echo PB-8010 is one of the more reliable pine needle removal devices out there.
As it’s gas-powered, you know that you’ll be getting a strong engine that can effortlessly blow away the stickiest of pine needles and wet leaves. The device is rated for a maximum air volume output of 1071 cubic feet per minute, which is just amazing for a blower of its class.
Though the max speed rating is quite average at 211 MPH, the increased volume of the air produced more than makes up for it. The Echo PB-8010 will help you get a large yard cleaned up in no time at all, I’m sure.
Customizable speed settings
When it comes to maintaining my yard, I usually prefer going for those tools which come with a lot of customizable features.
Hence, the very fact that the Echo PB-8010 comes with a ‘variable speed setting’ makes me instantly want to recommend it to my friends and colleagues.
Large Fuel Tank
The Echo PB-8010 is designed to support an incredibly large fuel tank. When compared to most of its competitors, this blower boasts a capacity that far surpasses the average model.
The tank is capable of holding about 83.8 fluid ounces, which allows the blower to work for extended periods without having to stop for re-fuels.
The blower is quite fuel-efficient for its size as well, and help you to save up on gas costs in the long run.
What could have been better?
With the pros aside, what truly disappointed me about the Echo PB-8010T is its weight. Weighing in at 24.5 pounds, the blower is quite heavy, and is not the easiest tool to transport.
The bigger fuel tank adds to the overall weight and compromises significantly on the portability of the machine. Though controlling the blower is easy, moving around with it is not.
Anyway, check out the video below if you want to see how this blower deals with pine needles. It’s a bit long, but worth watching if you want to see the PB-8010 in action (pine needle action starts from around 5:00).
Pros
- It has a reliable power output with high air volume that makes any job easier.
- Variable speed settings allow for ease of use and customizability.
- Large fuel capacity will help you to work for an extended period of time.
Cons
- The leaf blower is quite heavy and not as portable as I would like it to be.
2. Husqvarna 580BTS Leaf Blower
When compared to wheeled blowers, backpack blowers are not known to generate an incredible amount of power. However, the Husqvarna 580BTS is one of the very few backpack blower models on the market today that gives its wheeled competitors a run for their money.
It is loaded to the brim with power and efficiency.
So why buy this product?
Now, when compared to the Echo PB-8010, the Husqvarna 580BTS may not be the most powerful leaf blower on the list, but it sure is efficient.
The maximum air volume output of 908 cubic feet per minute and a maximum airspeed of 209 MPH, makes the blower easy to use for newer users. Controlling the machine doesn’t take much, and much like the previous model, the throttle is placed on the tube.
With the free left hand, you can get a better grip of the blower and make its action more precise and efficient.
Saves you fuel
Unlike most other gas-based gardening tools, the Husqvarna 580BTS doesn’t burn through its fuel tank in the blink of an eye. It’s one of the more efficient leaf blowers on my list today and comes designed with what Husqvarna likes to call an X-Torq engine.
This latest in the company’s trademarked technology allows the machine to significantly reduce its fuel consumption – by almost 20%.
However, fuel consumption is not the only thing that the technology minimizes; it keeps harmful emissions at an all-time low as well, making the 580BTS a very eco-friendly choice.
Speed Settings
This blower comes with convenient variable speed settings as well, which allows you to customize its effectiveness to meet any job at hand.
Not only will you be able to do the job accurately, you’ll even save up on the fuel by minimizing consumption. For harder jobs just dial up the speed, which makes the task much easier.
Low Noise emission
Most gas-powered leaf blowers are known to produce a lot of noise when in use.
The Husqvarna 580BTS is fortunately on the lower side of the decibel scale and has a rating of 112 dB, which is quite low compared to the amount of power it’s able to generate. However, you should still wear some form of ear protection while using it.
What could have been better?
Though an incredible leaf blower for the price, what really got me down about the blower is that for a backpack model, the 580BTS is incredibly heavy.
At 25.8 pounds, moving around with it too much is going to be a problem for a lot of users. However, the backpack straps evenly distributes the unit weight on the shoulders to minimize the stress caused.
Pros
- One of the most powerful backpack leaf blower models on the market.
- Customizable speed options to fit the requirements of the job at hand.
- Low noise emission compared to other blowers of its class.
Cons
- Quite heavy to constantly move around with.
3. Husqvarna 967144301 360BT Backpack Blower
The Husqvarna 360BT is a perfect fit for those homeowners who have a smaller yard that doesn’t see much pine needles. It’s small, compact, easy to use, and I highly recommend it for newer users who are still quite new to using leaf blowers and yard care in general.
Why go for this leaf blower?
Perfectly caters to smaller yards
With an air volume output of 631 cubic feet per minute and an airspeed of 232 MPH, the Husqvarna 360BT is designed to be quite reliable in catering to the needs of smaller yards.
If you have just a few pine trees and don’t want to invest in a more powerful machine, then this leaf blower will be the perfect pick.
The lower power helps newer users get into yard care, as it makes the blower much easier to control. The weight is on the lower side as well, and the backpack feature evenly distributes the weight to make the device quite portable.
Low Noise Emission
Much like the previous Husqvarna model on the list, the 360BT creates much less noise than most gas-powered models on the market.
The 360BT, too, comes with what Husqvarna likes to call, an X-Torque engine. This new and improved technology helps to reduce fuel consumption of the device by almost 20% and allows you to save up on a lot of the fuel costs.
But apart from minimizing the fuel intake, it reduces harmful exhaust emissions by 60% as well.
However, reduced fuel consumption and emission don’t necessarily mean that the manufacturer compromised on the power of the blower in any way. Even with low emissions, the machine produces a high level of torque over a significantly wider rpm range.
Better Fuel capacity
With a capacity of 74.4 fl.oz of fuel, the overall tank volume of the Husqvarna 360BT is a bit above average. This helps the blower last for an extended period of time (when coupled with fuel efficiency and consumption), and you will not have to frequently stop for refills.
What could have been better?
The Husqvarna 360BT is perfect for smaller yards, but when it comes to the bigger, mid-sized ones, it often fails to deliver.
So, I would really like it if the blower came with a bit more power to at least allow users to tidy up mid-sized yards.
Pros
- One of the best leaf blower models for newer users and small yards.
- Lightweight for its size
- Great fuel efficiency and fuel capacity that will help you save on operation costs.
Cons
- Not powerful enough to clean mid to large-sized yards.
4. Makita EB7650WH 75.6 cc MM4 4-Stroke Engine Hip Throttle Backpack Blower
The Makita EB7650WH is another amazing backpack leaf blower for small to mid-sized yards that comes with a variety of easy to use features. The power is reliable as well, and for a 4-stroke engine, it’s designed to go head to head with the most capable of 2-stroke leaf blowers.
Why go for this leaf blower?
When it comes to the type of leaf blower I want to get for my yard, I generally prefer going for those models which come with a hip-mounted throttle and not a nozzle mounted one.
Sure, throttles present on the nozzle will allow your left hand to be free to grip the blower for better handling. But a hip mount, on the other hand, equally distributes the weight and balance of the unit to make it even easier for users to control the airflow.
The hip mounting feature of the Makita EB7650WH applies much less stress on the right hand, and you will be able to use the machine for an extended period of time.
Easier Fuel Use
The engine of the Makita EB7650WH boasts a displacement of 75.6cc and comes with a 4-stroke engine. Now the advantages of the 4-stroke engine over the 2-stroke one lie in the type of fuel used.
In the 2-stroke model, the fuel that you need must be a specific mixture of gas and oil for the machine to run. But, that’s not the case with the 4 stroke one, so users are not as inconvenienced.
Efficient MM4 Engine Technology
4 stroke engines are not considered to be as powerful as the 2-stroke ones when it comes to the field of leaf blowers.
But Makita changes that perception by providing their EB7650WH with an engine with what they like to call the MM4 Technology. This 4-cycle engine is now capable of generating air volumes and torque, which can rival the output of the best 2-stroke engines.
This engine makes the blower quite user-friendly, as well. It keeps the model light and has lower noise and vibration levels that makes it the perfect pick for domestic and amateur users.
Moreover, when compared to the standard 2-stroke leaf blowers, this MM4 tech model is capable of producing an output that is 20 to 30 percent more efficient.
The gas consumption is also at an all-time low, and the engine boasts a faster and easier startup with lower maintenance and servicing requirements. Harmful emissions are 90% lower compared to an equivalent 2-stroke engine, and you can use this blower as much as you want without damaging your lungs in the process.
What could have been better?
The biggest downside of the EB7650WH is the price that it comes at. With all the features it boasts, it’s really not all that surprising why it’s so expensive. And, it’s this very cost that keeps most average customers away from the blower. I would really like it if Makita made it more financially accessible for regular users.
Pros
- MM4 technology engine is capable of competing with the power 2-stroke engines.
- The hip mount is easier to handle and control.
- Low emissions and higher fuel efficiency than 2-stroke engines.
Cons
- The price is rather high and not affordable for many.
5. ECHO PB-2520 25.4cc Handheld Leaf Blower
The ECHO PB-2520 is going to be the final leaf blower model on my list today. It’s the only handheld blower I will be reviewing today, and the reason that I have saved it a spot on the list is that, even though it lacks power compared to the rest, it’s incredibly reliable.
Why go for this leaf blower?
Don’t you just love it when you’re able to carry your tool all over the yard?
The handheld design of the ECHO PB-2520 was made with mobility in mind. For smaller yards with pine sheddings and needles in the difficult to reach parts, this blower is the perfect pick.
The portability coupled with the easy to use features will allow you to tidy up your garden in every single part, even the corners, which any other leaf blower would not be able to reach.
Coming at a weight of just 8.8 pounds, this blower will hardly put much stress on your arms, helping you to work for extended hours.
Power and reliability
With a 170 MPH airspeed and an air volume of 453 cubic feet per meter, the ECHO PB-2520 may not be able to compete with the rest of the blowers on the list, but for a handheld model, it’s very powerful.
The nozzle can be easily controlled due to the reduced power, and you will be able to access the hard to reach parts of your garden. It clears sticky pine needles rather well, and you will not have to strain yourself or work for extended periods to get the job done.
Convenient Speed Settings
This product is all about giving more control to the user and make the pine needle removal process as effortless as possible.
And this is precisely why the blower comes with a convenient variable speed setting, to help the user adjust the airflow of the machine to meet the requirements of the yard. If you want to gently remove pine leaves without affecting the surrounding foliage, then just turn down the flow.
On the other hand, if you have to remove a lot of pine needles from the garden faster, you can always increase the power as you see fit.
Lower Noise Emission
The noise output of the ECHO PB-2520 when in use is just 70 dB, which is much lower than what the other blowers on the list produce. The vibrations are at an all-time low too.
What could have been better?
The overall power of the ECHO PB-2520 is what disappoints me the most about the leaf blower. The airflow and speed output is quite low when compared to the backpack models, and it can only cater to the needs of smaller yards.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable design allows for higher maneuverability.
- Will allow you to access the hard to reach parts of the yard easily.
- Variable speed settings offer more control to the user.
Cons
- Not powerful enough to cater to the needs of larger yards.
A Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Right Leaf Blower for Pine Needles
With so many amazing leaf blower models out in the market today, it can indeed be difficult to pick the one that can fit your needs the best.
So, before you go ahead and invest in the one that catches your fancy, there are a few things that I believe that you should look out for.
The Price tag
It honestly goes without saying how crucial price is when it comes to purchasing any gardening tool. For both domestic and professional leaf blower users, it’s important to go for a model that is budget-friendly and easy on the pockets.
Many a time I have opted for models which blew a hole through my savings, just because it was offering features which nothing else did. But those were features that I rarely ever used, and it felt like a waste in the long run.
So, it’s better to look out for models that are not overpriced and boast excessive features that you do not need.
The leaf blower you invest in should not only be economical but offer excellent performance and output force for the money that you pay for it. It should be able to get the job done without any operational hassles.
Easier Maintenance
If you ask professional lawn care experts what is one of the most important features to look for in a blower, then the answer you will often get is ‘low maintenance’.
Leaf blowers are not only useful during spring, but you can blow away leaves with them as well as thin layers of snow. So, if the machine is easy to maintain, you will be able to use it throughout the year without having to pay extra to have it repaired and cleaned by a technician.
Blowers that are easy to maintain are also easy to store, and you can put it away in the shed or garage when not in use.
Better Design
By design I mean to ask ‘how ergonomic is the blower,’ or ‘how easy is it to use?’.
Now, for beginner leaf blower users, I would recommend that you go for a model that is easy to control and has a power output that is manageable. This is what makes the design of the model so very important to me, as you will not be able to use a blower to its optimal potential if you’re not able to control it from the get-go.
Final Thoughts
With so many amazing leaf blower models out there today, I know how difficult it can be to find the one that can fit your needs the best.
But I hope my guide and reviews today were able to help you with your decision.
Till next time!