Equipment Guide

Electric blowers and yard tools that get the job done, for homeowners and commercial crews alike.

The "electric isn't powerful enough" argument is outdated. Modern battery-powered commercial blowers match gas performance with a fraction of the noise, zero emissions, and lower lifetime cost. Here's what to look for.

For Homeowners

If you're maintaining your own yard, you don't need commercial-grade equipment. These models handle leaves, grass clippings, and driveway debris easily.

Best Overall

EGO Power+ LB6504

56V · 650 CFM · up to 130 MPH · ~75 min runtime

The go-to recommendation for homeowners. Powerful enough for heavy leaf cleanup, quiet enough to use early morning without waking neighbors. Runs on EGO's 56V battery platform, which is compatible across their full tool lineup.

Budget Pick

Greenworks 40V Brushless

40V · 430 CFM · up to 115 MPH · ~30 min runtime

Great for small to medium yards. Less airflow than the EGO, but lighter, quieter, and significantly cheaper. Battery works with other Greenworks 40V tools.

For Commercial Landscapers

These are the machines that landscaping crews in ban towns are actually using. Commercial-grade power, swappable batteries, and all-day runtime with spare packs.

Commercial Grade

EGO Power+ LBX6000 (Backpack)

56V · 800 CFM · up to 190 MPH · swappable batteries

The commercial backpack blower that's replacing gas in towns with bans. Matches gas performance on airflow. With two 10Ah batteries, a crew can run all day. Significantly lighter than gas backpack units.

Commercial Grade

Makita XBU04 (Backpack)

36V (18V x2) · 722 CFM · up to 120 MPH · runs on 18V LXT batteries

Runs on Makita's massive 18V battery ecosystem. Many landscapers already own compatible packs. Strong airflow, durable build, and backed by Makita's commercial warranty and service network.

Commercial Grade

Greenworks 82V Commercial Backpack

82V · 690 CFM · up to 175 MPH · swappable batteries

Greenworks' commercial line is built for daily professional use. The 82V platform delivers consistent power across the battery's full charge cycle, with no fade as the battery drains.

Cost of Ownership

	Gas Backpack	Electric Backpack
Equipment cost	$400 – $600	$400 – $700
Fuel (per year)	$300 – $500	$15 – $30 (electricity)
Maintenance (per year)	$100 – $200	Near zero
Engine rebuild (every 2-3 years)	$150 – $300	N/A
5-year total cost	$2,400 – $4,100	$475 – $850

For a more detailed breakdown tailored to your situation, try our cost calculator.

Buying Tips

Buy into a battery platform, not a single tool. EGO, Makita, and Greenworks all offer full lineups (mower, trimmer, hedge trimmer, chainsaw) that share the same battery. One investment in batteries covers everything.

Get at least two batteries for commercial use. While one runs, the other charges. With modern fast chargers, you'll never be waiting.

Don't judge by the spec sheet alone. CFM (air volume) matters more than MPH (air speed) for moving leaves. Look for 600+ CFM for commercial work.