SteveBell wrote:
CGB wrote:

Will be purchasing one. Live in New England. Question is the type.
I have come to the conclusion that hedge trimmers etc. powered by
rechargeable batteries just never seem to have enough oooomph for
the job, even when fully charged. Does anyone take exception to that?

I'm torn between an electric blower, run by AC current via a long
extension cord (I hate the thought of dragging this around) or a
gasoline powered blower ( not one with the motor transported on my
back but with the motor in the unit itself). Wife won't use a
gasoline powered one (can't start it, period) and wants the electric
cord powered one. I want power and convenience. I guess I'm OK with
getting gas/oil ratios, changing plugs, etc., etc. if that is what is
requiered to have a powerful unit and not drag cords all around,
what's one more small engine to fool around with....ugh..

Question is: Can I get an AC powered unit that has enough power to
do the job (half acre lawn, lot of pine needles and oak leaves) and
put up with the inconvenience of dragging the cord or should I go to
gasoline powered machine? First of all, I want something that works,
secondly which is more convenient if either type of machine works.

After answering above question, how much wind speed, air flow in cfm,
? get one that works as vacuum machine or not, etc., do you
recommend. Brand, model recommendations/warnings appreciated.

Thanks. I've had enough of lawn care for this year but I've got to
do it and want to get it overwith

I had an electric one for several years. The air speed rating was
higher than any of the gasoline options. I liked it just fine until I
started doing other people's yards. Dragging a cord around damaged
their flowers and such, and I couldn't be sure there was an available
outlet.

When it died, I replaced it with an attachment for my Troy-Bilt
trimmer--one of the interchangeable kind. It's not as easy to hold, but
I have only one motor to worry about.

For half an acre, you'll do fine with an electric model. Just don't
drag the cord through the petunias.

Mostly agree- for a small lot, electric is fine. The vacuum attachment
on mine is useless for picking up more than one leaf at a time. The
blower function is great- use it for leaves, gutter cleaning, dry snow
less than 2 inches, etc. Toro black 60-buck Borg model, 3 years of heavy
abuse, and works fine. When it craps out, I'll buy another just like it.
Yes, the cords are a pain, but I'd rather hassle with that then the care
and feeding of another small engine.

--
aem sends...