Phisherman wrote:

On Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:57:49 -0500, "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

Chet\



I have tried several types and now satisfied with a gas-powered
back-pack type. I have about 200 trees and it does a fast job of
moving an 8-foot mound of leaves. I use it in the summer to sweep
sidewalks and driveways. An electric model simply doesn't have the
power and is a joke. Pine needles nor pine cones don't blow so
easily, at least the ones in my yard.

I have a lot of leaves too and agree with your solution. I bought
the second-largest Echo and it does a great job. A couple of winters
ago, we had about a foot of very dry snow overnight and my blower did
a great job of cleaning the driveway. Fun stuff! Not possible with
the typical heavy snow though.