When it comes to gas-powered leaf blowers, you generally have two options: handheld or backpack. Each one serves a purpose depending on the job at hand. Below we will walk you through the differences using two popular Stihl models as examples—the BG50 handheld blower and the BR600 backpack blower—and even talk a little about battery-powered leaf blowers as well.

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Types of Leaf Blowers

Handheld Blowers

Let’s start with handheld blowers, using the BG50 as our reference point. This is the smallest blower in Stihl’s lineup, making it lightweight and easy to handle at just 7.9 pounds. Because of its size, this type of blower is ideal for homeowners or anyone who needs something quick and simple to use for light tasks. Whether you’re blowing leaves off the driveway or clearing grass clippings off the patio after mowing, a gas-powered handheld blower like this one is a great option.

Despite its compact size, it runs on a fuel mixture just like any larger blower, ensuring you get a decent run time without needing constant refueling. With a 14.5-ounce fuel capacity, it can handle smaller jobs efficiently without weighing you down.

Backpack Blowers

Now, moving on to backpack blowers—these are the big guns of the blower world. The BR600 is more toward the higher end of Stihl’s backpack blower lineup, though not the most powerful (that would be the BR800). These units are heavier, ranging from around 20 to 26 pounds, but remember, the weight is distributed across your back instead of your arms, making it more comfortable for extended use.

Fuel capacity is another area where backpack blowers shine. The BR600, for instance, holds up to 47.5 ounces of fuel—nearly three times as much as the BG50. This means more work can be done before you need to stop and refuel. If you’re a commercial landscaper or have a large property to maintain, this extra capacity is a big advantage.

Battery-Powered Blowers

Now, let’s switch gears a bit and talk about battery-powered blowers. Battery options are growing in popularity because they offer quiet operation, zero emissions, and less maintenance than gas-powered units. Stihl offers a variety of battery-powered blowers, ranging from entry-level residential units to professional-grade models. Let’s break down a few examples.

First, there’s the AK series, which is Stihl’s mid-level residential line. For instance, the BGA 57 in this series is perfect for smaller properties and quick cleanups. It offers 365 CFMs, which is less than the smallest gas-powered blower but might be all you need for light tasks. The AK20 battery gives you about 20-25 minutes of runtime, which is more than enough for smaller jobs around the yard.

Next, we move into the AP series, which steps up the power and durability for more professional use. Take the BGA 86, for example—this blower delivers 553 CFMs, giving you plenty of power to handle larger tasks. The runtime with an AP battery is similar to the BGA 57 at about 20-25 minutes per charge, so you can knock out bigger jobs without sacrificing too much power.

Finally, for the ultimate in battery-powered blowers, there’s the BGA 200 paired with a backpack battery like the AR 3000L. This combination is designed for professionals who need maximum power and runtime. The BGA 200 can deliver 600+ CFMs, and the backpack battery can last up to 500 minutes on a single charge—more than enough for a full day’s work.

The great thing about Stihl’s battery lineup is the interchangeable batteries. For example, if you’ve got a BGA 57 with an AK20 battery, that same battery will fit other AK series tools like chainsaws, trimmers, and hedge cutters. This kind of versatility makes investing in battery-powered tools even more appealing, especially as more equipment in your lineup can share the same battery system.

Battery vs. Gas Powered

Air Volume and Performance

Air volume is something that can easily get overlooked when choosing a blower, but it’s actually a critical factor in how effectively you’ll be able to get your work done. Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and this determines how much air the blower is pushing out. For the BG50, we’re talking about 412 CFMs—a respectable number for smaller jobs.

On the other hand, the BR800—the largest of the backpack blowers—puts out a whopping 912 CFMs. This is more than double the output of the BG50, making it far better suited for heavy-duty tasks like clearing large piles of leaves or debris quickly. So if your work involves moving significant amounts of material, a backpack blower like the BR600 or BR800 is definitely the way to go.

Another thing to think about is comfort during extended use. With a handheld blower, all the weight and strain are on your arm. If you have a big job, this can get tiring pretty fast. On the other hand, backpack blowers allow you to spread the weight evenly across your shoulders and back, making them a much better option for longer jobs, even though they weigh more overall.

Which is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing between battery and gas, it really depends on your needs. Battery-powered blowers are quieter, require less maintenance, and are much easier to start—you just push a button and go. They’re great for smaller yards or areas where noise is a concern, and because they don’t produce emissions, they’re more environmentally friendly.

However, if you’re tackling bigger jobs or need more power and longer runtime, gas-powered blowers still have the edge. They have higher CFMs, longer runtimes, and can handle the toughest jobs. The downside is that they’re noisier, require more maintenance, and you’ll need to keep fuel on hand.

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No matter which type of blower you choose—whether it’s a handheld, backpack, gas, or battery model—it’s important to think through your specific needs. If you’re a homeowner with a smaller yard, something like the BG50 or BGA 57 might be perfect for you. But if you’ve got larger areas to maintain or you’re a professional landscaper, investing in a BR600 or BGA 200 might be a better fit.

At the end of the day, each blower has its place, and the right one will make all the difference when it comes to keeping your property clean and clear.