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2-Cycle vs. 4-Cycle Leaf Blowers

Wondering what the differences between 2 cycle and 4 cycle leaf blowers are? We’re here to tell you what’s what when it comes to both types, and which you should consider for your handywork.

2 cycle leaf blowers

Often the cheaper of the two types, a 2 cycle leaf blower is powerful, lightweight, and can really pack a punch.

2-Cycle Leaf Blower

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2 cycle leaf blowers need both gas and oil to run without a hitch, and once they’re up and running, they’re often more powerful than their 4 cycle cousins, making them the more common choice for homeowners.

The downside? A 2 cycle leaf blower can be loud. And, they tend to give off a lot of pollution, which makes them no only inconvenient, but damaging for the environment. This doesn’t always become a massive problem however, as you’re more than likely going to use it in short bursts, for shorter periods of time. That means less damage to the ears and your surroundings.

Related Post: Best Gas-Powered Leaf Blower/Vacuums

4 cycle leaf blowers

4 cycle leaf blowers are more expensive than their 2 cycle counterparts due to the fact that they have more moving parts, and are on the whole a little bit more fuel efficient.

4-Cycle Leaf Blower

These leaf blowers can be run with a mixture of gas and oil, much like the 2 cycle leaf blowers. However, with a 4 cycle, you don’t need to get the mixture perfect for it to run like a dream. Do be aware though that these leaf blowers are pretty heavy, and whilst that may not be a problem in the short term, they can cause pain and discomfort after longer periods of usage.

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Which type of leaf blower is right for me?

There are clear pros and cons for both the 2 cycle and 4 cycle leaf blowers so it really depends on how often, when, and where you plan on using one.

As we mentioned above, 2 cycles are often the more popular choice due to their lightweight, powerful abilities to remove leaves from all over your yard quickly and efficiently. If you’re looking for something to get the job done, no questions asked, it’s certainly the model we would suggest.

4-Cycle Leaf Blower

Related Post: Cordless vs Corded vs. Gas Leaf Blowers

If you’re looking for something a little less environmentally damaging, with less noise pollution but on the weightier side, you should consider a 4 cycle leaf blower. It’ll get the same job done with fewer environmental side effects, but you should always consider how much you’re willing to lift, and whether that would put too much of a strain on you.

With both types of leaf blowers, it’s important to stay safe, and it’s recommended that you use ear and eye protection when handling either type.

2-Cycle Leaf Blower

Our Recommended Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers


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Hitachi RB24EAP Gas Powered Leaf Blower,...
Husqvarna 350BT Gas Leaf Blower, 50.2-cc...
Poulan Pro 967087101 PR48BT 48cc Backpack...
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The Hitachi RB24EAP is a high functioning gas leaf blower that blows leaves about 18 feet away from you. It lacks anti-vibration technology, so this can add to fatigue after long period of use, but its lightweight design helps with its maneuverability.
The Husqvarna 350BT is one of the bestselling gas leaf blowers, and for good reason. It's loud, but generating 180 mph winds in the palm of your hand requires a lot of mechanical energy.
The Poulan Pro PR48BT is a gas-powered backpack leaf blower delivering 475 CFM at 200 MPH. It features a 2-cycle 48 cc engine. Looking for a backpack gas-powered leaf blower? This is the one to buy!
Best Hand-held
Hitachi RB24EAP Gas Powered Leaf Blower,...
Hitachi RB24EAP
441 CFM
8.6 lbs
23.9cc
2-Cycle Engine
The Hitachi RB24EAP is a high functioning gas leaf blower that blows leaves about 18 feet away from you. It lacks anti-vibration technology, so this can add to fatigue after long period of use, but its lightweight design helps with its maneuverability.
Best Backpack
Husqvarna 350BT Gas Leaf Blower, 50.2-cc...
Husqvarna 350BT
494 CFM
22.5 lbs
50.2 cc
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The Husqvarna 350BT is one of the bestselling gas leaf blowers, and for good reason. It's loud, but generating 180 mph winds in the palm of your hand requires a lot of mechanical energy.
Budget Backpack Option
Poulan Pro 967087101 PR48BT 48cc Backpack...
Poulan Pro PR48BT
475 CFM
22 lbs
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The Poulan Pro PR48BT is a gas-powered backpack leaf blower delivering 475 CFM at 200 MPH. It features a 2-cycle 48 cc engine. Looking for a backpack gas-powered leaf blower? This is the one to buy!


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Last Update: 2024-04-23 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Hi I’m Alex, founder of HouseholdMe.com and I’d like to say thank you for dropping by. Like most of you, the first thing I look at before buying something online is reviews or buying guides. By reading what other people say will help me gauge whether or not a product is good or not.  I am trying to help people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired.

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