Power Tools for the New Normal, Part 2 – Cordless Leaf Blower

Burgers and Fries, Lechon and Lechon Sauce, Max’s Fried Chicken and Banana Ketchup. These things are best when they come together. This the same for power tools as certain models are best when purchased as a set. In my case, a Cordless String Trimmer needs to be paired with a Cordless Leaf Blower.

One may recall from my last essay entitled Power Tools for the New Normal, Part 1 – Cordless String Trimmer, I purchased a string trimmer as a cheaper alternative to hiring gardeners who charged a week’s worth of wages for just two hours’ of shoddy work. This purchase was followed several weeks later with a Cordless Leaf Blower because it is less tiring to use than a broom.

Search

Though I was cautiously pleased with my string trimmer, I still checked out other brands. This kicked off five weeks of online research and window shopping.

It was good I did this because I was surprised at the results of my search. While the price of their Lithium-powered Cordless String Trimmer is competitive, the brushed Cordless Leaf Blower was within striking distance of popular or highly rated models. This actually gave me pause because I didn’t want to get tied down to any brand just yet.

However, since I already purchased a string trimmer, I decided to stick with the same company. The only thing I needed to do was wait for a brushless model to come out.

[The brushless version of their leaf blower was not released at the time I purchased their string trimmer.]

The reasons I prefer to use brushless motors include: (a) they are more powerful, (b) battery charges last longer, (c) they do not release any sparks, (d) they don’t wear out as fast as brushed motors and (e) they don’t heat up as quickly as brushed motors.

Decision

After visiting the nearest Ingco branch and discovering that a brushless version was finally out, I pulled out my credit card and went home with the latest model.

By this time, I had already purchased an addition charger and pair of batteries so I could finish my lawn in one continuous session. This allowed me to save money by just purchasing the unit instead of something bundled with batteries.

Test

While this Cordless Leaf Blower is pretty easy to use by just pulling the trigger, I sill took it over to my co-writer for testing.

Packing my Cordless String Trimmer, which continued to smell like tobacco, I headed over to his house. Fortunately for me, my co-writer’s garden was in-between trimmings again. So after an hour and a half of using the string trimmer, I tested out the leaf blower.

[There was still enough of a charge from my second set of batteries after his garden was done.]

Actually, there are only two things to pay attention to with this power tool: (a) the variable speed trigger switch and (b) the speed lock.

Between the two, I understand the latter was added to the brushless version. Having a speed lock means less fatigue because your pointer does not need to keep the trigger depressed all the time. Instead, it allows you to provide bursts of speed to dislodge stubborn leaves or dust.

As expected, operating this power tool was a breeze. What wasn’t as easy was the technique to use. If one thinks it is as precise as a laser, that person is in for a big disappointment. In the end, one should treat a leaf blower like a gigantic water hose.

If I recall correctly, the Cordless Leaf Blower used up more power than my Cordless String Trimmer as it only lasted about half an hour on a fully charged battery. Mileage will, of course, vary depending on how fast one runs the fan.

[I were able to fully charge the first set of batteries for a longer test on piles of leaves.]

The good thing is that one can run this power tool on a quarter or a third of it’s full power to get work done. It’s great for anything that is dry, like leaves or dust, but falters with anything damp or wet. For the latter, a broom is recommended if one cannot avoid delays. I just wait for things to dry out as it easier to use the Cordless Leaf Blower than a broom.

After the first battery ran out of power, it was as easy as swapping it out for another fully-charged unit so work can continue unabated. At the end of our test, I never used up the second battery.

Final Thoughts

After testing it on my co-writer’s terrace, driveway, and garden, I packed everything back in my vehicle for transport home. Thankfully, this power tool doesn’t smell of tobacco so my wife won’t be alarmed.

Oh, just in case anyone is wondering, I don’t bother to stuff any dried leaves, weed, or grass into garbage bags for disposal. I just leave them in the garden to decompose. Surprisingly, they disintegrate in time for the next cutting session.

[One problem is that feral cats love to use all the cut plant material to cover their poop.]

One issue I have noticed over time is that the trigger switch feels like it is sticking. I am hoping this is merely due to my not using it often. Hopefully, this will not turn into a full blown problem wherein this Cordless Leaf Blower becomes unusable.

So what have I learned in this new normal? Well, not only is it cheaper to do it yourself, it isn’t as difficult as it was years ago. With the advent of cordless power tools, even someone my age can get the job done quite easily.

Sure, it takes around two hours to cut and blow away the weed and grass under the burning sun, but it also is a great way to exercise without being exposed to others; something that is needed in this new normal.

Well, this is where I end my purchase run of power tools. Being pleasantly surprised at the test outcomes, my co-writer ended up buying the same things – a Cordless String Trimmer and Cordless Leaf Blower. He even acquired a Cordless Impact Drill and may even buy a Cordless Reciprocating Saw from the same company.

But those are stories for him to tell. Before those entries get published, please join us for the next essay in this series entitled Power Tools for the New Normal, Part 3 – Protective Equipment next week.