actually the way to accomplish low noise is clearly to use cordless electric which isn't likely to be a best
solution for a pro landscaper. But there are some low noise gas models, interesting that they may be discontinued
Top Quiet Leaf Blowers
Here are some top picks for quiet leaf blowers, known for their low decibel ratings and neighbor-friendly operation:
- Milwaukee M18 Fuel Gen 3 Blower (Model 3017)
: This is currently one of the quietest options with a reported ANSI noise rating of just 54 dB (measured from 50 feet away). It offers strong performance while prioritizing quiet operation.
- RYOBI 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series:This series is consistently recognized as one of the quietest in the industry.
- The handheld model (e.g., the 730 CFM version) has an ANSI rating of 57 dB.
- The backpack blower model has a rating of 59 dB.
- WORX Nitro 40V Quiet-Tech Blower (WG581.1)
: This blower operates at just 57 dB, combining powerful performance with a quiet design suitable for noise-sensitive areas.
- EGO Power+ Backpack Blower (LB7654
/ LB6000 series): These models are noted for being significantly quieter than gas models, with noise levels around 64 dB. They are often recommended as the quietest backpack options that don't require hearing protection.
- STIHL Low-Noise Gas Models: While electric is generally quieter, specific Stihl gas models (like the discontinued
BG 66 L
and
BR 500
) were engineered with silencers to produce a deeper, softer tone that is less irritating than typical gas blowers and registers as very quiet from 50 feet.
Yes, but...
As the prior post pointed out, 54dB at 50' is probably more like 100dB at the operator's ear, so even the electrics need good hearing protection for the operator.
Locally, we have a number of jurisdictions with zero leaf blowing (rakes only), and the state has gone to no small ICEs, but the local landscapers seem to be having trouble finding electric leaf blowers with enough power to be effective, and then struggling with recharge times/battery capacities. From the outside, it sure looks like the technology isn't quite there for professionals and those who have large areas to tend to. I certainly haven't found one.
Personally, my little electric Toro is loud enough to need hearing protection, and a mere shadow of the power of Stihl backpack blowers.
We have folks come by weekly to "blow and go" to reduce the accumulation of leaves for fire reasons, and vacuum regularly with high filtration, so we are definitely bought into "cleaner". Although I find it interesting to see the evolution of cleanliness standards over time, both inside and outside seem to have evolved to higher and higher levels. Beating carpets once a year and a bit of Play-dough on the wall paper to reduce the soot levels on the wall was once enough, and lawns a recent addition to those without herds of sheep and shepherds. I'm not advocating for a return to open fires indoors with no chimneys, but suburbia around here certainly gets pretty loud as teams of gardeners come through all week long. Even out here where the lot sizes are large enough to support grazing animals, I can still hear the blow-and-go guys come through every Saturday. (We all use the same team, so it is just one morning a week. We are fortunate.)
@wngsprd sorry to hear about the filter change fiasco, which reminds me, I still need to date my filters.
Have a great one!
All the best,
Peter