11 · Lawn & Garden

Backpack Blower

Also called Leaf blower · Backpack leaf blower · Debris blower

A worn-on-the-back petrol blower that clears leaves, cuttings and site dust from large areas quickly.

2-stroke petrol

Overview

A backpack blower carries the engine on a harness and leaves the operator holding only the tube, so it can be run for far longer than a handheld blower.

It is used for clearing leaves and cuttings from paths and car parks, for tidying after landscaping, and for blowing dust and debris off slabs before a pour or a coating.

Work with the wind rather than against it, and move debris in stages to a collection point rather than trying to clear the whole area in one pass.

This is not the same machine as the air blower in Floor Care, which is for drying floors and carpets indoors.

Best uses

Clearing leaves and cuttings from large areas
Tidying up after landscaping or site work
Blowing dust off slabs before coating

Not suited for

Indoor use — it is petrol-driven and very loud
Fine dust that should be vacuumed rather than scattered

Troubleshooting

Find a symptom

Will not start

Checks to try, in order

Check the fuel is fresh two-stroke mix. Stale or wrongly mixed fuel is the usual cause.
Set the choke for a cold start and open it once it fires.
Check the stop switch is in the run position.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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The air blast is weak

Checks to try, in order

Check the intake screen at the back of the unit for leaves and debris.
Check the tube is fully seated and not cracked.
A clogged air filter costs noticeable power.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Engine won't startShared · 2-stroke petrol

Likely causes

Wrong fuel mix
Flooded engine
Stop switch
Fouled spark plug

Checks to try, in order

Confirm the fuel is 2-stroke mix (petrol with 2-stroke oil at the ratio on the tool's label). Straight petrol will seize the engine.
Set the stop switch to RUN.
Press the primer bulb until fuel is visible, then set the choke for a cold start.
After the first 'pop', move the choke to half/off and pull again.
If it's flooded (strong fuel smell): choke off, throttle fully open, pull several times to clear it.

If there's no compression or the rope won't pull, return it to the workshop — don't keep pulling.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Lacks power, bogs down or smokes heavilyShared · 2-stroke petrol

Likely causes

Dirty air filter
Incorrect fuel mix
Blocked spark arrestor screen

Checks to try, in order

Check the air filter and clean it if dusty.
Too much oil in the mix causes heavy smoke — drain and refill with correctly mixed fuel.
Let the tool do the cutting — forcing it bogs the engine down.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Safety

Ear defenders and eye protection. These are among the loudest tools we rent.
Never point the nozzle at people or animals — blown grit injures eyes.
Watch for traffic and passers-by when blowing near a road.

For 2-stroke petrol

Refuel with the engine off and cool, away from where you'll start the tool.
Wear eye, ear and hand protection, and cut-resistant gear where the tool calls for it.
Keep bystanders well clear of the cutting area.