Autumn is an excellent time to check on the condition of your leaf blower, but it shouldn’t be the only time. Just like any other power tool, your leaf blower needs regular maintenance.
Every type of leaf blower benefits from frequent checks and tune-ups:
Basic maintenance checks can also help you troubleshoot your equipment if it's not running well, although if they fail to address the issue and you're not sure how to repair your leaf blower, it's best to take it to a service center for a professional assessment.
No matter which kind of blower you own, though, the tips below will help get it ready for fall cleanup and keep it running throughout the entire year.
There are some steps you can take to care for any kind of leaf blower. The most important ones involve keeping it clean.
Whenever you use your leaf blower, take some time to inspect and wipe the parts that are most likely to accumulate dust and debris:
If you notice dirt or dust covering your leaf blower’s exterior, wipe the casing and handle with mild soap and water. Never use ammonia, turpentine, or any other harsh solvent or cleanser that can damage the housing.
Finally, every week, check that the throttle or trigger still works, even when you’re not actively using your blower.
Gas leaf blowers provide extra power, so it makes sense that they would require extra maintenance! Every gas-powered blower has the same components that need to be checked at the start of the season and then on the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule (usually found in the product manual).
To thoroughly clean the filter, wash the reusable parts:
If your blower uses a paper filter, tap it against a hard surface to loosen any dirt. Replace it once a year before it becomes filled with dirt.
If you use your gas handheld leaf blower regularly (for example, if you’re a landscaping professional or you clean a large lot every week), replace your air filter with a new one monthly.
Because leaf blowers demand so much power from their 2-stroke engines, it’s recommended that users disconnect the spark plug, check it for corrosion, and make sure it meets the manufacturer’s specifications once a week while the blower is in regular use.
Replace the spark plug with a new one at the start of fall or after every 25 hours of use, whichever comes first. Measure the spark plug gap after replacement to check that it matches the manufacturer's recommendation.
Be sure to drain and replace your leaf blower’s fuel monthly in addition to draining the tank, running, the engine dry, and leaving it empty before putting the machine into long-term storage.
For 2-cycle engines, be sure to mix the right amount of 2-stroke oil with the fuel (50:1 is a common ratio) and only mix enough for a one-month supply. Do NOT use motor oil; it will damage the engine.
Disconnect the spark plug, and use a small hook or a wire clothes hanger bent to form a narrow hook to snag the filter and pull it out of the fuel tank. Replace it with a new fuel filter, and gently push the assembly back into the tank.
If, while you're replacing the filter, you notice that the fuel line is cracked or broken, bring your equipment to a service center. Professionals are equipped with special tools to handle this difficult job.
A common recommendation is to change your leaf blower’s fuel filter once per year.
A common suggestion is to perform the first oil change on a 4-cycle gas leaf blower after the first 20 hours of use, then to change the oil every 50 hours of use afterward.
A clogged or dirty carburetor can prevent your leaf blower’s gas engine from firing properly or even starting at all. Depending on the model, cleaning it can be as easy as removing an external panel and spraying a few bursts of carb cleaner into the choke.
On other models, you might need to locate your blower’s fuel tank and find the tube that extends from the bottom. Detach the tube from the end opposite the fuel tank, which is where the carburetor is located, and drain any fuel inside it.
Spray carburetor cleaner into the hole where the tube had been attached and reattach the tube. The cleaner will start to remove built-up residue the next time you use your blower.
For the best performance, clean your leaf blower’s carburetor once a year.
Remove deposits from the detached spark arrestor screen with a brush once a month.
Not every gas handheld blower has a built-in vacuum mode or function. However, if yours does, be sure to take the bag outside and clean it annually as described in the Electric Leaf Blower Maintenance section below.
Backpack leaf blowers also draw on the power of gas engines. As a result, maintaining them is similar to maintaining regular gas handheld leaf blowers, but with a few additional parts to check:
The parts that distinguish wheeled leaf blowers from other models are, of course, the wheels. Whether the tires are plastic or pneumatic, check them every time you use your blower for damage or deflation. Furthermore, check the axle monthly to see if it needs to be greased.
Electric leaf blowers are known for being low-maintenance tools. However, they still need some regular care.
At the start of the season and once a month after, clean the battery contacts on the blower by wiping them with a soft, dry cloth.
If you own a corded leaf blower or leaf blower and vacuum, always inspect the cord and its connection point before plugging it in. A frayed wire or a missing grounding pin on the plug could cause an electric shock.
The tips above don’t just cover routine maintenance. They can also be part of your leaf blower troubleshooting technique if you notice any of the following problems:
Again, if these tips don't get your leaf blower running, the best choice is to bring it to a service center for professional repair.
By taking care of your equipment, however, you can reduce the odds that your equipment will need professional service. A little bit of maintenance now will get you lots of use from your leaf blower for years to come.