If you’re looking for the most powerful leaf blower, it will largely depend on the style you’re considering. Little Wonder’s Optimax is a fabulous push-style type. But, there’s also Echo’s backpack, EGO’s cordless and WORX corded. All of these are superb machines with impressive features.
So, when you want to know which will be the most powerful, you first have to consider a few things. The biggest determiner of power in a leaf blower will be its CFMs, or Cubic Feet per Minute. Then, the size of the engine and its horsepower will add to this.
Quick Overview
- Most Powerful Push Leaf Blower: Little Wonder Optimax 9270-02-01
- Most Powerful Backpack-Style Leaf Blower: Echo PB-9010T
- Most Powerful Cordless Leaf Blower: EGO Power+ LB6500
- Most Powerful Corded Leaf Blower: WORX WG521
Most Powerful Push Leaf Blower: Little Wonder Optimax 9270-02-01
Features Overview
- Weight: 142 pounds
- Engine: gas-powered 270cc Honda 4-stroke
- Power Output: 2260 CFM
- Speed: 143 mph
- Horsepower: 9
- Noise Level: 93 dB
- Warranty: 5-year limited warranty
Little Wonder’s Optimax 9270 is the most powerful walk-behind style of leaf blower. It comes with a Honda engine along with 2,260 CFM, so this is the most powerful of its kind. This leaf blower has a 17 inch impeller backed by 143 mph. For a walk-behind, this has a huge gas tank, coming in at 1.4 gallons.
Its housing is all steel and fully welded, making the engine deck a single piece. The minimal design protects areas that are often vulnerable to environmental damage and rust, such as the seams and joints. What’s more, the chute sits low to the ground which allows for a powerful stream of air to flow directly under even the wettest of debris and leaves.
Plus, you can control the force and direction of the airflow with lever controls on the ergonomic handlebar. The chute’s design reduces blowback and the three pneumatic tires make navigation easy. The front wheel measures around 10 inches with the rear two wheels being about 12 inches.
| Pros | Cons |
| Superior CFMs | Fixed front wheel prevents sharp turns |
| Adjustable chute | |
| Straight airflow goes under leaves and debris |
Most Powerful Backpack-Style Leaf Blower: Echo PB-9010T
Feature Overview
- Weight: 26.7 lbs
- Engine: gas-powered 79.9cc Echo 2-stroke
- Power Output: 1110 CFM
- Speed: 220 MPH
- Horsepower: n/a
- Noise Level: 80 dB
- Warranty: 5-year limited warranty
With 220 MPH and 1,110 CFM, Echo’s PB-9010T has plenty of power in a small package. It has a tube-mounted throttle control to adjust the airflow. The tube comprises several sections with Posi-loc technology which keeps everything securely in place. There’s even a protective metal ring to reduce the effects of wear and tear.
You can push wet or dry leaves as well as stones, brush and other debris. It’s even effective with acorns, pine cones and pine needles. The air intake port draws cool air across your backside as you work, which adds to the machine’s convenience and comfort.
The gas tank holds up to 0.65 gallons and comes with a two-stage air filter. The whole device is lightweight, easy to operate for long periods of time and the padded shoulder straps protect your skin. The chest clip keeps this backpack-style leaf blower secure and in place.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cool air flows onto your back | Bulky design |
| Easily lifts and pushes debris | Tends to be very loud |
| Fantastic power for a backpack |
Most Powerful Cordless Leaf Blower: EGO Power+ LB6500
Feature Overview
- Weight: 12.9 lbs
- Engine: 56V Battery
- Power Output: 650 CFM
- Speed: 180 MPH
- Horsepower: n/a
- Noise Level: 65 dB
- Warranty: 5-year limited with 3 years for the battery and charger
EGO’s LB6500 leaf blower is the most powerful in the way of cordless models. It has a variable speed dial to adjust the CFMs to your preferences and purposes. It can handle mud, stones, wet leaves and even snow dust.
The power output is highly efficient with a brushless motor and a lithium ARC battery. Plus, there are two attachments: tapered and flat. These provide flexibility in handling various conditions and situations. The turbine-style fans of the air intake port sit in front of the battery connection, allowing for unobstructed negative airflow.
The battery will last for up to 18 minutes on Turbo mode and up to 30 minutes at the highest dial setting. But, it will last for up to 200 minutes on the lowest dial setting. To fully recharge the battery, it requires over 1½ hours. What’s great is that the 56V batteries are compatible with other EGO power tools.
| Pros | Cons |
| Long battery life for a cordless leaf blower | No shoulder support strap included |
| Clever air intake and negative flow system | The battery makes the device heavy |
| Interchange the battery with other EGO products |
Most Powerful Corded Leaf Blower: WORX WG521
Feature Overview
- Weight: 6.6 lbs
- Engine: 12-amp electric motor with a cord
- Power Output: 800 CFM
- Speed: 135 MPH
- Horsepower: n/a
- Noise Level: 50 dB
- Warranty: 3 year limited
This corded type of leaf blower by WORX uses a turbine fan; the same ones used in jet engines. The specially designed nozzle gives you the utmost power aimed wherever you require it. The variable speed dial allows you to set it to a low power mode when you need a gentler stream of air.
It’s very lightweight, so almost anyone can manage to use it. There’s no need for a battery or fuel because all it requires is a power outlet. You’ll never run out of energy, have to refuel or wait to recharge the blower. The plastic has a rubber-like texture, which means it can absorb shock and avoid cracking.
It’s easy to assemble, simple to operate and convenient to use. It stores easily in the off-season while also being one of the quietest models of leaf blower on this entire list.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very lightweight and quiet | Air intake blocks up easily |
| Offers two different speeds | You need an extension cord for larger areas |
| Easy to put together |
Hi, I’m John Stephens, chief editor and writer for Totalgardener.com. I’ve been gardening and raising animals for over 15 years starting with a small backyard plot in Northern Virginia where I grew corn, potatoes, squash, and using a high mulch technique called the Ruth Stout Method. I also raised ducks and small mammals for meat and eggs in a movable pen similar to the ones used by Joel Salatin. I later moved to Colorado where I experimented with growing greens using aquaponics inside. I eventually added a microgreens setup and home sprouting operation. I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned plus more from the other local gardening and animal raising experts I know.
