I picked up a McCullough backpack leaf blower the other day at Costco for under $100. I had a choice between the backpack or the hand held for the same price.

The biggest difference, other than the backpack issue, is the handheld can mulch while the backpack cannot. I have way too many leaves so I went with the ease of carrying it vs. even attempting to mulch the stuff.

The other difference is the backpack had a higher air volume but a lower air velocity (speed). Should I be concerned with this? The difference wasn't that great, but it got me thinking.

I've already filled 19 bags and foresee another 25 or so bags before the trees are bare.

What do you experts think? And no, leaving them on the lawn is not an option (I've already tried the natural look with the Mrs. - it's not gonna fly).

you put way too much thought into this stuff. do what i do. light a good cigar. fire up the blower. and blow them into the neighbors yard. then sit down and enjoy the rest ot your cigar.........

My yard is too big to do either. I bought a big twin cylinder lawn tractor with twin mulching blades. I can put the deck down low and run over the yard and there is nothing left showing. No sweat, and it feeds the lawn. And yes, I have 28 trees, plenty of leaves.

That's why I have palm trees. When the leaves fall it's a pretty simple clean up :o)

Although I have alot of trees, my 1/2 acre is too small to justify a self propelled mower, little less a tractor. And 03Screw, it's not nice to rub it in...

I really like kcody's way , yup I do

=^-.-^=

Me too, but that's dreamland. Then the harse slap in the face by reality awakens me.

The backpack blower will be easier to use for large jobs.

I just let the wind blow the leaves around till January then rake up the stragglers that get caught in the fence. With 7 acres on my side of the fence, and about 300 acres on my neighbor's side, its the only sane thing to do.