U.S. manufacturers Echo have long set the industry standard when it comes to the design & production of leaf blowers, so one of their machines should be high on your list of considerations if you’re looking to consign your old garden rake to the shed. This model is fitted with a powerful but lightweight & fuel-efficient 21.2cc two-stroke engine, which drives a fan developing a rapid 135mph air-flow; enough to shift even wet leaves & grass-clippings. Sound output is a mere 69d B (A) at 50 feet, so you won’t annoy your neighbours. The Echo PB-2255 Petrol Power Leaf-Blower has been equipped with a cruise-control function, so you can choose the appropriate air-speed & volume & lock the setting in place – great when taking on large-scale clear-up jobs. Its lightweight (4.3kg), ideally balanced design contributes further to user-comfort.