Leaf Blower for Car Drying (Cordless vs. Gas Backpack)

[Spta97]

My question - is a backpack blower a viable option for drying the car or is it too big/bulky to make it worth it?

Crazy title I know. Here's the backstory:

I previously used my corded detachable blower from my ~20 year Craftsman shopvac to dry my vehicles after a wash. It had a narrow nozzle tip (like 1.5" in diameter at the tip) and worked great.

I then got into the Milwaukee multiverse and purchased a single battery M18 blower (dual battery was not out at the time) to cut the cord. It sorta works, but doesn't seem to have enough power to break the surface adhesion of smaller water droplets on my ceramic coated car; it often just pushes water around rather than getting it off the vehicle....often resulting in water spots before I can get to it with the microfiber (I literally have no shade)

I watched a vid from Stubby Nozzle and they did a comparison of different blowers and I realized how underpowered my M18 really is; Ego and Greenworks were at the top.

The Greenworks 80V Gen 2 Brushless 730CFM Axial Blower, (1) 2.5Ah Battery is on sale at Costco for $200 so I ordered it and am waiting for it to arrive. I also had my eye on the EGO POWER+ 56-volt 765-CFM 200-MPH Battery Handheld Leaf Blower 5 Ah (Battery and Charger Included) for $300 and was debating on getting that and using them back to back and returning what I didn't like.

Then I came across the ECHO 220 MPH 1110 CFM 79.9 cc Gas 2-Stroke X Series Backpack Blower with Tube-Mounted Throttle and I was thinking 1) It sure would dry the car and I probably would have reach that I won't have with a cordless and 2) It could also be used in the fall for leaf cleanup (I currently have a hand held Hitachi RB24EAP 23.9cc Handheld Blower I use which is good but not backpack power (170 MPH, 440 CFM).).

I do get quite a bit of leaves and have managed with the Hitachi but a backpack would be cool and speed things up...I'd feel like a pro


**note: I am aware that unfiltered air will sandblast my paint away according to some - I have not had issue (and the filter isn't in front of the nozzle so there's that...)

 

[Steve_P]

I have the Ego and use it to dry the car, blow leaves, etc. I love it. I also have an Echo gas handheld that I barely use anymore. The Ego has more power than the Echo, and I now have three batteries for it. It is so much more convenient to grab the cordless, especially for a fast job, than to fire up the gas blower and end up smelling like exhaust. I have 8 trees and plenty of leaves. I didn't really want to expand to another battery line from DeWalt, but it's definitely worth it for lawn equipment.

 

[RTM]

Might want to read here too, fairly recent posts.

Best Cordless Leaf Blower - For Car Drying

I am looking for the very best cordless leaf blower, to be used for drying my car after I wash it. I want: high power, focused air nozzle, and an air tube that's not too long. I'm leaning toward one of the EGO 650 CFM models, but I'm wondering if others have already done the research and...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[shoot summ]

I have 2 Dewalt battery powered blowers, they are used to clean out the inside. My Stihl BR600 Backpack is used for drying, 238mph/677cfm.

 

[Renegade1LI]

If you have 60v dewalt batteries get a 60v dewalt blower, plenty of power.

 

[Spta97]

I have the Ego and use it to dry the car, blow leaves, etc. I love it. I also have an Echo gas handheld that I barely use anymore. The Ego has more power than the Echo, and I now have three batteries for it. It is so much more convenient to grab the cordless, especially for a fast job, than to fire up the gas blower and end up smelling like exhaust. I have 8 trees and plenty of leaves. I didn't really want to expand to another battery line from DeWalt, but it's definitely worth it for lawn equipment.

I'm pretty deep into Milwaukee but I figure this will be mostly for the car. Interestingly, these (Ego, Greenworks) are more powerful than my Hitachi gas!

Problem is runtime. I don't see getting multiple batteries for another platform...

 

[Spta97]

I have 2 Dewalt battery powered blowers, they are used to clean out the inside. My Stihl BR600 Backpack is used for drying, 238mph/677cfm.

Can you tell me your experience using the backpack for car drying? Is it awkward? Are you able to get the roof of an SUV?

 

[Spta97]

If you have 60v dewalt batteries get a 60v dewalt blower, plenty of power.

I'm 100% Milwaukee, sans this new Greenworks which is on the way.

 

[Spta97]

Might want to read here too, fairly recent posts.

Best Cordless Leaf Blower - For Car Drying

I am looking for the very best cordless leaf blower, to be used for drying my car after I wash it. I want: high power, focused air nozzle, and an air tube that's not too long. I'm leaning toward one of the EGO 650 CFM models, but I'm wondering if others have already done the research and...

www.garagejournal.com

Thanks - I read this before I posted. Interesting but I was specifically looking for input on a backpack blower.

If I decide to get the Ego I am 1/2 way there....and my leaf cleanup would be considerably faster.

 

[shoot summ]

Can you tell me your experience using the backpack for car drying? Is it awkward? Are you able to get the roof of an SUV?

It is great for my needs, roof of truck I stand in the bed and blow off. For a tall SUV you would need a ladder, platform, or some sort of nozzle adapter like a gutter clean out setup. Makes super quick work drying the Boxster.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I've used the back pack blower a few times, too bulky. Honestly I go for a mile or two drive after washing and then wipe down with wax and dry. There's just enough water left to dry it without spotting. I really only use the blower for drying the bikes.

 

[Spta97]

It is great for my needs, roof of truck I stand in the bed and blow off. For a tall SUV you would need a ladder, platform, or some sort of nozzle adapter like a gutter clean out setup. Makes super quick work drying the Boxster.

Thanks for that. Do you find it an inconvenience to get out the backpack and start it up?

I have to admit the cordless is easy in that respect.

 

[Spta97]

I've used the back pack blower a few times, too bulky. Honestly I go for a mile or two drive after washing and then wipe down with wax and dry. There's just enough water left to dry it without spotting. I really only use the blower for drying the bikes.

I’m sorta paranoid about getting dirt particles on it and rubbing them into swirls with this method. Thus far my newer car has been doing well as far as avoiding swirls.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

The Echo appears to be a good blower should make quick work of cleaning leaves. I remember a neighbor bought an underpowered blower for his needs, took him hours to complete the work. He gave up and hired someone.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I have an older corded leaf blower. It was a gift from a neighbour who was packing moving to a Gulf Island and packing his stuff. I used it to dry my Honda Valkyrie. The blower was a great idea.
I never washed my Electra Glide Classic because I always had the HD dealer wash and dry the HD. They charged $20.
I have used this blower to move a few of the neighbour's leaves away from my door.

 

[kngelv]

The Milwaukee you already have should be fine. You just need to order an aftermarket kit with different nozzle tips. I have no idea why Milwaukee does not make these themselves.

James

 

[Spta97]

The Milwaukee you already have should be fine. You just need to order an aftermarket kit with different nozzle tips. I have no idea why Milwaukee does not make these themselves.

James

I got 2 aftermarket nozzles (flat and tapered) and it’s still not removing enough water. The big stuff yes but not the little stuff.

 

[Spta97]

The Echo appears to be a good blower should make quick work of cleaning leaves. I remember a neighbor bought an underpowered blower for his needs, took him hours to complete the work. He gave up and hired someone.

I was looking at the one I linked and the 770 model.
Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing.

ECHO 234 MPH 756 CFM 63.3cc Gas 2-Stroke X Series Backpack Leaf Blower with Tube Throttle PB-770T - The Home Depot

Easily clean up your driveway or walkway using ECHO Gas Backpack Blower. Comes with Side-mounted dual-stage air filter to protect the engine from debris.

www.homedepot.com

The 770 seems to be proven. The larger 9010T may be overkill for me. I’d be fine with more power but people say it’s huge and not great to carry on your back.

 

[Wamsutta]

I have the Echo 9010. You don't need that to dry off your car unless you want to blow your car down the street.

I strongly recommend the STIHL BR-600 for everyday use. You'll need a step ladder to dry off the roof.

 

[nadogail]

My van gets parked at the curb, it is washed by rain and dried by the sun and wind.

 

[Kurt4440]

I was looking at the one I linked and the 770 model.
Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing.

ECHO 234 MPH 756 CFM 63.3cc Gas 2-Stroke X Series Backpack Leaf Blower with Tube Throttle PB-770T - The Home Depot

Easily clean up your driveway or walkway using ECHO Gas Backpack Blower. Comes with Side-mounted dual-stage air filter to protect the engine from debris.

www.homedepot.com

The 770 seems to be proven. The larger 9010T may be overkill for me. I’d be fine with more power but people say it’s huge and not great to carry on your back.

I have an Echo 79.9cc backpack blower, and I don't have any issues starting nor using for hours at a time to move leaves.

I use a handheld battery powered blower to dry the motorcycles, cars, and SUV.

 

[engineer2]

I use my 36V Makita and it works fine for blowing leaves off the driveway or cars, car drying, and car snowblowing.
Get the bigger battery pack.
Agility is important. Try holding it upside down and overhead to see if it is comfortable for blowing off the roof and around the windshield wiper area.

 

[shoot summ]

Thanks for that. Do you find it an inconvenience to get out the backpack and start it up?

I have to admit the cordless is easy in that respect.

Well it is certainly more effort than the battery units, but also way more powerful than the units I have. It's a Stihl though, 1-3 pulls to get it going.

 

[rockcrawler]

I use my backpack blower to blow out all the water in the trim, door handles, wheels, etc. every time I wash. I have a Stihl BR600 and it’s a beast.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I was looking at the one I linked and the 770 model.
Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing.

ECHO 234 MPH 756 CFM 63.3cc Gas 2-Stroke X Series Backpack Leaf Blower with Tube Throttle PB-770T - The Home Depot

Easily clean up your driveway or walkway using ECHO Gas Backpack Blower. Comes with Side-mounted dual-stage air filter to protect the engine from debris.

www.homedepot.com

The 770 seems to be proven. The larger 9010T may be overkill for me. I’d be fine with more power but people say it’s huge and not great to carry on your back.

I have the Stihls BR800 X Magnum biggest one on the market from Stihls, highly recommend it, takes me an 1/3 of the time to clear leaves. Better have rocks in your pockets to hold you down, that much power.

 

[Steve_P]

I'm pretty deep into Milwaukee but I figure this will be mostly for the car. Interestingly, these (Ego, Greenworks) are more powerful than my Hitachi gas!

Problem is runtime. I don't see getting multiple batteries for another platform...

Understand. But for cleaning up after mowing, or blowing off a car, one battery is more than enough. I have .57 acres and something crazy like 800 ft of curb, trimming, and edging since I'm in the center of a circle. I can easily clean up after trimming and edging on one battery; it uses about half the charge; 2/3rds at most. I mowed and chopped leaves today, for ~6 hours. I think I used 2.5 battery charges. Blow in a pile, mow, blow, mow..... I used two batteries and alternated back and forth. And barely needed to do that because I'd typically mow for at least 30 minutes in between. My mistake was that I'd barely used the batteries in two months so they were all almost dead when I started.

The only reason I have three batteries is because: one came with the blower; and then there was a significant price drop on a battery (a spare!); and then there was a significant price drop on a chainsaw with a battery, and I'd wanted the chainsaw- it was nearly a free saw with buying the battery. So......

 

[Jeepster04]

I use the EGO blower with a stubby nozzle from obsessed garage. My vehicles are ceramic coated and they are basically dry after using the EGO. I still go over them with two drying towels and a drying aid though.

 

[jonshonda]

I have a Stihl BR450 backpack that I used for the things normal people typically use them for, and did try drying cars with it. Problem is all the angles needed to get all the areas blown out well are impossible w/ a backpack blower. While I do agree that the Milwaukee isn't strong enough to get all the water off, I honestly depend on it more for the harder to reach areas or just to get 75% of the water off, then I come back with a drying towel to finish.

What you might want to try is a gas handheld unit like a Stihl BG86. Or if you don't want to worry about water spots at all, just get a de-ionizing filter setup and skip worrying about drying at all.

 

[kabinenroller]

I have two Metro blowers that are compact and easy to use. They have more than enough power to blow residual water from anywhere on a vehicle. Leaf blowers are to bulky and could cause damage to the paint if you accidentally contacted the blower and car body.

Quality Vacuums & Blowers Near Me | MetroVac Products

MetroVac has a wide variety of specialty vacuums, blowers, parts, and accessories to help you keep any area clean. Explore our vacuums and blowers today!

metrovac.com

 

[Spta97]

Update - So I received the Greenworks blower and it is pretty powerful. Haven't tried it on the car but was surprised at how it handled leaves.

Tomorrow I am going to buy the Stihl BR 800 C. I tried that on at the store and it was like I was carrying nothing! Super comfortable.

That will be my go-to for leaf cleanup and I'll try it on the car. I agree with what was stated above with the angles so I may keep the Greenworks.

The nice think about buying from Costco is they double the warranty from 4 years to 8. I was tempted to get the Ego but with an extended warranty like that for $220 (after taxes) it will probably be a keeper.

Really looking forward to the backback though!

 

[Spta97]

I use my backpack blower to blow out all the water in the trim, door handles, wheels, etc. every time I wash. I have a Stihl BR600 and it’s a beast.

I'm totally gonna give it a try!

I have the Stihls BR800 X Magnum biggest one on the market from Stihls, highly recommend it, takes me an 1/3 of the time to clear leaves. Better have rocks in your pockets to hold you down, that much power.

LOL! Can't wait - very excited to pick this thing up!

Understand. But for cleaning up after mowing, or blowing off a car, one battery is more than enough. I have .57 acres and something crazy like 800 ft of curb, trimming, and edging since I'm in the center of a circle. I can easily clean up after trimming and edging on one battery; it uses about half the charge; 2/3rds at most. I mowed and chopped leaves today, for ~6 hours. I think I used 2.5 battery charges. Blow in a pile, mow, blow, mow..... I used two batteries and alternated back and forth. And barely needed to do that because I'd typically mow for at least 30 minutes in between. My mistake was that I'd barely used the batteries in two months so they were all almost dead when I started.

The only reason I have three batteries is because: one came with the blower; and then there was a significant price drop on a battery (a spare!); and then there was a significant price drop on a chainsaw with a battery, and I'd wanted the chainsaw- it was nearly a free saw with buying the battery. So......

If I was that against gas I could go battery but

I use the EGO blower with a stubby nozzle from obsessed garage. My vehicles are ceramic coated and they are basically dry after using the EGO. I still go over them with two drying towels and a drying aid though.

One of mine has a ceramic coating. The Ego was tempting but for $220 I figured I would give the Greenworks a shot.

On a vid from Stubby Nozzles it ranked very close to the Ego.

I have a Stihl BR450 backpack that I used for the things normal people typically use them for, and did try drying cars with it. Problem is all the angles needed to get all the areas blown out well are impossible w/ a backpack blower. While I do agree that the Milwaukee isn't strong enough to get all the water off, I honestly depend on it more for the harder to reach areas or just to get 75% of the water off, then I come back with a drying towel to finish.

What you might want to try is a gas handheld unit like a Stihl BG86. Or if you don't want to worry about water spots at all, just get a de-ionizing filter setup and skip worrying about drying at all.

I have my handheld Hitachi which may be worth a shot. Good idea on the de-ionizing setup. I had looked into that years ago but was turned off that the filters had to be replaced (and were $$$). May be worth looking into.

I have two Metro blowers that are compact and easy to use. They have more than enough power to blow residual water from anywhere on a vehicle. Leaf blowers are to bulky and could cause damage to the paint if you accidentally contacted the blower and car body.

Quality Vacuums & Blowers Near Me | MetroVac Products

MetroVac has a wide variety of specialty vacuums, blowers, parts, and accessories to help you keep any area clean. Explore our vacuums and blowers today!

metrovac.com

This was my original thought but after watching a vid by Pan the Organizer, he had stated he tends to use his cordless (although he has two dedicated dryers).

My goal was to eliminate cords/hoses and I figured if I was going to get a dryer I might as well just go back to my corded blower.

 

[PoorUB]

**note: I am aware that unfiltered air will sandblast my paint away according to some - I have not had issue (and the filter isn't in front of the nozzle so there's that...)

No help with your decision, but people seriously have that thought? Where is all this dirt coming from? If you use the blower just to blow leaves and dry the car it will stay clean. Is the air the are walking around in that filthy? Washing the car in a sand storm? Where is this supposed sand coming from? If you regularly run through an car wash with blowers, does your paint get sand blasted, as they do not filter the air on their blowers?

 

[Spta97]

No help with your decision, but people seriously have that thought? Where is all this dirt coming from? If you use the blower just to blow leaves and dry the car it will stay clean. Is the air the are walking around in that filthy? Washing the car in a sand storm? Where is this supposed sand coming from? If you regularly run through a car wash with blowers, does your paint get sand blasted, as they do not filter the air on their blowers?

Yes. One person said they caught a piece of sand but I don’t see that as an issue for me.

Others have said it’s just a marketing ploy by car dryer companies.

I am careful as with enough scratches it will spider your clear coat but haven’t had an issue with blowers.

 

[bb29510]

im at that point in my life, the hell with drying the car, Im already in the house making a sandwich. In fact I have never in my life dried the car. That why I buy white cars

 

[Beamer]

We had a backpack. Oh my aching back!
Sold it for a song.

I just use a water deionizer system now and the cars dry spot free all on their own.

 

[Spta97]

im at that point in my life, the hell with drying the car, Im already in the house making a sandwich. In fact I have never in my life dried the car. That why I buy white cars

I can only hope I reach this level of apathy one day. It’s not easy being OCD lol.

 

[Beamer]

I can only hope I reach this level of apathy one day. It’s not easy being OCD lol.

For me, I wouldn't consider it apathy when there are 6 vehicles to maintain.
The CR Spotless system does it for me.

 

[Farmall450]

The Echo appears to be a good blower should make quick work of cleaning leaves. I remember a neighbor bought an underpowered blower for his needs, took him hours to complete the work. He gave up and hired someone.

Yeah, Echo makes the best blowers (sorry Stihl fans).

 

[Rinspeed]

Yeah, Echo makes the best blowers (sorry Stihl fans).

Lol.

 

[Farmall450]

Lol.

It's not even subjective. More performance, less money, better warranty.