What's this? Based on sweeping and loosening, handling, noise, and, where applicable, vacuuming. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise overall score.
Price range:
$75.99 - $89.99
Summary:The Black & Decker LH5000 is a 12amp electric hand held multiple speed blower weighing 8.4 pounds. And it can be used in the vacuuming mode.
Sweeping: Indicates the speed of moving a pile of leaves.
Loosening: Indicates the speed of removing embedded leaf particles from the lawn.
Vacuuming: Reflects how quickly and effectively models with vacuum capability pick up leaves and how finely they are mulched.
Handling and ease of use: Includes ease of maneuvering, using controls, and changing modes.
Noise at ear: Blower-mode noise is based on our measurements at the operator's ear level. Models rated Fair or Poor at ear level emitted at least 85 dBA, loud enough to warrant hearing protection.
Noise at 50 feet: Blower-mode noise is based on industry-standard measurements at 50 feet. Models rated Very Good or Excellent at 50 feet should meet common municipal limits of 65 decibels (dBA).
About This Brand
This leading marketer of electric and cordless leaf blowers uses the Leaf Hog line name on some models. Black & Decker makes lightweight plug-in electric models that weigh 5 to 8 lbs. Black & Decker leaf blowers are among the most widely available, and can be found in mass merchants, home centers, web retailers and hardware stores.
Features & Specs - Black & Decker LH5000
Weight (lbs.) To the nearest half-pound in blower mode.
Weight (lbs.)
8
cc/amp Engine cubic centimeters (cc) and motor electrical amperage (amps) are from the manufacturer.
cc/amp
12amp
Multiple speeds On an electric blower or a variable throttle on a gas-powered blower, these let you increase power for sweeping on hard surfaces or open ground and decrease it around fragile garden beds.
Multiple speeds
Yes
Vacuum capability Comes with the necessary attachments including a collection bag to convert to vacuuming mode for sucking up leaves and debris.
Vacuum capability
Yes
Translucent fuel tank A clear tank lets you see at a glance when fuel is running low.
Translucent fuel tank
NA
Spring assisted starting To makes starting easier, a pull-cord assembly with this feature has a built-in spring that winds up as the starting rope is pulled, to reduce the force necessary to start the engine.
Spring assisted starting
NA
Four-cycle engine Uses straight gasoline and doesn't require an oil/gasoline mixture, as do the more common two-cycle engines used on most trimmers.
I deliberated between this B&D Leaf Hog and the Toro Ultra because I wanted to have a model with a metal cutting blade and adjustable speed. The big box store had the B&D on sale for less that the Toro so I went that route. I used it for about 4 hours piling and vacuuming up the leaves in the yard and it worked great.<br /><br />I was worried about blowing around or vacuuming up the lava rocks I have in my planters, but the adjustable speed helped in getting the right speed to keep the rocks in the planters.<br /><br />You will definately need some ear protection when using the B&D, so invest in some good ear plugs.
How long have you owned it:
A month or less
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
By
Samantha does her own yard
from
Vancouver, WA
4.0
Easy to use, good features, good price
10/11/2012
Pros
Attachments
Blowing Leaves
Mulching
Cons
Noise
Vibration
Best Uses
Clearing Cement
Clearing Fir Pine Debris
Clearing Gravel
Clearing gutters
Clearing Lawn
Comment:
Love this blower! It's a little hard to use long term on the higher setting because the handle vibration will eventually bother the nerves in my arms and hands, but on the lower setting it efficiently clears the roof, gutters, and cement areas of the debris from five mature fir pines, one willow, one magnolia, two maple, and several assorted bushes and shade trees. On the higher setting with the oscillating nozzle, it is great for blowing out gravel and grass, however my limitation is less than 15-20 minutes on 'high'. On the lower setting I can easily use this machine for an hour without tiring. Ear plugs come in handy to prevent any ringing ear problems later.
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
By
Bman
from
Kansas City
4.0
Good workhorse for the price.
7/15/2011
Pros
Metal blade
Strong vacuum blower
Cons
Noise level
Best Uses
Leafgrass blowing
Leaf mulching
Comment:
I have several oak trees in the back yard along a fence that create a tremendous volume of leaves. This unit has no trouble mulching mostly dry leaves for over an hour, virtually without interruption except to empty the bag. Occasionally, I'd have to dislodge a damp leaf from grass or ground cover with a nudge, but it still had the power to consume it once loose. I had no issues with clogging as all, & I found the collection bag easy to remove & dump. It also has done well blowing grass clippings, leaves & small tree branch fragments from the driveways & sidewalks. Based on my experience, I would purchase the unit again.