Rake or Blow: A Divided Nation, Act 2

The New York Times > Business > Your Money > Spending: "ESPITE three decades of skirmishes with antinoise activists, the leaf blower has become America's weapon of choice against fallen leaves and cut grass. To pockets of critics, however, we're an occupied nation. And those critics are pestering lawn caretakers to ease up on the throttles and pressing manufacturers to reduce the annoying whine.

But the grievances encompass more than just noise. Critics aren't appeased at progress on emissions, and they complain that the machines blast dust, animal feces, fungi and chemicals into the air. One reason anti-leaf-blower passions run so strong is that the machines are used for jobs that seem to call for a broom.

Many cities have restricted use of the machines. And manufacturers of both gasoline and electric models have been able to meet a common limit on noise: 65 decibels at 50 feet. (For comparison, a car horn measures about 110.) The blowers often seem louder, however. To determine the decibel level, several sound samples are taken at 50 feet as the tester moves in a circle, then averaged.

Annual sales of all leaf blowers approach two million, including electric and gasoline models. While four million rakes are sold each year, priced from $4 to $30, hardware stores often relegate them to a corner bin.

Mr. Imel extols the new Clog-Free Rake, which he said prevents leaves from sticking on the tines and features a grip that prevents "hand fatigue and blisters." Prices start at $7. The new Wet N Dry Leaf Rake, from Union Tools, is priced at $18 and uses adjustable tension settings that the manufacturer says can help in gathering everything from damp leaves to freshly cut grass.

THE quietest blowers, which run on electricity, pack the least punch. They're also the lightest, around 7 pounds, and are generally the least expensive, ranging from about $30 to $100. Consumer Reports' top-rated electric is the Toro Super Blower Vac, at $70.

There are three varieties of gasoline blowers: handheld models, from $70 to $200, the heftier backpack types, which often exceed 20 pounds and sell for $300 to $450, and the wheeled machines, which can weigh more than 100 pounds and cost up to $1,000.

Consumer Reports' top-rated gasoline hand-held blower is the Stihl BG 45 at $150; the top-rated backpack model is the Husqvarna 145BT for $350."