The Makita BHX2500CA is one of the most physically stress-free leaf blowers you can find. It’s not the most powerful blower we looked at, but if you want a tool that is comfortable to use and does a good job of cleaning out the backyard, this leaf blower is one to consider.
This machine can blow debris a distance of 16 feet, which is not as far as most of the leaf blowers we examined. If you have a small yard this might not be a problem. The blower has a maximum air speed of 145 mph. That isn’t bad, but models like the Toro 51621 can push air up to 235 mph.
Gas-powered blowers typically require more maintenance than electric models, and that is true of this Makita. However, it is easier to maintain than the typical gas-powered leaf blower. This is partly because it has a four-stroke engine, which separates the oil and gas, so you don’t have to mix fuels together, which some people are not comfortable doing.
Another issue some people have with gas leaf blowers is the pull cord can make it hard to start. However, several reviews we read online said this unit was easy to start, often revving up after one or two tries, which isn’t always the case with pull cord tools. The Makita BHX2500CA weighs 9.8 pounds. This tool reaches 96.7 decibels, which is comparable to other leaf blowers we evaluated. Still, it’s a good idea to use hearing protection with any leaf blower.
Besides working as a blower, the Makita also gives you a vacuum function to suck up stubborn debris, like rain-soaked leaves from your porch. You can also vary the speed, which comes in handy when clearing off dust around flowerbeds or entryways.
The blower can be dismantled, which makes storing easy. This leaf blower is quite small – just 14 inches long – but it’s compact size makes it easy to use and perfect for small yards and patios. The warranty is only one year, which is well behind the best warranties out there. It does, however, have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee where Makita will refund your money or replace the product, at the company’s discretion, if you’re not satisfied with it during that time.
Summary
The Makita BHX2500CA does not blow debris as far as some of the other blowers we evaluated, but it is a compact, comfortable-to-use leaf blower that has plenty of power for small yards or patios. It has a vacuum function and speed variability. The four-stroke engine doesn’t require a mix of fuels. If you want a compact leaf blower to quickly clear leaves and debris from your outdoor space, this is a good choice.
