The_Gretz

I'd like to pick up a leaf blower to use to dry my Z, but I live in a condo and don't have easy access to AC power where I wash the car. So I'm considering cordless/battery powered leaf blowers. After searching the forums, it seems that some people believe that the battery powered models don't have enough power to dry the car properly. I haven't been able to find a thread with solid recommendations for cordless models.

Can you guys please suggest a cordless leaf blower (or other dryer) that is powerful enough to do the job? I'd prefer to use AC power, but that's just not an option.

Thanks!

REZ1

I like the Ryobi 40 volt blower.....I use it all the time...Home Depot or Ebay

LT1xL82

Serious coin, but the Stihl BGA 100 at maximum setting is as powerful as their best handheld gasoline blowers!

How about a corded unit with an inverter running off the car battery?

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

Would a 35 foot cord help ???

http://www.autogeek.net/dp-turbo-car-dryer.html

I have not personally seen a battery operated leaf blower offer the same power. Would the battery offer enough run time to allow drying the entire car on full tilt ???

The_Gretz

I have actually been considering a very long extension cord, but it would have to be 50-100' long. That would allow me to buy a corded vacuum also.

LT1xL82

As you seem to of suspected, the specifications show that it eats batteries! IIRC, about 10-15 minutes on a battery worn around your waist. More with a back pack battery.

LT1xL82

That sounds like a WAY less costly approach. Relatively bullet proof also.

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

Some apartments and condo's do offer a dedicated space for car cleaning. You might check and see if water and electric is available. (You may need to bring your own hose, and equipment).

I have shared in the past ...Florida went thru a heavy water restriction time and my wife (then girlfriend) lived in an apartment. I would wash our cars in those spray booths late at night. I used their water and then bucket washed. No one was there to complain and carwash got a couple bucks in quarters. I did find an outlet behind the vacuums and could use when drying by leaf blower was desired. I used their vacuums occasionally also so they made a couple quarters there. Not ideal, but kept cars clean.

The_Gretz

Our carwash location is actually pretty good, and covered, but no AC outlet anywhere near. I am in the process of figuring how long of a cord I will need and if I can even route it to where it needs to go.

Thanks for all the input, folks!

Koufax

I've bought EGO brand cordless tools - chainsaw and blower. The cost is in the initial purchase, which includes the battery and charger. After that, each additional tool is cheap.

mike100

I also have the first design EGO 56v leaf blower. This thing will blow stuff into the next zipcode. They now have another newer version that has even more oomph.

Do not screw around with extension cords. Time is money when you are trying to get the water off a dark colored car... plus it is just so easy to pick it up and set it down without getting the cord stuck on the tires.

I'd imagine a number of other brands would work just as well for something like drying cars... you can even break down and use them for yard work once in awhile. I would say it just depends on whose battery format you want to buy into.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/EGO-92-MP...4801/204753716

The_Gretz

Thanks! I'll check these out.

The_Gretz

The one you linked doesn't appear to be available locally or online. Is this one comparable?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/EGO-110-m...5302/206584690

mike100

That's the newer more powerful version. It has a 2.5Ah battery instead of a 2.0 Ah unit. It is probably a better leaf blower, but no doubt heavier. I also bought the cordless EGO hedge trimmer and was able to get a second 2.0 Ah battery for extended usage in ether tool. You can swap smaller or larger 56v batteries amongst the tools...they even have a 5.0Ah brick for their lawnmower.

Coyvett

Home Depot has a58v ECHO cordless blower on sale for $99.00, regular price was $299. Can't go wrong to try it.

The_Gretz

Unfortunately it looks like the $99 version doesn't include the battery and charger, while the $199 version includes both and is slightly more powerful:

http://m.homedepot.com/p/EGO-110-mph...5302/206584690

Coyvett

Nope. it included both.

binster

http://www.greenworkstools.com/produ...ss-jet-blower/

Works great!

mike100

80v! wow...

battery is a bit spendy though...

binster

No arguement there. . but system is really good. . Weedwhacker, blower and trimmers work great! Works as well as gas, no headache