# Why are backpack leaf blowers and lawn mowers so darn loud?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [November 18, 2011, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316 "2011-11-18T05:31:53Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)
#### Post date: [November 18, 2011, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/21 "2011-11-18T21:42:20Z")
But what if you are the bug? Huh? Huh?
---
### Author:  [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)
#### Post date: [November 20, 2011, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/22 "2011-11-20T06:14:38Z")
> [@constanze](#):
>
> And they really aren’t quicker than a broom/fork
I hate the things as much as anyone, but a leaf blower is definitely faster than a fork. (The word you’re looking for is _rake_.)
---
### Author:  [@Fish\_Cheer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fish_Cheer)
#### Post date: [November 20, 2011, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/23 "2011-11-20T07:40:35Z")
> [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](#):
>
> (The word you’re looking for is _rake_.)
[They teach you that in school in Utah, huh?](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKA0K7bf7Rc)
---
### Author:  [@2gigch1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2gigch1)
#### Post date: [November 20, 2011, 10:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/24 "2011-11-20T10:17:37Z")
> [@kanicbird](#):
>
> At the end of a power stroke in a 2 stroke is exhaust directly exiting and according to a manual of a outboard motor I used to have the exhaust is supersonic, this is sure to be louder then a 4 stroke with it’s own stroke to clear the exhaust.
Fortunately most all outboards (that I am aware of) exhaust underwater for a natural muffler.
All noise control methods that I can think of will degrade the power output of the machine. Ultimately I imagine this is a significant reason behind the manufacturer’s choice to allow the machines to be noisy, along with cost, cost and cost.
---
### Author:  [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)
#### Post date: [November 20, 2011, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/25 "2011-11-20T15:27:44Z")
> [@Fish\_Cheer](#):
>
> [They teach you that in school in Utah, huh?](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKA0K7bf7Rc)
Huh? You must have me confused with somebody else; I’ve never been to Utah–except once, in 1983, for about 20 minutes.
---
### Author:  [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)
#### Post date: [November 20, 2011, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/26 "2011-11-20T19:12:48Z")
> [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](#):
>
> I hate the things as much as anyone, but a leaf blower is definitely faster than a fork. (The word you’re looking for is _rake_.)
Yes, they are faster. But what about the simple pleasure of the quiet sound of people raking and taking in the beauty of an autumn day and you know, exercising their fat asses? 😉 I also wish people were required to use engineless mowers. Just the quiet clip clip clip on a saturday afternoon. It will be at least _one_ positive benefit when the oil runs out.
---
### Author:  [@srzss05](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/srzss05)
#### Post date: [November 20, 2011, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/27 "2011-11-20T20:20:09Z")
> [@Quintas](#):
>
> It will be at least _one_ positive benefit when the oil runs out.
My guess is that there will be a lot more suburban jungles.
---
### Author:  [@Daylate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daylate)
#### Post date: [November 21, 2011, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/28 "2011-11-21T01:41:12Z")
All I know is that my back patio would be basically impossible to get the Douglas Fir needles off of without a blower. The patio is constructed of alternating 3’ squares of regular concrete and exposed aggregate. The needles glue themselves to the exposed aggregate, and one could sweep for hours (literally) without getting them to let go. (Particularly as here in the Great Pacific Northwet, they are ALWAYS wet.) I guess I could use my gas-powered power washer, but that’s a lot louder than the blower.
I don’t use a gas-powered blower, but the electric that I do use makes quite a bit of noise. However, I generally use it for only say an hour per month, if that, and if that’s too much for the tree-huggers, screw them.
An editorial comment. Douglas Firs are beautiful trees, but Gawd, are they messy. Something is coming down from them for at least twelve months of the year.
---
### Author:  [@constanze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/constanze)
#### Post date: [November 21, 2011, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/29 "2011-11-21T17:59:11Z")
> [@SmellMyWort](#):
>
> Roll your eyes all you want, dude,
I’m not your dude, mate.
> [@](#):
>
> but nowhere in your original post did you mention anything about scientific studies backing up that interesting bit of info you shared. I am happy to read a cite if you have it. However, as much as I’m amused by the idea of bugs, small rodents, or maybe [Whos](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horton_Hears_a_Who!) clinging onto blades of grass for dear life or tumbleweeding through their burrows as their leafy canopy is blown into the neighbors yard, it seems more the plot of a Looney Tunes cartoon than based in reality.😛
>
> Now, if by “critters” you mean microscopic organisms, then maybe there is something to it, but still, color me skeptical that the “harm” is really enough to impact the environment in a substantial way.
So first, instead of politley asking for a cite, you immediately know it’s “propaganda”, and now, after mention of scientists doing that, you still know that this is more cartoon than reality.
What kind of scientist could I possibly bring to challenge those strong beliefs?
---
### Author:  [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)
#### Post date: [November 21, 2011, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/30 "2011-11-21T22:26:57Z")
I said it _sounds like_ propaganda. I did not completely dismiss your claim and I’m baffled by your post about German scientists being socialist or whatever.
Cite, please; thanks in advance. Seriously, it’s GQ, the least you could do is explain explain the source (tv show? newpaper?), what type of “critters,” and what “harm.” Those are all pretty generic terms. Sorry, but claiming “scientist” isn’t enough.
---
### Author:  [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)
#### Post date: [November 21, 2011, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/31 "2011-11-21T22:35:25Z")
> [@constanze](#):
>
> So first, instead of politley asking for a cite, you immediately know it’s “propaganda”, and now, after mention of scientists doing that, you still know that this is more cartoon than reality.
>
> What kind of scientist could I possibly bring to challenge those strong beliefs?
**Moderating**
**constanze** , this is GQ. If you have a cite, produce it. If you can’t, admit it and drop the argument. It’s not appropriate to get testy and dodge the question when asked for a cite.
Colibri
General Questions Moderator
---
### Author:  [@constanze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/constanze)
#### Post date: [November 22, 2011, 9:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/32 "2011-11-22T09:19:48Z")
> [@Colibri](#):
>
> **Moderating**
>
> **constanze** , this is GQ. If you have a cite, produce it. If you can’t, admit it and drop the argument. It’s not appropriate to get testy and dodge the question when asked for a cite.
>
> Colibri
> General Questions Moderator
I’m not allowed to ask what kind of cite is sufficient before I spend hours digging them up? I just waste my time to find the cite and have it dismissed afterwards? No thanks.
---
### Author:  [@mac\_bolan00](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mac_bolan00)
#### Post date: [November 22, 2011, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/33 "2011-11-22T10:12:35Z")
i don’t use a blower or a rake. i use a long broom with ash twigs. less strain on the arms and back than with a rake. everything from birch leaves, to “floaty” maple leaves, to pesky pine needles can be removed from cracks, rocks, and trimmed grass. broom the ground lightly without generating the screech a broom makes. that’s how i do it.
---
### Author:  [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)
#### Post date: [November 22, 2011, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/34 "2011-11-22T15:19:28Z")
> [@constanze](#):
>
> I’m not allowed to ask what kind of cite is sufficient before I spend hours digging them up? I just waste my time to find the cite and have it dismissed afterwards? No thanks.
In other words, you don’t have one. If there was real evidence for your claim, it shouldn’t take “hours to dig it up.”
---
### Author:  [@constanze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/constanze)
#### Post date: [November 22, 2011, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/35 "2011-11-22T19:39:56Z")
> [@Colibri](#):
>
> In other words, you don’t have one. If there was real evidence for your claim, it shouldn’t take “hours to dig it up.”
Bwuh? Just because I need time to look it up, it’s not valid? That’s a new entry in the list of “playing the cite game”. Wow.
But yes, I don’t have a city that would satisfy the cite game your people play.
---
### Author:  [@Hbns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hbns)
#### Post date: [November 22, 2011, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/36 "2011-11-22T20:56:20Z")
Lots of manufacturers have been switching to 4 strokes to meet [new EPA emissions standards](http://www.epa.gov/otaq/equip-ld.htm) that began this year.
My new mulching mower is actually quiet enough that I can hear the roar of the wind off the blade over the noise of the engine. Even so, hearing protection is still a must.
---
### Author:  [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)
#### Post date: [November 22, 2011, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/37 "2011-11-22T21:22:13Z")
[QUOTE=california jobcase]
I don’t think any two-stroke lawn mowers are sold in the U.S. any more. Lawn-Boy was the last brand, I think, and now they’re four-strokes. Another reason small gas engines are so noisy is because they’re air-cooled. They have no water jackets enclosing the cylinder(s).
[/QUOTE]
I find it ironic WRT this thread that the quietest gas-powered lawn mower I’ve ever experienced was my old neighbor’s 2-cycle Lawn Boy. That thing purred.
---
### Author:  [@Dolomite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dolomite)
#### Post date: [November 23, 2011, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/38 "2011-11-23T03:52:59Z")
> [@psychonaut](#):
>
> So why do they use 2-stroke engines instead of some other, quieter engine design?
A lot of equipment that uses two-stroke engines need to be used at different angles. In a four-stroke, you’d need a pressurized oil system for this which adds weight. Most small four-stroke lawn equipment is splash lubricated.
I have a lot of uneven ground to mow, and when I did it with a lawnmower I used a two-stroke Lawn-Boy. Any splash lubricated engine would experience oil starvation.
---
### Author:  [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)
#### Post date: [November 23, 2011, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/39 "2011-11-23T06:01:08Z")
With all the ta-do being made over 2-stroke vs 4-stroke I thought I’d point out a couple things:
[ul]
[li]2-stroke engines all have mufflers, they won’t run without one. Its not just to make them quiet, a 2-stroke engine needs them for proper flow of combustion gases.[/li][li]In terms of leaf blowers, 2-stroke or 4-stroke isn’t that big of an issue, noise-wise. My unscientific guess would be that fully 80% or more of a leaf blower’s noise comes from the fan itself. High speed fans and propellers are \*tremendously \*noisy, more so even than internal combustion engines. Stand next to even a small, ultralight aircraft while it does a braked run-up to full power, or an industrial fan driven by a rather quiet electric motor. They’re deafening.[/li][li]Sound is the movement of air molecules, and that’s kinda what fans & props do…[/li][/ul]
---
### Author:  [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)
#### Post date: [November 23, 2011, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316/40 "2011-11-23T18:33:29Z")
Good to see you’re still around, **Hail Ants**.
[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316.md?page=1)
[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-backpack-leaf-blowers-and-lawn-mowers-so-darn-loud/603316.md?page=3)