DEALER + PRODUCT TRENDS

This month , we zoom in on the leaf blower market , reviewing and analyzing data from Dealer +, a collaborative data analysis program developed by Traqline and Ideal Computer Systems .

We analyze three months of sales to see which leaf blowers blew away buyers at OPE dealers ( both independent dealers and big-box stores ). This data comes from point-of-sale records of nearly 2,000 independent OPE dealers nationwide , representing every major brand . Plus , the effort

As Home Depot ’ s exclusive brand , this model is promoted heavily in equipment packages and in a variety of price points , depending on if buyers need just the tool or a battery and charger too . The 40V tool with 4 Ah battery and charger sells for $ 170 ; with a package of other equipment , it can be had for around $ 500 . Either way , attractive pricing for homeowners .

Top Brand Ryobi has many low-price options available , and the second-best selling unit is a Ryobi that costs under $ 100 with a battery and charger . Milwaukee does sneak into the top 3 here with a powerful leaf blower ( model 2724-20 ) at a tool-only price of $ 129 . looks at mass merchant data ( Home Depot , Lowe ’ s , others ). Sales were recorded from December 2023 through February 2024 .

Dealer + Data ( from independent OPE dealers )

Average leaf blower sale price Commercial models = $ 518 Residential models = $ 293 Overall average = $ 418

Total battery-powered sales * Commercial models = 4 % Residential models = 29 % Total = 15 %

* These sales are almost double that of chain saws ( last month ’ s topic ). Not surprising , with the difference in performance needs and use patterns , but interesting .

Note : “ Residential ” – a product the manufacturer markets primarily to consumers . “ Commercial ” – a product the manufacturer markets primarily to professional users .

Top-selling leaf blower

Stihl BR600 – This backpack blower retails for $ 549 , that ’ s above the average price of commercial models . This gas-powered blower has been in the U . S . market since 2013 . Stihl heavily promotes this model ’ s fuel efficiency . Pros can buy more powerful blowers for just a few bucks more . This is both the best-selling pro model , and top seller overall in our data .

Stihl BR600

Stihl BG 50

Top-selling residential-model leaf blower

Stihl BG 50 – The best-selling residential model , and third-best selling unit overall , is the Stihl BG 50 . This $ 150 gas-powered unit is one of the least-expensive gas handheld models available .

Top battery-powered leaf blower

Stihl BGA 57 – The top-selling battery powered model is not inexpensive at $ 200 . The BGA 57 from Stihl uses the company ’ s AK battery platform . It is the third-best selling residential model overall , following the gas-powered BG 50 and BG 56 .

Leaf Blower analysis , opportunity and obstacles

From cheap corded models to professional backpack models , with uses from cleaning the garage to clearing large acreage , these tools are a massive sales opportunity . And as battery evolution makes these tools quieter and more powerful , consumers and pros will step up to buy for the first time , and to replace older units .

The legislative landscape is likely to drive both sales and new model development , as municipalities lobby to outlaw louder gas-powered units . Leaf blowers may simultaneously be the most used and most despised power equipment in use today . Like the handheld drill did for DIY homeowners , the leaf blower may likely lead the battery revolution going forward . They are much more affordable than battery powered lawn mowers .

10 OPE + April 2024 www . OPE-Plus . com