In California the air pollution control agency AQMD is offering a program to replace traditional 2-cycle leaf blowers with models that are much cleaner. This is why:
“These machines are a significant source of smog-forming emissions. In one year, the average two-stroke backpack leaf blower emits as much pollution as 80 new cars.” The blowers in the exchange program, manufactured by STIHL Inc., are nearly five times cleaner than the California Air Resources Board’s most stringent standard for new blowers. By scrapping 1,500 old blowers and replacing them with low-emission STIHL blowers, the program will reduce at least 14 tons per year of smog-forming emissions.
The Irrigation and Green Industry site reports reports on a leafblower that will reduce by 80% the amount of pollution these machines typically emit.
To meet … stringent EPA exhaust emissions standards, Shindaiwa, who first introduced the industry’s so-called hybrid engine in October of 2001, has developed a catalytic exhaust muffler system. This clean engine technology is used in its T231 trimmer, and can meet the second phase of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards. Their patented four-stroke engine, called C4 technology, will meet the EPA’s strict limits, and is currently used on their T2500 trimmer.
Steve Meriam, national sales and product development manager for Stihl Inc., in Virginia Beach, Virginia, says, “We’re always looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to regulations and safety. The exiting of exhaust fumes out of the cylinder is one of our primary concerns.
“Our patented Stihl 4-Mix engine is a hybrid 2-cycle and 4-cycle engine that offers the benefits of both. It’s clean burning, like 4-cycle engines, so it meets EPA and CARB regulations, but retains the advantages of the 2-cycle engine, including the power and comparable weight of a 2-cycle. This allows us to comply with the new emission regulations while also meeting the power-to-weight demands of the professional landscape contractor.”
Noise? What noise?
As leaf blowers became more powerful, noise complaints prompted regulations, along with limitations as to the hours or days they can be used. These regulations are often implemented by municipalities and can vary greatly.
If you’re interested in joining a campaign to cut back the noise and air pollution of these machines, email me.