How to Start a Backpack Leaf Blower: Gas Steps and Battery Basics

The short version for gas backpack blowers

Most gas backpack blowers, including Stihl, Echo and Husqvarna units, follow the same pattern. You prime the fuel system, set the choke for a cold engine, pull the cord, then step the choke down once the engine fires. The names of the controls change from brand to brand, but the order stays close to the same.

The details matter, though. Some models have a stop switch you must move to the run position. Some have a choke lever with several positions. Others use a purge or primer bulb with a set number of presses. If you are starting a specific model such as a Husqvarna 150BT or 125B, the manual for that model is the right source for those details.

This guide covers the general method, the common mistakes, and the safety steps that apply to every gas blower.

Before you pull the cord

Most hard starts come from skipped prep. Spend a minute on these checks before you pull anything.

Start on level, open ground, outdoors. Never start a gas engine in a garage, shed or other closed space, because exhaust contains carbon monoxide. Keep the blower tube pointed away from people, pets, windows and parked cars.

• Check the fuel. Use fresh fuel mixed to the ratio your manual gives. Old fuel is a common reason an engine will not start.
• Check whether your engine is two-stroke or four-stroke. A two-stroke needs oil mixed into the fuel. A four-stroke has a separate oil fill. Wrong fuel can damage the engine.
• Look over the air filter, spark plug wire and fuel cap. Make sure the cap is tight and nothing is loose.
• Make sure the tube is attached and the throttle moves freely.
• Put on hearing protection and safety glasses. Gas blowers are loud and throw grit.

Step-by-step: starting a cold engine

Follow these steps for a cold start. A cold engine is one that has not run in the last several minutes.

• Set the blower on the ground, on its back frame or in a stable upright position, with the tube pointing away from you.
• Move the stop switch or ignition switch to the on or run position.
• Press the primer bulb the number of times your manual recommends, until you can see fuel in the bulb.
• Set the choke to the closed or cold start position.
• Hold the machine steady. Many people press down on the frame with one hand or a foot, as your manual allows, and grip the starter handle with the other.
• Pull the starter handle slowly until you feel resistance, then give it a short, brisk pull. Do not yank the cord to its full length. Guide the rope back in rather than letting it snap.
• When the engine fires or coughs, move the choke to the open or run position.
• Pull again if needed until it runs. Let it idle for a short time to warm up.
• Squeeze the throttle gently to check that it responds, then put the unit on your back.

Warm restarts and brand differences

A warm engine usually does not need the choke. If you just shut the blower off to refuel or clear a jam, skip the choke and try pulling the cord with the choke open. If it does not catch after a few pulls, try the half choke position if your model has one.

Over-choking is a common problem. If you pull many times with the choke closed, the engine can flood. Open the choke fully, move the throttle to wide open if your manual allows it, and pull several times to clear the extra fuel.

Brands differ in small ways. Some Stihl models use a combined control lever for choke and stop. Some Echo models use a separate choke lever and a primer bulb. Some Husqvarna models also use a primer bulb and a choke control. Treat that as general background and check your own manual, since I am not listing model-specific steps here.

If it won't start

Work through the basics in order. Most problems are simple.

If the engine does not fire at all, check that the stop switch is on, then check fuel freshness and level. If it fires but dies, the choke may be open too early, or the fuel may be old. If you smell fuel and the engine will not catch, it may be flooded. Wait a few minutes, open the choke and try again.

A dirty air filter or a fouled spark plug can also block starting. Clean or replace these parts as your manual describes, with the engine off and cool and the spark plug wire handled carefully. If the blower still will not run, take it to a service shop rather than taking apart the fuel system yourself.

Starting a battery blower instead

If all of this sounds like a lot of steps, battery blowers are much simpler. You insert the battery, press a power button or trigger, and set the speed. There is no choke, no fuel mixing and no pull cord.

One thing to know is that true backpack blowers carry the motor or battery on your back. As our best backpack leaf blower page explains, none of the ranked models there are backpack designs. They are handheld cordless blowers, some with shoulder straps. If you want to see the cordless side of the market, our best cordless leaf blower comparison puts the specs side by side.

For example, the EGO Power+ LB8803-2 lists 880 CFM, 200 mph, a 5 lb weight and cruise control. Many cordless blowers also list a turbo mode that uses more battery, so check runtime in both low and turbo settings.

Gas versus battery at a glance

This table covers how each type starts and what you need to handle before use. It is general information, not tied to a specific model.

Safety notes that apply every time

Wear hearing protection and eye protection whenever the blower runs. Wear sturdy shoes, long pants and gloves if you like. Keep children and pets well away.

Let the engine cool before you refuel, and refuel away from sparks, flames and hot surfaces. Store fuel in an approved container in a safe place. Never run a gas blower indoors or in a closed garage.

Before you work on a blower, such as clearing the tube or changing a spark plug, stop the engine and wait for it to cool. For battery models, remove the battery first.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my backpack blower start and then die right away?

The choke may have been opened too soon, or the fuel may be old or the wrong mix. Try keeping the choke closed until the engine first fires, then open it and let the engine warm up at idle.

How many times should I pull the starter cord?

Pull until the engine fires, then switch the choke to run. If it has not caught after about five or six pulls on the cold setting, stop and check for flooding rather than pulling more.

Can I start a gas blower while it is on my back?

Most manuals say to start it on the ground. Starting it on your back is awkward and raises the risk of losing control, so set it down, start it, then put it on.

Do battery blowers need a warm-up?

No. You insert the battery and press the trigger or button. Some models have speed settings or turbo modes, so choose the setting that suits the job.