WORX Nitro WG543 20V Cordless Leaf Blower: features, specs and who it suits

The WORX Nitro WG543 is a lightweight cordless leaf blower for clearing leaves, grass clippings and light debris from patios, driveways and lawns. It runs on a 20V battery and a brushless motor, weighs 3.8 lb (about 1.7 kg), and is meant to be used with one hand.

Volume mode and speed mode

Blowers are described by two numbers, and they measure different things. Airflow, in cubic feet per minute (cfm), is how much air moves. Air speed, in miles per hour (mph), is how fast it leaves the nozzle. The WG543 lets you choose between them with a variable air-control nozzle.

Sliding the nozzle out gives volume mode, rated at up to 410 cfm, which suits sweeping large areas of dry leaves. Sliding it in gives speed mode, rated at up to 130 mph, which WORX recommends for wet leaves and heavier debris. Generally, a wide, gentle stream moves a lot of light material and a narrow, fast one lifts things that are stuck down.

WORX also quotes a jet force of 7.3 newtons from its sonic turbine fan. Force is a third measure, and it depends on both airflow and speed.

Two speed settings

Separately from the nozzle, there is a two-speed switch. The low setting is intended for light sweeping and tight spaces, such as around plants or on a deck. The high setting is for heavier cleanup. Using low where you can usually extends runtime and reduces noise.

What a brushless motor changes

The listing describes WORX's "brushless motor 2.0". In general, brushless motors have no carbon brushes to wear out, produce less friction and heat, and use battery power more efficiently than brushed motors. WORX says this motor gives 40 percent more power and 10 percent longer runtime than standard brushless motors, and 70 percent more power and ten times the life of brushed motors. Those are the brand's comparisons.

Battery and the Power Share system

The kit includes one 20V, 4.0Ah PowerShare Pro battery and a charger. WORX says Pro batteries are designed to stay cool and protect themselves, and that the same batteries fit more than 140 tools and products on the PowerShare platform. If you already own batteries from this range, check that they are the right voltage and a compatible type before assuming they will fit.

A single 4.0Ah battery is a modest reserve. Expect to recharge on larger jobs, and note that running on high speed shortens runtime.

Handling

At 3.8 lb, with a slim body about 34 inches long, it is easy to carry and to hang on a hook or keep on a shelf. A lighter blower is less tiring over a long job, but it is also a small machine: it is built for domestic yards, not for clearing acres of woodland leaf-fall.

Who it suits

It suits owners of small to medium yards, balconies, patios and driveways, and anyone who wants a cordless alternative to a corded or petrol blower. It also suits people who already use WORX batteries.

What to check before you buy

• Yard size: a 4.0Ah battery may need a recharge on larger areas.
• Debris type: wet, packed or heavy material needs speed mode and more time.
• Batteries: if you own other WORX batteries, check compatibility and capacity.
• Noise: wear hearing protection and check local rules on blower use.
• What's in the box: the blower, one 20V 4.0Ah battery and a charger.
• Upkeep: check the manual on cleaning the intake and storing the battery.

The short version

• A 3.8 lb cordless leaf blower on a 20V PowerShare battery.
• Volume mode up to 410 cfm, speed mode up to 130 mph, set with the nozzle.
• A two-speed switch for light sweeping or heavier cleanup.
• Brushless motor; one 4.0Ah battery and a charger are included.

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