WORX WG581.1 40V Cordless Leaf Blower: features, specs and who it suits

The WORX WG581.1 is a 40V cordless leaf blower that runs on two 20V PowerShare batteries. It clears leaves, grass clippings and debris from lawns, patios, decks, driveways and walkways without gas, fumes, pull cords or an extension cord. Here is what its numbers mean and how to match its settings to the job.

CFM and MPH: volume and speed

Leaf blowers are usually described by two figures. CFM (cubic feet per minute) is the volume of air moved, which decides how large a pile of leaves you can push along. MPH is the speed of the air leaving the tube, which decides how well it lifts debris that is stuck down, such as wet leaves or clippings caught in grass.

The WG581.1 delivers up to 530 CFM (about 15 cubic metres per minute) and up to 180 MPH (about 290 km/h). Both are maximum figures, reached at the highest setting.

Three speeds, Turbo and two tubes

A speed control offers three settings plus Turbo. WORX suggests the lower speeds for patios, decks and flower beds, where full power could scatter mulch or soil, and Turbo for wet leaves, compacted grass and heavier yard debris.

The dual-tube design gives a second way to shape the airflow. WORX says to use the larger tube for more air volume, to sweep open areas such as a lawn, or the smaller tube for more air speed, for debris that's stuck on. Combining the right tube with the right speed means you use only the force a job needs.

Brushless motor and runtime

A brushless motor switches its current electronically instead of through carbon brushes, so there's less friction and fewer parts that wear out. WORX says this motor runs 50% longer, delivers 25% more power and lasts 10 times longer than a brushed motor.

WORX lists up to 90 minutes of runtime. As with most cordless tools, "up to" runtimes apply at the lowest setting. Turbo drains the batteries much faster and is meant for shorter, tougher tasks, while the lower settings stretch a cleanup further.

Noise and weight

WORX gives a figure of 57 dB and says this makes regular yard work more comfortable for the neighbourhood. Decibel readings depend on how far from the tool they're taken, and WORX doesn't state the distance, so treat it as the brand's own figure. Many towns also set hours or limits for leaf blowers, so it's worth checking local rules.

With batteries, it weighs 7.7 lb (about 3.5 kg), which WORX says helps reduce fatigue on longer jobs. Its listed dimensions are about 40 x 7.7 x 10.6 inches (102 x 20 x 27 cm).

The PowerShare battery system

The blower takes two 20V batteries, which together supply 40V. Both batteries and a dual charger come in the box, along with the blower and an air tube. WORX's PowerShare batteries work across its 20V, 40V and 80V tools: smaller tools take one battery, larger ones combine two or more. If you already own WORX tools, you can share batteries between them; if not, this kit gives you a starting set.

Who it suits

It suits homeowners who regularly clear leaves and clippings from a lawn, driveway, patio or deck and want a battery tool that starts without a pull cord. The lower speeds and smaller tube help around flower beds, while Turbo and the larger tube cover open ground and wet autumn leaves.

What to check before you buy

• Battery capacity: the amp-hour capacity of the included batteries isn't stated; check it, since it decides runtime.
• Yard size: think about how long your usual cleanup takes, and whether spare batteries would help for big autumn jobs.
• Existing tools: if you own other WORX tools, check they're on the PowerShare platform.
• Local rules: check any hours or limits on leaf-blower use where you live.
• The manual: read it before first use and follow its guidance on operation and protective gear.

The short version

• A 40V cordless leaf blower running on two 20V PowerShare batteries, included with a dual charger.
• Up to 530 CFM and 180 MPH, driven by a brushless motor.
• Three speeds plus Turbo, and a dual-tube design for more air volume or more air speed.
• 57 dB and 7.7 lb with batteries; WORX lists up to 90 minutes of runtime.
• The batteries also fit WORX's 20V, 40V and 80V tools.

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