Kobalt 40V Leaf Blower Review – Is It Worth Buying?
Why do the hard work yourself if a lightweight machine can do it for you?
We’re covering the topic of clearing away leaves and the Kobalt 40V should definitely get onto your shortlist. Its combination of features in a fairly lightweight appliance, makes it good value for money.
Here’s what you can expect.
Overview of the Kobalt 40V Leaf Blower
The Kobalt 40V cordless and handheld leaf blower comes with a better battery than some of the brand’s lower range, 24V machines.
This means more power and longer battery life, so you can already see this is a unit for a bit harder work than just clearing the patio.
You have an eco-friendly way—no emissions—to keep the average garden looking neat and tidy.
First Impressions
Looking at the Kobalt 40V, you’ll see smart design with features like a variable trigger.
And picking it up you’ll be surprised how lightweight a 40V garden appliance can be. That means, get more done with less fatigue.
Key Features
How Does It Perform?
Firstly, it’s always great to start a job effortlessly, and the push start feature comes in handy here.
Then, the CFM and air speed ratings are sufficient for homeowner use, if your yard is under ¼ acre big.
Unlike some 40V units that can only work on harder surfaces, you can try this to clear your grassy areas too.
How Heavy is this Model?
This leaf blower weighs around 5.5lbs, making it very easy to handle, even with one hand.
It won’t strain your body excessively, allowing you to get more done in a day.
Is it Easy to Handle and Manoeuvre?
You can hold this in one hand effortlessly and adjust the controls with your fingers easily. This allows for easy body movement to point the nozzle in the direction it should go.
Also, with its cruise control feature you can set a speed and then concentrate on the work you’re doing. So, you’ll get comfortable using it fairly quickly.
What is its Power Source?
All you need to do is use the push start button and the battery driven motor will spring to life. There’s no fuel to add, no harmful emissions and very little maintenance.
The 40V Lithium-ion battery is usually sold separately but it’s a bonus if you already have other Kobalt machines.
All the tools in the 40V range, such as Kobalt’s 40V hedge trimmer, use the same battery. So, get one battery for all your yard work, and save some cash.
How Powerful is it: MPH vs CMH
On this model you can expect a maximum of 350CFM in air volume. For air speed you can push it to 100MPH.
This isn’t extremely powerful, but sufficient for residential use. We don’t recommend this for commercial use, large yards or heavy, wet debris.
What Jobs Suit the Kobalt 40V?
Kobalt has smaller models that can do similar jobs than the 40V model, but it will probably take longer and a little more effort.
Similar to those smaller units, consider this for ¼ acre properties where you need to clear grass, leaves or debris. For heavy or wet debris you may need a more powerful machine.
You can also use it in areas where you don’t want to disturb the neighbors too much, because thankfully it runs quiet.
The Efficiency of the Kobalt 40V
On this model you have three helpful features that can make your work session more efficient:
- Variable speed trigger: It’s up to you how much power you want the machine to deliver.
- Turbo button: You can push for more power when the type of debris requires it.
- Cruise control: You may get longer stretches of work out of the unit, compared to continually adjusting the speed settings. So, find what setting works best for you and then leave the cruise control on and enjoy cleaning up your yard.
Note that this leaf blower does not have a mulching feature.
How Durable and Long Lasting is this Model?
Kobalt offers a 5-year warranty on the model—not on the battery though. This does give peace of mind that you’re buying quality products.
And after all, Kobalt is a trustworthy and well-known brand.
Pros and Cons
PROS | CONS |
5-year warranty | Battery and charger not necessarily included |
Lightweight design | |
Handy controls for speed and power selection | |
Cruise control |
Overall Score: 90/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Who is this for?
This is a great tool for homeowners who need to clear yards up to ¼ acre.
For both hard surface clearing and grass areas, you’ll get good results.
It’s also a wise addition to your tool set if you already own other equipment in Kobalt’s 40V range, because the batteries are interchangeable—no need to buy another one.
Kobalt 40V vs 24V Leaf Blower
The 40V model allows for better air speed than the 24V’s 100MPH. However, both are meant for areas of around ¼ acre. Note that the 24V comes with a brushless motor, which is known to last long.
Kobalt 40V vs 80V Leaf Blower
If it’s more power you’re after, you can try the Kobalt 80V, but it is heavier than the 40V, even though it’s still a handheld blower. Enjoy 630CFM and 140MPH when you need to clear larger spaces in a short period of time.
Other Leaf Blowers to Consider
From other brands you can also get quality leaf blowers. But do they match up against the Kobalt range?
BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX* Cordless Sweeper
This is also a 40V battery powered blower and it only weighs around 4lbs. Its air speed is 125MPH, which is impressive against the Kobalt model. But you only get a 3-year limited warranty.
It’s quiet, but built for hard surface cleaning specifically.
PROS | CONS |
Quiet | Hard surfaces only |
Good air speed | More expensive than the Kobalt |
Can use battery on other machines from Black+Decker | |
Good battery life |
Check Out More Reviews Here:
SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 500 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower
From SKIL you can get an impressive 500CFM leaf blower and the brushless motor is an attractive feature—less maintenance and longer lifespan. It also charges very quickly IF you have the Automatic PWR JUMP unit.
Note that it comes at a higher price point but you may like the power boost feature if you’re working with some heavier debris. Its air speed is around 120MPH
PROS | CONS |
Power boost | More expensive |
Quick charging – 15 minutes only | |
500 CFM | |
Brushless motor |
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Greenworks 40V (150 MPH / 135 CFM) Cordless Leaf Blower
With the 40V Greenworks model you’ll only get 135CFM but 150MPH. That’s great for working on heavier debris or some wet leaves. There’s even a concentrate nozzle to further improve this part of your yard cleaning. Weighing only 3.27lbs, it’s very easy on your body.
PROS | CONS |
Very light | Low CFM |
High MPH | |
Concentrate nozzle |
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Overall Conclusion
There are only slight differences in the output when you compare the Kobalt 24V with the 40V leaf blower and both are good investments for homeowners.
However, a slightly faster air speed and some nifty controls can make a huge difference in how you experience your day of garden maintenance outside.
Also, considering how many efficient and essential tools you can power with the brand’s 40V battery, it makes it a cost effective solution to kit out your garden shed.
So, flip the switch and see what the 40V leaf blower can do for you.
