Lightweight Husqvarna 230iB Blower Simplifies Lawn Cleanup
The Husqvarna designed the lightweight Battery Handheld 200 Series primarily for the homeowner. We already looked at the Husqvarna 220iL 40V string trimmer. Now, we’re looking at its buddy, the Husqvarna 230iB Battery-Powered Leaf Blower. It gets the job done with ultra-quiet performance and simple operation.
Notable Features
Husqvarna set out to make a battery-powered blower that had the muscle to tackle anything that a homeowner will likely encounter in the yard, from cleanup to collection work. And, from purely a numbers perspective, it looks like the 230iB blower delivers.
Husqvarna designed the 230iB with a brushless motor that can crank out 650 CFM at 136 mph for 19.4 Newtons of total force. We’ve seen a couple of handheld cordless blowers keep up with this amount of blowing force, but not many.
Husqvarna engineered the 230iB Blower to deliver extended runtime with the kitted 4.0Ah battery. To really maximize runtime, you also have a cruise control that helps extend the battery life. However, if you need to max the blower’s power out for, say, wet leaves or heavier debris, you can mash down on the Boost button for 20% more power.
Husqvarna also designed the blower tube with a replaceable debris scraper. This should prove useful when getting at stuck wet leaves.
Finally, Husqvarna paid special attention to the balance and weight of this tool. We’ve talked before about the unique battery bay design that runs through the center of the tool. It keeps the weight of the battery centered, resulting in a tool that’s easier to maneuver with less fatigue. But, Husqvarna also claims the 230iB is the lightest-in-class at 8.4 lbs (with the battery attached). Based on our experience with the Husqvarna 520iLX string trimmer, we think the company truly understands tool ergonomics.
Other Features
- One-touch premium control pad with LED indicators
- All-season performance
- Low noise and no emissions
- Fast charge time
Husqvarna 230iB vs Others Side By Side
We’ve had a bit of an opportunity lately to look at battery-powered blowers that have been aimed at the homeowner sector. Apart from the 230iB, we’ve looked at the Husqvarna 436LiB as well as the EGO LB6150 and LB6500, which sort of fall on either side of the Husqvarna, specs-wise. Here’s how some of those compare:
| Model | Husqvarna 230iB | Husqvarna 436LiB | EGO LB6500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 40V Max | 40V Max | 56V |
| Air Flow | 650 CFM | 388 CFM | 650 CFM |
| Air Speed | 136 mph | 105 mph | 180 mph |
| Force | 19.4 N | 12.5 N | 20.8 N |
| Weight without Battery | 5.8 lbs | 5.8 lbs. | 4.77 lbs. |
| Kitted Battery | 4.0Ah | NA | 5.0Ah |
| Kit Price | $319.99 | $250 | $299 |
Pricing
You can pick up the Husqvarna 230iB Leaf blower in a couple of different formats. As a bare tool, it retails for $219.99. Or you can grab the kit, which includes the blower, a battery, and a charger for $319.99.
Husqvarna Leaf Blower Specs
- Model: Husqvarna 230iB
- Battery Voltage: 36V (40V Max)
- Motor: Brushless
- Air Flow: 650.14 CFM
- Air Speed: 136.01 mph
- Blow Force: 19.4 N
- Weight (with battery): 8.4 lbs
- Price: $219.99 (bare tool); $319.99 (kit)
