Stihl SHA 56 vs Greenworks 40V Brushless Leaf Blower/Vacuum

Buy the Stihl SHA 56 if you want one quiet tool that blows and shreds leaves into a small bag for yard waste pickup or compost. Buy the Greenworks 40V if you mostly blow and want more airflow and a brushless motor that should outlast a brushed one. The Stihl is lighter, quieter and the only one of the two built around shredding, with a 10:1 reduction and a 1.41 cu ft bag. The Greenworks moves more air and has a 12:1 vacuum ratio, but it is heavier, louder and its vacuum kit is the weaker half of the tool.

• Choose the Stihl SHA 56 if you deal with piles of leaves and want a quiet, light 2-in-1 that shreds them down for the green bin.
• Choose the Greenworks 40V if you mainly clear driveways, patios and lawns and want strong airflow with a brushless motor and turbo boost.