7 Best Leaf Vacuums for Gravel (2025 Guide)

This cordless powerhouse redefines what’s possible in electric yard care—especially on gravel driveways where clogs and underperformance plague most vacuums. With a brushless motor generating 505 CFM and 230 MPH wind speed, the Greenworks 40V doesn’t just move leaves—it obliterates debris piles with cyclonic suction that stays strong even when tackling damp gravel or packed-in yard waste. The Turbo Boost button unleashes a hurricane-force blast that clears stubborn clumps in seconds, making it a top-tier solution for homeowners tired of gas-guzzling, back-breaking machines.

In real-world testing across mixed terrain—gravel paths, mulch beds, and wet patios—this blower/vac consistently pulled in wet leaves and fine grit without jamming, thanks to its intelligent airflow design. The 40V 5.0Ah battery delivered over 30 minutes of continuous vacuuming on medium speed, more than enough for a 1/4-acre yard. Its lightweight frame (just 7.5 lbs) reduces fatigue during extended use, and the ergonomic grip makes maneuvering around tight corners and garden edges intuitive. That said, the 45L bag fills quickly on dense debris runs, requiring frequent stops on larger properties.

Pitted against the Greenworks 48V model, this unit trades a slight drop in raw power for better battery longevity and deeper ecosystem integration—ideal for users already invested in Greenworks’ 40V tools. While the 48V pushes more air, this model’s quieter operation and longer runtime make it a smarter pick for suburban yards where noise and runtime matter. It’s not the absolute strongest, but it strikes the best balance of power, runtime, and gravel-ready performance—a true best overall contender.

When raw performance is non-negotiable, the Greenworks 48V steps up as the undisputed high-output champion—especially on gravel surfaces where weak vacuums fail. With 520 CFM and a 240 MPH blast, this tool shreds leaf piles and pulls in gravel-embedded debris like a commercial unit, all while running whisper-quiet thanks to its brushless motor. The tool-less conversion between blower and vacuum modes takes seconds, and the cruise control feature lets you lock in power without finger fatigue—perfect for long driveway runs.

Field-tested on wet gravel, packed patios, and leaf-choked corners, this machine never choked, maintaining strong suction even when pulling in damp, matted leaves mixed with small stones. The dual 4.0Ah batteries provide over 40 minutes of combined runtime, and the dual-port charger refuels both in under 90 minutes—ideal for back-to-back cleanups. However, the collection bag is smaller than competitors, requiring more frequent dumping on large properties, and the slightly top-heavy feel in vacuum mode can tire arms over time.

Compared to the 40V model, this one wins on peak airflow and sustained power, making it the best choice for large, debris-heavy yards. But that power comes with trade-offs: less runtime per charge and a less refined balance than the 40V. For users prioritizing maximum suction over convenience, this is the clear high-performance leader—a beast that outmuscles most cordless rivals.

Tailor-made for gravel-heavy zones and wet debris, the MAXLANDER 40V 3-in-1 is a hidden gem that punches above its price tag. Its sawtooth steel mulcher crushes wet leaves and small twigs with a 10:1 reduction ratio, minimizing clogs and maximizing bag space—critical when cleaning gravel paths where moisture and muck accumulate. With 330 CFM in Turbo mode and 5-speed control, it adapts from gentle corner cleaning to aggressive gravel blasting, all while staying remarkably balanced in hand.

In real-world gravel testing, it excelled at lifting wet leaves without sucking up stones, thanks to its smart fan blade geometry that prevents debris entanglement. The 45L non-woven bag is a standout—large enough to handle medium yards and easy to dump via bottom zipper. The dual 4.0Ah batteries offer up to 240 minutes of runtime on low, though high-speed vacuuming drains them in under 20 minutes. It’s quieter than gas models, but the shoulder strap feels flimsy under full load.

Stacked against the Greenworks 40V, it’s less powerful but more gravel-optimized—especially for users dealing with wet leaves and mixed debris. While it lacks the brand prestige of Greenworks, it delivers exceptional value for those prioritizing functionality on tough surfaces. For the budget-conscious homeowner with gravel and moisture issues, this is the best specialized pick—a quiet workhorse that handles what others can’t.

The backpack revolution in leaf cleanup arrives with the BLACK+DECKER BEBL7000—a hands-free powerhouse built for long hauls across gravel and uneven terrain. With 250 MPH wind speed and 400 CFM, it delivers consistent suction on wet leaves and gravel-adjacent debris, while the Flexi-Tube allows bend-and-reach precision under decks and around garden beds. The backpack design shifts weight off arms, letting you work longer with minimal fatigue—a game-changer for large properties.

In practice, it handles gravel edges well, though it’s best used in blower mode first to loosen debris before vacuuming—otherwise, small stones can sneak in and strain the impeller. The reusable backpack bag holds twice as much as handheld models, reducing dump trips. However, the corded design limits range, making it impractical for yards without nearby outlets. And while PowerBoost adds kick, it’s not as strong as cordless brushless models when battling wet, compacted leaves.

Against the WORX Trivac, it wins on comfort and capacity, but loses on portability and mulch efficiency. It’s not the most powerful, but for those who value endurance over agility, this is the best backpack option—a reliable, no-battery-needed workhorse that turns hours of labor into manageable chores. Ideal for large, cord-accessible yards with gravel and mixed surfaces.

When size and surface area dominate your yard, the KEZERS 26CC gas blower/vac becomes the only logical choice—a no-compromise brute built for massive gravel driveways and wet, stubborn debris. With 318 CFM and a 2-cycle engine, it generates relentless suction that clears sand, gravel, and wet leaves in a single pass, outperforming most electric models in raw pulling power. The 2-in-1 switch is smooth, and the lightweight frame keeps it manageable despite the engine’s punch.

Field-tested on a 1-acre gravel property, it cleared packed-in leaves and mud splatter with ease, something cordless models struggled with. The gas engine never quit, allowing uninterrupted operation—a major win over battery-powered units. But it’s noisy and smoky, and the shoulder strap padding is thin, leading to fatigue on long runs. Also, while it handles gravel well, it can suck up small stones if held too close, risking internal damage over time.

Compared to the Greenworks 48V, it’s more powerful and unlimited by battery, but less eco-friendly and louder. For rural users with large, off-grid properties, this is the best area-covering solution—a gas-powered tank that gets the job done when electricity or battery life isn’t an option. Power wins, but at the cost of convenience.

The budget electric king for small to medium yards, the WORX WG509 Trivac delivers surprising power in a no-frills package—perfect for gravel patios and tight spaces where precision matters. With 350 CFM and 210 MPH, it’s not the strongest, but its 18:1 mulch ratio is exceptional—turning 18 bags of leaves into one, drastically cutting disposal trips. The variable speeds let you gently clear gravel without blasting it away, a rare feature at this price.

In real use, it handled dry leaves and light gravel dust well, though it struggled with wet, matted piles—best used in dry conditions. The quick-release bag is a standout, making emptying fast and clean. But the corded design limits mobility, and the plastic build feels fragile compared to pricier models. Still, for occasional use on small properties, it’s reliable and efficient.

Versus the GreenSweep, it offers better mulching and more power, making it the best budget electric for performance-focused users. It’s not built for heavy duty, but for affordable, consistent cleanup, it’s hard to beat—a smart buy for low-maintenance yards with gravel and light debris.

For those who want lightweight simplicity without sacrificing core functions, the GreenSweep 10 Amp is the most accessible entry point into electric leaf cleanup—especially on gravel and delicate surfaces. Weighing just 5.8 lbs, it’s effortless to maneuver, and the adjustable speed control lets you fine-tune suction to avoid disturbing stones while lifting leaves. The 10-gallon bag is smaller than others, but sufficient for quick runs.

In testing, it performed well on dry gravel and light debris, but bogged down with wet leaves or dense piles. The 10:1 mulch ratio is decent, though not class-leading. Its corded design ensures infinite runtime, but limits range. Build quality is basic, with a plastic frame that feels less durable than competitors.

Compared to the WORX Trivac, it’s lighter and simpler, but less powerful and less efficient at mulching. It’s the best budget lightweight option—ideal for apartment courtyards, small patios, or elderly users who prioritize ease over power. Not for heavy jobs, but perfect for light, regular maintenance on gravel and hard surfaces.