Plan airflow for mulch, leaves, and potting cleanup. Pick hose size, apply real-world losses, and compare options. Improve pickup without guesswork today.
| Garden task | Suggested hose | Target airflow (CFM) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry leaves on patio | 2.5 in | 120–180 | Keep filter clean for steady flow. |
| Potting soil spills | 1.25–2.5 in | 90–150 | Use a nozzle to focus pickup. |
| Mulch crumbs, bark chips | 2.5–3 in | 150–220 | Wider hose helps reduce clogging. |
| Wet cleanup near planters | 2.5 in | 100–170 | Short hose improves water pickup. |
The total factor combines hose type, filter load, leaks, and hose length. These values are practical estimates, not lab measurements.
Airflow is the volume of air moved each minute. Higher airflow helps lift light debris like dry leaves and potting mix from surfaces. For mulch fragments and bark chips, stable airflow prevents repeated passes and reduces nozzle clogging. In practical use, airflow is shaped by restrictions, not just motor size, so measuring or estimating airflow builds better expectations than comparing amps.
Diameter controls cross‑sectional area, so small changes can noticeably shift calculated airflow. A 2.5‑inch hose has about four times the area of a 1.25‑inch hose, which supports higher CFM at similar air speeds. Narrow hoses can increase velocity but may limit total airflow when debris is bulky. For garden pickups, wider hoses generally handle mixed debris with fewer blockages.
Ribbed hoses increase friction, bends add turbulence, and long runs raise resistance. Filters also load quickly with fine soil and dry compost dust, reducing flow across a session. Small air leaks at cuffs and adapters waste airflow before it reaches the nozzle. The calculator’s loss factors help approximate these reductions so your final estimate aligns better with on‑site results.
As a rule of thumb, 90–150 CFM works well for potting bench cleanup and small spills, while 120–180 CFM suits leaf pickup on patios and walkways. Mixed debris with bark chips benefits from higher airflow and a wider hose to prevent bridging. If your adjusted airflow looks low, shorten the hose, clean the filter, and improve seals before upgrading equipment.
The velocity method is useful when you can measure air speed with an anemometer at the nozzle. The air‑watts method helps when you have rated air watts and a pressure value, turning published specs into estimated airflow. Compare both methods when possible, then use the adjusted value for planning attachments and hose setups.
For light leaves and dust, 120–180 CFM is usually effective. For mixed debris and bark chips, aim higher when possible and prioritize a wider hose to reduce clogging.
Most of the time, yes. Added length increases resistance and reduces delivered airflow at the nozzle. Keeping the hose short and using smooth sections can preserve performance.
Nozzle design, internal passages, filter type, and sealing quality change restriction and losses. These factors can shift real airflow significantly even when motor ratings look close.
A smaller nozzle can raise local velocity, but it can also limit total airflow. Use it for fine debris, but switch to a wider nozzle for bulky mulch and chips.
When airflow drops or dusting increases, clean it. Fine soil can load filters quickly, so checking every 10–20 minutes during dusty tasks can maintain steady pickup.
No. They are practical estimates to reflect common hose, filter, and seal effects. Use them to compare setups consistently, then refine with real measurements if available.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.