Noise measurements of 496 lawn mowers were made at 25 feet and at the operator’s ear between 2004 and 2017. In total, more than 2,000 different measurements were made. Several trends in lawn mower noise were observed. 1) Newer electric lawn mowers are significantly quieter and perform better than the older ones. 2) Newer gas powered walk mowers may be a decibel quieter. 3) Ride-on mower noise levels are pretty much unchanged and dependent on the size of the engine. 4) Compared to EPA noise measurements of mowers from 1973, very little progress has been made quieting mowers.

This study by the Kuopio Regional Institute of Occupational Health examined noise emissions from leaf blowers and other gardening equipment. Testing of nine leaf blowers revealed noise exposure levels between 93-102 dB(A), with the highest levels from 2-stroke engines. These engines emitted low-frequency tonal noise components, which penetrate walls and are perceived as particularly irritating. The study highlights the significant noise emissions from leaf blowers, contributing to public complaints and recognizing the need for improved noise control in such equipment.