Leaf Blowers? Nein! - Orindans Testing Noiseless Alternative

A quiet, human-powered alternative to powered leaf blowers is being tested in Orinda, courtesy of its German manufacturer and their Minnesota distributor.

It appears that recent coverage of Orinda's small but committed anti-blower movement caught the attention of the Haaga company, which promptly shipped one of their latest Kehrmaschinen to the Orinda couple behind a push for a blower ban for a trial run - or push.

"We're delighted to announce that we received, for evaluation, an exceptionally well-made and effective alternative to blowers and brooms," wrote "Quiet Orinda" co-founder Susan Kendall.  "And even more delighted to say that it really works."

The virtually noiseless machine is built around a system of three rotary brushes that pushes leaves, and bottles, and bigger things - into a detachable bin for disposal.

Peter and Susan Kendall are putting the machine through its paces, and plan to introduce it to the public during their informational outreach at the Orinda Farmers' Market on Saturday.

"We're testing the Model 476," Susan says.  "We'll be putting it through some pretty rigorous tests in the coming weeks, but for now we'll just say - WOW! This thing works!"