This here is the new Ridgid 18V Gen5X “jobsite blower.” That’s right, it’s not a leaf blower, it’s not a lawn & garden tool, it’s not a clippings pusher out of the wayer. It’s a jobsite blower. *Grunt grunt grunt.*
The new jobsite blower, model R860430B, joins Ridgid’s growing Gen5X cordless power tool lineup, which launched earlier this year.
It’s designed for blowing dust and debris out of your garage, workshop, or elsewhere. Ridgid says that it will make jobsite cleanup easier than ever.
Features & Specs
- “Best in class” airflow (280 CFM)
- 0-100 MPH air velocity
- 0-11,000 RPM fan speed
- 20 minutes of runtime with a 4.0Ah battery pack
- Compact size for reaching into tight spaces
- Variable speed trigger
- Hex Grip handle texture for user comfort
Price: $79
ETA: Sept 2015
Battery and charger are sold separately.
Buy Now(Gen5X tools via Home Depot)
First Thoughts
What I hate about tools like this is that I can never visualize how big or small they are. Ridgid says that the new 18V Gen5X jobsite air blower is “compact” and able to each tight spaces. But to me it looks closer in size to Dewalt’s outdoor 20V Max air blower than their itty bitty jobsite air blower (check out our Dewalt cordless power tool preview for pics and details) or Milwaukee’s M18 air blower.
*Shrug* let’s just call this a medium-sized blower, shall we?
I don’t think I have a particularly strong interest in this tool (I can’t use everything), but I really like it nonetheless. Why? Because it’s an indication that Ridgid, or rather TTI, is really pushing forward with the new Ridgid 18V Gen5X cordless tool platform.
Right now, there’s the 5-piece drill, impact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, and LED worklight combo, a hybrid fan, a random orbit sander, and a flex-neck dual-mode LED worklight. Oh, and let’s not forget the new Ridgid Hypderdrive brushless cordless nailers!
While a jobsite blower might not seem like much, except to those who could really use it, it’s a step forward. This is a very optimistic time to be a Ridgid power tool fan.