Cyclone Rake or DR Power for leaf removal?

[iptman]

I need to purchase a leaf removal system this year for our 2.5 acres, mostly cleared, surrounded by oaks, maples, and poplars. I also have about 20 trees on my property. I'm looking at either the DR or the cyclone rake. Anyone have any recent experience with either of these machines? Am I missing any other out there that I should be looking at as well?

 

[Baby Grand]

No personal experience with the DR, but we are very happy with our Cyclone Rake. Well built and good support. My mother-in-law bought it for herself when she was about 75 because she didn't like the job the neighborhood teenagers did and decided she could do it better herself. She was right. She used it for 5 or 6 years on a 12 HP MTD/Toro? and gave it to us a few years ago. We used it on a Craftsman LT4500 for 2 years then adapted it to our Kubota G5200 when we sold the Craftsman.

 

[coveredbridge]

I've had a Cyclone Rake for about 5 years. Before buying it I also looked at the DR. I believe both are well built, but the difference for me was the ability to easily disassemble and fold up the CR for storage. The frame with the folded up collector bag is hanging on the wall in my basement now. I just didn't have the storage space to accommodate the DR. I don't think I would buy the CR unless I had a temp controlled storage space to keep it in.

 

[PapaPerk]

I recommend Trac-Vac. You can usually find some available used on Craigslist and Ebay. They are made very well. I'm very pleased with mine. Bought it used. New ones are $2,500.... got mine for $500.00. :thumbsup:

Here's a pic of mine. Works well behind my Toro 270H garden tractor.

 

[iptman]

I've had a Cyclone Rake for about 5 years. Before buying it I also looked at the DR. I believe both are well built, but the difference for me was the ability to easily disassemble and fold up the CR for storage. The frame with the folded up collector bag is hanging on the wall in my basement now. I just didn't have the storage space to accommodate the DR. I don't think I would buy the CR unless I had a temp controlled storage space to keep it in.

So you wouldn't store the CR in an exterior shed/barn? Why not?

 

[coveredbridge]

So you wouldn't store the CR in an exterior shed/barn? Why not?

Because the collector bag is fabric, I would be concerned about the material drawing dampness and accelerating deterioration. Also, rodents could chew holes in the fabric.

 

[KennyG]

I just got a Cyclone Rake. I've just put it together and haven't used it yet, so I can't comment on performance, but I'm very impressed with the design, materials and construction. It seems to be a step above most implements. Basically there are several types of machines out there and each has it's advantage. The storage feature of the CR is great but, as mentioned, you won't be storing it outside. The CR and DR have the rigid 2 point attachment so they can't jacknife but they swing out on turns. The Agri-fab and Trac-Vac are trailer types.

 

[PapaPerk]

The Agri-fab and Trac-Vac are trailer types.

Trac-Vac makes both types.... check out their website. Pretty much have something for every application. I prefer the trailer type. Just me.

 

[iptman]

Picking up a used Cyclone Rake XL for $900 on Sunday. 1 year old new bag as well as the vacuum, discharge chute and dual wheels. It has the older engine (not B&S) though, can't remember the manufacturer.

 

[rrrkkk]

I wouldn't worry about the fabric it is a ballistic nylon. Very tuff stuff. I have had mine 4 years the only thing to get used too is the extra long swing of the attachment on the rear. I put a hitch on my atv so I can use the leaf Vac hose without the mower. I would suggest the dual wheel option as it is very heavy with green grass if you use it that way.

 

[iptman]

Bumping this old thread of mine. I had my used Cyclone Rake for 2 leaf seasons but the 200 gallon bag was way too small for my lawn. I ended up selling it for about what I had in to it at the end of last fall. Now I need a replacement tow behind leaf vacuum. In researching I found the DR products leaf vac has been updated so I'm posing the same questions again. Doing the math the Pro model DR with the 8hp RATO engine and 315 gallon bag would be the same price as the Cyclone Rake Commercial Pro with the 6.5 HP B&S Vangaurd with a 415 gallon bag (about $1940 each, including shipping on the Cyclone Rake and tax on the DR picked up locally). Does anyone on here have experience with the new DR unit or the RATO engines? I've heard the RATOs are Chinese knock offs of the Honda GX series engines but don't know if there's truth to that.

I did have me Cyclone Rake hooked up to my Craftsman 42" lawn mower but have since bought a Scag zero turn. The DR uses a hitch pin and the Cyclone Rake uses a bracket and 2 pins to essentially extend the frame of their unit behind the tractor. Would one or the other of these setups work better on the zero turn? I haven't decided whether I'll continue using the Craftsman for leaf duties or start using the Scag. The scag doesn't have a hitch so I'll need to do some fabbing either way if I choose to use it.

Here's a links to both products. All opinions welcome.

Object moved

Tow-Behind Leaf and Lawn Vacuum: PRO 13.28 ft lbs torque | DR Power Equipment

 

[Code54]

I looked at both about 1.5 months ago and ended up buying the 10" cyclone rake and have NO regrets. It holds a LOT of grass (or leaves) and I have yet to have it clog even in in 1' high grass with a 60" Kubota deck.
I decided against the DR because I was not a fan of the engine and find it more difficult to get parts for (at least locally) and figure Briggs will be around for a while where as I am not sure about Rato.

 

[oldballs]

I too considered both, but just bought the Z-10 model that has a 10 HP B & S engine and holds 44 bushel/ 415 gallons in the hopper. I like Briggs engines and have some that have faithfully run for past 40 years. Some folks make disparaging remarks about B & S engine and maybe they have made some clunkers, but mine have always been good workers.

The customer service (CR ) has been responsive to the few queries that I've had.

Last week we had a severe storm that knocked down a lot of large and small branches plus a zillion white pine cones. I ran the Kubota MMM over the small stuff and then attached the Z-10. It sucked up and shredded most of the debris. That made my day. So far I'm happy.

I don't know if your tractor could pull the Z-10 model....just wondering.

Mine will be stored outdoors, year 'round....tarp covered.

 

[iptman]

I am a little concerned the 17hp Craftsman will have a tough time with the larger bag full of leaves. I think it will do fine everywhere except up hill when full. We'll see. I might have to use the Scag.

 

[Code54]

I can see that - Not sure how much of a "hill" you have but we are pretty steep in spots here in WV and when I am about ½ full of grass I can feel my BX slip (spin) for a second now and then - I normally run in 4x4 Low and dump it when I feel the extra weight (only takes a minute or so and a ½ bag is still a LOT of grass clippings)
I would think 17hp on a light lawn tractor will be challenged with a full load of leaves on a hill and a full load of grass maybe tough for a smaller/lighter 2x4 machine.