Cyclone rake or other lawn vacuums

[rfmr]

Anyone have a cyclone rake or other brand of lawn vacuum? If so, does it work as advertised? Does it create a lot of dust from the fabric container?
If I get one I want to use it with my CC Z44.
Any comments / advice would be helpful.

 

[mark1]

I have a Trac-Vac 5hp model 560. I bought it in 1988 after the wife and I moved here in October and raked leaves for 4 days.Said" we ain't ever doing this again" I went to the local mower shop as asked what they had avail. This thing is GREAT. you tow it behing the mower (Cub Cadet 1450, 44" deck")it sucks everything the mower goes over. Yes it is dusty.after all the mower chops leaves,grass,twigs,and then it also chops them up even more,and blowes them into the trailer. Highly reccomended.Back in 1988 it was $1450.00 If I needed another now.I'd buy it again whatever the cost.
Now they have several models avail.
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[CharlesP]

Bob,

Welcome to the board. There have been several discussion's on this board in the past regarding lawn vacs in general and cyclone rakes specifically. If you use the search feature to search on "Cylcone Rake" you should find lots of good reading material /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif (just make sure you select "All Posts" in the daterange dropdown list).

Here is one link to get you started. Grass and Leaf Cleanup

I don't have a Cylcone rake (yet), but to summarize the postings on this board, it does appear that it works as advertised and it does create a lot of dust.

CharlesP

 

[Ryno1]

I bought a Trac Vac 880 last year, 8hp and it works great. If it ain't nailed down it's gone. Dusty - you bet but the leaf removal system I've found. Cost should be around $2200

 

[Syncro]

I bought a lawn vac last fall after a lot of research, check out my post Agri-Fab Lawn Vac pictures and a lot of useful info.

 

[2nstonge]

I have a JD 4110 and had a leaf collection system without it's own motor - it worked just on the power of the mower deck itself 'throwing' stuff up the tube. It didn't work well for my needs, the tube clogged (multiple times) every time I used it. Got rid of it and bought the JD version of the cyclone rake. Yep, it's expensive but it does work great. And yep, it's dusty on dried out patches of lawn or if I forget and go over the gravel drive with it - doh!

The cyclone rakes look nice - and the detachable tube for vacuuming around bushes look like a useful feature (mine doesn't do that). DR is another company that makes these, they usually have a 'try it for 6 months' deal going.

-Norm

 

[awlchu]

I have been looking at both the cyclone and the powerflow collection systems for my X595 JD. Been jumping back and forth between the two.....I wish I could make up my mind! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I like the powerflow for its compactness.....the cyclone for its versatility....

Anyone own the powerflow and absolutely hate it?

 

[Volfandt]

I've got one season on a CycloneRake and it works as adverised. I use it behind a BX23 w/a 60" MMM.
It picks up everything I run over, grass clippings, walnuts, twigs, leaves, whatever. It made fall cleanup a breeze.
The hitch setup makes manuvering and backing up very easy.
Hookup only takes a few minutes and doesn't require any tools.
Thats the good, now the rest of the story.
I have the Platnum edition but if it would have been available when I ordered I would have went a size up to the Pro. They fill up fast!
Both the Platnum & Pro uses a 6hp B&S and that little engine is loud. You have to wear ear protection when you run it. They include a set of in-the-ears protectors but I purchased a full cup protector w/built in am/fm radio.
They do spew quite a bit of dust out of the top exhaust flap. It's generally not a problem unless you have to back up into the cloud to manuver. They include a pr of eye protectors.
When I ordered they talked me into upgradeing to the heavyduty hose which seems to work fine. I don't know how well the std hose works since I haven't used one.

It's worked out well for me.

Volfandt

 

[ToolDad]

I purchased the Pro model with upgraded hoses and portable the vacuum hose for use with my BX2200. It vacuumed reasonably well, but did not live up to my expectations in this area. Would not pick up all leaves (especially water oak) or acorns. Vacuumed grass very well. Capacity and quality was excellent. The hitch made backing a cinch, but maneuveraability around plant beds, etc. was difficult due to the 7 foot it added to to rear of the tractor. Despite trying to allow for this added length, I continually found myself running it into the plant beds, trees, etc. It was a bit dusty, but what do you expect, and it was only a problem when backing up.

I decided to utilize thier 6-month return policy. Did so without hassle, other than packing and delivery to the trucking facility. Folks at Cyclone Rake were always easy to work with and helpful, though they were not able to provide much assistance in improving the vacuum level.

I replaced it with the OEM grass catcher in June '06. Cost is about the same. It performs at least as well with much less maneuverability issues, though capacity is greatly reduced (75%). Requires more frequent stops. The boot fits and manuvers better. Had to have the gear box seals replaced after a couple of uses. Works okay so far since then.

 

[joelaudi]

I have a cyclone rake now for about 3-4 years and would not be without it. I used it on my old Sears tractors and now have it adapted to the new Cub 5252. I also use the up-graded hose and have the double caster wheels on the back. It picks up most everything that the mower can throw out the chute- even pine needles. The best part is that I can just fold it up and store it out of the way and it only takes a little room in the shed. The dust that blows up is not that big a deal as it sure beats collecting the leaves by hand. I am very happy with it and it only cost alittle over 1000.00 when I bought it.