Leaf vac upgrades

[TMGT]

I built this vac 6years ago, the original build was documented on another site, it served well doing multiple yard cleanups over the years and received a few repairs and upgrades over time.



The blower I used when I built it came from an old Ez-Vac I aquired, it worked well but was worn out and only had a 6in hose, which worked well with the 48" deck but struggled to keep up with the 60" that I started using.

Last year I decided to build a blower from scratch and upgrade to a larger hose and engine while I was at it.

 

[TMGT]

It wouldn't let me load another picture so it'll have to be multiple post.

Here's the start of the blower housing, after a lot of drawing it out and mockup.



I didn't go crazy on the design, mainly scaled up and improved a few things of the design of the old housing.

Housing almost done.


Housing inlet/cover, figured the inlet being angled would take some of the wear out of the hose so it wouldn't be at a 90 going in.


Next up is the impeller.

 

[TMGT]

I kept the impeller simple also, just a 4 straight blade, easier to layout and balance.

The new engine is a B&S 10hp I got used off CL. Hose size is now 8in.

Here's the impeller parts cut out.



Everything machined and ready for assembly, I milled slots in the backing plate for easier alignment of the blades.



All welded and static balanced

 

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The new assembly mounted on the vac, the old assembly is to the right for comparison.


I also had to make a new mower deck adaptor, was running out of time for the season so just threw it together, second picture is after the mods this year.




It really fills the hopper nice

 

[arizona98tj]

That looks great. The last photo showing the hopper says it all.....IT WORKS! Very nicely done. I wish I had fabricating skills and equipment like that.

 

[Redlands Okie]

Looking good, nice work

 

[TMGT]

Thanks, when first built it I didn't have a very well equipped shop.
It was built with a chop saw, angle grinder and small 120v welder. I was able to use my buddies shop to roll and brake the alum for the sides.

Needless to say I've aquired a bit more equipment over the years which has allowed me to do things like this upgrade.

This is the hitch I upgraded 2 years ago, allows for better articulation over rough terrain since it uses swivel casters like the cyclone rake.



It works with any 2in receiver which is nice compared to the original design which didn't allow for much torsional movement.

 

[daugen]

that is a very impressive build; most of us could not do that!

I researched a lot of trac vacs, and finally bought an 11hp 8" DR unit, that likely works no better than what you have built...the one thing they had differently was to notch
the leading edges of the impeller. Apparently that shreds the leaves for better storage compaction. Also might help on the occasional twig getting sucked in.

Did you build any extra weight into your flywheel?

 

[TMGT]

Thank you, it was pretty much my first larger fabrication project I've done from scratch.

My uncle had an older DR unit (my dad owns it now), it uses the 6in hose with a 6.5hp engine, the impeller has the serations on the blades also. I haven't noticed any additional reduction in material size with it versus the straight blade, I was thinking about adding a straight blade (like an edger blade) on the end of the impeller in the inlet opening to see if it helps.

I was using it yesterday for a few hrs and driving over all kinds of twigs and sticks under the leaves without a problem or clog so it doesn't seem to have a problem with them.
As for the flywheel weight, I didn't add any, it was plenty heavy as built, in fact the whole blower is a bit overbuilt, 12g steel adds up pretty quick!