Leaf Vac

[edgarrian]

I know this has been talked about a bit. Back story for me is we purchased 8 acre wooded lot in the country. Built a house and before we even moved in I bought a commercial grade back pack leaf blower. Which does a good job but its time consuming. WE have our back yard fenced in and I just blow the leaves under some trees where we don't really mow and they sit there for a better part of the summer before they disappear. I use to blow them out of the back yard but thats a lot of fuel to be burning and time consuming. So I have scoured the web looking at leaf vacs for my tractor. It looks like the trac-vac is a nice little unit. Luckily for me they are built in Thorntown IN which is 10 miles from where we live. So when i get home I intend on checking them out. Ill be looking at the one that is pto driven so i don't have another motor to take care of. I don't think its a good idea to have a motor on something your only going to use for a month out of the year maybe a bit more. I talked to the salesmen today and they are priced somewhat reasonably however I will ask for a cash discount as I always do. Anyway i was wondering what some of you thought?

 

[Tompet]

I have an old Cub Cadet and it's only job is to pull a Trac Vac in the fall. I forget model number, but it is the larger cart one with an 11 hp Briggs mounted on tongue and 8" hose. I traded the smaller model for it to someone that bought it used and didn't like the bigger size. The smaller one had 6" hose and I much much prefer the 8" hose.

I'm right with you on your approach.... large back pack blower and Trac Vac. Works great for me. I pile leaves in woods and rotate the pile every other year and use them for mulch.

A large pto blower would be great too if you had an area that you could just let them pile up.

Check out the leaf vacs on everything attachments website for an eye opener on how expensive a leaf vac can be, makes Trac Vac seem like a deal.

 

[edgarrian]

I did look at those at Everything Attachments and nearly crapped. It looks nice but wow. The salesman at trac vac said to consider 6 inch hose but nothing less. Ill go 8 as u said. Ill also look into the the remote hose and see how much that is. Most likely ill just use the blower as Im sure the remote hose will be priced a bit high for what it actually is. Did the 6" hose get clogged up on you is that why you prefer the 8".

I have an old Cub Cadet and it's only job is to pull a Trac Vac in the fall. I forget model number, but it is the larger cart one with an 11 hp Briggs mounted on tongue and 8" hose. I traded the smaller model for it to someone that bought it used and didn't like the bigger size. The smaller one had 6" hose and I much much prefer the 8" hose.

I'm right with you on your approach.... large back pack blower and Trac Vac. Works great for me. I pile leaves in woods and rotate the pile every other year and use them for mulch.

A large pto blower would be great too if you had an area that you could just let them pile up.

Check out the leaf vacs on everything attachments website for an eye opener on how expensive a leaf vac can be, makes Trac Vac seem like a deal.

 

[Tompet]

Yes, less clogs with the 8", in part because the "boot" opens up quickly to the 8" with less restriction. With the larger deck and throat opening on your Massey the flow might be better than the small deck on my old Cub....but IMO...8" better.

When you say remote hose, do you mean the "wand" and extra hose to like suck up around beds or confined spaces? If so, one came with mine and never really used it much.

What I do a lot is, pull the "boot" off the mower deck and rake a pile of leaves, gathered up by blower or raked out of some confined space, and rake them directly into the boot to the vac. You will be surprised how large a pile of leaves can be fed directly in boot/chute this way.

Quick story, more than thirty years ago I first saw a Trac Vac my friend inherited. I couldn't believe it. I just got my first credit card at the time and first purchase...was an unassembled Trac Vac for a discount from a farm equipment dealer. Took it to my friends to put together and brought it home while my dad was outside. He looked puzzled at first when I pulled in, saw the leaf free path it left in the yard and then a big smile of approval. It was pretty cool as he was an extremely hard working tough as nails guy to see his smile that this chore just got minimizes!

Over the years I would tell my brother he needs to come try it out etc. and he would decline... just continue to rake, tarp and/or trailer a huge yard. Well, a few years ago I got the original back with a new motor and gave it to him a few years after he retired. Now he can't believe he went without one all those years!

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

I have a DR tow-behind. YES to the 8" hose size minimum. Even that tends to clog if you suck up even one little stick.

The leaf vac/chipper is a great back saver. Easy fall clean-up plus great compost. Once you have it, you won't believe you ever did without it.

Once I get the big tractor, will definitely trade it in on a PTO-driven one. Thanks for the link.

 

[edgarrian]

Thats typically how it happens. You do a chore for so long and people mention how easy it is with a certain tool but you decline b/c you think its unnecessary. There theres that time you break down and purchase. Only to have that thought in your mind that tells you "why did you wait so long to purchase this"

On a differenent subject i have been thinking about getting an A frame Quick hitch for my 3 pt. My dad had this setup for his grass seeding business. Made it much easier. Of course in mind right now I'm thinking ah I don't need it but I bet a guy buys that and installs it. He would have DEJA VU.

Here is the site for one Alexander Equipment - -217 Price List -

There is another where you give them the dimensions of everything and it should then work upon delivery.

Yes, less clogs with the 8", in part because the "boot" opens up quickly to the 8" with less restriction. With the larger deck and throat opening on your Massey the flow might be better than the small deck on my old Cub....but IMO...8" better.

When you say remote hose, do you mean the "wand" and extra hose to like suck up around beds or confined spaces? If so, one came with mine and never really used it much.

What I do a lot is, pull the "boot" off the mower deck and rake a pile of leaves, gathered up by blower or raked out of some confined space, and rake them directly into the boot to the vac. You will be surprised how large a pile of leaves can be fed directly in boot/chute this way.

Quick story, more than thirty years ago I first saw a Trac Vac my friend inherited. I couldn't believe it. I just got my first credit card at the time and first purchase...was an unassembled Trac Vac for a discount from a farm equipment dealer. Took it to my friends to put together and brought it home while my dad was outside. He looked puzzled at first when I pulled in, saw the leaf free path it left in the yard and then a big smile of approval. It was pretty cool as he was an extremely hard working tough as nails guy to see his smile that this chore just got minimizes!

Over the years I would tell my brother he needs to come try it out etc. and he would decline... just continue to rake, tarp and/or trailer a huge yard. Well, a few years ago I got the original back with a new motor and gave it to him a few years after he retired. Now he can't believe he went without one all those years!

 

[edgarrian]

I have looked at the DR's as well. It looks to be a solid piece of equipment. I as well plan to compost my leaves for the garden. The reviewers have said that canopy top is a real hassle to put together. My concern would longevity of the tarp. It does have a clever dolly for the motor so you can detach the motor on its dolly and put it away. Plus it serves as a little trailer. ITs also a bit cheaper than the trac-vac. I didn't see a PTO driven one on their website?

I have a DR tow-behind. YES to the 8" hose size minimum. Even that tends to clog if you suck up even one little stick.

The leaf vac/chipper is a great back saver. Easy fall clean-up plus great compost. Once you have it, you won't believe you ever did without it.

Once I get the big tractor, will definitely trade it in on a PTO-driven one. Thanks for the link.

 

[irvingj]

+1 on the DR leaf vac. Got one a couple of years ago. Yes, it's a bit of a hassle --but not too much-- to put the canopy together, but it does make it so it takes up a LOT less space for storage during the winter & summer.

After I learned to correctly place the flap on the back of the thing (instructions were somewhat unclear here), it works exceptionally well-- so well, in fact, that I drove my tractor 3 miles to brother's place on a lake to help with oak leaf removal. (Delivered the leaf vac by small trailer first.) Amazing job in a really tough situation.

The canopy canvas seems to be quite heavy duty-- no problems yet. With the dolly wheels, the engine gets separated and rolled into garage; canopy gets folded up and put upstairs in garage; trailer gets left outside in dump position.

 

[KennyG]

I think the number of PTO driven units is limited - Trac Vac may be the only moderately priced one. I think they all work reasonably well. I have the Cyclone Rake. It's a little more expensive and a little higher quality build. It also has the advantage of folding up and hanging on a wall. Cyclone Rake and I think the DR are solid mount instead of the trailer mount like the Trac Vac. There are pluses and minuses to both systems. I have the remote suction tube and use it quite a bit. Be aware that unless you pick up with the mower deck, you don't get much leaf shredding on these units. Leaves go right through the blower. Good Luck. These are great tools.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

I think the number of PTO driven units is limited - Trac Vac may be the only moderately priced one. I think they all work reasonably well. I have the Cyclone Rake. It's a little more expensive and a little higher quality build. It also has the advantage of folding up and hanging on a wall. Cyclone Rake and I think the DR are solid mount instead of the trailer mount like the Trac Vac. There are pluses and minuses to both systems. I have the remote suction tube and use it quite a bit. Be aware that unless you pick up with the mower deck, you don't get much leaf shredding on these units. Leaves go right through the blower. Good Luck. These are great tools.

The DR has a shredder also. If you pick up leaves with the accessory hose, they get shredded quite well. If you pick up the leaves with the mower, they get shredded twice. I remember from shopping that some other units did not include a shredder. This was important as the bulk of pickup is from areas that can't be mowed, and I wanted them shredded for compost. With 12 acres of trees, reducing the volume is important as it reduces trips to empty the unit.

Agree the DR is a solid unit. Raking is probably the WORST thing for my back and it basically eliminates that. The engine has been very reliable, no quirks, but loud. Seems to have no problem "digesting" the inevitable rocks it picks up. The hoses are quite sturdy. The boot didn't fit my tractor very well and the "hose clamps" are a pain. Would like to find a more quick-release version of those. These units are very heavy when full and you need a strong machine to pull it up a hill.

 

[edgarrian]

It sounds like the PTO Driven Trac Vac machine shreds leaves as it passes through the pto driven turbine. KennyG I would have thought you would get better mulching of leaves with the deck down. I appreciate the advice!!! Keep the deck up for better mulching. I know on the website they sell an option to keep the 3pt part of the system up so when you lower the deck to suck up leaves your 3pt mounted turbine isn't so close to the ground but if it works better with the deck up then i can most likely not purchase that option.

 

[KennyG]

My JD has independent lift so the deck and 3 point are independent. The deck mulches great in any position. It picks up leaves better in the lowest position. I was referring to using the separate pickup tube when you don't use the mower deck. I wasn't aware that some vacs actually include shredding vanes. My Cyclone Rake, like most, has smooth blades on the blower.

 

[edgarrian]

I C thanks for clarifying as i misunderstood.

 

[jwalk2c]

I like the features and prices of this brand.
Cyclone Rake - America's #1 Lawn and Leaf Vacuum for 2 Years | Cyclone Rake

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Since I just purchased one of these about 18 months ago, in case it's helpful, here's why I chose the DR over the Cyclone Rake.

1. DR has a toothed metal impeller that also mulches. Since most of my leaf collection is in areas where the mower can't/shouldn't go, and I wanted to compost, this was important.

2. I liked that the path from the mower discharge to the impeller was level, whereas the CR it curves up. Figured less chance for clogs.

3. Overall sturdiness, the DR seems miles above the CR. Size of wheels, the construction of the collector, ease of dumping, etc.

4. Price is about the same.

 

[edgarrian]

I like the DR better than the CR if I was choosing between the two it would certainly be the DR. Space isn't really a concern for me as I have a pole barn for my attachments. I would agree the DR is a better built product just from the pics. The price for the Trac Vac is a bit over 3k so a bit more expensive

Since I just purchased one of these about 18 months ago, in case it's helpful, here's why I chose the DR over the Cyclone Rake.

1. DR has a toothed metal impeller that also mulches. Since most of my leaf collection is in areas where the mower can't/shouldn't go, and I wanted to compost, this was important.

2. I liked that the path from the mower discharge to the impeller was level, whereas the CR it curves up. Figured less chance for clogs.

3. Overall sturdiness, the DR seems miles above the CR. Size of wheels, the construction of the collector, ease of dumping, etc.

4. Price is about the same.

View attachment 557937View attachment 557938

 

[KennyG]

I don't really want to start an argument, but I don't think the impression that the Cyclone Rake is lower quality or less sturdy than others is correct. There is a difference between designed heavy and designed well. The CR is optimized to be able to store by hanging on a wall. If that's not important, other options may be better. However, if you talk to CR owners, you will find they are virtually indestructible. I don't really claim to have extreme long term experience, but after 7 years of use, mine looks essentially new.

Of the units out there, the DR does stand out because of the shredding impeller, which I was not aware of. The CR stores best and has the rigid mount, which has some maneuvering advantages. The Trac Vac and Agri Fab units seem to me more basic. Around here they are commonly available used, generally needing repair and looking pretty beat up.

By the way, the small, heavy duty wheels are a feature on the CR. Since they swivel, they can be under the unit, minimizing width. Dual wheels are an option for use in rough ground.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

I don't really want to start an argument, but I don't think the impression that the Cyclone Rake is lower quality or less sturdy than others is correct. There is a difference between designed heavy and designed well. The CR is optimized to be able to store by hanging on a wall. If that's not important, other options may be better. However, if you talk to CR owners, you will find they are virtually indestructible. I don't really claim to have extreme long term experience, but after 7 years of use, mine looks essentially new.

Of the units out there, the DR does stand out because of the shredding impeller, which I was not aware of. The CR stores best and has the rigid mount, which has some maneuvering advantages. The Trac Vac and Agri Fab units seem to me more basic. Around here they are commonly available used, generally needing repair and looking pretty beat up.

By the way, the small, heavy duty wheels are a feature on the CR. Since they swivel, they can be under the unit, minimizing width. Dual wheels are an option for use in rough ground.

No argument at all! It was a tough decision between the two, as each definitely has its points. With our rough mountainous terrain, the sturdiness of the DR was attractive.
One final point, the CR pulls directly in line with the tractor; jacknife-proof but also less manuverable. With all our tight spaces, trails, etc., the DR won out there too. And yes, I have jacknifed it.
I was really attracted to the plastic impeller on the CR as there is simply no avoiding sucking up rocks around here, and they claim the impeller is rock-proof. So that was a big plus for the CR, though you do lose mulching ability.

 

[srossman]

I was in the same boat. Lot's of trees and would spend a lot of time and energy with the backpack blower to move the leaves. I ended up with a used Cyclone rake and what went from two days of leave work to 2 hours. One thing that I can say about the cyclone rake is that the customer service is amazing. I ended up busting the impeller on my last fall after running over a rather large stick, and within a week I had a new impeller and all the parts needed to replace it along with very detailed instructions. I also liked the ability to fold up the unit and store it hanging on a wall. You can almost always find them used it you don't want to spend the extra money for new.