Leaf Vacuum

CompactTractorFan · Oct 23, 2011

We are looking at purchasing a leaf vacuum in the near future. We are leaning toward a Trac Vac but will consider other options.

A few questions:

What are pros/cons with a Trac Vac vs a Cyclone Rake? Any input on the Cyclone Rake? Any other brands to look at?

We are leaning toward one of the engine driven models vs the PTO models. Would the PTO unit be better? Also, if we go for the engine driven one, what size engine? (they are offered in 5.5, 6.5, 8, and 11 hp)

As you might guess, we would be using the unit with the BX25 with 60" MMM.

Any input you could provide would be appreciated. :tractor:

ChuckinNH · Oct 23, 2011

While I don't own either (my mower has a left hand discharge, and none of the aftermarket ones will wok) I would be very tempted to go with the cyclone rake myself. I like the way they break down for storage, the fact that all their customer service folks have worked in every department, etc. They also dump at a steeper angle, and one of my biggest concerns is getting the clippings / leaves out of the thing. I think they have an optional set up that uses the blower to empty the cart. The last time I looked they were also reasonably priced.

RoyJackson · Oct 23, 2011

How big an area are you going to "rake", CTF?

Bascom · Oct 23, 2011

I've been running a Cyclone Rake Commercial Pro for 4 years behind a Husqvarna lawn tractor (20 hp/42 inch mower). It has been 100% reliable and does an outstanding job of vacuuming everything. Very easy to unload and does not get clogged up. FWIW, the vacuum makes the mower much more efficent, allowing me to cut grass that is way overgrown for the size of my mower.

I did have one problem with the velcro coming loose on the catch bag last year. The company replaced it under warranty at no cost, no hassle. Excellent service!

I'd buy one again, but won't have to as it is extremely well built and should last a lifetime.

Wannabe Tractor Man · Oct 23, 2011

I own a Cyclone Rake and it's the best piece of equipment I've ever purchased. I kick myself for all the years of raking. Remember when buying a piece of equipment, go big or go home!

texas42 · Oct 24, 2011

I have a XL Cyclone Rake I use with a JD 2320 with a 62D MMM.
This will be my third season of leaf pickup.
It works great and at the end of the season can be easily broke down and most of it hung on a wall to save valuble space in my shop/storage building.
You should be aware that the Cyclone Rake is a rigid hitch to the tractor or mower which means the Cyclone Rake swings wide opposite the way you turn. However, this is easy to get used to. This feature allows the hose from the mower deck to the motor/blower to always remain a constant distance therefore increasing the efficiency of the suction and reducing any chance of clogging.
Others like the Trac Vac are hinged at the drawbar and thus the hose from the mower to the motor/blower needs to be longer to have enough length when you turn left but too much length when you turn right.
Cyclone Rake has good customer service, easy to talk with, and an extended trial period.
I called Trac Vac before buying the Cyclone Rake and they wouldn't give me the time of day - just said "call so & so distributor", which I did and the distributor didn't have a leaf vac and said the only way they would get is if I bought it up front and it was several hundred dollars more.
So to me it was a no-brainer, try the Cyclone Rake with the extended trial period or continue to use a back-pack blower.
I have about 3.5 acres with 80 trees so the Cyclone Rake gets a good workout each fall. I'm very pleased with it and highly recommend the Cyclone Rake.

ronjhall · Oct 24, 2011

If you have the room. Get the Trac-Vac. I use a Trac-Vac 880 on a JD 60" 7 iron mower. The Trac-Vac will pickup anything the JD throws at it. The 880 replaced a smaller 6" model Trac-Vac. Heavy leaf/grass pickup would block the hose.

Zxyrthe · Oct 24, 2011

I have a Cyclone Rake XL. It was a life-changer. I pull it behind my JD L1xx. Assembly was easy. All the required tools (including wd40) were included and the directions were well-written.

Leaf pickup works great and I really like the giant shopping cart wheels on the back. There's no need to have boat-trailer-back-up skills. What used to take all season now takes a few hours. During the winter, I break it all down, fold it up and hang it on the wall in my garage.

Here's the best part:
One year after purchase, Woodland Power Products (the manufacturer) calls me to see how I like the rake.

"It's great", I tell them. "My only issue - and it's minor - is that the stitching on the top of the leaf bag came loose. I just clamped it and it's fine."

She (the rep) replies, "Well that shouldn't happen. I'm going to send a new collection bag out to you."

I said, " Wow! Ok. Is there an RMA number that I should use to return the old one."

"No" she says. "Just keep it as a spare. Your new bag should be there this week."

I had it in three days.

Now that, THAT, is customer service. THAT is standing behind your product.
AND . . . it's made in America.

JohninCT · Oct 24, 2011

Count me as another one of the satisfied cyclone rake customers. Works just as advertised. And as others have said, their customer service and support is great. If you buy one you won't be sorry.