Mow, vacuum leaves, and load - ideal machine?

[Bedlam]

i visited the local LOWES, and I see they have a vac thats a canvas trailer, with vac engine mounted on the hitch, (standard arrangement). all fro $799.
I was wondering if anyone had one, or any thoughts as to its workability.
i like the looks of the Cyclone Rake, especially the maneuverability of it, but the price is up there.
Oh Ya., While browsing Lowes, I had two people ask if I need help
that was impressive.
Thanks all
Al

 

[exNCite]

i visited the local LOWES, and I see they have a vac thats a canvas trailer, with vac engine mounted on the hitch, (standard arrangement). all fro $799.
I was wondering if anyone had one, or any thoughts as to its workability.
i like the looks of the Cyclone Rake, especially the maneuverability of it, but the price is up there.
Oh Ya., While browsing Lowes, I had two people ask if I need help
that was impressive.
Thanks all
Al

I think this is the one you were looking at. Yes?

Agri-Fab

 

[Bedlam]

well It was similar. except the "trailer' wasn't really a trailer. it was a heavy canvas matériel and metal frame.and the motor sat low to the frame .(tongue). They were quite a bit alike. I just assumed that all Lowe's would have the same stock, but its possible I guess that different areas have different makes. Just a thought. I would think that if one item was made in , say Boston area , it might make sense to market it in the eastern part of us as opposed to the cross country shipping.
But yes its much like this one.
i also notice a ride on tractor mower, at a hardware, that has its own small motor vac thing attached to the discharge shoot, and run by a belt to the deck. Looks like a great idea to me..
Al

 

[davesisk]

Allan: Which hardware store and what machine is that?

Dave

 

[exNCite]

well It was similar. except the "trailer' wasn't really a trailer. it was a heavy canvas matériel and metal frame.and the motor sat low to the frame .(tongue). They were quite a bit alike. I just assumed that all Lowe's would have the same stock, but its possible I guess that different areas have different makes. Just a thought. I would think that if one item was made in , say Boston area , it might make sense to market it in the eastern part of us as opposed to the cross country shipping.
But yes its much like this one.
i also notice a ride on tractor mower, at a hardware, that has its own small motor vac thing attached to the discharge shoot, and run by a belt to the deck. Looks like a great idea to me..
Al

I have been looking at the one that Simplicity markets for the Legacy series. This is the way their's works. You add a double spindle to the blade closest to the discharge chute. A belt is then attached to this which drives a blower. Sort of like turbo-charging the discharge that the deck makes. I've heard it works OK but for some reason wonder if it's as good as a separate motor driven unit. Probably less maintenance.

 

[Bedlam]

ex I am guessing that the separate motor would maybe give it more mulching , and take less space. But It would depend on the task.The trailer one would be a bit bulky in tight areas, but an aux pickup hose could solve some of those troubles.
The best solution for me would to have my kid think it was a video game and get out here and rake them..

 

[ChuckinNH]

I've used the Simplicity system for nearly 20 years on a couple of different tractors. It's worked fine for me and will pick up anything but very wet, and packed leaves. I love the ease of attachment! You do get some "blowout" at the front of the deck if you have the deck raised much, but not as much as the John Deere system which I also used briefly. JD now has a couple of add on plates to reduce that blowout when picking up leaves, but recommends that you not use them in heavy grass. Other systems work as well of course, and some perhaps better, but the Simplicity is pretty hard to beat overall. I've used both the pull behind cart, and the three bag system that I currently have on my old Legacy, and both work well. Hope this helps....
Chuckin_NH

 

[exNCite]

I've used the Simplicity system for nearly 20 years on a couple of different tractors. It's worked fine for me and will pick up anything but very wet, and packed leaves. I love the ease of attachment! You do get some "blowout" at the front of the deck if you have the deck raised much, but not as much as the John Deere system which I also used briefly. JD now has a couple of add on plates to reduce that blowout when picking up leaves, but recommends that you not use them in heavy grass. Other systems work as well of course, and some perhaps better, but the Simplicity is pretty hard to beat overall. I've used both the pull behind cart, and the three bag system that I currently have on my old Legacy, and both work well. Hope this helps....
Chuckin_NH

Thanks Chuck. Very glad to hear this. Time to go shopping now.

 

[davesisk]

Hey guys:

So, there are two power-bagger systems available that are powered by the mower rather than a seperate engine, right? The John Deere power-bagger and the Simplicity power-bagger. Do either of those allow you to attach a suction hose that let's you reach spots where you can't drive the mower?

I scored an old Snapper Hi-Vac over the weekend (very old...has a Tecumseh 8hp engine)...it isn't running, the guy just gave it to me free since we couldn't get it started. It needs some work (welding some patches onto the mower deck, getting the engine running, etc.). I'm pretty handy at everything except engine work, so we'll see...this might work out well (or not).

Dave

 

[ddonnell]

Dave,

You might want to look at a Walker. It's designed with a front mount mower, and integral rear hopper for grass and leaves. You can also get attachments including a small loader/scoop bucket.