Powerflow system for the 2210

[prosperity]

While at my dealer today, I was talking about gearing up for fall leaf season. I will be doing fairly small lawns (less than 1 acre), and will have to haul the leaves away.
After doing tons of research, I was leaning toward the Cyclone Rake.
Now my dealer has never steered me wrong in the many years of dealing with him. Right away he steered me to the Powerflow system now available for the 2210.
I know the capacity is only 14 bushels. But, I will have to load all the debris I pick up into my truck, so the 3 separate bags would be great for that. I do realize however that I will be making more dumping stops because of the limited capacity.
Another big plus with this setup is not having another engine to maintain.
So, my question, is if anyone has used one of these units for leaf pickup, and if so, did it do a decent job of shredding the leaves and packing the bags properly.
I also like the idea of the unit becoming one with the machine - no trailer to tow or load.

Thanks for any input.

 

[orlo]

prosperity:

I have a Cyclone rake commercial (6hp/300 Gallon) and I just bought (haven't used it yet) the powerflow system for my 2305.

I initially used the Cyclone rake on a Craftsman GT5000 for 5 acres of lawn/leaves, etc. and have used it on my 2305 (I've had it since spring 2003). It does work great but blows a lot of dust. Also, unless you empty very frequently it never empties as easy as the video shows. Also, do be honest I'd prefer a trailer type rather than the dual mount with casters. (It's the same for the 3pt mount). It does hold a lot but you'll spend a bit of time emptying it scooping the stuff, etc. I dump mine over a 'cliff' so there is no ground to get hung up on but if it's damp grass it clumps together. If I were to buy another one I'd look at the ones DR offers (Country Home products) since I think they empty easier (Slick hard plastic instead of a bag) and supposedly don't throw much dust.

The cyclone rake does fold up nice but if you don't 'put it away' every time it takes up a lot of floor space.

One thing that is extremely nice is the 15 (or maybe 30') hose that you can use with an 8" vacuum end. It would suck up bowling balls and is nice for getting along fences, near foundations, etc.

Emptying the CR into a pickup truck would suck. You'd need to empty the bag then FE load it into the truck. I've never used the 'power unloader' but I did just suck up the bag and blow it over a fence (basically the same thing with no exhaust hose) and it doesn't work as nice as the video either. When you initially suck it up it's light and fluffy, but after you've mulched it if you go to suck it up again it's slow going.

I think the power flow bags hold about 1/3 to 1/2 as much as the CR's so they aren't that much smaller.

Anyway, sorry for the long post.

 

[prosperity]

Thanks for the great insight on the CR - has really helped me.

From your comments, it helps me to point my decision more toward the Powerflow system - mostly for the part of having to load into my truck.

Granted, the capacity is less, but having the bags to load will make up for that.

So, I guess my only remaining question, is if the Powerflow will "mulch" or "chop" the leaves as well as the CR or Trac-Vac.

Thanks again - your post was very helpful!

 

[jdbower]

The PowerFlow's not much of a mulcher - it relies on the blades for that. The PowerFlow is nothing more than an impeller that's run off a belt on my 62D, maybe if you used mulching blades it would chop the grass and leaves finer before getting sucked out. I haven't used it on leaves yet (or dry grass for that matter) so I can't help you much beyond that.

 

[orlo]

Hi:

As far as mulching, the CR just has an impeller also, but it's a big one and spins fast so just by passing material through it it breaks it up maybe 5-10 to 1. The dryer the material the more it compacts. Dry leaves get turned into very fine material. I guess what I'm trying to say is that most impellers (if fast enough) will break up the material somewhat.

The DR Competitor to the CR has a Steel 'sharktooth' impeller that looks like it would shred really well. In the CR's defense though the Impeller (huge) is made of some sort of indestructible composite that they use in the mining industry to move crushed rock. I can vouch for it being indestructible - It won't break or bend and get out of balance.

 

[prosperity]

I had the thought of trying Gator blades just for that reason.

 

[Lobo56]

I'm running a model 854 3 pt. rear pto driven TRAC VAC on my 2210 and it works great. Taking it off and putting it on is fast and it holds 52 bushels of cutting or leaves.

 

[kennyd]

Prosperity,
What was the quoted price for the PowerFlow system?

 

[kennyd]

Lobo,
That sure is a sweet setup you have!
I would love to come across a good deal on that.

 

[prosperity]

Prosperity,
What was the quoted price for the PowerFlow system?

3 bag Power Flow system $1010.65
62" High Perf Power Flow
for 62C deck $374.85


Total $1385.50

Quite a bit less than the Trac-Vac system I think.
Plus, for my application of having to load everything into the truck, I think this is the way I am going to go.
Also, being that I have to have this system mobile, it will fit nicely on my 12' trailer. Anything involving a cart would mean finding another way to transport.

I was hoping for some feedback about leaves specifically to see it this system will chop them up as well as the Trac-Vac or Cyclone Rake.