PTO Leaf Blowers?

[RoyJackson]

I had appealed yesterday morning to the Buffalo Turbine rep that had posted here to just let us know the price of his products, but I guess he won't be forthcoming on that. Makes me worry about their products.

If they sell through dealers, I reckon he can't quote a price online. That could cause problems...

 

[cttractor]

If they sell through dealers, I reckon he can't quote a price online. That could cause problems...

I'm sure you're correct, Roy. Though, as a businessman myself, I at east would have posted that fact so my prospective customers understand my position and don't feel ignored. I also think he could report the typical "street price" -- many manufacturers have done that while also stating that their dealers set their final price. Some will list the street price a little higher. That still gives us prospects some ballpark info to go on while every dealer looks like they're offering a bargain price.

At this point, between not getting any price, except from other TBN members, no CFM rating, no output MPH rating, etc., I've written them off my consideration list. I will not buy with insufficient information to know what I'm buying for a major item.

 

[Buffalo Turbine]

I am glad to see that quite an audience has been established in regards to this topic. It seems there are many questions and I would like to address some of your concerns.

The Cyclone PTO Debris Blower may not be the blower that most of you will have the most interest in due to the amazing power it generates as well as its price point. I would recommend this product to any Homeowner that has a larger area to clear and someone that will be doing it every year through the life of the machine which will be well over ten years as well as any contractors that are responsible to clear large areas.

In response to the comment about not disclosing the CFM ratings I can only recommend that if someone were going to invest into a blower of this magnitude I would highly recommend avoiding basing your buying decisions on a CFM number that may or may not be accurate. Since 2005 you may have noticed that many blower designs remained the same but their CFM Ratings have doubled to try to increase sales. The Buffalo Turbine utilizes a different style fan that is efficient than the traditional PTO blowers available. The Cyclone PTO will generate the debris blowing power at 20 hp 540 PTO that the competitors largest units that weigh 700-800 lbs and require over 30 50 hp to operate.

In regards to Pricing, we do utilize a Dealer network that prices the product according to freight costs, competition and market demand in their areas. We also sell the product internationally including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, all of Europe and we are very competitive in these arenas even though there are many less expensive units being manufactured in these countries. If you are going to purchase a blower then the best technology may be your choice. I will be happy to send you a quotation.

Brad Wesley
Buffalo Turbine LLC.
716-592-2700
brad.wesley@buffaloturbine.com
AMERICAN MADE ALL THE WAY

 

[cttractor]

I am glad to see that quite an audience has been established in regards to this topic. It seems there are many questions and I would like to address some of your concerns.

The Cyclone PTO Debris Blower may not be the blower that most of you will have the most interest in due to the amazing power it generates as well as its price point. I would recommend this product to any Homeowner that has a larger area to clear and someone that will be doing it every year through the life of the machine which will be well over ten years as well as any contractors that are responsible to clear large areas.

In response to the comment about not disclosing the CFM ratings I can only recommend that if someone were going to invest into a blower of this magnitude I would highly recommend avoiding basing your buying decisions on a CFM number that may or may not be accurate. Since 2005 you may have noticed that many blower designs remained the same but their CFM Ratings have doubled to try to increase sales. The Buffalo Turbine utilizes a different style fan that is efficient than the traditional PTO blowers available. The Cyclone PTO will generate the debris blowing power at 20 hp 540 PTO that the competitors largest units that weigh 700-800 lbs and require over 30 50 hp to operate.

In regards to Pricing, we do utilize a Dealer network that prices the product according to freight costs, competition and market demand in their areas. We also sell the product internationally including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, all of Europe and we are very competitive in these arenas even though there are many less expensive units being manufactured in these countries. If you are going to purchase a blower then the best technology may be your choice. I will be happy to send you a quotation.

Brad Wesley
Buffalo Turbine LLC.
716-592-2700
brad.wesley@buffaloturbine.com
AMERICAN MADE ALL THE WAY

Brad,

I can appreciate that many people will not necessarily understand technical differences that may play a major role in evaluating a piece of equipment. But, I'm an engineer and need a starting point. In addition, there are not only lots of other engineers on this site, there are many trades represented and much experience with tractors and machinery, many of whom make their living working everyday with it. The majority of members on this site will likely understand these differences pertaining to designs if you can give us all some additional information. ****, many of these members will understand more than I will and I'll understand an awful lot. You need not fear this membership not comprehending the pertinent facts of most tractor attachments.

Next, I completely agree that a turbine is more efficient than a ducted fan incorporated in many of the blower designs, and that we should be able to get more air from a turbine for the same PTO HP because of that greater efficiency. But ultimately, it's the volume and pressure of the air coming out the nozzle that will move the leaves. Therefore, no matter how it's generated: ducted fan, turbine, or even if someone has some venturi effect design, it still comes down to that mass of air coming out of the unit. So, knowing the specs on that "air" is what CFM and MPH helps represent, and hence, why that is such an important part of the shopping evaluation for a blower.

I also agree that trying out a unit is an important part of vetting an expensive attachment. But evaluations go in stages, to wit:

1. Assess the market and identify pertinent products;

2. Compare product specs and select those products that appear to best meet the needs of the application;

3. Arrange for demonstrations or test runs of the product to confirm or fail their claimed specifications and efficacy; and

4. Select the best product for the application based on the empirical testing and price, and purchase it.

Therefore, having specifications with which to compare these kinds of products in the evaluation phase is no different than evaluating specs on horsepower, gross weight towing ability, MPG, and such when evaluating a truck for towing purposes.

So, please share the requested information. I definitely have issues with the need to receive private quotations and such. I feel that good products are good products, and that manufacturers and dealers should not be afraid or embarrassed to put the related information about their products out in the world for all to see and for prospective buyers to evaluate.

Thanks,

Jerry

 

[Buffalo Turbine]

I am happy to start off by indicating the Cyclone PTO Debris Blower is $4595.00 Not including Taxes or freight costs based on Location.

I am more than Glad to share some of the benefits our products offer.
1. The only PTO Debris Blower that is a 25 Blade Turbine Style blower to achieve high velocity and High Volume Airflow.
2. The Largest Chute outlet of any PTO Style Debris blower available on the market at 12.5 inches.
3. The Only PTO Blower that has a Chute than can rotate 360 Degrees via a Remote control from the operator seat.
4. The only PTO Blower that will not lose airflow efficiency when blowing in any direction.
5. Utilizes less HP than any other PTO blower above 300 lbs.
6. Only weighs 238 lbs. Lightest PTO Debris blower in its class.
7. No Belts, Pulleys, or Grease Fittings
8. Utilizes Direct Drive Gearbox 7:1 ratio.
9. Easy to maintain, Power wash blower wheel, Maintain Oil in Gearbox, maintain clean nozzle rotation components.
10. 66 Years of manufacturing Blowers for debris and Spraying maintenance since 1945.

 

[cttractor]

Thanks for the price! I have some questions:

1. On other units, the rotating cuff that directs the air significantly reduces the air flow. You specifically mention in item 4 that "The only PTO Blower that will not lose airflow efficiency when blowing in any direction." I insist that any rotating cuff will likely still reduce the airflow of a blower of any design because it is inserted into that airflow after whatever fan generates it and that it will attenuate the flow to some extent. Be that as it may, being able to control the direction of the airflow from the seat is a desired convenience. Therefore, I presume you're stating that the effectiveness of this blower is still very adequate, the cuff's effects notwithstanding; is that a correct interpretation?

2. In your prior post, you stated, "I would recommend this product to any Homeowner that has a larger area to clear and someone that will be doing it every year through the life of the machine which will be well over ten years as well as any contractors that are responsible to clear large areas." Are you saying that this product should last a minimum of ten years if used regularly by a contractor? And if so, is it fair to conclude that a homeowner would there likely get a much longer product life (if properly maintained and care for, of course)?

3. I still need to know how much air the unit will move. The higher efficiency should mean that it'll move more air for the same input PTO horsepower. What is it?

 

[aczlan]

1. On other units, the rotating cuff that directs the air significantly reduces the air flow. You specifically mention in item 4 that "The only PTO Blower that will not lose airflow efficiency when blowing in any direction." I insist that any rotating cuff will likely still reduce the airflow of a blower of any design because it is inserted into that airflow after whatever fan generates it and that it will attenuate the flow to some extent. Be that as it may, being able to control the direction of the airflow from the seat is a desired convenience. Therefore, I presume you're stating that the effectiveness of this blower is still very adequate, the cuff's effects notwithstanding; is that a correct interpretation?

Looking at the pictures, it appears that while the rotating cuff will impact the airflow, it is fixed at 90 degrees. As such, changing the angle of the cuff will not change the airflow at all.

Aaron Z

 

[Buffalo Turbine]

I will be happy to provide you with more information.

The Airflow is not reduced on the Cyclone PTO Debris Blower when blowing in other directions as it rotates right on the end of the Blower housing and is the same distance from the Blower no matter which direction it is blowing.

We are still currently taking orders for fast moving replacement parts for PTO and Tow Behind blowers purchased in the 1990's. Other than the Main Shaft the Entire Blower assembly and blower wheel is aluminum. There are very few moving parts and if maintained properly will run for many hours.

I underestand that your deciding factor may be to base your decisions on the Air Volume or Air Speed and if that is your only deciding factor I can only give you thanks for your time spent here on this Forum and hopes that if you ever decide to compare our unit to any other unit on the market I will be happy to schedule a demonstration through a local Authorized representative.

We have been manufacturing Blowers for Spraying and debris maintenance since 1945 and you will not find many instances, if any, of a company or person that has purchased a Buffalo Turbine Debris Blower and were not excited about it..

 

[cttractor]

We have been manufacturing Blowers for Spraying and debris maintenance since 1945 and you will not find many instances, if any of a company or person that has purchased a Buffalo Turbine Debris Blower and was overwhelmed with its performance.

I presume you mean that no one was underwhelmed? Thanks for your info!

 

[Buffalo Turbine]

Thank you for the correction. I made an adjustment to my post.

 

[bjepple]

My plan is to use a large squirrel cage fan out of an HVAC unit. The fan I have must have been out of something pretty good sized as it has grease zerks on the shaft. I have already procurded the correct size pulleys to get the same RPM out of the fan at 540 PTO RPM as when it is running with an electric motor. There won't be an option to adjust the direction as such but I could probably bend some sheet metal to change direction if necessary. While some of those commercial units are really impressive, I don't need the ability to blow stuff 50 ft. I'm considering making a hose attachment out of some 4" black drain tile like a straw blower would have to get into small areas rather than the handheld blower. Not sure that will be worth it though. Don't know when I will get to this project. It has been on the list for several years and just hasn't made it to the top yet. I have an old Billy Goat sidewalk vac that I modified as a blower only and until it dies, I won't have a huge incentive to get workin on it. I just fill it up with oil and check the gas and it keeps on blowing. The other thing I have considered is mounting it to an old pressure washer frame I have where the pump siezed up but the Honda motor is still good. Then I could push or pull it depending on which direction I want to blow. That would make it easier if I wanted to use it when I seal driveways.

 

[Code54]

Watch Craigslist and places like that for blowers, I got an old golf course model (needs 50hp) dirt cheap. All it needed was a new PTO shaft (the one on it was from something else and didn't look too good). Now I got a great PTO blower for what a new mid range backpack one would have cost me!

 

[Depmandog]

I ...........

I underestand that your deciding factor may be to base your decisions on the Air Volume or Air Speed and if that is your only deciding factor I can only give you thanks for your time spent here on this Forum and hopes that if you ever decide to compare our unit to any other unit on the market I will be happy to schedule a demonstration through a local Authorized representative.........

I haven't a dog in this race...(no interest in purchasing); but find it really odd that repeated requests for basic i.e. "relevant" information goes unanswered.

If I were in the market for a PTO driven blower - there is no way in H%LL I would purchase a unit from this outfit.

I half expect the next post to state that their unit produces SOOO much air volume and speed - that it is classified as Top Secret information that cannot be divulged.

 

[aczlan]

Exactly. How is one to compare this to other blowers on the market without specs to compare with?
Knowing that it will produce XXX CFM of air at YYY MPH with ZZ HP of input would allow you to compare it to other "inferior" blowers who publish such information where it belongs, in the PUBLICLY AVAILABLE SPEC SHEET.

EDIT: The video in post 41 refers to the air speed as "Hurricane Force". If they are following either the Saffir–Simpson scale or the Beaufort scale rather than using a figure of speech, that would imply winds of at least 74MPH.

Aaron Z

 

[TimberXX]

Buffalo, with the sub cut market hot, why not built a lighter duty unit?

I know this was brought out before, but I just noticed your on the forum formally now.

 

[Buffalo Turbine]

Good Morning,

Thank you for your inquiry. Since 1945 Buffalo Turbine has Produced a 14 inch Turbine Style Blower. W have many different options for these blowers with the Cyclone PTO being one of many. We have a Scaled down 14 hp Gasoline model which is our Cyclone 8000 Debris Blower. We do not currently offer a unit with a smaller fan.

We also encourage anyone who is possibly interested one of our blowers to give us a call so we can assist with any questions that you may have about our blowers or a local dealer near you.

Please also contact us through info@buffaloturbine.com and leave a number and we will be glad to contact you to answer any questions you may have.

 

[RoyJackson]

Good Morning,

Thank you for your inquiry. Since 1945 Bufflao Turbine has Produced a 14 inch Turbine Style Blower. W ehave many different options for for these blowers with the Cyclone PTO bsing one of many. We have a Scaled down 14 hp Gasoline model which is our Cyclone 8000 Debris Blower. We do not currently offer a unit with a smaller fan.

We also encourage anyone who is possibly interested one of our blowers to give us a call so we can assist with any questions that you may have about our blowers or a local dealer near you.

Please also sontact us through info@buffaloturbine.com and leave a number and we will be glad to contact you to answer any questions you may have.

That's a reasonable post...
Too many people seem to expect all the answers on the internet...I'd wager a large percentage wouldn't know how to interpret the specs...or would misinterpret them.

BTW, since you're a business...use spell check or finish that first cup of coffee next time...

 

[aczlan]

That's a reasonable post...
Too many people seem to expect all the answers on the internet...I'd wager a large percentage wouldn't know how to interpret the specs...or would misinterpret them.

If you have a web presence, why not make the specs available?
If I am comparing a Buffalo front mount vs a 3 point vs a tow behind, there is NO way for me to look at their site and see how much air each of them will push or to compare them to a competitors product for an initial "which shall I request more data on" comparison.
I understand that their competitors are probably giving "XXX CFM at YYY MPH" numbers with the air coming straight out of the blower (not through a elbow) but it gives me someplace to start with and lets me get a ballpark figure on how much air they push.

Aaron Z

 

[Buffalo Turbine]

Thank you Roy

I was in the process of editing when you replied and I was a little to quick on the send button.

I believe that consumers should make decisions based on the facts. We also might agree that some manufacturers may not be accurate about the information they are providing. I have two examples:

#1 Over the last decade the design of PTO blowers have not changed very much, however there are manufacturers that boast the huge increases in Air Volume. There are blowers out there right now stating CFM ratings of 12,000 to 16,000. Ten years ago this same manufacturer might have listed a very similar, if not the same blower, utilizing the same horsepower, with the same weight, blowing at 9,000 CFM. Traditional thought processes would assume that it is highly unlikely to increase your efficiency 30-50 percent and still maintain the same power requirements with the same design.

With a traditional "squirrel cage " PTO blower I have not found a Spec sheet for a product that states what their air volume or air speed may be when the deflector chute is pulled to blow in the opposite direction, most of us would agree that there would be a loss of efficiency when this deflector chute is activated.

Our successful track record has indicated that Consumers are intelligent and that they will make good decisions if giving the facts, however if not all of the facts are accurate, they may make a decision they might regret down the road. I would rather explain our position up front than to defend a Poor product for a lifetime.

Please also note there are only 3 Turbine style Blower manufacturers on the market. Buffalo Turbine is the only one that offers a Turbine Style blower that is not a Pull Behind.

You will notice that Neither Toro or Agrimetal lists ratings for their Turbine Blowers due to much of the same.

 

[Depmandog]

Our successful track record has indicated that Consumers are intelligent and that they will make good decisions if giving the facts, however if not all of the facts are accurate, they may make a decision they might regret down the road. I would rather explain our position up front than to defend a Poor product for a lifetime.

.

http://eckertgolf.com/KB3_Manual (Updated).pdf

Looks like section 7, page 19 of the manual has the super secret product specs.

We no longer have to be mushrooms - let the light shine