Trac Vac 880 souped up!!!!!

[Fuddy1952]

I have tons of leaves to get up, a fellow I know sold me a Trac Vac 880 at a super price. Just wanted to show a few modifications I made.
I ordered a 25ft. hose then got 8" x 5ft. flue pipe so 30ft. Pipe I soldered the seam for strength. Then pop riveted two handles on pipe. I reversed blower input so hose faces right way. I mounted two 10" pneumatic dolleys on front, I can easily roll by hand.
The door latches I added extra, Lowes catches again pop riveted on. I used that 1/8th" drill to drill and make 1/2" slots. Added foam sticky back insulation around frame so door seals tight...no dust.
It works great...most are before pictures showing leaves.

 

[hawkeye08]

Nice! thanks for sharing

 

[Fuddy1952]

Buried in the leaves I found or the VAC found a car cover which collapsed the flue pipe. So what I'll do is replace flue with a section of 8" PVC pipe which won't collapse! I can still use the handles.
(Wonder if Lowes would refund that flue pipe).
I straightened it, but no use since once bent pipe is weak.

 

[Gem99ultra]

First thing you need to do is to send me that '55 and get it out of the way!

 

[Fuddy1952]

First thing you need to do is to send me that '55 and get it out of the way!

Wife wouldn't like that since her Mom bought it new, like the Nova beside it.

 

[edgarrian]

I have the pto driven vac of this model. I purchased it new from the manufacturer just down the road about 2 years ago. I was curious if your door warps a bit. And if you have done anything different to it to keep it from warping during use. I attached a board at the base on the inside to give it some more strength. I think I may add some more hardware like you did for keeping the door attached. I also recently noticed it wasn't sucking like normal. I had to tighten up the belt by moving the shaft forward a bit. I just used it a few days ago to collect grass clippings for the garden. The vac is a monster. It was a bit wet and it never once clogged up. Now that it seems i have figured out most of its little ticks. Its turing out to be a great addition to my implement collection.

The biggest complaint for use is the dust it creates. It hasn't been a big complaint for me. I don't mind it all that much.